8 points, 9 seconds
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Post-Game Grades: Pacers Outlast Undermanned Pelicans

By Ryan Barth

Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers /
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92. 100. Final. 84. 69

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.

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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.

B+. <p>A few days rest did him good as he looked a lot more comfortable tonight and dominated the 1st quarter. Finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Frank Vogel mentioned in his postgame presser that PG “would be day-to-day, was moving around after the game and he’ll be ok”. Phew.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE

C. <p>Monta has shot 40% from beyond the arc in his last 5 games, but misfired early and often. As usual though, he managed to get another crucial late bucket.</p><p><span style=. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS

<p>You love the 8 assists, but you hate the 5 turnovers. Two more backpacks for the kids.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. GEORGE HILL. C+

A+. <p>His dad wanted a 20/20 on his 20th birthday and he nearly delivered (24 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks). Became the youngest Pacer ever to 500 points. A night to remember.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER

<p>Omer Asik had 15 rebounds. Ian had 3. Wait, what?</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. IAN MAHINMI. D-

B. <p>Got to the rim and got fouled (4-4 on free throws). Still looks a little strange when paired with Ty Lawson, but he’s healthy and contributing so we’re good here.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY

C.J. MILES. A-. <p>19 points on 14 shots and appeared to find his stroke at times. He might just need to do this again on Saturday in Brooklyn as a starter.</p>. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers

C-. <p>We got the lazy Jordan tonight as he was content with playing away from the basket. 4 points, 4 rebounds and lots of apathy.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. JORDAN HILL

LAVOY ALLEN. B-. <p>Hard for Vogel to put him in for Myles at any point in this game, but you can’t play 48 minutes. 3 rebounds and 2 assists in just 9 minutes will do.</p>. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers

Inc.. <p>He argued his one foul.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. SOLOMON HILL

TY LAWSON. B+. <p>He genuinely looked like the fastest player on the court and even tied for the team lead in steals (3). If he can stay healthy and invest in Uber, he might just be an asset.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers

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