Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Win Ugly Over New Orleans Pelicans
By Jay Neal
Final. 95. 69. 98. 100
Indiana Pacers win over New Orleans Pelicans despite mind-boggling turnovers and missing free throws late in game.
The Good: The Starters. Indiana ended the first quarter with a 14-point lead due to the starters moving the ball with the same effectiveness shown during the team’s recent five-game winning streak. The ball was hopping around and everyone was involved. The offense didn’t remain as efficient throughout the game, but the Pacers played significantly better whenever the starters were in the game.
The Bad: The Bench. It’s been below average all year and today was no different. The Pelicans went on a 13-0 run during the second quarter after being down 15 points, as Indiana’s bench defense yielded corner 3 after corner 3 to a bad 3-point shooting team. The Pacers’ starters built the lead back to 10 in the third, but the bench was unable to hold the lead again as New Orleans made it a game down the stretch.
MVP: Thaddeus Young. His energy in the first half set the tone as the Pacers raced out to a big first half lead. He also ruthlessly murdered a Pelican. R.I.P. Terrence Jones.
LVP: The bench backcourt. Monta Ellis and Aaron Brooks scored a combined 4 points in 30 minutes.
X-Factor: Myles Turner. 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks while altering more at the rim. Very solid game.
Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE. B. 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. A pretty solid stat line despite 6-for-17 from the field.
JEFF TEAGUE. B+. Nearly messed around and got a triple double (16 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds), but grade takes a bit of a hit due to 7 turnovers.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers
B+. Played really well at times and protected the rim all game. Missed 2 of 4 free throws late in the game that gave the Pelicans a chance to tie.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG. A-. In addition to murdering a Pelican, Thad went 8-of-9 from the field and had 6 steals.
GLENN ROBINSON III. B-. Scored 9 points on 4-of-6 from the field, but missed two late free throws that should have put the game away.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers
Had 4 assists, but not much else.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. C-
Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. C-. Hit a jumper, but not much else.. Shooting Guard
C-. Hit a jumper, not much else. (Sensing a theme?). Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. AARON BROOKS
B-. Scored 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting in short minutes. It’s hard to keep him on the floor, though, due to his defensive deficiencies when teams go small.. Center. Indiana Pacers. AL JEFFERSON
B-. Scored 2 points, grabbed 6 rebounds. He’s doing pretty well despite playing in a role that’s not best suited for him.. Center. Indiana Pacers. KEVIN SERAPHIN