Pacers Beat Up On Weak Teams; Gain Share of First Place

By Douglas Knopf

Doing exactly what they should be doing, the Indiana Pacers beat three teams on the decline, the Cavs, Hornets, and Jazz. This past week, the Pacers saw three different top scorers, proving their versatility and depth.

AP Photo/ Michael Conroy

Their first victory of their three game win streak was led by Gerald Green, their sixth man, who scored 21 points off the bench in 23 minutes. Green kept the game alive against the Jazz when the second unit went in providing 7 of 12 shooting with 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. Being a non-factor most of the season, it was nice to see Green fill some shoes for once.

The Pacers game against the Cavs showed what the team was really about. Six players scored in double figures with Roy Hibbert leading the way with 18 points. Hibbert played less than 25 minutes in the game, but still managed to assert his dominance in the post. While still being seen as one of the league best centers, Hibbert has also been insignificant in the Pacers’ offense.

David West had the most points in Saturday night’s game against the Hornets. His 25 point performance capped off the Pacers’ three game win streak in style. The team kept the Hornets to an impressive 75 points showing why they are the NBA’s best defense. Indiana gives up less than 90 points per game. This victory puts the Pacers at 16-12 for season and tied for first place in the division.

The significance of these three victories is that it shows that the Pacers can win in many different fashions. They can beat teams with their post game or with their shooting. Indiana is a dangerous team and no one should want the Pacers to get going and be at the pace they were last year.