The Indiana Pacers came out of the All-Star Break and took out their frustrations on the Memphis Grizzles.
The Good: For all the worries of standing pat and not making a trade, for all the stress of working if Paul George was gone, the Indiana Pacers reminded us that they are a pretty good team. Thaddeus Young came back from his sprained wrist and Indiana looked like the team that won seven games in a row, not the one that lost six straight.
Everything went their way against the Memphis Grizzlies. They were on fire early and kept knocking down shots. When you shoot 51.3% from the floor and 42.1% from beyond the arc, you’re going to have a good time.
The Bad: Paul George looked hurt at the end of the game, but it was cramps. Probably partied a little during All-Star Weekend and didn’t hydrate. Still played great. Indiana didn’t need him to put them on his back. Great effort, just didn’t need to score 40.
MVP: Monta Ellis had it all with 17 points and looks more like the Monta we know and love.
On the break, Monta takes it to the hoop.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 25, 2017
(on @FSIndiana and https://t.co/L2vskrmv3P) https://t.co/3Y11CWeNX4
But really no one really took over and that’s fine because the Pacers held a 20-point lead at times and never looked like they were going to lose it.
X-Factor: Getting your crap together. This was the team that had one of the best offense in January, the one that could challenge almost any team in the NBA. It helped having Thaddeus Young back as well.
Pacers playing like they have something to prove. Like someone told them they weren't good enough to help Paul George contend for a title.
— Dave “Mortgages” Searle (@MillerTimePod) February 25, 2017
For at least one night, we can stop talking about what the Pacers didn’t do at the trade deadline.