Well, I don't really know what to say about this game other than the fact that Indiana gave up 134 points to the Lakers. WHAT? I had to read that again.
Where to start? How about the fact that LA shot 58% from the field compared to Indiana's 40%. The Pacers took 31 more shots than LA (103 - 72) and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds. 103 shots in 48 minutes! That is insane. Here are a couple more little telling signs of the game. The Lakers hit 13 or 25 from three point range and 37 of 46 from the free throw line. Those two add up to 76 points! You can't allow a team to get 37 points from the free throw line and another 39 from threes. That spells B-A-D D-E-F-E-N-S-E all over. If you aren't closing out in time, three. If you are closing out too aggressively, they drive right around you, creating defensive havoc, which leads to easy buckets and/or fouls. That leaves your team short handed as your big men can't stay out of foul trouble.
Bright spots? Yes, there are a couple. Jamal Tinsley has played exceptionally well the past two games. He has dished out 23 assists compared to just 3 turnovers. I'll take a 7:1 assist to turnover ratio anyday of the week. Here's to hoping that he has realized that as a point guard, you probably shouldn't be taking 20 shots a game. The other bright spot is the play of second year player Shawne Williams. He led Indiana in scoring with 24 points. He is averaging 11 points a game off the bench, while shooting just under 50% (20 of 41). Maybe he figured out that he can't be a complete goon and decided to concentrate on basketball.
Player of the Game: I am going to go with Jamal Tinsley. He did his job by directing the offense and getting everyone involved. He finished the game with 10 points and 10 assists with only two turnovers.
Record: 4 - 7
Next Game: Tonight @ New Orleans, 8PM TV: Fox Sports Indiana / NBA League Pass
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Where's the picture you were going to post after each Pacer loss?
(Was looking forward not to a Pacer loss, but at least to seeing that picture...)