Pacers late regulation time heroics forced overtime as Hill shines.
There were 10 games on the NBA schedule on Friday night, with the Indiana Pacers securing an overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers to maintain their home dominance.
“When I first walked in here today I was yelling at everybody, ‘I don’t know what it is, but I have a lot of energy,'” George Hill said after the game, according to ESPN. “They said, ‘Hopefully it carries to the court.'”
It certainly did as Hill had a career-high 37 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as he led the Pacers to a 118-113 overtime win over the visiting Trail Blazers.
Hill was instrumental in forcing overtime as after Paul George missed his initial three to tie the scores, the offensive rebound ensured the ball found its way to Hill who sank the three to break Portland hearts.
George finished with 17 points, while David West had a season-high 30 points and 10 rebounds as the Pacers moved to 39-10 for the season having now won five of their last six games.
Damian Lillard was the biggest star for the visitors as he ended the game with 38 points and 11 assists, while LeMarcus Aldridge had 22 points.
However, it wasn’t enough for Terry Stotts team to come away with the victory, and they end their road trip of the East having slipped to 35-15 overall for the season.
Elsewhere, the Orlando Magic stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a buzzer-beating dunk from Tobias Harris to secure a 103-102 win.
Kevin Durant missed a jumper in the closing seconds to set up the last second play, which after review was awarded as the Thunder slip to 40-12.
Harris led the Magic with 18 points, followed by Aaron Afflalo with 16, as rookie Victor Oladipo, who grabbed the last rebound, was seen pounding his chest after the last play and screamed “This is our floor!”
Durant led the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists while Serge Ibaka added 26 points, but it wasn’t enough for the visitors as an inspired Magic team snatched the victory.
Meanwhile, Steve Nash celebrated his 40th birthday with a Los Angeles Lakers win and a vintage performance as he ended the game with a season-high 19 points as his team beat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-98.
Wesley Johnson and Chris Kaman each scored 17 and six Lakers finished with double-digit points to help them move to 18-32.
“I thought I could play well, I could contribute,” Nash said. “At this point, I don’t take anything for granted. It’s a grind for me to get ready to play every day. I’m just thrilled I can move out there without restriction and help my team.”
The New York Knicks also won on Friday night, with Carmelo Anthony scoring 31 points against the Denver Nuggets before being rested for the fourth quarter.
NBA Results:
Portland Trail Blazers 113-118 Indiana Pacers
Oklahoma City Thunder 102-103 Orlando Magic
Los Angeles Lakers 112-98 Philadelphia 76ers
Cleveland Cavaliers 115-113 Washington Wizards
Sacramento Kings 89-99 Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets 95-111 Detroit Pistons
Denver Nuggets 90-117 New York Knicks
Utah Jazz 81-103 Dallas Mavericks
Minnesota Timberwolves 91-98 New Orleans Pelicans
Toronto Raptors 105-118 Los Angeles Clippers
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