Pacers Dispatch Celtics in Close Game, 100-98

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The Indiana Pacers defeated the Boston Celtics Wednesday in closely contested outing, 100-98. While most of the country was focused on the primetime matchups of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors vs the Los Angeles Clippers, the Pacers quietly took care of business. Indiana led the way with a balanced scoring attack, and with two starters out with injuries, it was promising to see the bench unit step up for the second straight game. Jordan Hill got the start in place of Ian Mahinmi, while Lavoy Allen was inserted in place of C.J. Miles.

An important statistical takeaway from game is the fourth quarter scoring. So far this year, the Pacers have been an abysmal second half of games 

Until this game, the Pacers net rating for the second half was a combined -58.4. That’s one of the worst marks by far. Indiana kept their foot on the pedal throughout the whole game. Despite missing two starters, the Pacers actually played just as well. That’s a testament to the bench unit Larry Bird constructed in the offseason; those move are playing off well now.

For the first time this season, Indiana actually outrebounded a team. The Pacers pulled down 52 rebounds last night, compared to Boston’s 49. Another key stat was offensive rebounding. Only a day after getting murdered on the glass by Andre Drummond, the Pacers turned right around and grabbed 19 offensive rebounds. Indiana even outscored the Celtics in the paint.

The two centers for the Pacers played fantastic, with Jordan Hill getting the start and responding with a double-double. Besides his 16 points, he controlled the paint and forced the Celtics into several missed shots. His backup on the evening, Myles Turner,  saw plenty of action was well. Turner played 18 minutes, scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds. Many Pacers fans have been frustrated with the lack of minutes for Turner a he’s played great in his limited minutes, and should only see his production increase as his opportunities come more frequently.

Glenn Robinson III also responded to the call of increased minutes. There has been a bit of hype surrounding Glen in Indiana and if this game is any indication it may be justified. In an article written by Gregg Doyel, it talks about how Larry Bird has a “feeling” that Glenn Robinson has the opportunity to be something very special. With him playing well in his first chance at real minutes, look for Frank Vogel to continue to utilize him in the second unit.

George Hill and Monta Ellis both played a less-than-stellar game. Shooting a combined 7-25 and only scoring 23 points. On the other side of the ball, the Celtics’ starting guards combined to score 48 points. The Celtics were shorthanded as well, missing their usual starter, Marcus Smart. Isaiah Thomas replaced him in the lineup and scored an impressive 27 points in the game.

The Pacers continue their season with a home matchup against the Miami Heat on Friday at 8:00 PM ET.