Pacers block out the Suns, win second straight on the road

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The Indiana Pacers overcame a second-half Phoenix run to defeat the young Suns for their second straight road win.

The Indiana Pacers held a healthy 13-point lead midway through the third quarter. That was until the Suns, on the back of T.J. Warren (25 points), roared back to take a four-point lead in the fourth quarter. The game came down to the wire but the Pacers were able to make enough clutch plays to scrape out a win against the exciting Phoenix Suns.

The Pacers were once again without Victor Oladipo, whose absence is obvious when the Pacers are on offense. Without Oladipo, the Pacers simply don’t have the dynamism to make things happen without creative offense, great effort, and hot shooting (of which the Pacers got all three tonight.)

The Pacers are a modest 3-2 without Vic on the season but they need him back. I am sick and tired of Cory Joseph pull-up airballs at the end of the shot clock.

Oh, and slow as molasses Darren Collison did this to the number one overall pick in the draft, who’s name doesn’t deserve a mention after the torture his left ankle underwent:

100. 104. 66. Final. 109

Myles Turner haters, take a seat

Myles Turner arguably played his best game of the season one night after he arguably played the best game of the season. His 16 points, 13 rebounds, and five (!!!) blocks were critical in ensuring a Pacer victory. Turner showed up in the clutch too, nailing a three to give Indiana a key lead down the stretch.

His defense was fantastic; Turner did his part in making the Suns feel uncomfortable around the rim. Turner’s sole presence around the basket evoked angry veneers dissembling the saturnine realization that any Sun was not going to get that ball in the bucket when Myles is around. His defense on the perimeter was excellent, switching with deft feet and fine technique.

Dougie does damage down south

After his Thanksgiving enlightenment, Doug McDermott has finally seemed to find his groove. His presence on the floor was invaluable for the Pacers tonight. He scorched the nets for the second straight night, dropping in five threes en route to 21 points on the night, leading Indiana in scoring.

His sun-like gravitational pull running around screens like a chicken with his head cut off (who just so happens to be a three-point marksman) warps the defense, creating openings for himself and others.

McDermott’s defense certainly wasn’t great (he made Josh Jackson look like a good NBA player tonight, which, in itself, is mildly concerning,) but his effort was spot on and he did a solid job on the night.

Pacers potentially in line for a big win streak coming up

The Pacers’ next six opponents are the Lakers, Kings, Bulls, Magic, Kings, and Wizards. They then face two tough Eastern Conference rivals in Milwaukee and Philadelphia before returning to the cellar to take on the Knicks, Cavs, Nets, Wizards again, and Hawks. Currently sitting at 13-8, the Pacers are in a solid position especially given their recent injury woes. If things go well, the Pacers could build up some serious momentum heading into the next few weeks.

Enough rambling, grades time!

B+. The disrespectful ankle-breaker of DeAndre Ayton has to raise this grade. But in truth, Collision played a good game controlling the offense, netting 11 points and 11 assists.. PG. Indiana Pacers. DARREN COLLISON

Indiana Pacers. VICTOR OLADIPO. N/A. Get well soon, Vic!. SG

Bogey wasn’t on his game tonight, as Doug McDermott stole much of the spotlight on the wing. Yet, the best shooter in the league, as proclaimed by Quinn Buckner, hit a clutch corner three to essentially ice the game for Indiana.. SF. Indiana Pacers. BOJAN BOGDANOVIC. B

PF. Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG. B. Insert typical blurb about Young’s glue-guy goodness and how the team would fall apart if he were to leave (happy, Tony?)

MYLES TURNER. A. Man, was Turner fantastic or what (where are you, “or what” people?) More than his ability on offense, his stifling defensive presence uplifted Indiana in a multitude of ways.. C. Indiana Pacers

A-. Domantas Sabonis is still an absolute weapon on the offense glass and might be the most handsome man in the NBA. He dropped in 21 points and snatched 16 boards, seven of which were offensive. Despite his offensive prowess, the defense is still a problem, folks.. C. Indiana Pacers. DOMANTAS SABONIS

SG. Indiana Pacers. TYREKE EVANS. C. Evans took too many bad shots and made too many dumb plays. Four steals is nice but five turnovers and only eight points are not.

B. Cojo was effective on defense and recorded seven assists. However, the goose egg on offense wasn’t pretty (stop the 20-foot contested pull-ups, please!). PG. Indiana Pacers. CORY JOSEPH

A. See what happens when you pass this glorious man the ball?!. SF. Indiana Pacers. DOUG MCDERMOTT

TJ LEAF. C+. Leaf’s +13 net rating led the team.. PF. Indiana Pacers

Next. Someone please pass Doug McDermott the ball. dark

The Pacers next game is on Thursday against the Lance Stephenson-led Los Angeles Lakers.