When Roy Hibbert failed to record a single point or rebound in the first game against the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of the conference semi-finals, players around the league were heavily critical of the center’s poor play.
Everything changed for Hibbert in Game 2, however, as the big man finally found his touch around the basket with 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field and nine rebounds. He, by far, was the biggest catalyst in helping the Indiana Pacers even out the series at 1-1 with a much-needed 86-82 victory. Throughout the game, the center had a big smile on his face and looked comfortable around the basket seemingly for the first time in months.
Some of the same players that criticized his play in the first game were quick to compliment him in this one:
Big fella showed up to the party tonight. Keep it going!
— Tracy McGrady (@Real_T_Mac) May 8, 2014
go getchu a lil 30pc nugget then Big Dawg, give the critics somethin else to talk about.
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) May 8, 2014
Hibbert playing pretty good !
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) May 8, 2014
Not buying the, “It doesn’t matter that Hibbert’s scoring.” Folks’ve been harping on Roy putting-up numbers for wks. Now it doesn’t matter?
— Rex Chapman (@rexchapman) May 8, 2014
Even though Pacers down. Good news Roy HIBBERT has been a positive factor / Gut says Pacers win !
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 8, 2014
Roy hibbert just shut everybody’s mouth .People are funny
— rudy gobert (@rudygobert15) May 8, 2014
The best reaction may be this one from Nick Young, who clearly saw all the instagram photos Gilbert Arenas had posted in Game 1 about Hibbert’s poor play:
Way to shut Gil up Hibbert
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) May 8, 2014
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James Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.