Indiana Pacers Bounce Back In Power Rankings
By Ben Gibson
The Indiana Pacers ended a long, steady slide from near the top of the power rankings and bounced back a little this week.
The Indiana Pacers are still trying to sort out all of their issues, but they went 2-1 last week to end the month of January with a 7-8 record, making them the 21st worst team last month as far as winning percentages are concerned.
In this week’s power rankings Indiana has an average rank of 12th while moving an average of 2 spots.
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ESPN’s Marc Stein pointed out Myles Turner’s rise and Monta Ellis were two bright spots in what was a dismal January.
"Having recovered from a broken thumb, Myles Turner suddenly looks like the Pacers’ most productive rookie since a kid named Reggie Miller in 1987-88. The Pacers, though, have to be a bit concerned that Paul George has basically been a 40 percent shooter for the past two months, while Monta Ellis only just produced his first 30-point game of the season (after 10 last season)."
NBA.com’s John Schuhmann said similar things, but it was Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo that pointed out one of the most important reason why Indiana is playing better: George Hill is no longer blonde. Though the record he cites is now 1-1 after the frustrating loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"The Pacers are 1–0 since George Hill went back to his natural hair color, and have won two in a row after an up-and-down few weeks. They’re traditionally a very good February team under Frank Vogel. Put two and two together, and…"
CBS Sports’ Matt Moore highlighted that the good news it while Myles Turner is looking great, there are still problems that Indiana must solve.
"Paul George has looked fatigued from workload but Myles Turner is a revelation. The Pacers are this show where you love the cast and the concept, but the plot just wanders for long stretches of seasons."
Hoops Habit’s Gerald Bourguet also hit on how Myles Turner might be able to spark something for the Indiana Pacers as the season grinds on.
"The Pacers may not have gotten a signature win at home against the visiting Cavaliers Monday night, but Myles Turner’s block on LeBron James — not to mention his 11.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game since the start of January — should have fans feeling pretty darn good about this team’s future, regardless of the rougher times of the last few weeks."
Next: 8p9s AMA Mailbag: Do the Indiana Pacers Lack Passion?
Indiana played Cleveland close, which should help in next week’s rankings, but they’ll need wins over the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets if they want to move back into the top 10 anytime soon.