Pacers continue to progress, defeat Magic
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — After an 0-3 start to the season, the Pacers were staring down a stretch of five games in seven nights. Instead of falling into a major hole, the Pacers responded by winning four of those five games, capped off by a 97-84 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Paul George continued his hot stretch, scoring 19 points in the first quarter. He cooled off for the remainder of the game, but still made some big plays late and finished with 27 points and seven rebounds.
“I expected the rest of the game to be a little different,” George said. “They applied some pressure, and I tried to get some other guys some looks and it opened the game up.”
George Hill also had a big night with 23 points, and seven rebounds. This was also Hill’s third consecutive game without a turnover. “I always thrive on taking care of the ball,” Hill said. “I may not always get 15 assists, but I normally take care of the ball.”
There’s been a lot of talk about the new Pacers offense this season, but the defense is still the deciding factor on how well this team plays.Chase Budinger played some big minutes down the stretch, hitting some big shots and keeping the floor spread. Even so, Budinger was focused on the defensive effort. “Pacer basketball is all about playing defense,” he said. “When you get down in the fourth quarter in those close games, that’s when you really have to rely on what this organization is known for, which is defense. Then when you add the firepower on the offensive end it can be tough to beat.”
George Hill added: “In the five years I’ve been here, we’ve always been fueled by our defense. When our defense is settled and clicking on the right page, our offense is clicking too.”
For the game, the Pacers forced 21 turnovers by the Magic, and held them to 39.7% shooting from the field. C.J. Miles and Rodney Stuckey both returned to action after missing time with injuries. “The biggest thing is that we use that quickness and speed on the defensive end,” Miles said. “We got steals, loose balls, and we got out and ran, and that’s what makes us the most dangerous.”
With Paul George returning to form, and Monta Ellis nowhere close to what he will be, the Pacers have to be feeling pretty good about the last seven days of basketball. Chase Budinger said it best: “We’re winning some games and I still don’t think we’ve even touched our potential right now.”
The Pacers will look to get above .500 on Wednesday night in Boston.
Follow Tyler on Twitter and Periscope: @TylerSmith_ISL
