Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Power Past Detroit Pistons
By Jay Neal
100. Final. 98. 64. 115
Indiana Pacers use a vintage “3rd quarter haymaker” to sweep the season series over the Detroit Pistons.
The Good: The ball movement. The Pacers had 27 assists and only five turnovers. Indiana took advantage of a Detroit team that looked disinterested on defense most of the night.
Also, the return of the “3rd quarter haymaker”. The Eastern Conference Finals teams of 3-4 years ago made a habit of putting teams away with defensive stops and good ball movement. The Pacers tapped into their past and closed the 3rd quarter on a 20-5 run to blow the game open.
The Bad: The defensive rebounding was spotty as it has been most of the season. Andre Drummond had his way at times with Myles Turner. It’s a flaw with this team that probably won’t be corrected with the current personnel.
MVP: Paul George. When he’s good like he was in the 3rd quarter, he’s awfully fun to watch. That post-Trade Deadline slump is over.
LVP: Reggie Jackson was really bad in this game, which was to the Pacers’ benefit. He averaged 23.5 in the last two games, but had 6 points on 1-of-8 shooting.
X-Factor: Thad Young. He looked as healthy as he has been since suffering the wrist injury, scoring 18 points & grabbing 8 rebounds.
PAUL GEORGE. A-. Started well, but didn’t score in the 2nd quarter. After the Pistons took the lead midway through the 3rd, the All Star scored 13 points in the 3rd quarter to take over the game.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers
B-. Finished with 10 points and 6 assists. His turnovers at the beginning of the 3rd got the Pistons back in it, but he was relatively quiet most of the game.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE
Struggled with Andre Drummond on the defensive glass and was in early foul trouble, which may have affected his rhythm. Finished with 8 points and 5 rebounds.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER. C
THADDEUS YOUNG. A-. Did all the little Thad stuff we’re used to seeing when he’s healthy. Flip shots, floaters, hustle. A net positive at all times.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers
B+. The “Shootah” arrived early, nailing 2 three-pointers to start the game. Finished with 15 points while hitting four from downtown. Playing his role and doing it well.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES
Scored 12 points, had 3 assists, and shot well from the field. When Ellis stays in his lane, he’s quite effective off the bench.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. A-
B. Scored 11 points and had 4 rebounds. Did most of work in the 4th with the Pacers comfortably ahead, but still played with the confidence he’s shown for weeks.. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III
Got up 10 shots in 9 minutes. That’s impressive. 8 points & 5 boards will do in those short minutes too.. Center. Indiana Pacers. AL JEFFERSON. B-
B. Shared the ball really well and had 7 assists. Didn’t shoot well though.. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. RODNEY STUCKEY
C-. Had a really tough time chasing Tobias Harris around the perimeter in the 2nd quarter. Finished with 2 points & 4 rebounds.. Power Forward. Indiana Pacers. LAVOY ALLEN
PF. Indiana Pacers. RAKEEM CHRISTMAS. Inc.. Got a short stint in the first half with Myles in foul trouble, but mostly a Garbage Time Participant.
Inc.. Garbage Time Participant. Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. AARON BROOKS
Center. Indiana Pacers. KEVIN SERAPHIN. Inc.. Garbage Time Participant