HoopsHype.com Rumors

Two days ago he was a non-factor, hitting just 1-of-7 shots in a loss at Madison Square Garden that threatened to shift the momentum of the series. But here was Lance Stephenson, all 22 years of him, dominating one of the most important – and best – games ever played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Here was Lance Stephenson, becoming the fifth starter to lead the team in scoring in this series with a career-high 25 points, and adding 10 rebounds and zero turnovers in his 34 minutes. Here was Lance Stephenson, playing an essential and fearless role as the Pacers advanced past New York to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2004, back when he was a 13-year-old kid on the playgrounds of Brooklyn and merely dreaming of playing in the NBA. Here was Lance Stephenson, screaming at the top of his lungs and pointing at the fans who were screaming at the top of their lungs as the final seconds wound down on his Broadway-worthy performance. “This is the best game of my life,” he said in an interview before leaving the court. NBA.com

Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Lance Stephenson 

Scott Agness: David West: "This is the most together group I've ever been a part of." Twitter @ScottAgness

Indiana Pacers, David West 

Kevin Pritchard: So proud of the team! And so thankful to be a Pacer. 33 years ago I dreamed of being here with this organization! Twitter @PacersKev

Indiana Pacers, Kevin Pritchard 

Jermaine O'Neal: Congrats to the pacers! I don't really cheer for teams but I'm soooo happy for the simon family, the state of indiana and the organization! Twitter @jermaineoneal

Indiana Pacers, Jermaine O'Neal 

George Hill, who had been sidelined in Game 5 due to symptoms lingering from a concussion in Game 4, has been cleared to play in Game 6. Earlier in the day, Hill participated in shootaround and “looked fine” according to Pacers head coach Frank Vogel. Pacers.com

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

Over the last two days under the care of the Indiana Pacers’ medical staff, George Hill has participated in each step of the NBA’s Return-to-Participation Exertion Protocol as part of the NBA’s Concussion Policy. During the process, George remained symptom-free after each step including his workouts earlier today. After consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the NBA’s Director of Concussion Management, the Pacers’ team physicians have cleared George to play in tonight’s game. Pacers.com

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

After a breakout season in the European League, Gani Lawal has intrigued NBA teams and could receive consideration for a contract, league sources told RealGM. Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, sources said. Four to five other teams have discussed bringing him in to work out, too. RealGM

Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Free Agency, Gani Lawal 

Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill took part in the team’s shootaround at Bankers Life Fieldhouse today. But Hill, who suffered a concussion earlier this week, still isn’t cleared to play in tonight’s Game 6 against the New York Knicks at the fieldhouse. Pacers coach Frank Vogel said Hill still has some more steps he has to pass in the NBA’s concussion protocol before he’s cleared to play. “There’s a long list of things that are part of the NBA’s protocol,” Vogel said. “He’s in the middle of that process.” Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

“I’m preparing for him not to play,” Vogel said. “If he plays we’ll be very happy about it.” D.J. Augustin will start at point guard again if Hill remains out. Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, DJ Augustin, Injuries, George Hill, Frank Vogel 

Scott Agness: George Hill was not a practice but he will meet with team doctors later today and take the concussion test. He remains day-to-day. Twitter @ScottAgness

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

Fred Kerber: #Pacers George Hill still officially day to day according to team Twitter @FredKerber

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

Two names being tossed around NBA circles at the league’s annual draft combine are Kevin Pritchard, currently the general manager of the Indiana Pacers and Troy Weaver, the vice-president and assistant general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Toronto Star

Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Kevin Pritchard, Bryan Colangelo, Troy Weaver, Tim Leiweke 

Hall of Famer Reggie Miller said this week that he has thought about working in the Pacers’ front office someday. President Donnie Walsh said he and the former Pacers great have never had a serious discussion about Miller joining the team. What would Walsh say if Miller asked his advice? “You’re not going to make as much money as you did as a player,” Walsh said laughing. “But you’ll make a good living and you have to really think everything out. This isn’t like where you have your first thought and then you go do it. You have to look at all the ramifications of everything you do ’cause it impacts the team, not just one person.” Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, Donnie Walsh, Reggie Miller 

Indiana Pacers starting point guard George Hill will miss Game 5 tonight with a concussion, an unfortunate turn for the Pacers who lead the New York Knicks 3-1 in their Eastern Conference semifinals series. Hill was hit in the head by Knicks center Tyson Chandler in Game 4 and now his return will be for a potential Game 6 or the start of the conference finals. Under the NBA's concussion policy, a player must pass an series of escalating physical tests before he can return to the court. USA Today Sports

Indiana Pacers, Injuries, George Hill 

Rated by most as the top point guard in the 2013 NBA draft, Trey Burke said he's already had interviews with the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans this week at the NBA draft combine. Booth Newspapers

Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, Draft, Trey Burke 

Josh Robbins: #UF #Gators PF Erik Murphy has interviews scheduled for today with the #Grizzlies and the #Clippers. Tomorrow: possibly, #Pacers. Twitter @JoshuaBRobbins

Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Draft, Erik Murphy 

There’s no better place for the Pacers to get the recognition they deserve than to do it in the Mecca — Madison Square Garden, known as the world’s most famous arena, where the stars sit courtside and the crowd will be so loud fans can’t hear the person next to them. “It’s going to be 10 times harder, it being in New York,” Pacers swingman Paul George said. “We know how well they play at home, so it’s going to take a great effort, so we’ll see where we’re at.” Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Paul George 

Scott Agness: If the Pacers wrap up their series tomorrow night, the ECF vs the Heat will open in Miami on Monday. Twitter @ScottAgness

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat 

Scott Agness: Pacers execs Walsh, Pritchard, Dinwiddie, Ryan Carr (Dir. of Scouting), Dr. Carr (psychologist) in Chicago for pre-draft combine, per source Twitter @ScottAgness

Indiana Pacers, Draft, Kevin Pritchard, Donnie Walsh 

Now we’ve got Carmelo Anthony saying basically the same thing, only in his case he’s unlikely to even earn a date with the Jordan of this era, LeBron James. “I still believe we are the better team," Anthony said when he again failed to produce in the clutch and the Knicks fell to the Pacers on Tuesday night, 93-82. “We are not playing at that level right now." New York Daily News

Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony