Grade the Game: 3 Studs, 2 duds from Indiana Pacers win vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Dud - Buddy Hield

Before the start of the year, rumblings started up that the Indiana Pacers could look to trade Buddy Hield, as the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension.

However, Hield remained on the team, and he’s been an integral part of the Pacers’ rotation thus far, putting up some pretty solid numbers overall.

So far this season, Hield has been what he’s always been - one of the best three-point shooters in the league. He’s paid to shoot the ball, and that’s what he’s been doing.

Unfortunately, he failed to do that on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. His shot just wasn’t there, and when Hield isn’t shooting well, his value on the court plummets.

Against the Bucks, Hield finished the game with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal while shooting 4-of-14 from the field and just 2-of-11 from behind the three-point line.

As one would expect, Pacers fans were less than thrilled with Hield on social media during and after the game despite the fact that the Pacers walked away with a win.

Hield isn’t going to be lights out from distance every single night. Nobody is. But on the nights where he doesn’t have it, his grade will reflect his struggles.

Grade: D+