I watched the majority of the game today, and apart from a slick performance from Paul George (34 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 13-24 shooting), the Pacers didn’t really play that well. They were sloppy with the ball, coughing up 18 turnovers, and shot 45.7% overall, good for them but hardly blazing. The reason they still got their biggest win of the season, 112-85 against Philadelphia, is because the 76ers truly suck balls.
The Pacers almost played down to Philly’s level, but that level is so low that they simply couldn’t get there. So even without George Hill, Rodney Stuckey and Myles Turner, the Pacers toyed with Philly from about midway through the second quarter and weren’t threatened after that.
As long as PG continues playing like this — he’s making it look routine — the Pacers will be in good shape in the East. Monta only had 7 points, but he did it on 3-7 shooting and added 9 assists, which wouldn’t be too bad except for the 5 turnovers. I am liking what I see from him more and more. The Pacers offense is just more fluid when he is on the court.
CJ Miles had one of his hot shooting games (20 points, 7-12), which is always good to see, and Chase Budinger also stood out for his hustle, getting 15 points, 6 rebounds (3 offensive) ans 2 blocks, even though he only shot 5-13.
The 7-5 Pacers will next face the Bucks.
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