Pacers continue to fight- and continue to fall short
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Another night. Another injury. Another valiant effort. Another loss.
It’s too bad moral victories didn’t count, because the Pacers continue to give hard-fought efforts only to fall short in the end. They dropped their sixth straight, losing to the Washington Wizards 97-90 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It’s the first 1-6 start for the Pacers since the 1993-1994 season.
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
Roy Hibbert joined the injury train as he left the game in the 1st quarter with a bruised left knee. His departure left the Pacers without their seven best players. He is listed as day-to-day.
The Pacers trailed 36-14 early in the 2nd quarter. They almost had as many turnovers (12) as points at that point of the game. Instead of throwing in the towel, however, the Pacers fought back and cut the lead down to three late in the game. It once again turned out to be too little, too late.
Solomon Hill posted new career-highs with 28 points and three steals. He has now scored in double-figures in five straight games. His development continues to be a huge storyline to watch this season. If he continues to improve at this rate, it will be a huge step for the Pacers to get back to where they ultimately want to be.
“Solomon played his heart out,” Coach Frank Vogel said after the game. “I think he’s got a chance to be one of our better two-way players. I’m very proud of his development.”
Coach Vogel knows his team is frustrated, but he is maintaining reasonable expectations and remaining optimistic: “We just have to weather the storm.”
The team will look completely different this time next month. The question is, can this group pull out some wins to ensure the Pacers don’t fall too far behind? There’s still a long way to go, and the Pacers will get another shot at home Monday night against Gordon Hayward and the Jazz.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @sports_tys_20
