Post-Game Grades: The Indiana Pacers Kick Off 2017 Right with a Big Win Over the Orlando Magic
By Ryan Eggers
104. 38. 117. 100. Final
The Indiana Pacers kick off 2017 with a convincing win against the Orlando Magic on a night where every starter got involved.
The Good: The team seems like they’re finally having fun. The ball was moving, everyone got shots and the players seemed enthusiastic for four quarters.
Almost of the starters finished with double-digit scoring (Robinson had 9), with two more double-digit scorers off of the bench. Myles Turner and Jeff Teague are starting to establish a really impactful dynamic together on offense.
The Bad: It’s hard to be picky about a dominant win, but the game really should’ve been put away in the third quarter. If the Pacers had let a more potent offense hang around, then they could’ve been in serious danger of a fourth quarter comeback. Luckily, the Magic aren’t that.
Look out, @Prime47Indy. Myles Turner says he's heading your way after this @Pacers win. #GoPacers pic.twitter.com/IT1Hdf43IP
— Bally Sports Indiana (@BallySportsIN) January 2, 2017
MVP: Myles Turner. His fifth double-double of the season, Turner had to earn his 12 rebounds against the scrappy Orlando frontcourt. He was on fire with Teague dishing him the ball in the second quarter, scoring eight straight points for the team in one stretch. He also may have dropped the sweetest dime of his career in the first quarter.
LVP: Mariah Carey.
X-Factor: 3-point shooting sunk the Magic. 10-38 isn’t going to cut it when you catch the Pacers on a night like this.
A-. Did everything he needed to. Everyone was focused on Turner’s output, but PG quietly put up 19-5-3 without forcing it.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE
B+. Came up just short of a double-double. Was a huge help to Turner in his second-half run. Had an injury scare in the second but it appears that it was just that – a scare.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE
A+. The star of the game. 23-12 is no easy feat against the Orlando frontcourt, but Turner was locked in and led the charge for the Pacers as they took control of the game in the second quarter.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
B-. Went under the radar with the explosive performances of his teammates, but still did a solid job and finished with 10 points.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG
B. Came a point and 2 rebounds short of putting up back-to-back double-doubles. Definitely seems like he’s fitting in to the flow of the starting lineup.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III
Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. B-. Seems to be adjusting to his new role well. It may be unfortunate for Ellis, but it looks like GR3 is best fit as a starter and he’s best fit as a bench presence.. Shooting Guard
C+. Couldn’t get his 3-point game on, but still put up 8 points off of the bench.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES
Did an awesome job today in the paint, putting up double-digit points with quite a few style moves.. Center. Indiana Pacers. AL JEFFERSON. B+
A-. Immediately filled in for Teague after his injury scare and put up a beautiful 5 points in the final minute. Was easily the best bench performer for the Pacers tonight.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. AARON BROOKS
KEVIN SERAPHIN. B-. Still feels a bit clunky playing alongside Al Jefferson, but Seraphin was able to get his today, putting up a decent 6 points and 6 rebounds in 16 minutes.. Center. Indiana Pacers