Indiana Pacers refuse to believe, bury the Orlando Magic
By William Furr
The Indiana Pacers allowed the Orlando Magic to hang around for probably a bit too long, but went on a Lance Stephenson air guitar-fueled run to seal the victory.
38. 121. 100. Final. 109
Victor Oladipo might be a little bit salty at the Orlando Magic franchise. He’s absolutely eviscerated the Magic this year, and tonight was no exception. Dipo made his first 11 shots from the field, some with a wild degree of difficulty.
The Magic hung around through much of the game and took a lead early in the 4th quarter in the mid-80’s. The Pacers went on to outscore the Magic by 11 in the 4th on the quarter on the way to a dominant looking victory.
The Pacers certainly had their warts this game – Jonathon Simmons put up 21 points despite getting blocked/ripped repeatedly – but overall played a complete game on the way to handing Orlando their 9th straight loss.
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The Good: 57.7% from deep on 26 tries and 84.6% from the line on an identical 26 attempts. All 8 Pacers who played shot at least 1 triple, and only Thad Young (0-1) hit less than 1/2 of his attempts.
The Bad: The Magic got up 41 3’s – way too many, and way too many good looks.
MVP: Revenge Game Victor Oladipo. So much fun. He’s gotta be painful for Magic fans to watch this year.
LVP: Thad Young. 1-9 shooting for 2 points isn’t great.
X-Factor: Lance. When the Magic took the lead in the 4th, Lance Stephenson gave the Pacers an adrenaline shot, and turned the entire game around. Air guitar Lance is the best Lance.
B. 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks. Didn’t play much in the 4th as Sabonis was holding the fort down. 3-5 from deep and a quick release is great to see from a big man who shoots like Turner.. C. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
Oladipo hit his first 11 shots en route to 26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals. Oh yeah, and he was +29 on the night. Did have 5 turnovers, but that knee certainly looked to be full strength.. SG. Indiana Pacers. VICTOR OLADIPO. A+
C-. Couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn, but 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals takes the sting off of a 1-9 shooting night.. PF. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG
Bojan quietly finished with 22 points 7-13 shooting, 2-4 from deep, and 6-7 from the line. The optimal Bogie game, including some nail in the coffin type shots late. SF. Indiana Pacers. BOJAN BOGDANOVIC. A
Didn’t do much (2-7 shooting, 2 assists, 2 rebounds), but not much was needed from him on a night when Oladipo and Stephenson needed the ball in their hands.. PG. Indiana Pacers. DARREN COLLISON. C
A-. 19 points on 5-7 shooting, 8 rebounds, 5 assists. Once he improves just a bit on the defensive side of the ball, the Pacers are going to have a great problem in the front court.. PF/C. Indiana Pacers. DOMANTAS SABONIS
SG. Indiana Pacers. LANCE STEPHENSON. A+. 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a block, and 1 sick air guitar solo. Good Lance was everywhere tonight, and brought the Pacers back from the brink after the Magic took a brief lead.
A-. 3-5 from deep, 7 rebound and 3 assists. If he keeps stroking 3’s, he’s about the best the Pacers could want in a backup point guard.. PG. Indiana Pacers. CORY JOSEPH
Next: Being thankful for these Indiana Pacers
The Pacers face the Houston Rockets at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.