Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Finish Off Denver Nuggets in OT
By Ben Gibson
109. 100. Final. 105. 73
Monta Ellis set a season-high for himself with 32 points in the Indiana Pacers victory over the Denver Nuggets.
The Good: The Indiana Pacers finally picked up an overtime win on the season after going 0-4 in their previous attempts, all on the road. One game doesn’t mean anything, but if Indiana can make a habit of finishing off the opponents instead of letting games slip away, this could be the turning point.
The Bad: Myles Turner is still a rookie. His numbers fell back to earth for the first time in eight games as he failed to break double digits with only 8 points. On the plus side, he matched his season/career high of 9 rebounds and teamed up with Jordan Hill for a total of 10 blocks between the two.
MVP: Monta Ellis had it all and then a little more on Saturday as he made just under half his shots. Ellis was 4 of 8 from beyond the arc and grabbed 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. While Monta’s role has generally been doing whatever the Pacers ask of him, Ellis showed he’s still a very willing and able scorer when called on. Perhaps the best part of Monta’s game was converting a 3-point play in overtime that practically sealed the victory.
LVP: George Hill for shaving off his blonde hairi and going 3 of 10 on the night for only 9 points.
X-Factor: Jordan Hill stepped up as he started for the injured Ian Mahinmi and scored 20 points while grabbing 7 rebounds. As per usual, he and Monta Ellis ran the pick and roll well to set up both players. Jordan Hill has scored 20 points three times this season.
Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE. B. <p>PG has 19 points and 7 assists for the Pacers, shooting 7 of 15 from the field and 3 of 7 from deep. A good bounce back game <a href=. Power Forward
Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. A+. <p>This now makes four-straight games where Ellis had 5 or more assists. Ellis picked up his game as the clock started to run out and helped the Pacers <a href=
C-. <p>This is my last Sisqo reference… for now.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. GEORGE HILL
Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. D. <p>Oh, you played tonight C.J. Miles?</p>
A+. <p>He didn’t get the double-double with only 7 rebounds, but he had as 6 blocks and paired well with Myles Turner on the defensive end.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. JORDAN HILL
B. <p>6 rebounds and 4 points in 11 minutes. Not bad Solo.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. SOLOMON HILL
C. <p>He was 3 of 11 from the field, but Myles made up for his single-digit scoring night with 4 blocks.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
<p>6 rebounds and 4 points in 16 minutes. Not bad for you either, Lavoy.</p>. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN. B
B. <p>Joe Young was 3 of 6 for 8 points in his 12 minutes on the court.</p><p><span style=. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JOE YOUNG
Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON. B. <p>Lil Dog had 4 points in 7 minutes of play.</p><p><span style=. Small Forward