Post-Game Grades: Pacers Show No Mercy; Shoot Down Bucks
By Ryan Barth
100. Final. 86. 89. 123
You love to see a game like this for the Indiana Pacers and man, did they have some fun tonight. Everyone got in on the action and shooting 50% from 3-point range will usually send the opposition home early. After leading by just 4 points at halftime, the boys went up by as many as 40 and blew the doors off this one. We witnessed a spontaneous comBUCKtion.
The Good: The entire 2nd half. The Pacers went nuts, putting up 68 points after the break and dominating the Bucks across the board. For a team missing arguably it’s 2nd best player yet again and hoping to find consistency with so many new pieces, this was an important step in the right direction for their confidence.
The Bad: Pretty flawless performance, but the free throw shooting (61%) has to improve if this team wants to go places. Watching former Pacers Chris Copeland and Miles Plumlee take mop up duty when the game got way out of hand was kind of sad/justified. Good to see Cope get a nice ovation from the fans tonight though. Classy move Indiana.
MVP: Jordan Hill. It’s amazing how much garbage he cleans up for this team in the trenches. He doesn’t necessarily need to score in double figures to be effective, but putting up a season high 20 points off the bench is something special.
LVP: Ian Mahinmi. He got out-muscled by Greg Monroe on some simple block outs and missed some easy looks at the rim. Hard to criticize anyone though when you score a season high 123 points.
X-Factor: CJ Miles. Someone had to pick up the scoring with George Hill out of the lineup and his defense continues to impress (3 steals).
PAUL GEORGE. A. <p>It was sad to see his 26+ point streak come to an end, but his scoring just wasn’t needed in the 4th quarter. 7 rebounds and 7 assists rounds out yet another stat-stuffing performance. There were times when he was un-guardable on the midrange jumper, which he has absolutely mastered this season.</p>. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers
<p>It seemed like the matchup with the rangy Michael Carter-Williams would be a tough assignment for Monta, but he held his own quite nicely. He’s at his best when he can drive and kick or aggressively attack the rim. He did both like a champ.</p><p><span style=. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. B
A-. <p>Escaped the early foul trouble and is becoming much more than just a 3-point specialist.</p>. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES
IAN MAHINMI. C+. <p>Needs to protect the rim and block out better. Milwaukee’s big’s had one too many put back opportunities in the first half.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY. B-. <p>Good to see Stuck return after missing the last 4 games with a sprained ankle. Continues to get to the line regularly which is important for his role off the bench.</p>. Point Guard
Center. Indiana Pacers. JORDAN HILL. A+. <p>He held his own in the paint and was Rodman-like at times grabbing 11 rebounds. Jordan Hill shot 9-10? Yes, yes he did…</p>
B. <p>First one off the bench, so you know Vogel has confidence in him. Starting to find the open man (5 assists). He remains the +/- king (+23).</p>. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN
CHASE BUDINGER. A. <p>Played well as a fill-in starter. 13 points and 3-4 from long range. The Rudez trade is starting to look very good.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers
A. <p>Scored a career high 17 points and hit all 4 of his three’s. Blossoming before our very eyes.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON
Indiana Pacers. SOLOMON HILL. B. <p>5 minutes in a 37-point blowout. Not sure his playing time goes up from here.</p>. Small Forward