Post-Game Grades: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers Too Much For Atlanta Hawks

Indiana Pacers

111

Final

Atlanta Hawks

92

Myles Turner looked good in his first NBA start with 20 points as the Indiana Pacers beat the Atlanta Hawks.

The Indiana Pacers stopped a 3-game losing streak with an 111-92 win over the Atlanta Hawks and looked like a much better team than we had seen of late. There weren’t the late-game struggles the Pacers had grown accustomed to as they closed out the Hawks for a comfortable win.

The Good: Myles Turner didn’t look any different in a starting role than the other 23 games of his NBA career. He shot 9 of 17 for 20 points while gathering 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. His defense will have to improve as he gets more experience, but he had a plus-minus of 10 on the night and more importantly, didn’t look overwhelmed.

The Bad: Other than 18 turnovers, there isn’t a lot to complain about. Paul George dealt with some foul trouble and was 2 of 11 from the field, but he also was a perfect 7 of 7 from the free throw line and ended with 11 points. Not a good night for him, but having more offensive weapons like Turner helps wipe that away.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

• 2 Studs, 1 dud from gut-wrenching Indiana Pacers loss to Charlotte Hornets
• Handing out early-season grades for Pacers’ Bruce Brown, Obi Toppin
• 3 positives, 2 negatives in Pacers In-Season Tournament win vs. Cavaliers
• 2 positives, 3 negatives from first week of Indiana Pacers basketball
• Should Isaiah Jackson’s days with Indiana Pacers be numbered?

MVP: Tonight will be remembered for Myles Turner’s first start, but as Monta Ellis has done so many times this season he came up big to help end a Indiana Pacers’ losing streak. Ellis had 25 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 1 block on the night and continues to be whatever the Pacers need him to be.

LVP: None for the Pacers really. It’s hard to complain on a night where Indiana shot 48.7% overall, 60.0% from beyond the arc, and 86.7% from the free throw line.

X-Factor: George Hill went 7 of 9 from the field and 3 of 4 from beyond the arc on a night where he scored 18 points. Throw in 8 rebounds and 3 assists and you have a solid night from the Hometown Hero. To see both him and Ellis have good nights at the same time is an encouraging sign.

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This is beautiful.