Post-Game Grades Take 2: Pacers Keep It Exciting and Escape Knicks
By Ryan Barth
100. Final. 87. 27. 92
The Indiana Pacers blow yet another 18-point second half lead, but are able to hang on late against a feisty New York Knicks squad playing with nothing to lose.
For a very special game at Madison Square Garden, we decided to have two different takes on Post-Game Grades to give an even deeper assessment of the new-collapse that was averted. Check the other perspective here.
The Good: This is the first time the Pacers have won back to back games on the road, albeit against lowly Eastern Conference teams like the Knicks and 76ers. The Chicago Bulls got another win tonight, so it was imperative the Pacers get a W no mater how ugly in order to stay ahead in the race for 7th/8th in the East. The Pacers bench was dominant again (+54 on the night) and was the sole reason the Pacers led by 13 at halftime. The Pacers now have a franchise-best six game winning streak vs. the Knicks.
The Bad: Late game leads against bad teams are just not safe anymore. Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Jose Calderon were all absent, but this one needed an injured Paul George clutch 4th quarter jumper and the MSG out of bounds line to wipe away a critical late three from Aaron Afflalo to seal the deal. The starters had their issues yet again (-25 on the night) and the Knicks grabbed 18 offensive rebounds (10 from Robin Lopez) with little resistance.
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MVP: Paul George. He could have sat out the 4th quarter with his bad ankle and sulked as his team lost a critical late season game against an inferior opponent. Instead, he played through the pain and delivered when it mattered most (which hasn’t exactly been in his repertoire this season).
LVP: Monta Ellis. Shot 2-11 from the field, allowed players like Vujacic and Afflalo to go off all game long and simply needs to play much better for this team to have enough juice to get into the playoffs.
X-Factor: Rodney Stuckey. The bench assassin was dominant again with 17 points and seems to be rounding into form as he approaches what would be his 1st playoff appearance.
B+. <p>True leaders in the NBA put bad teams away by themselves, especially when the team isn’t playing it’s best. PG’s leadership can definitely be questioned this season, but he finally made the shot we’ve all been waiting for him to hit and lead by example playing through injury.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE
D+. <p>18% shooting…not great Bob. Finally knocked down both free throws late in the game though.</p><p><span style=. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS
GEORGE HILL. C+. <p>Good to see him knock down a few three’s, but 0 assists and several late game gaffe’s that you just can’t have.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers
Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN. D-. <p>Starter is a loose term at this point with Lavoy, playing just 15 minutes. 0 points, 0 offensive rebounds and 0 impact.</p>
B. <p>10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Great to see him hit two clutch free throws to tie the game late.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. IAN MAHINMI
B. <p>He got killed on the block and on the boards against stronger interior players, but took care of business on offense by scoring in double figures again with 12 points.</p>. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
A. <p>Got to the rim, hit all his free throws (5-5) and continues to show why this team would already be playoff bound had he been healthy all year.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY
Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. B+. <p>His confidence level is at an all time high with every shot he takes. The Pacers probably lose to both the 76ers and Knicks without him.</p>
B. <p>Led the team in +/- (+19) and is the craftiest player the Pacers have on the break. You still cringe when he shoots from 10+ feet though, no matter how wide open he is.</p>. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. SOLOMON HILL
B-. <p>Ty didn’t shoot well (1-7 with the one make being a last second heave off of a block at the end of the 1st half), but his speed and vision are two key components to the recent rise of the 2nd unit.</p>. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. TY LAWSON