2 Duds, 1 stud from Indiana Pacers' ugly loss to Minnesota Timberwolves
By Jack Simone
Stud - Isaiah Jackson
TJ McConnell deserves an honorable mention look here. With Tyrese Haliburton out, McConnell got the start for the Indiana Pacers, and he was his usual nuisance, which was fun to see.
Bruce Brown was also solid in Haliburton’s absence, taking on a bigger role in the offense on a night when the Pacers needed him to do exactly that.
But instead of those two, Isaiah Jackson will get his second straight nod as the stud of the game in a Pacers loss, as he was also the most impressive player in Indiana’s Friday night loss to the Washington Wizards.
The 21-year-old gave the Pacers a great source of energy in a game where they struggled to keep up with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have the best defense in the league.
Jackson finished the night with 12 points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks while shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor. The big man filled up the stat sheet.
Jalen Smith was playing amazing to start the year, but with him out due to injury, Jackson has stepped up and provided the Pacers with quality backup center minutes.
He’s earned a consistent role in the Pacers rotation regardless of who’s healthy.