By MICHAEL MAROT
AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Roy Hibbert broke out of his playoff funk with a season-best 28 points and nine rebounds, leading the Indiana Pacers to an 86-82 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night that tied the Eastern Conference semifinals at 1-1.
It was a stark contrast to Hibbert’s abysmal showing in Monday night’s loss _ and most of this year’s playoffs.
But after hearing 48 hours of constant criticism and continual questions, Hibbert responded with the kind of game Indiana desperately needed. He made his first four shots, dominated the middle and produced big basket after big basket.
Game 3 is Friday in Washington.
Marcin Gortat had 21 points and Bradley Beal added 17 for the Wizards.
Washington took a 77-74 lead with 5:01 left in the game. Indiana scored six straight and never trailed again.
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