Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers celebrated a win, a birthday and a 3-2 home stand tonight as they cruised past the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans.
The Good: The Pacers keep winning games they absolutely must have in their quest to get back to the playoffs. New Orleans was missing 6 double-figure scorers, but still made it a game in the end getting as close as 4 points late in the 4th quarter.
The Bad: Paul George and any mention of a leg injury (especially THAT leg). Scary moment to see him head to the locker room in the 3rd quarter and never return to the bench, but we’ve certainly seen worse. Here’s hoping this isn’t a Rodney Stuckey-esque ankle injury that lingers during the most pivotal point of the Pacers regular season. Also, the Pelicans outscored the Pacers 45-43 in the second half, which is extremely depressing.
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: Myles Turner. The birthday boy put on a show and had a monster game tonight. Even had Papa Turner out of his seat and flexing muscles on his throw down dunk in the 1st quarter. Myles has always been a great scorer and shot blocker, but it’s his rebounding that has held him back. Grabbing a career high 16 boards tonight is a sign this kid can improve, adapt and shine.
LVP: Ian Mahinmi. He wasn’t needed on a night when the Pelicans had just 8 healthy players dressed, but was nearly invisible in his 30 minutes.
X-Factor: C.J. Miles. If this team is going anywhere in the playoffs, it will need November C.J. to show up. He saw extended minutes with PG going down and made the most of them. If he makes half his shots as he did tonight, the Pacers should win more than they lose.