The Indiana Pacers head into the NBA All-Star break with the sixth-best record in the eastern conference after beating the Brooklyn Nets 108-103.
The Indiana Pacers head into the all-star break with a 33-25 record after disposing of the Nets tonight in Brooklyn. However, the victory did not come easy as both squads looked more focused on vacation then the task at hand.
On Tuesday, head coach Nate McMillan likened the last game before the all-star break to the final day of classes before spring break for college students. Per Pacers.com, McMillan stated, “Some guys are already on vacation … All coaches are trying to prevent that from happening.”
The play first, work second mentality showed in Indiana’s game; shooting just 43% all night while allowing Brooklyn to shoot 42%. That said, all Pacers not named Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis head into a well earned weekend off.
The Good: The Pacers’ record improves 33-25 and places them in 6th place in the Eastern Conference. Indiana continues to defy preseason expectations night in and night out.
The Bad: All things offense. Both Indiana and Brooklyn were ice cold from the field tonight. It is difficult to give 100% effort in the doldrums of the rigorous NBA season, especially when the players are staring a weekend off right in the face. The Pacers will be fresh and ready to go when they play at home next Friday versus Atlanta.
MVP: BAH GAWD! THAT’S AL JEFFERSON’S MUSIC! Big Al turned back the clocks and had a great night for the Pacers. Jefferson finished with 13 points on 6/7 shooting and three rebounds.
LVP: Joe Young. Young has been on a tear over the past month. However, Joey Buckets’ momentum came to a screeching halt tonight, scoring just two points in 14 minutes.
X-Factor: Cory Joseph. Joseph filled in admirably for the injured Darren Collison tonight. He earned a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Next: Small Forward Wednesdays: Coach McMillan knows – Bojan is back
The Pacers play at home next Friday, 2/23, against the Atlanta Hawks.