Another balanced attack, another Pacers win
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — For the second straight game, the Indiana Pacers blew their opponent out of the gym by halftime.
On Saturday night, they led 64-37 at the break. On Monday night, they led 64-38.
In the end, it was a 109-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers improved to 21-19 on the season.
Victor Oladipo continues to be the key for this team. He scored 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, dished out five assists, and helped set the tone on the defensive end. When Oladipo plays, the Pacers are 21-14. That’s a .600 winning percentage, which would be good enough for the 8th-best record in the NBA over the full season.
“We turned it up on the defensive end,” Oladipo said. “Credit to our coaches for getting us ready. When we get stops, we’re a pretty good team.”
The Pacers held “The Greek Freak” (Giannis Antetokounmpo) to just eight shot attempts. He did most of his damage at the foul line after the game was already out of reach. He finished the game with 17 points, the second-lowest point total of his season, and it was the first time he didn’t score 20 or more points in the last 29 games.
Oladipo- ultimate team player. @GreggDoyelStar asks him how he can play so well after missing so much time. His response: pic.twitter.com/xWuN9iPrzl
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) January 9, 2018
Indiana once again used a balanced attack, with seven players scoring in double-figures. It’s the second straight game the Pacers accomplished that feat, and the fourth time overall this season.
“If you get good ball movement, everybody’s going to be involved,” Pacers Coach Nate McMillan said. “You’re going to have a number of guys in double digits when you’re moving the ball like that.”
They were led by Domantas Sabonis who scored 17 points to go along with 10 rebounds. It was his third straight big game, and his 10th double-double of the season.
“I just stay focused every day and try to get better,” Sabonis said. “Be more confident and trust my teammates. I couldn’t do my job without them.” Asked about Myles Turner, Sabonis continued: “I think it’s great. It’s a 1-2 punch. Myles does his part, then I come in and do my part. There’s no break.”
The Pacers dished out 30 assists on the night. They are now 5-0 this season when they reach that total, and 13-1 on the season when they shoot 50% or better from the field.
Myles Turner had a nice night with 15 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals in 24 minutes of action. Other Pacers scoring in double-figures included Thad Young (15), Bogdanovic (11), and Collison (11).
With a big week at home against Eastern Conference opponents, it was important for the Pacers to get off to a good start. Mission accomplished. They will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday and will have another date with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night before heading out West.
