The Indiana Pacers were thrilled to have the losing streak behind them, and then they had a memorable moment postgame. George Hill scored 12 of the team’s final 17 points, including a game-winning layup with 2.7 seconds left to lift the Pacers past the Washington Wizards, 103-101.
We all knew the play the Pacers would run on their final possession — the usual Hill-West pick-and-roll — and yet they were able to convert, rather easily, too. The Wizards’ defense was slow to cover and Hill dashed to the rim and laid it in.
THE 6 GAME LOSING STREAK IS OVER pic.twitter.com/4g2HDRhuxY
— whitney (@its_whitney) March 26, 2015
After the game, at their bus underneath the Verizon Center, the Pacers visited with the Argentina National Soccer Team. The team took in the game in a suite, able to check out an NBA game while in town — and support fellow Argentinean, Luis Scola.
The Pacers may think they get hit up for photos … but it is nothing compared to Lionel Messi, one of the world’s most popular sports stars.
And by the looks of social media, much of the Pacers’ traveling party snapped a pose with Messi as they all mingled.
A @Pacers win and photos w/ Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/TcwxnQDg1j
— Chris Denari (@ChrisDenari) March 26, 2015
Some pretty cool photo ops for the @Pacers after a big win in front of Messi and Company pic.twitter.com/JzgURwEFJw
— Jeremiah Johnson (@JJFSINDIANA) March 26, 2015
Big @Pacers win in DC and made my son @M_Denari5 proud! Photo with best soccer player in world Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/A0ZNF7iWTN
— Chris Denari (@ChrisDenari) March 26, 2015
Estos pibes tienen mucha onda… pic.twitter.com/AsEwXic1tj
— Luis Scola (@LScola4) March 26, 2015
Translation: These kids are very cool.
Great night in DC! We got a win and got to meet the Argentinian national team led by Messi, Agüero and Mascerano ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ydNt5bWsS6
— Damjan Rudez (@Damjan_Rudez) March 26, 2015
The opportunity, however, didn’t faze one veteran — David West.
With all these #Pacers posting pics w/ Messi, don't expect to see one from D. West. Asked if he was going to meet the star: "Who's that?!"
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) March 26, 2015
Me: "Lionel Messi!"
West, unconcerned: "Who's Lionel Messi?"
Me: "The biggest star in the world!"
West, apathetic: "What does he do?"
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) March 26, 2015