Well that sucked. The Pacers can't be considered a serious threat for the title until they show that they can win on the road with some kind of consistency.
Following that impressive victory against the Grizzlies, the Pacers fell into a shooting slump again and were blown away 100-80 by Portland, the first time they gave up 100 points or more to an opponent since a loss to Atlanta on Dec. 29 last year.
It seemed like a good opportunity for the Pacers to extend Portland's recent six-game losing streak, but instead they failed to compete on both sides of the floor, allowing the Blazers to shoot 56.4% while connecting on just 37.5% of their own. I hate to say it, but there's no reason why this Pacers team, with the kind of offensive players that they have, should continue to be so horrible offensively. Yes, Danny Granger is out, but it shouldn't be THIS bad.
David West had 21 but was repeatedly burned by LaMarcus Aldridge, who had a game high 27. Paul George had 22 and George Hill 11, but no other Pacer managed to reach double figures.
The 26-17 Pacers next visit the 23-19 Utah on Saturday. The Pacers have not lost consecutive games since Dec. 9, so this will be a great bounce back opportunity.
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