Pacers Finally Learning How To Play With Lebron

by BizGilwalker (HOU) Fri May 16, 2014 12:21 pm

Turns out this Lebron guy is pretty good. Last summer, the Pacers traded away Paul George, Paul Millsap, and Roy Hibbert for the dynamic forward, and he has not disappointed in the least. Averaging nearly 36 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals a game, and a daily dose of high-powered defense, his eye-popping numbers have certainly got the league buzzing. The 141-132 win over Cleveland marked the third time in the last two weeks that Lebron James scored upwards of 50 points, and the eighth time in this still-young season that Lebron scored 40 or more. He's had more games scoring over 40 than less than 30.

Through the early portion of the season, he was dragging a lifeless Pacer squad that was hovering around .500. Dirk Nowitzki seems to have less in the tank than originally thought, and Kobe Bryant was a disappointment through the first 10-15 games of the season. Lance Stephenson has struggled scoring the ball, and the bench has been wildly inconsistent.

However, this was to be expected. Following the trades of TJ Warren and Chris Kaman, there isn't a single player left from last year's Pacers roster that was bounced in the first round as a 2 seed. The team is still learning how to play together, and this will continue to be a process, as point guard Tony Parker was recently traded to Indiana.

Since starting the season 10-12, the Pacers have rattled off four straight wins. The Pacers are playing to their strengths now. Lebron is averaging over 45 points per game in the last four, Kobe is averaging 28 in his last three, and the defense is starting to step up. Everyone's attacking the basket and drawing fouls, and almost everyone seems to be doing their part.

Now... about Dirk...

We hope the acquisition of Tony Parker helps him out. Parker can find him in rhythm for his jumper. Dirk's biggest problem has been the lack of touches and lack of shot attempts. He's shot decently when he's got the shots up, so hopefully Tony Parker's elite point guard skills come into play and help the big German out.

The Pacers are 14-12 now, riding four straight wins with no intention of slowing down.

by andrei (MEM) Fri May 16, 2014 5:44 pm

Good read...I thought the title should use word 'win' instead of 'play'. I do not see Parker as a player that can bring extra touches rather than take a few away for himself. May be wrong though - we'll see....

by Jake0890 (WAS) Fri May 16, 2014 5:47 pm

Yeah, Andrei is right, Parker will probably end up just taking shots away from the other guys, not giving them any more.

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Pacers Finally Learning How To Play With Lebron

Pacers Finally Learning How To Play With Lebron

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