Fellow forward James Jones cut Indiana’s advantage down to a point, 9-8, when he connected on a three-pointer with 9:11 left in the first quarter. The Pacers thus far have shown that they are definitely acquiring the ability to clog the passing lanes then push the ball down the floor and run.
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His back has been troublesome over the past two seasons, and it was part of the reason he was shut down for two weeks midway through last season.
RJ throws the hammer down. “Third game in four nights and very depleted roster probably explains the energy and activity level”, Blatt said, later noting that the games themselves have set the team back physically. He’s been battling back from that. “He’s experiencing his better days and less good days”, said Blatt with a shrug.
Dion Waiters and Anthony Morrow each added 10 points as well. “Numbers-wise that’s pretty good but he’s not playing the way I know that he can play and the way he knows he can play”. “I certainly don’t expect him to play both games, and I don’t know if he’ll even play one”. While the steals and forced turnovers have been a bright spot for this developing Pacers defense, the concern has been opponents’ easy points in the paint.
With the usual starting lineup back in tact – George Hill, Ellis, C.J. Miles, Paul George and Mahinmi – Indiana sprinted the floor and worked quickly in the shot clock to reach 22 points before the 5-minute mark. It also marked the first time all season that Indiana held a team to under 40 percent shooting in the opening period. That disparity continued throughout the night.
The Cavs started the game 3-for-10 at the line and finished 11-for-19, while Indiana was 33-for-43.
Al Jefferson scored 17 points and Nicolas Batum added 14 with 10 rebounds to lead the Charlotte Hornets over the Los Angeles Clippers 113-71 Wednesday in the second preseason National Basketball Association game between the teams in China… But on the bright side, all things considered the Pacers looked pretty solid and despite playing against a slew of second-stringers (if that), it doesn’t change the fact that the new-look Pacers team has improved to 4-1 in the preseason and is showing that they have a knack for finding a way to win.
Jared Cunningham has the edge for the vacancy at guard.
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On the night, the Cavaliers committed 23 turnovers that led to 31 Pacers’ points. The rest of the Cavaliers were just not efficient enough on either side of the floor to keep the pace with Indiana.
