NBA Playoffs 2012: Pacers' Physical Prowess Keeping Heat from Playing Their Game

Game 4 between the Heat and the Pacers will get underway Sunday evening. Unless the Miami Heat make the necessary changes, they will face a two-game deficit when they come back to Miami for Game 5.

The Indiana Pacers have played better defense, have been more physical and just seem to want it more. They are not intimidated by the Heat's star power in the slightest.

Indiana must continue its playing style if the team wants to emerge victorious against LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the rest of the Heat squad.

Let's take a look at Indiana's physical play and how it is impacting this series.

Pacer Defense

The Pacers had the No. 10 scoring defense in the NBA this season. Frank Vogel's bunch makes up for lacking star power with a concerted, team effort on the defensive end of the floor.

Indiana's defense is the primary reason the Pacers hold a one-game advantage over Miami. Holding the dynamic Heat attack to 75 points in Game 3 is almost always going to result in a victory.

The Pacers' physical brand of defense forces the Heat to attack from the perimeter. Unless Mike Miller, Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers are ready to carry this squad, that isn't going to work.

LeBron is not a reliable three-point shooter. Neither is Wade.

Indiana forces the Heat to play from the outside. Not giving up easy points down low, and rebounding well, forces the Heat to put up one ill-advised perimeter shot after another.

Miami must find a way to solve Indiana's team defense if it wants to turn its ship around.

If the Heat can't, it will be a long series.

Playing From the Inside

Roy Hibbert and David West have made a tremendous impact on this series. The two forwards combined for 33 points in Game 3, forcing the Heat to focus on their presence.

The two big men also combined for 27 rebounds in Game 3. Hibbert snagged 18 of those. Keeping the Heat off the glass neutralizes their second-chance scoring ability.

The Pacers have taken advantage of Chris Bosh's injury.

David West has used his matchup with LeBron to his distinct advantage. James is a great defender. but he is unfamiliar with guarding power forwards.

West's skill and steady mid-range, face-up game give the Heat a huge advantage.

Then there is Hibbert.

The Heat have no answer to the big man banging his body in the paint. Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony, Juwan Howard and Dexter Pittman have no chance of slowing him down.

Hibbert is developing as each minute in this year's playoffs passes. He has great touch around the rim and is extremely focused on the task at hand.

If Miami cannot respond to Indiana's willpower and physicality, its demise is certain.