Heat vs. Pacers Game 3: Keys to Indiana Continuing Successful Series

The Indiana Pacers snatched victory from the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup Tuesday night. Indiana's 78-75 triumph evened the series and brings doubt into Miami's equation.

Indiana must repeat certain parts of their winning formula if they want to continue this trend in front of the Bankers Life Fieldhouse crowd. 

The Pacers are not intimidated by Miami's star-studded roster despite being at an obvious disadvantage in the talent department. Indiana relies on their defense and hard-nosed mentality to even the playing field. 

Let's take a look at what Indiana needs to do to grab a victory in Game 3.

Hit the Boards

The Pacers out-rebounded the Heat 50-40 in Game 2. Miami kept the rebounding battle tight on the offensive end, but the Pacers ripped down nine more defensive boards. 

Hounding the defensive glass minimizes the Heat's scoring opportunities. Taking away LeBron James and Dwyane Wade's offensive chances dramatically increases Indiana's chances of emerging victorious. 

David West, Paul George and Roy Hibbert all pulled down 10-plus rebounds in Game 2.

West took advantage of James' discomfort at power forward, Hibbert has an obvious size and skill advantage in the paint and George is a matchup nightmare because of his length at shooting guard.

These three players must continue their dominance on the glass in Game 3. 

Rebounds kill Miami's momentum and force their star players to guard the ball rather than hold it. 

Indiana's rough-and-tumble style starts on the glass. It must stay that way if they want to grab an advantage in this series. 

Defend the Perimeter

Miami was 1-of-16 from beyond the arc in Game 2. That equals a measly 6.3 percent. 

The Pacers must continue locking down Miami's perimeter threats. Indiana has tremendous length in the backcourt and can use it to get hands in the face of every Heat shooter. 

George Hill, Darren Collison, Leandro Barbosa and Paul George have all performed admirably against the likes of James, Wade and Mario Chalmers. The Pacers' winning dreams largely hinge on their ability to close out shooters. 

Shutting down Miami's three-point offense forces the Heat to attack the rim.

Indiana's stingy defense is too good to lose to a predictable attack. If they know the Heat are going to penetrate, they will be ready.

Closing out shooters also comes back to my first key.

Long shots create long rebounds. Indiana must box out and make sure Miami only gets one chance to capitalize on any Pacers mistakes. 

Attack LeBron

LeBron had 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists in Game 2, but he was not efficient at the offensive end. He shot under 50 percent from the floor and missed all four of his three-point attempts. 

LeBron is bound to have off-nights. His stat line doesn't even really suggest an off-night, but his inefficiency could point to fatigue.

James played power forward in Game 2 because of the injury to Chris Bosh. Playing on the interior forces LeBron to expend more energy on both ends of the floor. 

David West cashed in a double-double performance with LeBron, guarding him in Game 2. West is more than capable of taking advantage of LeBron's inexperience with a solid face-up attack. 

The Pacers need to attack LeBron at any given opportunity in Game 3.

A tired LeBron equals a less effective LeBron. A less effective LeBron puts most of the onus on Dwyane Wade and neutralizes Miami's star power. 

The Pacers are known for their blue-collar attitude and defensive prowess. 

Frank Vogel needs to attack LeBron defensively, taking away his legs in the fourth quarter.

If Indiana wears LeBron down, they will win Game 3.