The Indiana Pacers’ winning streak is snapped by the Philadelphia 76ers, but Victor Oladipo still is playing out of his mind.
The Pacers had three-game winning streak snapped by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers outpaced Indiana, scoring 121 points on 50% shooting.
Indiana struggled to find its footing out the gates and the trend continued all night. The Pacers Achilles heel tonight was its 3-point shooting, making only 28% of their attempts, going 3 of 28.
Tonight marked the return of Myles Turner. The 3rd year big man missed seven games due to a concussion and he did not disappoint. He put up 11 points 9 rebounds 3 blocks.
However, Turner’s return was overshadowed by Victor Oladipo’s herculean 31-point effort. He isn’t the basketball hero Indiana deserves but the one it needs right now.
The Good: The Pacers’ fighting spirit. Indiana found itself trailing multiple times throughout the night but the team never felt out of reach. There are no moral victories in the NBA but a nice silver lining nonetheless.
The Bad: Indiana Pacers defense. The 76ers scored 121 points and made 18 3-pointers tonight. The starters were particularly bad.
MVP: Victor Oladipo had 31 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists. Oladipo has been Indiana’s best player through nine games.
LVP: Darren Collison only had 2 points and was a non-factor on defense. Better luck next time, DC.
X-Factor: Thad Young: Young scored 15 points on 50% shooting and was the steady veteran presence Indiana needed during a frustrating game.