Pacers start 1-0 behind Historic Rebounding Night
Domantas Sabonis had 14 points and 15 rebounds in the Pacers opening night win.
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Ever since April 29th, the Indiana Pacers and their fans have been chomping at the bit to play meaningful basketball again. The long wait is over, and the Pacers are off to a great start. They muscled their way to a 111-83 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Opening Night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Pacers Head Coach Nate McMillan emphasized defense and rebounding in training camp. So far, message received. The Pacers out-rebounded Memphis 57-28, which was the largest rebounding advantage they’ve had in a game since 2003. It was the fourth-best rebounding night in Pacers history.
“In training camp, it was a big penalty if you gave up rebounds in the paint,” said McMillan. “I gave the other team three points every time you missed a rebound. It was just a way to get our guys focused on this part of the game. I liked what we did tonight.”
Myles Turner- “Some people call rebounding a skill. I think it’s more of a mentality.” pic.twitter.com/3RLI7kUu0b
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) October 18, 2018
In addition to the impressive night on the glass, the Pacers used a balanced attack on the offensive end. Seven Pacers scored in double-figures, led by Bojan Bogdanovic with 19 points. Victor Oladipo only had to play 26 minutes and he had 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
The second unit outscored the starters, led by Domantas Sabonis. He had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. The newbies had solid nights as well. Doug McDermott scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, and Tyreke Evans chipped in 14 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
“Tyreke can play the 1, 2, or 3,” McMillan said. “Not only was he scoring but he was setting up teammates and getting guys really clean looks. My challenge to Tyreke is to defend and rebound. If he does that, we’re going to have to find him minutes.”
Oladipo likes what the Pacers have off the bench. “The second unit is good. Very good. If there’s no drop-off when they get in the game, we could be really special.”
Ep. 3 | Myles Turner’s Extension,
Previewing Upcoming Games (Grizzlies: Wednesday, Bucks: Friday, Nets: Saturday and Timberwolves: Monday) & Pacers Questions!🔊: https://t.co/4x8TqLNL0V pic.twitter.com/TlGtKtkjYj
— Setting The Pace (@SettingThePace3) October 17, 2018
Myles Turner was just two points shy of being the eighth Pacer in double-figures. He had eight points, eight rebounds, and had flour blocked shots in his first game since signing the big contract extension. He was limited to 20 minutes of game action because of early foul trouble. The stat line would have been much more impressive if the game wasn’t a blowout.
The Pacers have now won seven of their last eight season openers. Nate McMillan has won five straight as a head coach (three with the Pacers.)
Most experts believe the Central Division will come down to Milwaukee and Indiana. These two teams square off for an early season showdown Friday night in Milwaukee. “We’ve got to know it’s a road game,” said Oladipo. “It won’t be all gravy like it was tonight.”
Basketball is back. The Pacers are undefeated. And all is right with the world.
The Pacers outscored the Grizzlies 60-16 in the paint on Wednesday. They averaged 44.7 PITP last season, only scoring 60 or more there seven times.
— 8 Points, 9 Seconds (@8pts9secs) October 18, 2018
“Very unselfish group. Very fun to play with.” @dougmcdermott after his first regular season game in a #Pacers uniform. pic.twitter.com/HGfiaOgbkJ
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 18, 2018
An Indy legend in the making: pic.twitter.com/EqzZBWxh0a
— Tony East (@TEastNBA) October 18, 2018
Early impressions:
-Emphasis on rebounding paying dividends already
-Tyreke Evans was a huge get for this team
-DEPTH— iPacers.com (@iPacersblog) October 18, 2018
