Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Set Franchise Record and Sink The Wizards
By Ryan Barth
142. 123. 100. Final. 106
Yep, we like that. Pacer fans witnessed some pre-Thanksgiving cooking at the Verizon Center in DC tonight. The Pacers made a new franchise high 19 3-pointers and shot 73% overall from long range. If you like offense, this was your game. Very fast-paced from the start and the Pacers came out on fire, hitting their first 9 shots. The 0-3 start to the season is now a distant memory and the boys are putting up video game numbers these days.
The Good: 72 combined points from Paul George and CJ Miles (shooting 15-17 from behind the arc). PG even uttered the words “East Coast Splash Brothers” in his post-game interview which is a bit of a stretch, but these guys might be onto something special. This is exactly how Larry Bird envisioned this team could play if they went small, pushed the tempo and experienced a Paul George renaissance. It’s safe to say his vision is now starting to become a reality.
The Bad: Double-digit turnovers (20) and very suspect defense in the 1st half giving up 61 points, but I feel bad for even mentioning any of that on a night like this.
MVP: Paul George has returned and taken his rightful throne as King of Pacer Land. Dropping 40 points and making Wizards defenders look downright foolish was a beautiful sight to see. Quinn Buckner mentioned he was working out a lot on the court pre-game and appeared he “had it going”. When you come up the floor and start draining jumpers within the first few seconds on the shot clock and feel there is absolutely no need to pass the ball, you have it going indeed.
LVP: Lavoy Allen had some trouble defending the post, shot poorly and contributed to the turnover problem. Get well soon Myles Turner.
X-Factor: CJ Miles. He was downright nasty tonight. He said at the half that “Keep shooting it” has been his mindset his whole life. He’s now scored 19+ points in his last 4 games. Ride the wave CJ.
Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE. A+. <p>I don’t think anyone expected Paul to come back like THIS. His confidence in his shot is off the charts and he continues to pound the glass like a madman as well (8 rebounds). Arguably the best two-way player in the NBA right now.</p>. Power Forward
B. <p>Nice line from Monta across the board (10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists), but he needs to work on limiting his turnovers (5).</p><p><span style=. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS
B+. <p>He made his return from a respiratory infection after missing the last 3 games putting up 14 points and 5 assists. His impact was definitely felt in the 2nd half. The most important stat here was playing time (32 minutes) which shows you he didn’t come back too early and Vogel felt he was ready to roll. Appeared to struggle early missing some bunnies at the rim, but came back strong late in the game to finally extend the lead.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. GEORGE HILL
<p>Starting to pair up quite nicely with Paul George’s resurgence. He shot 8-9 from long range (!!!) including one from at least 35 feet out. Splash indeed.</p>. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. A+
IAN MAHINMI. B. <p>Did his job on the glass (9 rebounds) and even hit a free throw (1-3)! He’s becoming more comfortable at the rim every game.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers
B-. <p>He never really got into the flow of the offense. Good to see him stay healthy right before a 2-day layoff.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY
<p>Didn’t need his scoring tonight. Led the team in steals (3) and fought hard on defense in the 2nd half. Great block on John Wall to end the 1st quarter. Always seems to work his magic at the end of a quarter/half.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. JORDAN HILL. B
C. <p>Finally came back to Earth on his +/- (-10) and still looks pretty lost when the bench unit is trying to setup the offense.</p>. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN
<p>Continues to shine on the fast break and starting to heat up from long range.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. CHASE BUDINGER. B+