What We Learned About the Indiana Pacers: Week 16

Rodney Stuckey Is Bringing It

Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Miles have been playing a bizarre game of cat and mouse this season, with only one seeming to play well at a time. Week 16 belonged to Mr. Stuckey.

Stuckey shot 61% from the field (14-of-23), 4-of-6 from behind the arc while averaging 17 points per game and finished +10 for the two games. He also had just 2 turnovers in nearly 38 minutes of action. Stuckey started and played the most minutes of anyone on the team (just under 35) against the Spurs, holding Danny Green to 8 points on 9 shots, including 1-of-8 from behind the arc. He also finished a (tied for the) team high +6 in a losing effort.

Stuckey, as mentioned, has been very up and down (depending on his mid-range game) this season, but a few more appearances of this version could help the Pacers bid for the eighth seed greatly.

Damo Rudez Is … Not

Damjan Rudez supplanted Chris Copeland in the rotation a while back, and had some moments (his 4th quarter against the Magic comes to mind first).

But he seems to be regressing back to the mean recently.

Damo finished -20 for the week, including a cover-your-eyes bad -13 against the Spurs. He was exposed on the defensive end against the Spurs while going 0-of-3 from the field.

Rudez isn’t likely to lose his spot in the rotation to Cope just yet, but he doesn’t rebound or play much defense; if he isn’t hitting his threes, he isn’t helping the team.

Mr. West Is in the Building

David West … whoa.

West finished an astonishing (and team high) +32 for the week; he shot 57.9% from the field (11-of-19), 5-of-6 from the line, and averaged 11.5 rebounds and 7 assists per game.

West didn’t shoot well against the Spurs, but he hauled in 18 rebounds and made his presence known in both games.

This is the David West the Indiana Pacers will need to stay afloat and stay in the hunt until the playoffs (and Paul George’s possible return). It’s good to see him back and kicking tail again.

With a full week of rest coming from the All-Star break, it’s not irrational to think he can sustain this level of play for a bit while the team truly needs him.

Ian Mahinmi Is Back

Ian recovered quickly from what looked like a fairly severe sprain to his ankle, and returned to action against the Pelicans. Mahinmi played 19 minutes, and finished with possibly the most Ian Mahinmi like stat line ever; 2 points, 8 rebounds, 4 fouls, and +14.

It was excellent to see Mahinmi back in action, and the Pacers are one step closer to being at full strength.

Paul George Says He Is Aiming to Return 3/14

I know, I know, burying the lede, but Paul George has said on record that he plans to return in the Pacers March 14th game against the Boston Celtics.

You can read more about the details here, but to summarize: George can be medically cleared to return to full activity 3/1. If he returns the moment he is eligible, that gives his two weeks of practice to adjust to NBA speed and competition before returning to real games.

PG has looked every bit the determined hard worker he’s known as, but this would still be an incredible feat.

Nothing further as far as minutes restrictions or starting vs coming off the bench has been mentioned, but the guess here is that PG comes off the bench on a heavy minutes restriction for at least a few weeks while shaking the rust off and readjusting to the NBA game.

The Indiana Pacers Week Ahead

Games: at Philadelphia (2/20)

Prediction: The Indiana Pacers handle their business again Philly and go 1-0

Last Week’s Prediction Results: 3-0

Season Long Prediction Results: 29-22

What to Watch For: The starting rotation in flux (with Solomon Hill, C.J. Miles, and Rodney Stuckey playing musical chairs with 2 spots)… Paul George, likely to be under more scrutiny for the next month than at any time during his young life… Talking heads discussing the possible symmetry of a One vs Eight seed Hawks/Pacers rematch, with the twist of their seeds being reversed… Lavoy Allen, looking to be active for the Pacers game against his old team, the Sixers… Solomon Hill, back on the upswing from behind the arc (4-of-6 last week), in a season long yo-yo act…

Next: David West for Terrence Ross Trade in the Works?

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David West, Rodney Stuckey Showing Big Improvements

By William Furr | Feb 16, 2015