The Indiana Pacers pulled out a tight win over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center, 107-103, behind a 39 point night from Cali native Paul George.
The Good:
The all-around play of Paul George takes the cake here. The California native is not only the definite MVP of this Pacers team but is beginning to establish himself as a potential MVP candidate for players not named Steph Curry. His 39 points drove Indiana to victory on a night where the offense couldn’t hit consistently and his playmaking ability swung momentum in his favor in the whole of the second half.
Plus, this:
The Bad:
41% from the floor, 33% from long range, and the Los Angeles Lakers were within one Kobe Bryant three-pointer of potentially knocking off the Pacers before PG hit the free throw line. In 2009, that statement would be big for Indiana. In 2015, it’s completely backward.
To be fair, no one really saw the freakish play of Swaggy P coming in with his 22 points off the bench including six three’s, but he kept L.A. hanging around until “Bean” nearly helped them finish off their midwest guests. Fortunately for the Blue & Gold, it’s a road win followed by two days rest. Positives.
MVP:
Paul George. Again, 39 points, stone cold killer distance bombs, etc.
Paul George has a message, five seconds after Nick Young made a 3 in his grill https://t.co/ysf5qiHDse
— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) November 30, 2015
X-Factor:
Monta Ellis wins this one tonight. He hasn’t had the best run of games for Indiana but took a lot of pressure off Paul George with a couple of key buckets in the fourth quarter as part of a 15 point performance on 5-7 shooting. As the free agent signing settles more with the Pacers offense it’s a hope that he catches consistency and continues to stay solid defensively. Also, as referenced below, “SMOTHERED CHICKEN!”