Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Weren’t Hungry Like the Minnesota Timberwolves
By Ben Gibson
114. 100. Final. 115. 86
The Indiana Pacers ended up losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves on a trio of Ricky Rubio free throws.
The Good: Paul George got cooking early as he dropped 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist in the first half. He ended the game on 12 of 21 shooting for 37 points, including a perfect 9 of 9 on free throws.
Normally, this is exciting and fun to talk about, but with his frustrations spilling over after the game, it just is hard to see it as anything but a possible reason why Paul George will leave.
Asked why Pacers let the lead slip away. "I didn't get the ball enough at the end."
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) March 29, 2017
PG says there is no urgency and winning pride on the team. Says locker room isn't pissed off enough.
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) March 29, 2017
PG was asked if anyone on the team is at his level of urgency.
— Jon R. LaFollette (@JonLawFilet) March 29, 2017
PG: "I'm not going to answer that."
He isn’t happy when he pushed himself this hard and doesn’t get that in return from his teammates.
The Bad: Not having three of your bench players. With Al Jefferson, Glenn Robinson III, and Rodney Stuckey out, the Pacers bench struggled to keep pace. This forced Indiana to rely more on their starters to do the work. It wasn’t pretty for the most part when the bench was in action.
McMillan was forced to play the starters more than usual and blend the two groups to make things work. Tried legs couldn’t have helped as the Pacers have up a 12-4 run in the final 3:46 of play.
MVP: Karl-Anthony Towns mirrored Paul George with 37 points, but went 12 of 22 from the field while grabbing 12 rebounds.
LVP: Aaron Brooks scored zero points and turned the ball over three times. He also had one assist. Hooray.
X-Factor: Ricky Rubio either earning a trip to the foul line to win the game, or the officials making the wrong call. Judge for yourself.
Replay Review (Richardson): if Rubio was fouled attempting a 2 or 3-pt FG in Q4 of #MINatIND. Ruling: Overturned, fouled attempting a 3. pic.twitter.com/ylOJP5dscV
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) March 29, 2017
A. I’m sure someone is blaming Paul George for this loss, but with 37 points and 7 rebounds, I’m not sure why.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE
A. 20 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double that gets lost in an ocean of frustration.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE
B-. Was in a funk for three quarters but bounced back late to end his night with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Only made 5 of 12 as his shooting continues to linger as an issue late in the season.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
Shot 7 of 15 for 14 points. Also grabbed four rebounds.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG. B
B. 19 points, four rebounds, four assists. Showed everyone why he’s still an asset on this team for most of the game, but a turnover from dribbling off his own foot will likely be the takeaway from the game.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS
D. C.J. Miles is a streaky shooter. Tonight wasn’t one of the fun nights.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES
Indiana Pacers. AARON BROOKS. F. It was his time to shine with Rodney Stuckey and Glenn Robinson out, but he never got the memo.. Point Guard
B-. One point and seven rebounds is a very Lavoy Allen-ish stat line.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN
C. More helpful than the 2 points and 3 rebounds show, but not anything special either.. PF. Indiana Pacers. RAKEEM CHRISTMAS