Pacers dominate Clippers, GR3 continues to impress
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — Paul George and C.J. Miles were out with injuries. Myles Turner was in early foul trouble. Jeff Teague and Monta Ellis were held scoreless in the first half. Add of all this up, and that should spell trouble against the 14-3 Los Angeles Clippers. Right?
Wrong.
Instead, the Pacers put together their most impressive effort of the season, defeating the Clippers 91-70 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was the first time all season the Clippers have dropped two straight games, and it was the lowest point total they’ve ever scored under Doc Rivers (previous low was 80.)
“Our guys came out and fought,” Coach Nate McMillan said. “We knew tonight that we’d have to scrap even more against a good Clippers team. We wanted to build off the momentum from the Brooklyn game. What we’ve seen the last two games is part of what I think we can be.”
The Pacers led 23-20 after the first quarter. In one of the stranger stats of the season, the Clippers only attempted 11 shots in the first 12 minutes of the game, thanks to 11 turnovers and 12 free-throw attempts. The Pacers then pushed their lead to 50-40 at halftime before pulling away for good late in the third quarter.
GR3 after another impressive game- #Pacers pic.twitter.com/rwqOiyvpFa
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) November 28, 2016
In addition to the much-improved defense of late, Glenn Robinson III has continued to impress. He scored 17 points on 7-of-9 from the field. He also pulled down six rebounds and played 38 minutes with just one turnover.
“He’s just been solid,” McMillan said. “We’re not calling plays for him. He’s just letting the game come to him. What I really like is he’s defending hard and helping on the boards. And he’s bringing energy.”
GR3 has earned a spot in the rotation even when George and Miles return to action, but it remains to be seen if that will indeed be the case.
“That’s for Nate and the coaches to figure out,” Robinson said. “But I’m going to keep my same aggression and my same confidence.” Is Robinson surprised by how well he’s played? “I’m not surprising myself, but I think I’m surprising a lot of people. It just comes down to opportunity.”
Myles Turner also scored 17 points, to go along with 12 rebounds. Al Jefferson scored 16 with eight rebounds off the bench. For the game, the Pacers forced 20 Clipper turnovers and held them to 16% from behind the arc (4-of-24). The Pacers lead the NBA in steals and forced turnovers for the season.
The month of November was full of home games for Indiana. They’ve struggled mightily on the road this season, and now head out West for a long road trip. But one thing is for sure- This team is on the right track. Things are looking a lot brighter from just a week ago.
