Indiana Pacers: Player grades from bounce back win over the New Orleans Pelicans

Domantas Sabonis returned to All-Star form for the Indiana Pacers against NOLA

It’s no rocket science: the Pacers are at their best when Domantas Sabonis is in his usual All-Star form.

While the two-time All-Star’s numbers have dipped a tad to begin the season, he’s still Indiana’s most potent and best all-around player, especially offensively. However, a noticeable pattern has been the offense’s tendency to shy away from having him as a catalyst, with Domas just third in the team in usage.

Against New Orleans, however, Sabonis had no semblance of simply settling, finishing the game with a game-high 20 points, including 10 rebounds and six assists, on six of 11 shooting from the field. Domas also had it going from rainbow country, knocking down two of this three tries from downtown. Better yet, he registered all these in just 21 minutes.

I’ve seen many fans bark on how Sabonis is not being maximized in the team’s offense, particularly in their recent games, and I couldn’t agree more. However, a part of it is also under his control, since he hasn’t been as assertive this season. Sustaining this play, nothing less and a little bit more, could ultimately be the impetus that either drives the Indiana Pacers to a better record, or tethers them to where they are currently at.

Domantas Sabonis: A+