Blue Collar. Gold Swagger. Indiana's Team.

[justaguyfromindy]

'THE SNAKE' RETURNS; INDIANA OUTPERFORMS OKC THUS FAR
Nov 22, 2017
Indianapolis, IN

Tomorrow evening, the snake returns to Indianapolis. Paul George,
debuting his blue and orange '13' for the first time in Indy, looks to steal a win with the help of Russell Westbrook.

Russ, in a bid to capture his second straight MVP, is average a triple double on the season, adding to an already-impressive line from last year [31.7/13.8/14.0]. However, PG13 & Russ haven't seemed to translate to wins quite yet for the Thunder. Westbrook, who has only one game on the year without a triple-double, can't pinpoint the problem, "I don't think its necessarily an issue with our guys - we are getting our shots to fall...I think once we have a bit more time and Paul gets a little more adjusted to our offensive and defensive flows, we'll be just fine."

Myles Turner looks to capitalize on a strong start to the season, saying "I'm really happy with the guys - we haven't gotten some of the wins we were on the hunt for, but we're making progress, and that pleases us all. I'm especially excited about teaming up with TJ more and more." Indiana, 4-7 on the year, visits OKC [4-8]. The game will be broadcast on TNT.

[justaguyfromindy]

FEATURED GAME #2 | MATCHUP PREVIEW

Matchup Preview *|* November 23, 2017
	@
Indiana Pacers (4-7, 1-5 Away)		Oklahoma City Thunder (4-8, 1-3 Home)
Projected Starters Darren Collison Point Guard Russell Westbrook Victor Oladipo Shooting Guard Alex Abrines Bojan Bogdanovic Small Forward Paul George TJ Leaf Power Forward Patrick Patterson Myles Turner Center Steven Adams Injury Report Al Jefferson 4-6 Weeks Cristiano Felicio 6-8 Weeks Domantas Sabonis Day-to-Day Enes Kanter 6-8 Weeks Game Notes OKC, 4-8 on the year, plays host to the Indiana Pacers [4-7], in Paul George's first matchup against his former team. OKC, missing two centers, will rely heavily on their two-headed dragon, as Indiana will lean heavily on Myles Turner and Victor Oladipo, in his first return to Oklahoma.

FEATURED MATCHUP #2 | GAME RECAP

Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Nov 23, 2017	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indiana (5-7)	28	28	47	25	128
Oklahoma City (4-9)	34	19	34	22	108

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Darren Collison	20	7-10	2-2	2-2	2	10	6	0	2	18
Victor Oladipo	23	5-8	1-2	2-2	3	4	2	1	1	13
Bojan Bogdanovic	28	6-11	1-4	1-1	3	2	0	0	1	14
TJ Leaf	25	6-14	2-6	0-0	5	2	0	0	0	14
Myles Turner	27	7-17	2-8	9-9	13	1	0	2	1	25
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Edmond Sumner	10	1-6	0-0	1-1	1	3	1	0	2	3
Lance Stephenson	22	2-7	0-2	0-0	3	6	0	0	3	4
Cory Joseph	18	1-4	0-2	4-4	6	3	2	0	5	6
Glenn Robinson III	17	3-8	1-3	2-3	4	0	1	0	0	9
Kevin Seraphin	23	1-3	0-0	1-2	17	1	0	0	1	3
Ike Anigbogu	19	8-11	0-1	3-4	5	0	0	0	1	19
Gerald Henderson	8	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Al Jefferson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Domantas Sabonis	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Nemanja Bjelica	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		47-99	9-30	25-28	70	32	12	3	17	128

Oklahoma City Thunder
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Russell Westbrook	34	7-17	2-10	11-13	6	8	1	0	8	27
Alex Abrines	32	4-10	1-6	1-2	2	6	2	0	2	10
Paul George	38	9-20	2-7	2-2	7	4	2	0	0	22
Patrick Patterson	30	6-10	1-4	1-1	8	0	0	0	0	14
Steven Adams	32	8-13	0-0	4-6	9	3	4	0	1	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Tiago Splitter	16	3-5	0-0	0-0	10	0	3	0	0	6
Joffrey Lauvergne	18	1-6	0-4	2-2	3	2	1	0	0	4
Andre Roberson	21	1-10	1-8	0-2	4	1	2	0	0	3
Tony Wroten	18	1-10	0-6	0-0	2	6	0	0	1	2
Doug McDermott	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Kyle Singler	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Terrance Ferguson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Cristiano Felicio	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Enes Kanter	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		40-101	7-45	21-28	53	30	15	0	12	108

Myles Turner takes a dime from Collison and lays it in early on. Turner struggled with foul trouble all night.

Oladipo absolutely posterizes Russell Westbrook in his return to Oklahoma City. Vic ended up with 13 points.

Turner with the easy jumper - Turner and backup Lance Stephenson have become a special duo with the pick and roll.

ANIGBOGWHO? BENCH DOMINATES AS PACERS OUST THUNDER
Nov 23, 2017
Oklahoma City, OK

It was sort of a homecoming for Victor Oladipo - it was a reminder of days long gone for Paul George. "Hell yeah it was weird playing against them," Paul said after the game, "I spent 7 years with them, so its going to be weird. I wish we could have stole a win, but I'll give it to them...they really came to play tonight."

The former Pacer shot 45% from the field en route to 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists - for good measure, he added 2 steals. His superhuman counterpart, Russell Westbrook, tacked on 27 points of his own - however, the combination of Darren Collison and Cory Joseph [5 fouls on Westbrook] kept the physicality to a max, as the duo held Westbrook to a season low in rebounds and assists [6/8].

The true story of the night was the complete domination by Indiana's bench - the Pacers outscored the Thunder bench 44-15, on the heels of 2nd round selection Ike Anibogu's 19 points. The rookie's coming out party saw him net a season high on points and rebounds, as he shot an astounding 72% from the field. "I felt great tonight - I wanted the guys to keep feeding me, and they found creative ways to get me the ball. I got a couple dunks in, and that really helped me calm down. I'm just trying to do my job and help maintain the frontcourt for us." Ike said, when we caught up to him after the game.

Former UCLA teammate TJ Leaf also had a strong showing, adding in 14 points. 11 of his 14 came during the Pacers historical 3rd quarter run, when they were able to pile up 47 points to iron the victory out. Indiana moves to 5-7 on the year, and OKC drops to 4-9. The Pacers next featured game will come on December 20, 2017, as the team hosts Denver in Indianapolis.

[justaguyfromindy]

JR SMITH OUT FOR SEASON - CAVS LOOK FOR NEW OPTIONS
November 24, 2017
Bristol, CT

In yet another blow to a dismal beginning of the year, defending Eastern Conference Champions Cleveland Cavaliers have lost SG JR Smith for the rest of the season after tearing his right achilles tendon. Surgery will take him well into the offseason - Smith has stated his intention to return from the injury in time for the 2018-2019 season, but only time will tell that.

Cavs megastar Lebron James was disappointed in the early woes Cleveland has suffered from, "It's an injury, and injuries happen. Not much else to say. It hurts he's out for the year, so someone has either got to step up, or we need to look for help elsewhere." James, averaging nearly a triple double on the year, has questioned the moves of management over the offseason - key additions for Cleveland over the summer included PF Amir Johnson, C Javale McGee, and PF Michael Beasley.

One name that's been shopped in the weeks leading up to the season is SG Will Barton in Denver. The Nuggets have their SG core of the future set with shooters Jamal Murray and Gary Harris - Barton will be due a larger contract than the $4M left on his final year. Another target could possibly be SG Jordan Crawford of the Charlotte Hornets - the 29 year old is due only $1M in the final year of his contract.

Barton makes more sense for Cleveland seeing as Denver lost Paul Millsap for 1-2 months - a backup big for the Nuggets might well be in demand. Cleveland doesn't have many options to sweeten the deal - two 2nd's and three 1st's over the next four season. A deal may just be too difficult to make.


BIG MEN CHOOSE FREE AGENCY - MONROE AND B. LOPEZ TO BOLT
November 24, 2017
Bristol, CT

In a move that was all to be expected of each player, Brook Lopez and Greg Monroe both announced today their intentions to enter free agency at the end of the season.

Talking to Brook before his game, he offered up thoughts on his age and what he brings to the table "I've worked hard to be where I'm at. I gave it my all for a long time in Brooklyn - I've paid my dues, believe me. I love it here, but I just think realistically, I need to do what's best for myself and for my family...and to do that I really need to evaluate all my options. I know I'm aging, and that alone scares a lot of teams...but I'm still working on ways to improve my game, and I think it will help my game age better than most."

Greg Monroe simply said what we all had on our mind, "I think it's probably just the best option for me. I'm definitely not ruling out returning here - I'd be silly to not think of the championship possibilities with Giannis here. I think this could be a special team."

On the opposite end of the spectrum, our sources in Toronto have told us that the Raptors and SG Norman Powell have begun negotiations on a contract extension. Toronto will likely do whatever they can to retain the young 2 way player.

[justaguyfromindy]

CAVS 'BART'ER FOR TWO GUARD - DENVER BEGINS YOUTH MOVEMENT
NOVEMBER 25, 2017
LOS ANGELES, CA

Less than 48 hours removed from a season-ending right achilles tear for SG JR Smith, Cleveland flipped the tables to bring in support this evening. Getting younger and shedding salary, the Cavs have made it clear they still intend to compete.

CLE RECEIVES | SG WILL BARTON [78], PG DEVONTE GRAHAM [R][70], 2021 2RP
DEN RECEIVES | PF CHANNING FRYE [73], PG KAY FELDER [71], 2019 2RP, 2021 2RP

Denver moves forward with the combination of Gary Harris and Jamal Murray, flanked by a young Malik Beasley - with Harris due for an extension this coming offseason, the Nuggets simply won't be able to afford both players. Point Guard Kay Felder joins the Nuggets as a second year man out of Oakland - Felder gained valuable playoff experience as a rookie. Head Coach Mike Malone made mention that Felder and veteran Jameer Nelson will compete for bench minutes. "Anything that can create a competitive atmosphere - that's something we are always going to pursue" Malone said after news of the trade broke.

The acquisition of PF Channing Frye gives them the outside shooting from a big while star PF Paul Millsap recovers from right knee tendinitis [4-6 weeks]. Frye's contract contains a roster bonus for the All-Star Break, making him a prime candidate to be bought out or cut in that time.

Cleveland gains a valuable addition to the squad in Will Barton - with JR Smith out for the year, the Cavs will rely on the three headed dragon approach of the inconsistent Iman Shumper, aging 3P marksman Kyle Korver, and newcomer Will Barton. In addition, Barton will be able to play SF when the Cavs push the small ball approach and run Lebron at the 4. Rookie Devonte Graham also joins the squad - with a limited amount of true point guards on the roster, Cleveland may look his way early and often.

[justaguyfromindy]

INDIANA PACERS | GAME RECAPS [13-15]

Indiana Pacers at Sacramento Kings
Nov 25, 2017	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indiana (5-8)	23	24	26	26	99
Sacramento (5-9)	30	26	34	34	124

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Darren Collison	30	2-6	1-3	0-0	1	10	0	0	1	5
Victor Oladipo	33	9-16	1-4	4-4	2	6	0	0	4	23
Bojan Bogdanovic	33	3-5	0-2	0-0	4	0	2	0	4	6
Domantas Sabonis	25	3-7	1-4	0-0	3	2	1	1	3	7
Myles Turner	33	12-20	2-5	0-0	9	2	0	2	0	26
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
TJ Leaf	19	3-9	0-2	0-0	4	2	0	0	0	6
Lance Stephenson	15	5-10	1-2	0-0	1	1	2	1	1	11
Cory Joseph	19	3-7	0-0	2-2	2	4	2	0	2	8
Glenn Robinson III	15	1-1	0-0	0-0	3	0	0	0	1	2
Kevin Seraphin	18	2-6	0-0	1-4	6	0	0	3	1	5
Al Jefferson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Gerald Henderson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Ike Anigbogu	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Edmond Sumner	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Nemanja Bjelica	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		43-87	6-22	7-10	38	27	7	7	17	99

Sacramento Kings
TEAM TOTALS		46-91	6-17	26-34	57	23	5	4	15	124

On the heels of 18 offensive rebounds, the Kings found a way to dismantle Indiana down low, en route to a 124-99 victory. Rookie De'Aaron Fox, nursing some muscle cramps, missed the game, but 7 players total for Sacramento found a way to hit double figures. Indiana struggled with rebounds all night, with Myles Turner [9] and Kevin Seraphin [6] the only players that could muscle up more than 4 rebounds. "It was tough out there tonight - Sacramento doesn't get enough credit...their fans are incredibly loud," Rookie TJ Leaf said at his locker after the game "It was just tough to get a flow going when the energy is so rampant."

Indiana visits Lonzo Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Hoping to 'rebound' against the Lakers [4-9], the Pacers have dropped 5 or their last 6.
Head Coach Dan Burke says not much will change, "I'm comfortable with where we are. Once everyone gets a little more used to one another, I think we'll be able to make some noise on a possible playoff run."

Indiana Pacers at Los Angeles Lakers
Nov 26, 2017	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indiana (5-9)	19	16	29	31	95
Los Angeles (5-9)	29	31	27	30	117

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Darren Collison	19	2-5	1-1	4-4	6	4	2	0	2	9
Victor Oladipo	33	11-18	0-2	2-2	4	6	2	1	3	24
Bojan Bogdanovic	33	6-12	1-4	0-0	5	0	0	0	1	13
Domantas Sabonis	26	3-10	1-1	1-2	4	2	0	1	0	8
Myles Turner	33	6-20	1-4	4-4	12	1	0	2	3	17
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
TJ Leaf	20	2-6	1-1	0-0	3	2	0	1	0	5
Lance Stephenson	15	2-5	0-1	2-3	1	1	2	0	0	6
Cory Joseph	27	3-11	0-2	0-0	1	3	3	0	2	6
Glenn Robinson III	17	1-4	1-3	0-0	4	2	1	0	1	3
Kevin Seraphin	17	2-5	0-0	0-0	5	0	0	0	0	4
Al Jefferson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Gerald Henderson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Ike Anigbogu	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Edmond Sumner	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Nemanja Bjelica	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		38-96	6-19	13-15	46	21	10	5	12	95

Los Angeles Lakers
TEAM TOTALS		48-92	8-28	13-15	56	34	3	7	15	117

The name of the game was the bench, and Indiana could not find a way to locate theirs. The Lakers bench poured on 46 points to the Pacers 24, as the Pacers fell down 60-35 at halftime - even outscoring LA in the second half didn't change the result, as they fell 117-95.

"I don't think I was taking bad shots necessarily, but I understand that 6-20 is what it is, and that's not a good shooting performance." Myles said, when asked if he was forcing shots. "I'm not going to quit taking shots - I'm 100% confident in every single shot I take, so I'm going to keep firing until they drop. That's just ball, man."

Veteran Point Darren Collison left in the third quarter with an apparent sprained right ankle - team doctors indicated that he was day-to-day when we caught up with GM Chad Buchanon after the game. "I think Darren's going to be just fine. We're going to sit him for a game as a precaution, and I think that will help Darren and Edmond [Sumner 67], as he'll be soaking up some of those minutes for us." When prodded as to whether or not Lance would be running point with the first unit, Buchanon added, "Lance can run the offense - he's proven that before. I'm not sure who it'll be, he, CoJo, or Ed...we're considering everything, and I think its a little premature to say right now."

Indiana Pacers at Los Angeles Lakers
Nov 28, 2017	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Indiana (6-9)	36	18	18	30	102
Los Angeles (8-6)	24	13	41	21	99

Indiana Pacers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Cory Joseph	27	2-6	0-1	0-0	5	5	1	0	1	4
Victor Oladipo	33	7-14	1-2	1-4	5	5	0	2	3	16
Bojan Bogdanovic	33	6-12	2-5	2-2	5	1	3	0	4	16
Domantas Sabonis	25	0-3	0-3	0-2	2	3	3	0	2	0
Myles Turner	33	8-20	1-7	6-6	10	0	1	4	2	23
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
TJ Leaf	19	3-9	1-4	0-0	9	3	0	1	0	7
Lance Stephenson	21	8-13	1-2	1-1	6	7	0	0	2	18
Edmond Sumner	15	2-2	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	1	4
Glenn Robinson III	15	2-4	0-1	0-2	1	0	0	0	0	4
Kevin Seraphin	19	5-6	0-0	0-0	5	0	0	2	0	10
Al Jefferson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Gerald Henderson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Ike Anigbogu	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Darren Collison	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Nemanja Bjelica	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		43-89	6-25	10-17	50	25	8	9	15	102

Los Angeles Lakers
TEAM TOTALS		40-92	7-25	12-15	52	29	3	6	17	99

In only 21 minutes, Lance Stephenson was able to wrack up a line of 18/6/7, as the Pacers came from behind in the fourth, 102-99. Myles Turner, with 23 points and 10 boards, led the way, as Bogdanovic and Oladipo both chipped in 16 points apiece. Most impressively, 7 different Pacers were able to haul in at least 5 boards.

Combo guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 49 points, 8 boards, and 16 assists, but it wasn't enough to hold off Indiana - even with a 41 point effort in just the third quarter. Indiana moves to 6-9 on the season.