The Indiana Pacers had won 6 of 7 games entering tonight’s game against the Bulls at home, the team that handed them their only L during that stretch. For those who don’t remember, it was a one-point loss that came when Jimmy Butler blocked Paul George’s jumper just before the buzzer.
And so this rematch was a litmus test for this new team after a surprisingly strong start to the season, and to be honest, I was ready for a letdown. Well, Paul George and the Pacers weren’t, and they got revenge by cruising past the Bulls. Final score: 104-92.
Despite shooting at percentages that are certainly too good to be sustained, the Pacers continue to impress by not just winning but winning big against solid teams. They have been doing so largely thanks to the ridiculousness of Paul George, who put up 33 tonight (albeit on 11-24 shooting) and completely outplayed Bulls’ stars Butler (16 points, 4-10 shooting) and Derrick Rose (10 points, 4-16 shooting). Notably, 15 of PG’s points came in the 4th quarter when the Bulls were trying to make a final surge to close the gap.
It wasn’t a one-man effort though. CJ Miles continued his impressive shooting, scoring 16, all in the first half. Lavoy Allen had his best game of the season by virtue of hitting his wide open shots, putting up a 16, 10 and 2-block stat line off the bench on a night Jordan Hill missed the game with a sore lower back. Likewise for Ian Mahinmi, who had 15 and 9, mostly because he hit 7-10 free throws. Perhaps this will be a turning point for him.
Anyway. it’s easy to get excited about this great 10-5 start, especially after going 0-3 out of the gate. But remember, Paul George was in the MVP conversation a couple of years ago with gaudy numbers that rival what he is putting up now, but he soon hit a wall and the entire team fell off a cliff. And since he’s coming back from that broken leg, you have to wonder whether it’s going to happen again.
Still, I like the mentality of the team right now, going back to embracing the underdog role and defying expectations. They’re also beating teams down, rather than relaxing and letting opponents get back in the game like they were in the past. These are good signs, and remember, Rodney Stuckey is still not 100%, Myles Turner is still out and Monta Ellis could be playing much better.
The Pacers now sit at second place in the Eastern Conference but will have their work cut out for them as they embark on their first extended West Coast trip of the season. Fortunately for them, their first opponent is the hapless LA Lakers, but I suspect it could be a trap game for the Pacers if they start looking too far ahead.
After the Lakers the Pacers will take on the Clippers, who might not be playing their best basketball right now but could be by then. Next, it’s Portland, followed by a grudge match against Utah. Is 3-1 asking for too much? I just hope the Pacers are up for the challenge in the game after that, a showdown with the defending champs. Can’t wait!
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