Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Struggle Against Charlotte Hornets and Fail to Show Up on National TV Again
100. Final. 100. 170. 88
The Indiana Pacers came out of the gates slow and uninspired, and could never get over the hump against the Charlotte Hornets on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Good: The third quarter. The Pacers showed some resiliency and got themselves back into the game outscoring the Hornets 29-16. However, Indiana ran out of gas, and the fourth looked much like the first half.
The Bad: The start of the game and the bench. Minus Paul George, the starters were simply not ready to go, and Monta Ellis was the only bright spot off the bench.
MVP: Paul George. PG13 notched his second straight 30-point plus game and was locked in all night. Unfortunately, the rest of the team was not. He also led Indiana in rebounding.
LVP: Myles Turner. The sophomore slump seems to be a real thing as Myles has struggled as of late, and continued to tonight.
X-Factor: The starters’ poor performance. They put the Pacers in a hole from the jump, and they could not finish the game either once they drew close in the third. Charlotte apparently did their scouting too, as they had Indy’s number all night.
A+. Vintage PG was on display tonight as he went for 36 points and 10 boards. The chances of keeping him around will continue to lessen with nights like this if the Pacers can’t figure out how to win with performances like Paul gave tonight.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE
JEFF TEAGUE. C. Teague had 10 points on 11 shots, but had 8 assists and 5 rebounds. He seemed off from the tip tonight, and was completely outplayed by his opposition, Kemba Walker.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers
D+. Myles couldn’t get it going again tonight, and was only able to record 4 points in 32 minutes. He also only had 5 rebounds, which is uncalled for from the center position playing that many minutes.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
C. Thad is obviously not himself still, and the wrist is still an issue. He had 4 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, and was not much of a factor at all.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG
C-. GR3 was fresh off a game-winner, but could not deliver tonight. He had 2 points, but did rip down 6 rebounds.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III
A-. The Pacers 6th man was fantastic tonight. He had 12 points on 50% shooting and 3 assists. He’s definitely helping his case of getting more minutes.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS
A. C.J. was among the 3 guys who scored double digits tonight, along with PG and Monta. He had 16 points on 6-11 shooting in 33 minutes to go with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES
The veteran big is getting thrust out of the rotation as he doesn’t fit this team’s style, and has been a shell of himself lately. He only played 7 minutes tonight with 0 points and 1 rebound.. Center. Indiana Pacers. AL JEFFERSON. C-
AARON BROOKS. C+. Brooks seemed eager to play as he got in, but went 1-4 from the field with 2 points and 2 assists. His sweeping hook shot in the lane was impressive nonetheless.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers
C-. In 9 minutes of action, Stuckey failed to put the ball in the hole. He was 0-2 from the field and had 1 rebound.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY
Indiana Pacers. RAKEEM CHRISTMAS. C. Christmas’ night went much like the rest of the bench not named Monta or Glenn. He played a mere 9 minutes and had 2 points and 2 rebounds.. PF