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Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Earn Statement Win Over Los Angeles Clippers

By Ryan Barth

Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers /
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70. 77. 91. 100. Final

The Indiana Pacers showcased their most complete game of the year against a Los Angeles Clippers team that has proved to be one of the league’s best this early in the season.

The Good: Rock solid defense. The Indiana Pacers imposed their will defensively and held the Clippers to their lowest scoring total in the Doc Rivers era (40 points below their 110 PPG scoring average). They forced the Clippers into 20 turnovers and 31% shooting. Surprisingly, the Pacers also dominated points in the paint (42-14) while shooting 20 fewer free throws.

This was a much-needed win to get back to .500 as a tough 5-game Western Conference road trip looms.

The Bad: The Pacers shot only 26% from three point range (5-19), but you can live with it when you hold your opponent to 16% shooting from three.

MVP: Al Jefferson. He was needed early against the difficult frontcourt of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Myles Turner quickly got into foul trouble and Al did not disappoint as his replacement. He’s becoming a key mentor to Myles (even referring to himself as the “Uncle”) and is finally finding his groove on offense to give the bench a much-needed boost.

LVP: J.J. Reddick. He shot 1-7 from the field (14%) and never found his rhythm.

X-Factor: Glenn Robinson III. The most improved Pacer by far over last year. He has proved to be more than capable to replace Paul George in the starting lineup and looks extremely comfortable in the flow of the offense.

Robinson III is on track right now to be the team’s biggest surprise this season.

The definition of next man up (17 points, 6 rebounds) just keeps rolling and is looking very composed in transition as well. Expect Coach Nate to give him some incredibly deserved minutes off the bench even when PG and Miles return to the lineup.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III. A

A. Huge game (17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists) against very tough competition down low. Turner had a double-double with 7 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and is beginning to look for his 3-point shot even more as of late.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER

First time with double-figure assists (10) as a Pacer. This is the true “pass-first” point guard Larry Bird has been seeking.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE. B

B+. Continues to do a little bit of everything for this team and joined the double-figure scorers with 11 points.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG

MONTA ELLIS. C. Really struggled with his shot (2-12), but was able to pull down 6 rebounds. He has a much higher success rate when attacking the basket.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers

A-. Bench production like this is critical (12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) for the team’s success. Proved to be a nice offensive mismatch at times over Chris Paul with his size.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY

AL JEFFERSON. A+. Big Al was diving for loose balls while posting his 6th double-figure scoring game of the year (16 points). He was even telling Myles Turner he needs to watch his fouls when he’s playing so well early in the game at the expense of his own minutes.. Center. Indiana Pacers

B. Led the bench in +/- (+14) and is starting to look like a crucial underrated pickup by Bird.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. AARON BROOKS

B-. The guy just simply keeps possessions alive (3 offensive rebounds).. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN

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