Game 44: Pacers (28-15) at Jazz (29-13)
This game would be the second night of a back-to-back for the Pacers and the second game on their west coast swing. The Pacers had no energy. They trailed by 12 at halftime and it only got worse as the game went on. The Jazz kept increasing their lead and went on to win the game by 30 points. The box score shows just how much the Pacers struggled in this game. The leading scorer for Indiana was Myles Turner who only managed 12 points.
FINAL: Pacers: 88 Jazz: 118
Game 45: Pacers (28-16) at Suns (18-25)
After a less than ideal performance in their last game, the Pacers really flexed their muscles against a weaker Phoenix Suns team. This was one of the better performances for the Pacers defense. The Suns didn’t win a single quarter in this game and only scored 87 points. The Pacers controlled the game by keeping one of the NBA’s more dynamic scorers, Devin Booker, in check. He scored 16 points on 5-12 shooting. The Pacers win by a score of 112-87.
FINAL: Pacers: 112 Suns: 87
Game 46: Pacers (29-16) at Warriors (10-36)
These are the type of games the Pacers need to win this year. It’s easy to have a letdown when you’ve had a long road trip and you’re playing a lesser opponent. The Warriors entered this game with only 10 wins on the season and the worst record in the NBA. The Pacers weren’t going to have a letdown and were dominant for most of the game. TJ Warren led the blue and gold with a team high 33 points. Doug McDermott was also terrific off the bench adding 24 points
FINAL: Pacers: 129 Warriors: 118
Game 47: Pacers (30-16) at Trailblazers (19-37)
The last game on the Pacers road trip would be a tough one. The Portland Trailblazers have had tough first half of the season, but they always play well against the Pacers, especially at home. This may have been the worst defensive performance of the year for the Pacers. The Trailblazers scored 30 points or more in every quarter and Damian Lillard could not be stopped. He finished the game with 50 points. The Pacers fall short to Portland 129-139.
FINAL: Pacers: 129 Trailblazers: 139
Coming up this week for the Pacers:
Wednesday January 29th – vs. Chicago
Saturday February 1st – vs. New York