Monta Ellis sparks Pacers win over former team
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Playing the Western Conference at home has been the only negative thus far in the Pacers season. They came in to Wednesday night with a 1-3 record at Bankers Life Fieldhouse against Western Conference teams, compared to a 7-0 record at home against the East. Despite those numbers, they were able to put together a strong victory over the Dallas Mavericks by a final score of 107-81, improving to (15-9) on the season.
Playing against his former team, Pacers guard Monta Ellis had a rough start. He went 0-for-8 in the first half and was held scoreless. The Pacers only trailed 47-45 at the break despite the poor shooting from their two-guard. Things changed in the third quarter, however. Ellis went 5-for-7 in the third, and added two more buckets in the fourth quarter. He finished with 19 second-half points and shot 7-for-9 in that stretch. Though multiple Pacers played well in the second half, it was Ellis that led the way.
“That’s why you play two halves,” Ellis said. “Sometimes it’ll be like that. I was getting good looks and they just weren’t falling. The coaches told me to keep attacking.”
Coach Frank Vogel remained confident in Ellis heading into the second half. “He was able to get himself going. It was just a matter of time.”
Though Ellis has been inconsistent with his shot this season, Coach Vogel doesn’t think his overall play has been that way: “I don’t think he’s been inconsistent for us. I really don’t,” Vogel said. “We are a ball-movement team. Some games he’ll get more opportunities than others, but I think overall he’s been very consistent for us.”
Some fans wondered how Ellis would fit with this team, and were especially concerned with how he would mesh with teammate Paul George. Through 24 games, it appears Ellis knows his role on this team and is a great fit.
Vogel continued: “Monta’s at a point in his career where scoring 25 points per night isn’t the most important thing. It’s about winning with him, and that’s a blessing to have as a coach.”
Ian Mahinmi also played for the Mavericks a few years back, coming over to Indiana in a trade. He put together another solid night with five points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.
Paul George had a “quiet” 19 points and seven rebounds, proving how good of a season he’s truly having. C.J. Miles led the Pacers with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting.
The Pacers will look to stay hot as they host the Brooklyn Nets in their next game on Friday night.
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