Match: Indiana Pacers vs. Sacramento Kings
Date: Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Stadium: ARCO Arena, Sacramento
Review of the Game
The Pacers made a fantastic come back with a strong third quarter, taking down the Sacramento Kings with a 9 point lead, 107 – 98.
But do not be fooled by the final score, when looking at the scoreboard in the third quarter, seeing the Pacers leading 80 - 69, it was hard to believe that the Pacers’ fans even considered a letdown. After the great win in Los
Angeles, all eyes were on the second game of the team’s back to back, as if this game would seemingly validate what happened in Los Angeles.
It was all about encores tonight. How does this team handle success of a big win when they have to turn around in the next match and take on a team at their hometown with full support of their home crowd? Fortunately, the Pacers
passed with flying colours.
Both teams started ice cold, but Sacramento managed to make it to the free throw line early, to help build a quick lead. Even though the Pacers pushed to within five, late in the first quarter, the game was never really in doubt.
In the first quarter, Sacramento played sloppy basketball, but slowly began to build their lead, taking a 23-22 lead into the second. The Pacers did not play well offensively in the first quarter, but once again, they found a way.
In the second quarter, Indiana got it going offensively, and used that to slowly build up a tie at the half, scoring 30 points in the second quarter, all the while holding Sacramento to 29 in the entire half.
In the third, Indiana continued to up their performance, eventually capping out at 28 points, before Sacramento fought hard to make the score a respectable one, however they were 11 down when the buzzer sounded.
Despite the third quarter explosion, the Indiana Pacers’ controlled every aspect of this one, limiting turnovers, making shots around the court, and playing tenacious defense. Through the third quarter, Udrih was the leading scorer
for Sacramento with 5 points, which he did not do until 30 seconds remaining in the quarter.
Danny Granger and Darren Collison led the way, in addition to another superb game from Roy Hibbert. The Pacers move to 8-7 on the second game of back-to-backs, is a great sign as the team moves forward.
High-Flying Players for Pacers
Danny Granger found his shot tonight, hit 10 for 11 from the free-throw line on his way to team-high 37 points with seven rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Danny helped lead the way defensively for Indiana tonight.
Darren Collison did not seem bothered at all by any player, going for 17 points, 4 assists, 8 rebounds, and best of all, zero turnovers. Supposedly, he is pushing his teammates so they know that he is the starting PG (point guard).
It would be good to have a healthy PG battle.
Roy Hibbert came off the bench to score 16 points on 7-10 shooting. Another game, another great performance from Hibbert. We may remain cautious to trust too much into what we are seeing, but every time Hibberts on the court, expect
frenzied, shot taking play.
High-Flying Players for Sacramento
Beno Udrih did his best for Kings, scored 24 points and grasped 4 rebounds in the defeat.
Rookie DeMarcus Cousins, who was kept out of the practice session on Monday, responded with a career-high tying 18 points along with 8 rebounds.
Tyreke Evans put up an impressive 16 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in the game but was quiet in the second half for the second consecutive game. Sacramento coach Paul Westphal was quiet confident on keeping Evans in,
over hot-shooting Beno Udrih, "He is our guy and how are you going to know if he's going to produce unless you let him play the minutes. ... You're not going to take Tyreke out just because he has a couple bad shots and just ice him thinking he is no good
because I think he is very good and I think we stick with our guy."
DeMarcus’s Apology
Before the start of the game, Kings Coach Paul Westphal commented on Cousins dismissal from Monday's practice for unspecified disciplinary reasons.
"I never expected things to be smooth," Westphal said. "I always thought it would be some steps forward, some steps back. It is a tough learning experience. ... Certainly, it's not anything you can hide. He's got some issues and
we're trying to help him overcome them as soon as possible." - - Paul Westphal
Following the loss, Cousins said he had learned his lesson and admitted that he had been selfish. Good job DeMarcus, it is always good to learn from your betters!
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