Indiana Pacers: Stock Report after close loss versus Knicks.
The Indiana Pacers fell to the New York Knicks 109-106 on Sunday evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse , spoiling the long-awaited return of forward Chris Duarte to lineup.
This Pacers game went down to the wire, combining with the Knicks for 18 lead changes and 9 ties throughout the game . Both teams went on runs just for the other team to go on runs of the own, with the biggest lead being the Knicks up 8 in the second quarter. The Knicks Big 3 of Randle(19 pts), Brunson(30 pts), and Barrett(24) fueled the Knicks , each scoring double digit points, while the Pacers spread the ball around to the whole team, with strong performances especially from Aaron Nesmith and Buddy Hield. Ultimately, someone had to win the game, and the Knicks committed fewer mistakes down the stretch to cap off their 7th win in as many games.
Here is a review of how some of the Pacers performed in the loss.
STOCK UP
A+. Officially a career night for Nesmith, who set a a personal best with 23 points against the Knicks, as well as notched a double-double with a career high 11 rebounds! Nesmith’s energy was the beating heart of this team tonight , chasing after lose balls, driving to the rim with intensity, and even throwing down a few dunks. Nesmith’s improvements the past few weeks has not gone un-noticed, and he is making his case to stay in the starting lineup on a long-term basis.<p>Stat check: Nesmith has scored in double digits 4 of the past 5 games, and is shooting 42.9% from 3 in the month of December</p>. Forward. Indiana Pacers. AARON NESMITH
B+. Yes, I know that Buddy fouled out. Yes I understand he made a costly turnover with under a minute left in the game. While Buddy did not have a perfect game, the shooting from Hield was reason for optimism. Hield shot 9-16 from the field, including a fantastic 5/10 from 3pt land. There were stretches in the game where you could tell Buddy was on fire and there was nothing anyone could do to stop him, and he tied Nesmith for the team lead in points with 23. Buddy is currently having one of the best seasons of his career and is improving his trade value by the game, something the Pacers are no doubt going to be monitoring in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.. Guard. Indiana Pacers. BUDDY HIELD
Good to see a solid game from Smith after a string of inconsistent play. Smith didn’t get a ton of minutes tonight(11), but he did the most with the time he was given. Smith scored 9 points on 4-5 shooting, and collected a steal and a block. Hopefully this turns into a streak of consistent play from Smith, as the former lottery-pick still has a lot to prove.. Center/Forward. Indiana Pacers. JALEN SMITH. B
Stock Down
D. Not the greatest game from Nembhard in this one. The second round rookie finished with 4 points, 1 assist, and 2 rebounds, and an abysmal 5 fouls in 27 minutes of action. Nembhard looked off the mark with his shooting and stuggled to fin any consistency on offense or defense, and as only scored over double digit points once in his past 7 games. These types of games are to be expected as Nembhard is a rookie, and a second rounder at that. Still, it would be good to see him play more consistently these next few games.. Guard. Indiana Pacers. ANDREW NEMBHARD
C-. After a recent stretch of great play, Turner served up a dud in this one, ending with only 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block on terrible efficiency(2-10). While being guarded by Mitchell Robinson is no easy task, it was still discouraging to see Turner get taken out of a game that needed more interior presence from the Pacers, both on the boards and in the scoring department.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
Holds
TYRESE HALIBURTON. B-. Haliburton had an ok game by his standards( 15 pts, 10 ast), but shot the ball at an ineffecient clip (5-16 shooting). In a game where the Pacers needed clutch buckets down the stretch, a more aggressive mindset from Haliburton could have led to a different outcome for the Pacers. Guard. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers(15-16) have now dropped below .500, and will look to right the ship Wednesday against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
What are your thoughts on the Pacers loss against the Knicks? Leave a comment below!
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