Indiana Pacers: Player Grades from 4th Quarter Collapse against the Cavs

B-. The grade here might seem a bit low for Indiana’s likely first-time all star, as he converted all of his shots inside the arc, collected 3 steals, and dished out a whopping 14 assists to his teammates against the Cavs. The problem lies with his outside shooting, as Tyrese went 0-8 from 3pt land, which isn’t exactly a recipe for success.  While Haliburton is still making plays at an elite level every night, to having a poor shooting performance like this so soon after his ugly 1 point game against the Heat earlier this week, can lead to some slight worries about his shot consistency going forward.</p><br /><p>. Guard. Indiana Pacers. TYRESE HALIBURTON

AARON NESMITH. A-. This was one of the better games for Nesmith in a while, as the former-Celtic shot an efficient 6-8 from the field(2-4 from 3), while collecting 4 boards and providing solid defense all night long. Most encouraging was to see Nesmith not afraid to take big shots in the fourth quarter, as he had a timely 3 as well as a tough finish at the rim to quiet the Cavs momentum before ultimately the game got away from the Pacers at the end.. Guard/Forward. Indiana Pacers

C. Inserted into the starting lineup to combat the Cavs twin towers of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Jalen Smith did not do much to show why he should be a more consistent starter than Nesmith in this one. While Smith shot efficiently from the field(4-6), he was only able to stay on the floor for 14 minutes while struggling against rising star Mobley. It seems like Smith’s stock has not risen for awhile, and until he can prove consistency on both offense and defense every night, the starting spot should belong to Nesmith.. Center/Forward. Indiana Pacers. JALEN SMITH

BENNEDICT MATHURIN. B+. Mathurin had yet another solid game coming off the bench for the Pacers, scoring 22 points on 7-16 shooting to go along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. The rookie made splash plays and showed lots of grit in this one, but you have to wonder for a guy with his scoring gravity, how much more he could elevate not only his own game, but the entire team by trying to dish out more than 1.6 assists per game.. Guard. Indiana Pacers

B+. A solid day at the office for Myles Turner netted him yet another double-double(12 points, 11 rebounds), continued hot 3pt shooting(2-5 from deep), and he was able to hold all-star center Jarrett Allen to 7 points. While they were not able to pull out the win, Turner still left his impact on the game.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER

ANDREW NEMBHARD. C. After a scoring breakout a few week ago, Nembhard has come back down to earth, posting double digit scoring just once in the past six games. Nembhard was assigned a tough matchup Friday night, drawing the scorching-hot Donovan Mitchell, and did not exactly slow him down by any means. With counting stats of 2 assists and only 1! rebound in 30 min of action as well, Nembhard must prove he is still worthy of the starting lineup before second year phenom Chris Duarte is back from injury.. Guard. Indiana Pacers

B. Solid game from Buddy Buckets, as he posted a stat-line of 14 pts, 5 assists, and one rebound.   Hield shot the ball well (4-6 from 3), but was apart of a guard rotation that allowed open 3 after open 3 all night en-route to the Cavs comeback in the fourth quarter.. Guard. Indiana Pacers. BUDDY HIELD

ISAIAH JACKSON. B+. Impressive game for Jackson off the bench, as he ended up with more minutes(18) than starter Jalen Smith(14) and the superior stat-line as well(10pts, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 5-8 shooting). While not able to find a consistent role yet with the Pacers this season, Jackson’s stock has only gone up from this game, as he is showing why he deserves minutes, combining his physical play and lob threat prowess with smart decision making. With the way Smith has been playing recently, the door could be open for Jackson to get his opportunity.. Center. Indiana Pacers

C. After a solid outing in the win over the Warriors, Brissett was quiet this game, with only 5 points and 1 rebound in 14 minutes of action. Oshae must be able to string together solid nights if he wants to have a consistent role with the Pacers the rest of the season.. Forward. Indiana Pacers. OSHAE BRISSETT

B-. T.J did what we expect T.J to do at this point. McConnell ran the point with pace, made plays for his  team-mates(6 assists in 15 min), and brought the energy and the hustle. It was another solid day at the office for the 7 year vet.. Guard. Indiana Pacers. T.J MCCONNELL

Next. The Aaron Nesmith saga continues. dark