Pacers get much-needed win, 91-79 over Bulls
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS — After a frustrating night in New York on Wednesday, several Pacers players sounded off on the lack of team ball in recent games. Tonight, the team ball returned as the Pacers put together 27 assists and a solid defensive effort for a 91-79 victory over Chicago at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Every Pacers starter took between nine and 13 field goal attempts, resembling the team that shared the ball so well in the first half of the season.
As expected, this was a defensive battle between two of the top defensive teams in the NBA.
The Pacers were given a huge spark by the second unit in the second quarter, including Chris Copeland, who was given some playing time. Luis Scola was one of the stories of the game, finding his shot again and scoring 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting. He has really struggled to find his shot since a hot start early in the season, and tonight proved how valuable he could be for this team. The Pacers are now 13-3 when Scola scores in double figures, and 25-5 on the year when the second unit outscores the opponent’s second unit.
It was just a one-point Pacers lead at the half, but a 19-2 run to start the third quarter put the Pacers in control for good. Once again, it was a return to form perhaps for the Pacers, who dominated so many third quarters earlier in the season to put games away.
Paul George had another poor shooting night (3-of-13) but still finished with his first triple-double of the season. Lance Stephenson added 15 points, and Roy Hibbert recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
“Very proud of the team approach, and a willingness to share and move the basketball,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. “Our lack of screening has led to a lot of 1 on 1 lately, and we did a much better job tonight.”
While it was a big win for the Pacers, they won’t have any time to enjoy this one. They play in Memphis tomorrow night, followed by another date with Chicago on Monday, and a showdown with the Miami Heat at home on Wednesday.
Follow Tyler Smith on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sports_TYs_20.
