Post-Game Grades: Pacers Smash Kings

The Good – Indiana’s offense and teamwork were at its apex for multiple stretches. They shared the ball, and eight players had 9 or more points.

The Bad – Not much. You would prefer that they didn’t let the team’s best players go off so much — especially when DeMarcus Cousins destroyed the third quarter — but all those stats ultimately had no impact on the game.

MVP – Paul George. He was an utter beast after half time and again looked like the guy who was going toe to toe with LeBron in the whole-league MVP earlier this year.

LVP – Jason Thompson. He missed all four of his shots while scoring 1 point and grabbing just 2 boards in 19 minutes.

X-Factor – Lance Stephenson. He was at his flashy best today, seemingly over dribbling at times but making almost everything work out. Nobody played better in the first half.

Defining Moment – With Sacramento making some plays and clutching to life, they hit a big three near the end of the third quarter. Then Paul George took the inbounds pass, dribbled the length of the court and banked in a three of his own. The Kings just couldn’t stay in this one.

Back on his B.S. David only missed 4 shots in this one and was a presence inside. Threw away a few balls early, but it didn’t really bite them.

Paul George, SF

34 MIN | 10-18 FG | 7-8 FT | 3 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 5 TO | 31 PTS | +19

Guess who’s bizack? George was an artist in the second half, driving to the hoop and hitting buzzer beaters. When he’s playing like this, who can beat Indiana?

Roy Hibbert, C

28 MIN | 4-8 FG | 2-3 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 1 TO | 10 PTS | +11

No stats, but he got the team off to a great start. Boogie went off but that’s not all on him. Also looked lethargic early.

George Hill, PG

27 MIN | 4-9 FG | 0-0 FT | 5 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 9 PTS | +11

Made some nice plays and pulled the trigger when his number was called.

Lance Stephenson, SG

30 MIN | 5-7 FG | 3-4 FT | 5 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 13 PTS | +11

Great first half. Was the best player on the court, and it happened in a way where you wonder if there is any limit on how much he can do.

Luis Scola, PF

16 MIN | 4-6 FG | 1-2 FT | 7 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 9 PTS | +19

Sick stats in low minutes. Loved the scoop he made late.

Chris Copeland, SF

5 MIN | 2-3 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 4 PTS | -3

How could he have 4 points on 2 made FGs? Shouldn’t that be 6? Is this a typo? I’m so confused.

Danny Granger, SF

21 MIN | 3-8 FG | 2-2 FT | 3 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 9 PTS | +20

Not bad.

Ian Mahinmi, C

20 MIN | 0-1 FG | 2-2 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK | 2 TO | 2 PTS | +13

Smothered the hell out of a shot. Maybe his highlight of the year.

C.J. Watson, PG

16 MIN | 5-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 10 PTS | +16

This guy is turning into something. What exactly? A bad man. Still … dunk the ball, Watts.