Pacers fall to Suns
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — After winning four of their previous five games, the Pacers were no match for the surging Phoenix Suns on Saturday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Suns are averaging over 105 points per game this season and put together another solid offensive night, defeating Indiana 106-83.
Former Pacer Gerald Green had a big first half with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, and he finished the game with 23 while making several gestures to fans after made shots. He’s playing well in Phoenix, but let’s be reminded that he shot just 36.6% in a Pacer uniform a few years ago.
The injuries won’t seem to go away for this Pacers team. Roy Hibbert left the game early with a sprained ankle. He tried to return shortly after, but was quickly removed and kept out of the game the rest of the night. Rodney Stuckey also left the game with a sprained wrist. His x-rays were negative, and both players will be day to day.
The Pacers tried to match the Suns’ style of play for much of the night, as they attempted 23 three-point shots with only seven makes. It’s never a good idea to try and match an opponent’s style when it fits right into what they want to do.
Solomon Hill had another solid night for the Pacers in the losing effort, with 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Unlike Gerald Green, Luis Scola did not have a good showing against his former team. He scored just one point and shot 0-4 from the field. He did grab 10 rebounds, but looked lost on the offensive end.
With injuries continuing to pile up, Pacers coach Frank Vogel refuses to make excuses.
“I don’t spend any time worrying about it,” he said. “Everybody has injuries. You have to see what you have, and go try to win a game.”
The Pacers have a tough week ahead as they travel to Texas to play Dallas and San Antonio on Monday and Wednesday. David West and C.J. Miles are both on track to play at some point next week.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSmith_ISL
