Closing out the Knicks got harder for the Pacers. A lot harder.
Point guard George Hill, who torched the Knicks for 26 points Tuesday, was a late scratch for last night’s Game 5 when tests revealed he had suffered a concussion from an in-game collision with Tyson Chandler.
“He’s day to day. I don’t know if I can elaborate past that. He has to pass the NBA protocol for concussion tests,” explained Pacers coach Frank Vogel who said he found out about 4 o’clock after Hill was tested following complaints for concussion symptoms.
Back up D.J. Augustin was anointed to start in his 15th career playoff game – 11th with the Pacers this season after four previous games with Charlotte as a reserve.
“Nothing different. Keep doing the same thing, prepping. Do the same routine and be ready,” said Augustin who said he figured out his status in the late afternoon.
“I got a text from the trainer when I woke up from my nap so I kind of knew,” Augustin said. “And Frank, when he called me up (to the front of the bus on the drive to the Garden from the hotel) he kind of told me himself. So that was it.”
Vogel said he was uncertain who would back up Augustin. He several options. He could go a straight backup with little used Ben Hansbrough or he could employ shooting guard Lance Stephenson, the Lincoln High Brooklyn legend at point. Stephenson appeared ready for the chance.
“It’s a big opportunity. I’m just going to play ball, be aggressive and do what I regularly do. It’s just I’ll be playing the point,” Stephenson said. “I’ve got some experience at it. I’m, just going to be a playmaker and play my game.”
Hill went through the morning workout, although he apparently had complained of headaches for a day or two after Game 4, which put the Pacers in a comfortable 3-1 lead.
“At some point over the last two days, I’m not sure exactly when he showed some concussion symptoms. So they felt like they needed to give him a test,” Vogel said.
So Hill was tested and life became more difficult for the Pacers.
Tyler Hansbrough, the Pacers physical third-year power forward, suffered a concussion and vertigo in his rookie season.
“The hardest part is just relaxing, stepping away,” Hansbrough said. “Concussions can’t heal themselves. Concussions take time to heal and and don’t try to speed the process up. Don’t think about it. The hardest part is not being able to be out on the court. My rookie year, I wanted to be on the court more than anybody.”