March Magic: Pacers drop big game at home to Orlando
By Tony East
For once, it was the defense that was inadequate as the Indiana Pacers lose to the Orlando Magic.
The Indiana Pacers just aren’t playing good basketball right now. Tonight was another example of that.
100. Final. 121. 38. 116
The Pacers actually played well in a third quarter for once, which has been rare for them of late. This time, it was the fourth quarter that got them, as they loosened their abilities on defense and watched Orlando make everything, including a 10-0 run that took the Magic’s lead up to 9.
It’s pretty inexplicable, but Terrance Ross continues to play like an MVP candidate against the Pacers. He only had 16 this time, not as much as he normally damages Indiana, but he hit tons of big shots in the 4th quarter and was a game-high +21. The Pacers will be happy to never play him again.
The Magic beat the Pacers at their own game. Both teams had 7 players hit double-digit scoring, but the Magic’s 8th and 9th guys combined for 18 while the Pacers’ combined for 11. The fringe players matter.
CoJo Oh No.
This man can’t make a thing. I don’t know what else there is to say. It’s been a handful of days since we wrote about his slump and it still isn’t over.
He’s shooting 32% since the All-Star break. It has to get better eventually, right?
RIGHT?!
Sabonis can’t beat the Magic.
The Orlando Magic drafted Domantas Sabonis. Tonight, and this season, he did not make them regret it.
He finishes the season 5/17 shooting against Orlando. He had more fouls than made shots against the Magic. This was one of the few teams that found a way to slow him down.
March is over.
So, that month sucked.
The Pacers finished the month 4-9. Included in that 13 games was a BRUTAL stretch of games from their first OKC game through tonight. I predicted they would win 3 of those games. They only won 2.
It’s over. Let’s move on. Hopefully, the team can too. They looked frustrated after this loss, they need to have a good April.
Let’s talk player grades:
A -. One of the best things about this team tonight. 24 points and 9 assists on very solid shooting. He stepped up and played.. PG. Indiana Pacers. DARREN COLLISON
Matthews was hitting his 3-ball and played solid defense on Evan Fournier. He did well at the things he is supposed to do.. SG. Indiana Pacers. WESLEY MATTHEWS. B +
B. 22 points and 7 assists for Bogey, who continues to play very well. 4 turnovers really hurt his total impact, though.. SF. Indiana Pacers. BOJAN BOGDANOVIC
THADDEUS YOUNG. C. Thad was efficient and okay on offense, but his defense wasn’t good tonight. He had a zillion deflections but couldn’t quite keep Aaron Gordon in check. He had 4 fouls, too.. PF. Indiana Pacers
C. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER. C. Continued his aggressive play on the glass (12 rebounds), but couldn’t contain Vucevic (18 points) and fouled 5 times. 1/6 from deep didn’t help.
C. Orlando is weirdly his kryptonite.. C. Indiana Pacers. DOMANTAS SABONIS
D. Even his defense was just okay tonight. He did hit 2/4 shots but wasn’t good.. PG. Indiana Pacers. CORY JOSEPH
Indiana Pacers. DOUG MCDERMOTT. C. Credit the Magic defense for not letting McDermott get up a single 3. He was 5/10 on 2s though. Doug was fine.. SF
TYREKE EVANS. D. 3/9, 2 turnovers, 0 assists. Back to bad Reke, I guess.. SG. Indiana Pacers
C. Took too long to sub in the 4th.. Head Coach. Indiana Pacers. NATE MCMILLAN
Next. A plan of action if the Pacers fall too far behind the Celtics. dark
The Pacers kick off April at home against Detroit. Hopefully, they can get back on track against a divisional foe.