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Monday, May 7, 2012

Indiana Pacers: Hibbert welcomes West's help - Indianapolis Star

Center Roy Hibbert was the Indiana Pacers' lone inside presence his first three seasons.

That load eased substantially this season. Coach Frank Vogel said nearly half of the team's offense has been run through power forward David West in the post. West is averaging 16.8 points in their NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic.

West's offensive production has freed Hibbert to focus on defense. Hibbert has blocked 17 shots in the series, including a franchise playoff record of nine in Game 1. He also is averaging 11.8 rebounds a game.

The Pacers lead the series 3-1 and can close it out with a victory over the Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday.

"I try to get in where I fit in," Hibbert said. "Whenever they call a play for me, I want to execute and try to distribute the ball. If I have a chance to go to work, I go to work. D. West has been a horse for us. He's been the main focal point. They can't stop him, so keep going to him."

Hibbert picked up his second straight double-double of the series when he had 14 points and 11 rebounds in Game 4 on Saturday.

Call Star reporter Mike Wells at (317) 444-6053.

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