Pacers blown out in Game 3, trail series 2-1
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — After splitting the first two games of the series on the road, the Pacers were hoping to feed off their home crowd and regain the series lead over the Raptors in Game 3. Toronto had other ideas, outplaying the Pacers in every aspect of the game, on way to a 101-85 victory at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Right from the tip, Toronto was the more aggressive and energetic team. They led 24-17 after the first quarter, and have now outscored the Pacers 75-52 in the first quarters of this series.
Things didn’t get any better in the second quarter, as Toronto took a commanding 53-36 halftime lead. The Pacers played great defense in the third quarter, but the closest they would come the rest of the game was 12 points.
The Pacers let their emotions get the best of them, and were called for three technical fouls (George, Stuckey, Turner) which didn’t help their cause. “I know they’re (refs) human beings and make mistakes,” Paul George said. “But at the same time, we’re playing for something here. You gotta let us play.”
George finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, but only shot 6-for-19 and went scoreless in the third quarter.
“We didn’t do our job,” George said. “We were in the driver’s seat, but we have to stay positive. We still have a chance to even this series.”
If the Pacers are going to make this a series, they need more from just about every player. Monta Ellis was 3-for-9, George Hill had only two assists, C.J. Miles went scoreless, and Rodney Stuckey only had five points.
Rookie Myles Turner was one of the lone bright spots, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Frank Vogel wouldn’t commit to his starters for Game 4, but look for Turner to return to the starting lineup. And regardless of how this series turns out, Turner is getting some valuable playoff experience.
For the Pacers to win on Saturday, two key stats will have to change from Thursday night- They can’t turn the ball over 16 times, and they can’t shoot so poorly from behind the arc (6-of-22).
But perhaps the most important thing, will be the sense of urgency and passion of the team.
“Hopefully as a group we respond pissed off,” George said. “That’s the only way to respond to a game like this.”
