Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Fall to Philadelphia 76ers
By Josh Padmore
109. 93. 105. 100. Final
The Indiana Pacers lost their fifth game of the season while giving the Philadelphia 76ers their first win.
The Good: The Indiana Pacers fought, like they always do. Fighting and getting 14 steals is good, but getting outrebounded 54-40 isn’t.
Unfortunately, it didn’t end the way they wanted. Nothing else good in this one.
The Bad: The Pacers are now the first team to lose to the Philadelphia this season. The game went to overtime (again) and will now have to battle tired legs with a game tomorrow night against Boston.
MVP: Joel Embiid. Shot poorly (6-18), but was the go-to guy down the stretch for the Sixers and willed them to their first victory of the season.
LVP: Myles Turner. Early foul trouble was the beginning of a rough night for Myles Turner. He struggled to be effective and had just 2 points through 4 quarters. Hit a big three in overtime, but soon after fouled out of the game.
X-Factor: Ersan Ilyasova. Played like a veteran and really was the catalyst for a late Sixers run after making a four-point play. He finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE. B. Sprained his thumb during the first half, but returned to the game. Finished with a team high 26 points on 9-20 shooting. Added 9 rebounds and 4 assists.. Small Forward
B. Took his demotion to the bench like a true professional. Responded well in the role, scoring 19 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Made some big defensive plays down the stretch, too, but it wasn’t enough.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS
Played an efficient game, shooting 5-10 from the field for 13 points. Turned it over 4 times, but controlled the game at times with his speed.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE. C+
MYLES TURNER. C-. Played 20 foul-plagued minutes. Struggled to find some rhythm. Only scored 5 points, but hit a big three-pointer in overtime. Added 5 rebounds and 1 block.. Center. Indiana Pacers
Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG. C+. Was reliable in his 7 shot-attempts, scoring 11 points. Knocked down a three-pointer. Grabbed 9 rebounds, but some of the loose balls just didn’t go his way.
Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. C. Made his first start of the season with Monta Ellis going to the bench. Scored 13 points on 4-9 shooting, but was lost at times on defense. It was a solid night for C.J. Only starter with a positive plus-minus rating (+9).. Shooting Guard
C. Scored 10 points off the bench with 3 rebounds in 22 minutes, but had his struggles on the defensive end containing the Sixers’ big men.. Center. Indiana Pacers. AL JEFFERSON
C. Had to guard Joel Embiid down the stretch, but got overpowered at times. Lead the Pacers in terms of plus-minus, posting a +14.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN
AARON BROOKS. D. Struggled to contribute to the team. Didn’t record any assists in 18 minutes, and only scored 2 points.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers
C. Came in due to foul trouble for Myles Turner and Al Jefferson. Played some really impressive defense on Joel Embiid, and made a couple strong finishes around the rim. Picked up 4 quick fouls, but had 4 points in 7 minutes.. Center. Indiana Pacers. KEVIN SERAPHIN