8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

3 takeaways from the Indiana Pacers opening night win

By Tony East

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 17: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 17, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 17: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 17, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Tyreke Evans Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 17: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 17, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana.(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Tyreke Evans will fit in very well on this Pacers team

Your team leader in assists on night number one of the season? Tyreke Evans.

Why is that the lede I chose for Evans? Because it shows that Tyreke gels with other guys on the team. Evans wasn’t brought in to necessarily be a distributor. His main asset that the Pacers craved was his ability to score and keep the team buoyant with Victor Oladipo on the bench while also being a secondary option with Oladipo.

In game one, he showed all of that and more. He went 5/7 from inside the arc, showcasing his ability to get to the rim. He was a +23 and facilitated many of the second units best offensive sets. But like I opened with, he showed his fit with the squad by diming other guys up on multiple occasions. Six of them, to be exact.

He fits in exceptionally well with so many guys. His pick-and-roll magic is the right puzzle piece with Domantas Sabonis. His perimeter D meshes with Cory Joseph‘s feisty perimeter chops. His passing suits Doug McDermott well. Tyreke is going to be a great fit in Indiana.

Oh, and he has some grit too:

Tyreke is going to make this team better, plain and simple. He will be a joy to watch all season long.

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