Glenn Robinson III scores 20 points, Pacers rout Nets 118-97

Unfortunately, George was not able to lead by example, as he told Taylor that his ankle was still hampering him (he was noticeably limited physically versus Atlanta), and he was also experiencing lower-back soreness. Johnson is averaging 3.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game. The 32-year-old Duke product scored 18 of his 24 points in the third quarter on Friday to reach 20 or more for the fourth time in the last six contests. The Pacers finished with 25 assists Friday night. Glenn Robinson III started in place of in leading scorer George (20.8).

Glen Robinson III: 20 pts et 5 rebonds. The only road win for the Pacers was a 115-111 overtime victory at Oklahoma City a week ago. Paul George called the meeting after practice, due to Indiana’s ninth loss of the year. They needed to discuss their future by themselves. A lot of people just haven’t got the opportunity to see me play that much. Meanwhile, the Clippers dropped their first road loss of the season versus the Detroit Pistons. En masse, the Clippers didn’t play with the “spirit” they always talk about.

Teague entered the game sixth in the National Basketball Association in steals and finished with three on the night. The team has not practiced since October 29, due to the demanding schedule. McMillan informed Robinson he would make his first start of the season. Chris Paul, small point guard, is probably as physical as any guard in the league. “We need to establish our identity”, McMillan said. “The guys in the locker room right now are the ones that can fix it”.

First time in Nets history they have lost four straight games by 19+ points. Dimes. So many dimes. The Pacers came with more energy than the Clippers and scrapped their way to a win in every area, including a +12 rebounding advantage with 13 offensive rebounds and an extra 22 field goal attempts and outscoring the Clippers 42-16 in the paint. Part of that offensive success comes from the free-throw line. The Pacers forced 11 Los Angeles turnovers in the opening period and led 23-20 at the first stop. Hence, this has helped L.A. close wins.

Never before had the Clippers under Doc Rivers, in three-plus seasons, failed to score at least 80 points.

Rodney Stuckey and Thaddeus Young also reached double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively, contributing to the hustle plays in between timely baskets. I think I had four turnovers in the first quarter alone, and we had 20 for the game. On offense, where IN was supposed to have improved, it’s ironically worse, with a 101 rating that ranks 22nd IN the league. The Pacers gave their best defensive effort of the season without Paul George, their best defender and top scorer. But for now, Robinson is playing the best ball of his career while helping IN mesh into the kind of team they expected to be all along.

In jumping out to the NBA’s best record, the Clippers had been the type of team to instigate. L.A. has won their last two games in Indiana. No question, the IN defense played a role, but the Clippers were only marginally engaged early and effectively showed the white flag early IN the second half.