The Indiana Pacers are tied up 2-2 with the Miami Heat, but according to some of the Pacers players, they have more to worry about than just a hostile Miami crowd.
According to ESPN.com, Roy Hibbert and David have accused Heat forward Shane Battier of being dirty, and feel they have to protect themselves while on the court, because Battier is targeting their knees.
“I (learned) to always have my guard up and protect my knees,” West said. “(Battier) has got this funny way of moving into your knees. We’re very conscious of that. We talk about making sure we protect our knees.”
During game 1, Hibbert accused Battier of a dirty play when Battier kneed him in the midsection on a drive to the basket. Hibbert has said that he is always aware of where Battier is when he’s on the floor and again called Battier a “dirty player.”
“I know what (Battier) brings to the game and it’s worked for him in the past. He has to do whatever he has to do to make sure his team wins,” Hibbert said. “I’m going to watch my knees, watch my groin. … To tell you the truth, I don’t care. I’m in there, I’m playing tough. He has to do what he has to do.
“Obviously I don’t like it but it’s a part of the game. I don’t want to look back say I gave in to a dirty player.”
Battier in his true form, won’t discuss the accusations whatsoever.
West stop short of saying Battier was doing it on purpose, but is wary of what’s going on after tearing his ACL a year ago.
“It’s an irritant; when guys are bearing into your knees. I’m doubly conscious of it having an ACL (tear) a year and a half ago,” West said. “I don’t know (if it’s an intent to injure), I just know the way he plays he’s trying to make an impact any way he can.”