Pacers top Utah, end losing streak
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — A sense of relief filled Bankers Life Fieldhouse and the Pacers locker room after a 97-86 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night. It ended the Pacers six game losing streak and gave them their first win since opening night.
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
Roy Hibbert led the way with 29 points on 11-of-21 from the field. It was just one point shy of his career high.
Gordon Hayward had an impressive showing for his home state, scoring 30 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out five assists. He shot an impressive 11-of-15 from the field. He wasn’t given enough help, however, as the rest of the Jazz shot a combined 21-of-59 (35.5%).
Coach Frank Vogel is hoping to build off of this win: “Everybody is so new to their roles. Any kind of success can be a confidence builder.”
A.J. Price is playing on a 10-day contract and he’s making the most of the opportunity. He scored 22 points in 25 minutes, and hit some key shots down the stretch. “I’m playing for my life,” Price said after the game. “I’m definitely feeling comfortable. Most importantly we got the win.”
“I don’t know why he’s bouncing around in this league to be honest with you,” Vogel added. “He was big for us tonight.”
Here were some other keys in tonight’s win:
LAVOY ALLEN RECORDS A DOUBLE-DOUBLE- Allen gave the Pacers a big lift off the bench with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Six of those rebounds were on the offensive glass.
TURNOVERS WERE LIMITED- After recording 10 turnovers in the 1st quarter alone on Saturday, the Pacers took care of the basketball tonight with only seven turnovers for the game.
BENCH PLAY- The Pacers bench outscored the Jazz bench 39-11. Utah’s second unit combined for just 3-of-13 shooting.
SOLOMON HILL STAYS SOLID- For the sixth straight game, Solomon Hill scored in double-figures with 13 points.
The Pacers will travel to play the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. They will be hoping to get C.J. Miles back in the lineup, but he will be evaluated in a few days.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSmith_ISL
