Post-Game Grades: Pacers Can’t Close Out; Fall in OT to Rockets

Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers ended their 4 game road trip just like it started…letting another 4th quarter double-digit lead evaporate and ultimately getting KO’d in overtime by the Houston Rockets. The Pacers went 2-2 on the trip, but 4-0 was there for the taking if the Pacers just make a few plays down the stretch.

The Pacers officially have a problem closing games. No lead is safe these days and the scenario of “playing not to lose” (which certainly contributed to the 16 points the Pacers scored in the 4th quarter) when leading late in the game has reared it’s ugly head several times now. Overtime presented the same situation as the Pacers led 99-93 early on, but then allowed a wave of open 3’s to send them home with another incredibly tough loss.

The Good: The ball movement throughout the game was encouraging, especially after the ugly possessions witnessed during the Pelicans game on Friday night. 33 assists on 43 total shots is beautiful basketball. It’s just a shame they shut it down late in the game and went to isolation plays, allowing the Rockets to climb their way back in regulation. The Pacers were able to get 38 points on 22 Houston turnovers and 40 points from the bench is always welcome.

The Bad: The Pacers are still winless in overtime games this season (0-4), while the Rockets improved to 4-0. Very poor defense on Trevor Ariza as he lead Houston with 24 points (he averages 11.2 PPG) and hit several killer three’s which were all of the wide-open variety. 

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

MVP: Monta Ellis. Dished out 13 assists, which is the most by a Pacer in a game this season, and kept clawing back with tough buckets at the end of regulation. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t seal the deal at the end of the 4th quarter, because he was hitting one wild shot after another and seemed to be primed for a game-winner. Sadly, it was not to be.

LVP: Anyone guarding the perimeter at the end of the 4th quarter and overtime. The Rockets are 2nd in the league behind Golden State in made 3’s per game and hit another 14 tonight.

X-Factor: George Hill. He continues to dominate the corner 3 and hit 50% (3-6) from long range. Somehow managed to hold James Harden to just 21 points and only 4 free throw’s (averages 10+ attempts per game).