Pacers lose third straight
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — The Pacers didn’t lose their third game of the season a year ago until December 8th, in game number 21. Things have changed a great deal, as Indiana is simply trying to hang around until injured players David West, George Hill, and C.J. Watson return. In a game that looked good on paper, the Pacers had a poor shooting night on way to an 87-81 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was Milwaukee’s first road win in their last 17 road games dating back to last season.
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
“We’re playing unselfishly, and we’re playing hard,” Coach Frank Vogel said after the game. “But it’s all about execution. We just had a tough shooting night. I was more disappointed in our ability to take care of the basketball.”
Despite the third straight loss, the Pacers are looking for positive signs. Lavoy Allen and Solomon Hill have looked promising in the early going. Allen grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass. Solomon Hill posted career-highs with 12 points and two steals. Injuries always create opportunities for guys to gain confidence, and the Pacers will need these players to contribute big minutes throughout this season.
Roy Hibbert had another solid night with 16 points and seven rebounds. The Pacers big man remains optimistic: “It’s going to be up and down. We’re showing that we can play in spurts. We need to play better, and we know that.”
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STUCKEY REMAINS LIMITED- The Pacers can’t wait for Rodney Stuckey to be ready for extended minutes. Despite a poor shooting night, Stuckey still ignited a few more Pacers runs. He was plus+13 on the night. He will remain limited tomorrow night and will be reevaluated before the weekend.
MILES CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE- C.J. Miles went scoreless in 28 minutes of action. It’s been a rough start to the season for the newcomer. “He will be alright” Vogel said. “We all have confidence in him. It’s going to come around.”
TURNOVERS- Having poor shooting nights are expected, but the Pacers can’t expect to win when they don’t take care of the basketball. They committed 19 turnovers which resulted in 28 points for the Bucks.
Up next: The Pacers still have three more games this week- at Washington on Wednesday, at Boston on Friday, and back home for another showdown with Washington on Saturday.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @sports_tys_20
