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Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Evenhandedly Take Down Orlando Magic

By Ben Gibson

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38. 98. 100. Final. 88

The Indiana Pacers didn’t need 30+ points from Paul George to beat the Orlando Magic as they elected a more evenhanded approach.

The Good: It wasn’t a night where the Indiana Pacers needed someone (Paul George in particular) to come to their rescue. Indiana relied on everyone at times, as 9 of their 10 players had between 6 and 16 points.

That team-high 16 points came from C.J. Miles.

While the Pacers can’t rely on Miles to go 6 of 7 from the field and 4 of 5 on 3-pointers every night, he led the way in Orlando with 16 points.

While he was near perfect, Glenn Robinson actually was. His 14 points came on 5 of 5 shooting from the field, 2 of 2 beyond the arc, and 2 of 2 from the foul line.

Even though the Pacers didn’t demolish the lesser Magic, they took the lead early and averaged a 7-point lead seemingly the entire time.

The Bad: Maybe bad is a little strong, but you’d like the core of Paul George and Myles Turner to do a bit more. Perhaps Frank Vogel knew how to slow down the Pacers better than anyone else, but you want more from those two.

MVP: As mentioned above, it was C.J. Miles that led the way with 16 points, and he earns the MVP thanks to his near-perfect evening. He has produced as a starter and as a role player this season, making life for coach Nate McMillan just a little easier.

LVP: Monta Ellis was the only scoreless Pacer, but he had four assists and two rebounds, so he found other ways to help.

That said…

X-Factor: Glenn Robinson III needs more nights like tonight. He hasn’t been the same coming off the bench as a starter (just like we saw to start the season), but night’s like tonight show the potential of a sixth man. 14 points and 7 rebounds for Robinson, and hopefully there are more games like this in his future.

C. In light of recent games, this was a very below average night for Paul George. With 8 points and 5 turnovers, his grade should be lower, but seven rebounds and three assists helped dig him back out.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE

Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE. B. We should be talking more about Jeff Teague the ball-handler, as he is averaging around 10 assists a game this month. Tonight he had 13 points and nine assists.

B-. Myles didn’t do too bad, scoring 11 points while grabbing three rebounds, handing out three assists, and finding time for a block and a steal, but you just expect a little more from the emerging star.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER

THADDEUS YOUNG. B. Thaddeus Young has 12 points and five rebounds in typical Thaddeus fashion.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers

A+. More of this, please.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III

C-. Not great, but wasn’t a problem either.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS

A. C.J. Miles deserves more credit that he gets, but night’s like this can help correct that.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES

B. Nearly a double-double with 10 points and seven rebounds. At this point, it is safe to say the beginning of the season was just a slump of sorts for Big Al.. Center. Indiana Pacers. AL JEFFERSON

B. The Fullback is back (on a minutes restriction), but scored 8 points while drawing four fouls.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY

Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN. B. The Lavoy Allen Experience is back after starting the season off poorly. Another night where he doesn’t rack up a lot of points — only six tonight — but he makes the team better.. Power Forward

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