I won't lie. I thought the Indiana Pacers were going to embarrass themselves again against the San Antonio Spurs, but they actually put up a respectable effort and led by 17 points before the inevitable comeback, ending with a 104-97 loss.
A loss is a loss but at least it showed that the Pacers can compete with one of the best and most efficient teams in the league at both ends of the floor. A long way go still, but it's encouraging to see the Pacers slowly turning their season around.
David West led the way with 22 points while Paul George had 15. Roy Hibbert was 5-18 and finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds to go with 2 blocks, but was dominated by the ageless Duncan, who had 22 and 17 on 10-19 shooting. Tony Parker, whom the Pacers could have drafted instead of Jamaal Tinsley, led all scorers with 33.
Perhaps the most positive sign for the Pacers was DJ Augustin leading the Pacers with 8 assists to go with his 8 points. The dude has been gutter awful all season and this is hopefully a sign of better things to come.
The Pacers next face the 7-7 Lakers at Staples and it will take a damn near miracle to get a win, though I am much more confident than I was before this game against the Spurs.
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