2 Studs, 1 dud from Indiana Pacers clutch win over rival Milwaukee Bucks
By Jack Simone
Dud - Jalen Smith
The Indiana Pacers made a starting lineup switch not long ago, and Jalen Smith was one of the guys who got inserted into the new-look starting unit.
A hot start to the season was cut short for Smith, who missed nine games from November 30 to December 18, and on December 26, he was handed a starting job next to Myles Turner in the frontcourt.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t as effective as he normally is in the Pacers’ win over the Milwaukee Bucks, as the starting lineup was effectively carried by the bench unit for most of the night.
Smith ended the game with seven points and two rebounds while shooting just 3-of-10 from the floor and 1-of-6 from behind the three-point line.
He only ended up playing 11:30, giving way to the bench unit, who stepped up in a big way. Isaiah Jackson and Obi Toppin popped off, putting up some great numbers.
Aaron Nesmith also had a shot at landing in the dud spot, as he shot just 1-of-10 from the floor and 1-of-7 from deep, but he had three steals and two blocks, so Smith just edges him out.
The Pacers’ new-look starting lineup has worked thus far, but Monday night was not its best look.