Forethoughts
If you were wondering if the Pacers' big comeback win over the Pistons on Saturday night was maybe one of those turn-the-corner type of wins, there was little evidence of that Monday night. The Sixers, playing as poorly any team in the league, were in this one until the final three minutes. That's something that should never happen when the team fighting for the best record in the league is playing at home against the team fighting for the worst record in the league (and yes you read the right, fighting for the worst record in the league). So, while it's nice to have won four straight, just looking at this game, you can't say with any certainty that the Pacers have returned to their early season form when they regularly embarrassed weaker opponents. This is the kind of game you the Pacers should have built an early double digit lead in and then pull away by 20-something points in the third quarter to rest the regulars in the fourth quarter. But instead, the Pacers had to fight to win this one, and they did, and I suppose that is a good thing for the team. There, however, is a higher standard for this team and playing just good enough to win against bad teams doesn't come close to meeting it.
The Big Plays
Unfortunately these all came late in the game, but better late than never. The Pacers were up 88-85 with 2:52 to go when the Sixers had the ball and chance to tie it. Fortunately, Sixers guard Michael Carter-Williams missed a 3-pointer and the Pacers responded with three straight 3-point plays. The first was a 3-pointer by George Hill, then Roy Hibbert rebounded a miss and put it back in and was fouled and made the free throw. And the highlight worthy play at the end was Paul George's dunk, when he was fouled and also made the free throw.
 |
| Lance Stephenson had 19 points in the first in the Pacers win against the Sixers Monday night. |
1) Maybe just being the backup center it what it takes to play well. The Pacers were without Andrew Bynum in this one, so the backup duties went to Ian Mahinmi. He responded by scoring 10 points while grabbing five rebounds and blocking a shot. Mahinmi led a bench effort too that saw them combine for 24 points, while hitting 9 of 18 shots from the field. So without Bynum, overall a good effort from the bench on a night that they needed it.
2) Lance Stephenson finished with 25 points, including having a 19-point first half. The Pacers need Stephenson to be active and when he's making plays, or at least trying to make plays, that's a good thing. Sure the five turnovers he had in this one are a bit of an issue, but at this point in his career it's just something you have to live when when it comes to Stephenson. I'd rather see him active and involved and making an occasional turnover than being a spectator while he's on the court.
The Downs
1) It's hard to say what exactly is going on with Roy Hibbert. I've long been a Hibbert fan, knowing how hard he has worked to be able to play at a high level in this league. Hibbert always brings the defense and that's the most important thing. But they need to get something from him offensively, too. In his last nine games he has scored in double figures just three times on 29 of 69 shooting. Hibbert isn't meant to carry the offensive load for the team and that's OK. But the Pacers do need him to be a confident offensive player so they can take advantage of his size when he is matched up against smaller centers. The good part is you know Hibbert will keep working to get his offensive game back up to par, but any time now would be fine.
2) This has nothing to do with the Pacers, but it was St. Patrick's Day and the Celtics were on the road. That's just not right.
Next Up
The Pacers travel to New York to take on the hated Knicks in an 8 p.m. game at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night. The Knicks have had a disappointing season, but they are now trying to rally and find a way into the playoffs. They are 27-40 and have won six in a row, but it's important to note that only of those wins (against Minnesota) have come against teams with winning records, and two of them were against the Sixers and Milwaukee, the teams with the two worst records in the league. So take that for it's worth. But nonetheless, the Pacers will have to play better in New York than they did Monday night to get a win there. The Knicks are led by Carmelo Anthony at 28 points per game, Andrea Bargnani and J.R. Smith each at 13.3 points, Amare Stoudemire at 10.9 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. at 10.2 points, Raymond Felton at 9.9 points and 5.7 assists and Tyson Chandler at 9.2 points and 10.2 rebounds. The Pacers defeated the Knicks 117-89 at Indiana on Jan. 16 and also 103-96 in overtime at New York on Nov. 20.
No comments:
Post a Comment