George Hill Comes out Firing for Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers (13-1) 98

Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8) 84

Nov 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (24) drives to the basket with Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) defending the play during the third quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 98-84. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY SportsAll the Indiana Pacers have done this season is win, win, win, win, win, win, win, and well you get the picture. Take that one loss from the Chicago Bulls and it’s been smooth sailing for this team as they are gunning for that number one seed in the Eastern Conference and another division title. You look at the division standings right now, and the Pacers are up by 6.5 games. Just let that number sink in. 6 games up in the division, and it’s only November. They don’t hand out division titles in November, but with the Bulls losing Derrick Rose, I can’t see they making much of a run anytime soon. Especially after that blowout loss on Sunday. The Pacers just have that focus to them that’s needed to stay this strong throughout the season. That focus will be tested next week, but for now, the Pacers look right in their mindset.

Last night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves also showed up something else for this team, the play of George Hill opened up some eyes I am sure. George Hill had that breakout game that I’ve always felt he had in him. He was driving to the basket and making shots. He was looking for himself a bit more in last night’s effort, which I like for Hill to do. He finished with 26 points, even though I was hoping he’d get 30. He was able to find other guys as well with 7 assists. He also got his hand on 5 steals. That’s the complete game you love to see from Hill, and that’s why he’s such a vital part to this team’s puzzle.

The other side of the G2 Zone wasn’t so bad himself in Paul George. He finished with 26 points as well, but how about 4-4 from three point land? 8 rebounds in his usual rebounding effort. It was an off night for George in the turnover game as he did commit 6 of those. That won’t happen that often, so not much to worry about there. That’s the one chink in George’s armor that I can see right now. He’s got to be better about passing at times, and really know when to make that right pass.

The two George’s helped carry the Pacers to a baker’s dozen in the win column. They stay perfect at home. The defense stays strong in that fourth quarter as the Timberwolves only put up 16 points. The offense does it’s part with 25 points in that final period. Those are the things this team has been doing so well. Finding that rhythm in the second half to finish games or come back into a game. It’s been the script for most of the games, but so far the story has ended well for the Pacers. Time to keep adding to what’s becoming quite the special season.