Point guards continue to spark the Pacers
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — For a January 13th game on a Monday night, the Pacers had a pretty important game to play against the Philadelphia 76ers. Between the standings, tie-breaker implications, and a Western Conference road trip on the horizon, Indiana wanted to take care of business at home against Philly. It was an ugly game, but the blue and gold got the job done when it counted, defeating the 76ers 101-95 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The first half was an offensive struggle for both teams. The Pacers shot just 34% and trailed 49-40 at the break. They trailed by 11 halfway through the 3rd quarter… and then, things changed.
Multiple players made big plays for Indiana, but credit the point guards for making the biggest plays of the night. T.J. McConnell didn’t have a huge night in the box score, but he made a few huge plays in a row that sparked the comeback.
“He’s an injection,” said Head Coach Nate McMillan. “That’s what he does.”
“Any time you can make energetic plays like that and get the crowd excited, it’s big,” said McConnell. “We had more energy in the second half.”
Starting point guard Malcolm Brogdon returned after missing several games. He got off to a shaky start but still put together 21 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. He was clutch in the 4th quarter, and the Pacers improved to 18-8 when he plays (57-win pace).
“That’s a leader,” said Nate McMillan. “That’s our point guard. He’s a guy that establishes how we want to play on both ends of the floor.”
“I’m not sure we win tonight without him,” added McConnell. “He made big shots. He’s always clutch from the free-throw line. He just has this poise about him down the stretch that we can always count on, and he always delivers.”
Don’t forget, the Pacers also employ Aaron Holiday who has had plenty of heroics himself this season. Indiana is in great hands at the point guard position with this three-headed monster.
With the win, the Pacers jumped ahead of Philadelphia for 5th in the Eastern Conference. They’re also just a half game behind the No. 4 spot.
Next up? Two straight games with Minnesota, followed by a Western Conference road trip, and then the anticipated return of Victor Oladipo when they return home.
