Indiana Pacers versus San Antonio Spurs: Post Game Grades
By Andy Miller
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Pacers would decide if they’re going to be good or bad? For a minute there, the Pacers played like the team we expected in October, but closed out the game like the team we’ve been forced to observe all season. Just when it seems like the team is about to reach a turning point, they revert back to the sucky version of the Pacers. It’s somewhat promising to know that there is enough talent to produce good basketball, but it’s disconcerting to know that the team can play bad enough to be outscored by 20+ points in less than a quarter and a half. Anyway, let’s get this over with, I got a little bit of Friday left. Tonight we’ll be grading on a scale of CHRISTMAS TREES, obviously.
Games Grades
OFFENSE
3 CHRISTMAS TREES
They outscored their season average, which is usually a good thing. For a good portion of the game, the Pacers looked better than they’d looked all season. Before the ridiculous cold streak to end the game, the Pacers were shooting 50% from the field, which, when combined with less turnovers than usual, created a newfound offensive flow. This team has been one of the worst offensive teams in the league this year, and any spurt of good offense is something that we fans should appreciate.
DEFENSE
2 CHRISTMAS TREES
This was not the type of defensive performance we’ve become accustomed to. Obviously the Spurs are one of the best teams in the league, but that Pacers did not put together the type of defensive game they’re capable of. They rebounded the basketball like they’ve done all year. Coming into the game they were 2nd in the NBA in rebounds per game, and outdid their average and significantly out boarded the Spurs. Gotta find something to be happy about in games like this.
STARTERS
3 CHRISTMAS TREES
The starters could not miss for a spell in the middle of the game, but it was their responsibility to close out the game, and they couldn’t get it done. Roy Hibbert continued to struggle finding his shot, going 5/18. David West was consistent as usual. Paul George stayed hot shooting the ball, but pulled a disappearing act in every other facet of the game.
BENCH
4 CHRISTMAS TREES
Every single player that came off the bench for the Pacers had a positive +/- for the game. What that means is that whenever the bench players were on the floor the Pacers outscored the Spurs. That’s a significant statistic that often gets overlooked. Tyler Hansbrough had 12 boards, and was the usual hustle machine. DJ Augustin finally played a decent game, dropping 8 dimes and limiting the turnovers.
OVERALL
3 CHRISTMAS TREES
Any game that features a 17 point lead against a legitimate title contender can’t be a complete waste. Sure, the final product left something to be desired, but there’s plenty of good to take away from this game. We can’t forget, though, that the Pacers blew a 17 point lead. At home. In a very important game. These are issues that cannot happen to good teams. I know we’ve decided the Pacers aren’t a “good” team per se, but I like to think they’re good enough to expect them to hold on to a huge lead. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.