When I said the Pacers could very well start the season 0-3 I didn’t actually expect it to happen. But that’s the harsh reality staring back at Frank Vogel and co, who find themselves in a hole of that precise depth following a 97-76 thumping at the hands of the Jazz, in Indy no less.
Not a lot to like after the first half as the Pacers were out-scored 55-27 the rest of the way. It was a familiar sight to see this new team get trampled in the second half after putting up decent efforts at the start.
I saw some things I wanted to see: Paul George shot well (6-11 for 16 points), Monta Ellis was noticeably more aggressive 14 shots, making only 5 en route to 12 points) and Myles Turner getting more minutes (22 mins, 10 points, 4 rebounds and a block). But I didn’t get what I wanted to see, and that’s a much-needed win.
Vogel will no doubt put on a brave face and try to sound optimistic, but it has to be concerning to Pacers brass that the start to small ball has been disastrous.
Again, I preach patience at this early juncture. As scary as things look now, the Pacers can turn things around with a win against the 3-0 Pistons in Detoit next.
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