Indiana Pacers: Three things learned in win over Lakers
By Justin Byers
The Indiana Pacers had its best performance of the season Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. In an electric Banker’s Life Fieldhouse, the Pacers ended the Lakers’ 14-game road winning streak.
The Indiana Pacers now have the hot hand.
Last night, the Pacers hosted LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first meeting between the two teams this season. In a highly anticipated matchup, the Pacers and Lakers certainly did not disappoint.
The Pacers entered the contest against the Lakers having won 15 of their last 20 games. In their best performance of the season, the Pacers let NBA fans across the globe know that they are a team to be reckoned with.
A team trending in the right direction and Tuesday night’s performance solidified that.
Before the matchup, the Lakers held the NBA’s best record at 24-3. However, after the loss, the Lakers are now tied with the Milwaukee Bucks at 24-4. The Lakers are 3.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference.
The Lakers were rolling before last night’s game, particularly on the road having won 14 straight road games. An incredible feat in the NBA. The record is held by the 1971-1972 Lakers. The team had 16 straight road wins.
A team that included Wilt Chamberlain, Pat Riley, and Jerry West.
But the Pacers spoiled any hopes of the Lakers surpassing that mark. Led by Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, the Pacers used a full-team effort to hinder James and the Lakers.
The Lakers were without all-star Anthony Davis.
Lakers media and fans everywhere blame the loss due to not having Davis in the lineup. However, the Pacers were without their star, Victor Oladipo, so call it fair game.
The Pacers put the league on notice after the win against the Lakers. With the team starting to find its groove, the Eastern Conference has become more competitive than some have expected.
With this win, there are many takeaways regarding the Pacers moving forward and how far the team can go.
Here are five things we learned about the Pacers after their win over the Lakers: