Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Fight Hard, Lose to Boston Celtics
By Jay Neal
109. 18. 100. 100. Final
The Indiana Pacers lose their fifth straight road game to the Boston Celtics despite the best efforts of Paul George.
The Good: The Pacers won their last game, so you know what that means…
The Bad: That’s right. The Pacers have now alternated wins and losses for 15 straight games, tying the second longest streak in NBA history. Boston scored 39 3rd quarter points to pull away from Indiana. The Pacers went on a 10-0 run in the 4th quarter, getting as close as seven points, but the Celtics held them off.
Only two Pacers (Paul George & Jeff Teague) scored in double figures. Not optimal.
The Pacers... pic.twitter.com/oT2DTXZpwR
— Nilla Nillanovic (@JayNilla) March 23, 2017
MVP: Despite the loss, Paul George was the best player on the floor. He did his best to keep the Pacers in it.
LVP: C.J. Miles. The “Shootah” had an off night, going 2-for-8 from the field & 1-for-4 from three-point range.
X-Factor: Al Horford. Sure, Isaiah Thomas scored 25 points, but Teague played him to a standstill. Horford gave the Pacers’ bigs fits all night, going for 15-8-8. He provided the Celtics with big buckets when they needed to keep the Pacers at bay.
PAUL GEORGE. A. He played 42 minutes, shot the ball well until his legs gave out, and got to the line 13 times. He did everything he could to keep the Pacers in the game.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE. A. Teague was the only other Pacer to show up offensively. He attacked Isaiah Thomas on numerous occasions and played him even with 25 points and 6 assists.. Point Guard
MYLES TURNER. C+. Got in foul trouble in the first and never established a rhythm with his jump shot. He did contribute 9 rebounds and 5 assists.. Center. Indiana Pacers
His left wrist must be feeling better as Thad scored in the paint pretty well. Finished with 8 points and 4 assists.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG. B
Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. C-. A tough night from the field for Miles. Also, his minutes seem to have been reduced recently due to Monta Ellis’ better play. He only played 24 minutes in this game.. Shooting Guard
C-. Played just short of 6 minutes and didn’t contribute much. McMillan opted to ride PG for long minutes, which kept GRIII on the bench for the second half.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III
Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. C. Scored only 5 points while struggling from the field, going 2-for-10.. Shooting Guard
C-. He’s been back in the rotation the last few games, but didn’t do much against Boston. Scored only 2 points on 3 shots.. Center. Indiana Pacers. AL JEFFERSON
C-. Played 13 minutes. Hit a running hook shot. Didn’t do much else.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. AARON BROOKS
A. Had one of his best games of the season with 8 points and 14 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards. He earned extended minutes with his hustle.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN
RAKEEM CHRISTMAS. C. He played in this game? *checks box score* Yep, guess so. Didn’t notice him much.. PF. Indiana Pacers