Games Grades

OFFENSE

3 CHRISTMAS TREES

They outscored their season average, which is usually a good thing. For a good portion of the game, the Pacers looked better than they’d looked all season. Before the ridiculous cold streak to end the game, the Pacers were shooting 50% from the field, which, when combined with less turnovers than usual, created a newfound offensive flow. This team has been one of the worst offensive teams in the league this year, and any spurt of good offense is something that we fans should appreciate.

DEFENSE

2 CHRISTMAS TREES

This was not the type of defensive performance we’ve become accustomed to. Obviously the Spurs are one of the best teams in the league, but that Pacers did not put together the type of defensive game they’re capable of. They rebounded the basketball like they’ve done all year. Coming into the game they were 2^nd in the NBA in rebounds per game, and outdid their average and significantly out boarded the Spurs. Gotta find something to be happy about in games like this.

STARTERS

3 CHRISTMAS TREES

The starters could not miss for a spell in the middle of the game, but it was their responsibility to close out the game, and they couldn’t get it done. Roy Hibbert continued to struggle finding his shot, going 5/18. David West was consistent as usual. Paul George stayed hot shooting the ball, but pulled a disappearing act in every other facet of the game.

BENCH

4 CHRISTMAS TREES

Every single player that came off the bench for the Pacers had a positive +/- for the game. What that means is that whenever the bench players were on the floor the Pacers outscored the Spurs. That’s a significant statistic that often gets overlooked. Tyler Hansbrough had 12 boards, and was the usual hustle machine. DJ Augustin finally played a decent game, dropping 8 dimes and limiting the turnovers.

OVERALL

3 CHRISTMAS TREES

Any game that features a 17 point lead against a legitimate title contender can’t be a complete waste. Sure, the final product left something to be desired, but there’s plenty of good to take away from this game. We can’t forget, though, that the Pacers blew a 17 point lead. At home. In a very important game. These are issues that cannot happen to good teams. I know we’ve decided the Pacers aren’t a “good” team per se, but I like to think they’re good enough to expect them to hold on to a huge lead. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

Indiana Pacers (6-8)  97

It was a battle from the tip between the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs on the day after Thanksgiving at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. All that counts, however, is the outcome. That outcome went in San Antonio’s favor as they beat Indiana for the 11th straight time.

First it was the Spurs that jumped out in front early, taking a 28-25 lead after the first period. Those 12 minutes, largely dominated by point guard Tony Parker of the Spurs, provided spectators a glimpse of what was sure to be an exciting contest.

The Indiana Pacers second unit responded very well in the second quarter. Their bench, rebuilt by Pacers’ President Donnie Walsh and general manager Kevin Pritchard this offseason, showed what they are capable of against arguably the most successful franchise in the NBA over the past two decades. DJ Augustin was breaking down the San Antonio defense and finding open shooters. Tyler Hansbrough entered the game and hauled in 11 rebounds in about 11 minutes of action.

After 24 minutes, it was the Pacers that had a four-point lead at 52-48.

Coming out of the half, the Pacers’ starting five continued where the bench left off. With strong play from Lance Stephenson and Paul George, the Pacers opened up a 17-point lead and looked to be running away from the Spurs. Stephenson, whom former Pacers President Larry Bird called the team’s “most talented player,” even made Tony Parker look silly on an incredible crossover and drive to the basket for a layup that forced Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to call a timeout.

Not so fast, though, Popovich replied. San Antonio came out of the timeout and closed the third quarter on a run of their own to inch back within four points, 77-73, heading into the home stretch.

That’s when the Indiana Pacers lost the lead and lost the game. It turned into the Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili show, as per usual. Not a soul on the Pacers could stay with Ginobili as he drove to the basket, drained open shots and found open teammates for more offense. Parker and Duncan put the finishing touches on the win, as Parker put together a 33-point, 10-assist evening and Duncan was, well, Duncan.

The future Hall of Fame center added 22 points and 17 rebounds – a typical outing for the crafty veteran – to put the blue and gold away for good.

David West led the Pacers in scoring with 22 points to go with eight boards. Paul George followed up his historical night on Wednesday with 15 points and Hibbert closed the night with 10 points (5-18 field goals) and 11 rebounds.

The Indiana Pacers are now staring at a three-game western road trip followed by their first matchup with the Bulls at the United Center in Chicago.