Bynum shines as Pacers snap losing streak
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS — Andrew Bynum’s debut might just have come at the perfect time. The Pacers entered Tuesday’s game on a four-game losing streak and were in need of some kind of spark. Bynum provided just that, muscling his way to eight points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes of action.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the Pacers’ skid came to an end, with a 94-83 win over Boston.
The Pacers’ bench led the way in the first half, as Bynum, Luis Scola and Evan Turner combined for 20 points on 9 for 11 shooting. The Pacers headed to the locker room with a 49-40 halftime lead.
This team typically struggles when Paul George and Lance Stephenson struggle to score. George was in foul trouble all night and Stephenson started the game 1-of-8 from the field. David West carried the load with 24 points on 11-for-13 shooting, including some big shots down the stretch.
Boston put together a run in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to three. The Pacers pulled away late, and Stephenson provided seven of his nine points late in the game.
Opponents had been shooting 45 percent from 3 in the last eight games against Indiana. The Pacers held Boston to just 3-of-19 from 3 Tuesday, and just 35 percent from the field overall. Maybe that will be a step in the right direction for the defense.
Indiana coach Frank Vogel praised Bynum after the game.
“He changes the game,” Vogel said. “He’s a presence out there, on both ends of the court.”
Bynum himself was just happy to contribute.
“It’s such a winning atmosphere here,” the center said. “I’m just going to go out there and do everything I can to help.”
