The Indiana Pacers started their brutal stretch of games over the next two weeks with an NBA Cup showdown against the New York Knicks.
Considering the doom and gloom entering this game from a season that is rapidly going off the rails due to injuries and lackluster play from the stars, it was absolutely shocking when the Pacers managed to hold on to win by two with a final score of 106-104. Well, shocking to some, but not us.
Indiana had each of its starters hit double digits in points, and was ultimately led to victory by Ivica Zubac's double-double with nine offensive rebounds. After the start to the season he had, it's amazing to see that he stepped up to play at exactly the level Pacers fans needed to see to have confidence in a potential future playoff series.
Amazingly, Indiana won this game with less-than-favorable choices from the refs. The last two-minute report released on Saturday shows that two calls incorrectly went against Andrew Nembhard in the fourth quarter.
This was, in the clearest way, a team win. That's fantastic to see for a roster that was at times disorganized and unenthused.
Here's how they did it.
Quenton Jackson, the Brunson Stopper?
Quenton Jackson continued his breakout season with a fantastic performance on defense against Jalen Brunson, including a little spat during a timeout. Despite only scoring three points, Jackson was a +22 on the night and earned 20 minutes despite shooting just 1/4 from the field.
Jackson has become the main X-factor and breakout player for this Pacers team. His blend of fiery passion, quality defense, and underappreciated scoring instincts has finally found a home on the Pacers bench.
Even with TJ McConnell back, it's clear that there would be no reason to demote Jackson when he has been the far better player and can function as a bit of a discount Nembhard when the bench needs scoring.
McConnell, to this point, should not be prioritized over Jackson, though he also had a great night.
Funny enough, it was both McConnell and Jackson harassing Brunson throughout the fourth quarter of the game that allowed the Pacers to stay in it after a minor collapse in the third quarter.
It's hard to call either player a Brunson stopper, considering he had 33 points, but on a night when he was the only option to create offense for the Knicks, the two Pacers guards managed to make his life as difficult as possible.
Indiana will now need to face off against even stronger teams, but with one win under their belt, it doesn't look too bleak anymore.
Add us as a preferred source on Google