Post-Game Grades: Pacers Continue Slide and Fold Against Kings
By Ryan Barth
97. 100. 108. 84. Final
Another tough loss in Northern California for the Indiana Pacers. Demarcus Cousins obliterates all oncoming defenders scoring 48 points, Rajon Rondo continues the triple-double theme against the Pacers and a tough road trip comes to a frustrating end against the Sacramento Kings.
The Pacers are now 0-5 on the road in the second night of back-to-back games. You can’t blame them given the travel schedule, tired legs and multiple injuries. However, the defense continues to struggle and the fight in this team is severely lacking. The All-Star break can’t come soon enough so these guys can regroup, get healthy and find their rhythm.
The Good: No more away games until February 3rd!
The Bad: Everything that occurs right after tip-off. Hopefully this trend of starting with double-digit deficits comes to an end once the Pacers return home. It’s hard to watch the boys being on the wrong end of so many Demarcus Cousins’ bull rush attempts. He got to the rim and free throw line at will. Starting to look like a good move not to trade him…
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- 2 positives, 3 negatives from first week of Indiana Pacers basketball
- Should Isaiah Jackson’s days with Indiana Pacers be numbered?
MVP: Paul George. He gave his team a shot when they needed a hero in the 4th quarter. Good to see him back in his November uniform.
LVP: CJ Miles. This guy really needs to see a shot go down soon to boost his confidence. Another letdown tonight with an 0-8 shooting performance that is becoming an awful trend.
X-Factor: Jordan Hill. He has to take some responsibility for the poor defense on Cousins, but he gave the Pacers a nice post presence and continues to dismiss the naysayers.
Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE. A-. <p>34 Points, 4 Rebounds and only 2 turnovers. He’s the All-Star representative and needs to act like it. Good to see him get to the line for 14 free throw attempts.</p>. Small Forward
Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. B+. <p>Very rare (and welcome) shooting display (7-10) and continues to serve as the de facto Point Guard with 7 assists.</p><p><span style=. Shooting Guard
C-. <p>3 Rebounds and then disappeared after staring the game with just 10 total minutes of playing time. Vogel is not interested in calling any plays for him early in the game.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III
<p>9 points and 9 rebounds, but received the smack down from Cousins over and over again.</p>. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN. C+
B+. <p>17 points and 13 rebounds. Myles Turner deserves to start, but Jordan Hill isn’t exactly playing his way out of the rotation.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. JORDAN HILL
<p>He did his best in the hornets’ nest under the basket with 5 blocks. Becoming a much better rebounder (6 rebounds), but still struggles to come up with the 50/50 balls. Frank Vogel is intent on remaining cautious with him, but he’s the total package and needs the ability to show it.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER. B-
<p>Becoming clumsy in addition to missing every shot he takes by fumbling away several balls out of bounds after good defensive possessions.</p>. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. F
Indiana Pacers. GEORGE HILL. B. <p>He looked rusty, but he’s got a lot on his mind these days with the newest addition to the family, Zayden Jaxon Hill. He easily could have stayed home with his son and rejoined the team on Tuesday, but it speaks to his dedication and love for his teammates to fly to Sacramento and give it a go tonight.</p>. Point Guard
D+. <p>He’s looked great this entire road trip, but finally stumbled. 2 points on 1-8 shooting and still trying to figure out how to defend.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JOE YOUNG