8 points, 9 seconds
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Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Get Tipped In Overtime by Chicago Bulls

By Ben Gibson

Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers /
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102. 24. 100. 100. Final

The Indiana Pacers pushed the Chicago Bulls to the limit at the United Center, but a late tip-in by Jimmy Butler sealed the Pacers’ fate.

The Good: Monta Ellis’ court awareness of the game-tying 3-pointer was amazing. If he drops his heels that’s out of bounds. He had plenty of moments in the game, but this was the best.

He was 0 of 4 from 3-point range at that point, including a miss just before that shot. The problem was he was 4 of 19 from the field on Wednesday.

The Bad: Paul George’s defense in critical moments was lacking. More than once he got caught behind a screen or reading the play wrong. It happens, but knowing how good he can be on defense makes it a little frustrating when he makes mistakes, especially when it matters. He didn’t have a bad night so much as the mistake stood out in my mind.

I should clarify this isn’t about the final Jimmy Butler tip-in. He was playing pretty tight in coverage and Pau Gasol managed to fit the ball in the passing window for Jimmy Butler to guide in for the basket. A perfect pass and finish. That’s hard to really knock him for.

MVP: Geroge Hill led the Pacers with 20 points and also had 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. He only has a pair of turnovers and he shot 8 of 15 from the field and 3 of 5 from deep. This is the more Aggressive George Hill™ that Pacers fans want to see.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

LVP: Jordan Hill for a “DND – DENTAL WORK”. Just kidding, I just wanted to point that out from the box score. Feel better soon, sir.

X-Factor: Welcome back Myles Turner 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks to go with 8 points (2-8 from the field, 4-6 from the foul line). He ended up playing 21 minutes in his first game back thanks to the fact Ian Mahinmi left the game with a knee injury and as we mentioned above, Jordan Hill was having dental work done. The Pacers would have been very short-handed at center if it weren’t for him as Lavoy Allen would have been the only big left. Good to see Turner back after missing a month with a broken thumb.

C. <p>He had 20 points, which would have been nice if it weren’t on 7 of 20 shooting. He did make 3 of 9 3-point attempts, so at least he’s still shooting O.K. from deep. <a href=. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE

Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. C-. <p>4 of 19 is terrible, but he has a way of coming up with tips and big shots late. Not a great night, <a href=. Shooting Guard

<p>Was the leading scorer and of the usual triumvirate of scorers (George Hill, Paul George, Monta Ellis), he clearly had the best night.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. GEORGE HILL. B+

B. <p>7 points and 7 rebounds before his knee bent too far in the 3rd quarter.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. IAN MAHINMI

B. <p>One of the better bench contributors with 5 of 12 shooting for 13 points.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY

A. <p>A guy coming off the bench drops 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal is exactly what you want. Solomon Hill has seen more time lately and he’s honestly looked pretty good in those minutes.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. SOLOMON HILL

Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER. C. <p>He’s back! Now start making more shots.</p>

A. <p>Not a bad night as a starter. He scored 10 points on 5 of 7 shooting while grabbing 12 rebounds.</p>. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN

Meh. <p>¯\_(ツ)_/¯</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. CHASE BUDINGER

Next: Indiana Pacers Take A Small Slide In The Power Rankings

The Pacers face the Milwaukee Bucks at 6 p.m. at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday.

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