Post-Game Grades: Pacers Nearly Come Back to Beat Warriors But Fall Short

The Good – The final six minutes when the Pacers denoted a megaton bombs of defense more faster than you blink. It’s debatable whether Indiana once again (somewhat) proving to themselves that they can flip the switch on their historically dominant D is actually a “good” thing, but the way they unleashed mayhem late tonight tells you everything you need to know about why this team can win the title. Which brings us to …

The Bad – The first 42 minutes when Indiana was being much more lackluster and allowing the Warriors to score in the paint (where Golden State scored 24 of their first 48 points). The bench was also woeful; Evan Turner, C.J. Watson and Ian Mahinmi shot a combined 1-for-9 (11.1%).

MVP – Klay Thompson. Mychal’s son dropped 16 in the fourth quarter including a gorgeous, fadeaway, game-winning jumper from the post over George Hill that put The Dubs up 2 with just 0.6 seconds to play.

LVP – Evan Turner. Shot 0-for-5 and played bad defense. Really nothing to like about his 18 minutes on the court. 

X Factor – Draymond Green. The career 26.0% three-point shooter hit two triples at what felt like big moments. The Tom Izzo product also added 2 other field goals, 7 boards, and 3 dimes in 21 minutes.

Agree? Disagree? Yell at Jared Wade on Twitter @8pts9secs.

Did his thing in multiple mismatches. It’s probably a shame Indiana didn’t feed the beast earlier and more often while the likes of David Lee and Draymond Green tried in vain to stop him. Had a great steal late, picking Steph Curry’s pocket and taking it for a layup that energized the whole building.

Paul George, SF

40 MIN | 8-23 FG | 7-8 FT | 12 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 26 PTS | +2

Started off the game very aggressive and put some pressure on the Warriors defense. Could have had a double-digit FTA game if he would have kept pushing the envelope early, but still managed to make up for his 15 missed shots with great defense and big plays late.

Roy Hibbert, C

34 MIN | 4-7 FG | 4-4 FT | 3 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 3 BLK | 2 TO | 12 PTS | +7

Was a bit stumbly at times and he has to take the bulk of Indiana’s inability to protect the paint in the first half. Had one sick, long, lefty hook shot. But 3 boards? Get outta here with that.

George Hill, PG

35 MIN | 3-9 FG | 2-2 FT | 7 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 8 PTS | +7

Ridiculous circus shot, and another big jumper plus the harm later. Played very good defense at times on Steph, even though Curry had it going early.

Lance Stephenson, SG

38 MIN | 6-14 FG | 0-0 FT | 9 REB | 3 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK | 2 TO | 12 PTS | +8

Took him awhile (and a smack to the face) to get going, but made some nice contributions after the slow start. More shots than points.

Luis Scola, PF

14 MIN | 4-7 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 8 PTS | -11

Finally made some shots to give Pacers’ fans hope he’ll pull out of his slump. Nice little shot chart.

Evan Turner, SF

18 MIN | 0-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 0 PTS | -14

Aint nobody got time to watch Evan Turner play basketball like that.

Ian Mahinmi, C

14 MIN | 1-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 2 PTS | -9

Not good. Bench units were all a joke.

C.J. Watson, PG

13 MIN | 0-2 FG | 1-1 FT | 1 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 1 PTS | -9

Not good. Bench units were all a joke.