Pacers dominate Knicks
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers started their six-game home-stand off with a bang, defeating the New York Knicks 115-97 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Playing without Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knicks were no match for Indiana.
The Pacers led 31-19 after the first quarter and led by at least 15 points from the mid-second quarter to the end of the game.
Every starter scored in double-figures, and seven Pacers were in double-figures for the game. They were led by Thaddeus Young with 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Young has epitomized Pacers basketball this season. He was named a captain, and he’s played like one. His unselfish, team-first leadership has carried over to the rest of the team.
“He doesn’t stop playing if he doesn’t get the ball,” Nate McMillan said of Young. “Because of all the ball movement we have, he’s getting more opportunities.”
Young said the Pacers have “maybe 2-3 plays” for him in the entire playbook. “You don’t have to give me plays,” said Young. “I’ll play off everybody else. That’s what’s kept me in this league. If there’s an open spot on the court, I’ll find it.”
Thad Young says the Pacers only run 2 plays for him. "You don't have to give me plays. I'll play off everybody else. That's what's kept me in this league." pic.twitter.com/HrAOSLFJTx
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) December 5, 2017
Two Pacers had double-doubles on the night. Darren Collison had 10 points and 10 assists, and Domantas Sabonis had 12 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. It was Sabonis’ seventh double-double of the season after only having two in his rookie season last year.
For the first time all season, the Pacers have a favorable schedule over their next 10 games, and they should take advantage.
So far, so good. They’ll host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night and will try to make sure they don’t overlook them.
“We can’t be focused on a team’s record,” said Nate McMillan. “We’ve got to try and take advantage of this home stretch of games. We got energy tonight for 48 minutes and we want that to carry over.”
Victor Oladipo added: “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we have to be aggressive on both ends of the floor. When we play together we’re a really good team.”
KEY STATS-
-The Pacers improved to 11-1 when shooting 40% or better from three.
-The Pacers had 28 assists on 46 field-goals. They’ve assisted on 50% or more of their field goals in all 13 wins this season.
-The Pacers have now won 10 of their last 11 regular season games against the New York Knicks.
-The Pacers led 78-40 at one point in the game, their largest lead in a game this season.
Make 'em dance, @StephensonLance. pic.twitter.com/Q29QTr6GHy
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 5, 2017
