Pacers finding their stride after a rough start
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Playing without four key players? A crushing overtime loss the night before? No problem for the Indiana Pacers. Indiana used a balanced effort to defeat the Washington Wizards 121-106 on Wednesday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, improving their season record to 4-4.
Because of the injuries, it was the fifth starting lineup used in the first eight games of the season for the Pacers. Playing without Oladipo, Turner, Lamb, and Sumner- it was a total team effort to get the job done. Seven players scored 12 or more points, led by T.J. Warren with 21.
“We just have a lot of unselfish guys,” said Doug McDermott after the win. “It makes everything easy. Nobody is looking to get theirs. It’s all for the team. As long as we’re winning games, we’re all happy.”
McDermott had 19 points and shot 4-of-6 from the 3-point line. The Pacers are finally starting to shoot a higher volume of 3’s, as they’ve reached 30 attempts in back to back nights. That was the number Nate McMillan wanted to average this season. It’s hopefully a trend that will continue for the Pacers.
Another key stat? Indiana dished out 35 assists, led by 13 from Malcolm Brogdon. Even when Brogdon doesn’t shoot well, he impacts the game in many ways.
There are plenty of players we could discuss after this victory, but let’s turn our attention to the entertaining JaKarr Sampson. “My mindset every day is to bring energy. That’s my job,” Sampson said. Making his third straight start, he put together 14 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Every team wants to be healthy, but when injuries take place, opportunities present themselves for other players. The Pacers are getting a nice look at what Sampson can bring to this team. Energy, hustle, toughness, and another rim protector? Sign me up.
The Pacers have had a weaker schedule to open the season. But after an 0-3 start and a plethora of injuries- you’ll take a 4-4 record with an upward trend taking place.
