INDIANAPOLIS — After the opening the season with three straight losses the Indiana Pacers have bounced back with two straight wins. On Friday night they avenged a weekend road loss at Cleveland as they returned to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to get a “W” 102-95.
Led by the outstanding play of Malcolm Bogdon who carried the Pacers with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. After the game he had this to say, “I love it. This is a basketball city, a basketball state. People show me a lot of love. I’m going to enjoy playing here.”
Jeremy Lamb showed up with 21 points and 10 rebounds as Domantas Sabonis dropped off 18 points and a ridiculous 17 rebounds! That’s NUTS!!!! The Pacers bench finally put on their uniforms this season and put 35 points in the hat. Goga Bitadze led the reserves with 10 points.
Indiana’s defense seemed to finally turn the corner holding the Cavs to 37 percent from the floor and 34 percent from behind the arc. They forced 16 turnovers as well.
Don’t get it twisted, Indiana didn’t shoot the ball well either but they were able to out hustle the Cavs to get buckets. They shot a 40 percent from the field and a miserable 19 percent from behind the arc. However, a win is a win is a win right? I’m quite sure Nate McMillan and Co. will take it all day. Up next Chicago at home on Sunday.
