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…
More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds
- 2 Studs, 1 dud from gut-wrenching Indiana Pacers loss to Charlotte Hornets
- Handing out early-season grades for Pacers’ Bruce Brown, Obi Toppin
- 3 positives, 2 negatives in Pacers In-Season Tournament win vs. Cavaliers
- 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.