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The Pacers had to lean on Lance Stephenson throughout the game to hang around before eventually rolling past the Charlotte Bobcats, 99-94 at the Fieldhouse. Here are a few random thoughts:
- The lead changed hands at various points throughout the game but whenever it seemed like Charlotte may be gaining traction to extend their lead, there was Lance. On a night when Paul George struggled to get buckets with a season-low 10 points on 2 for 12 shooting from the field, Stephenson, Roy Hibbert and David West handled the big buckets.
- Also, don't forget George Hill handling the big free throws to close out the game and give another pair of backpacks to the kids. Not the normal path to victory, but this season is turning into anything but normal. 20-3 with Detroit at the 'House on Monday.
- Rasual Butler hopped in the playing rotation for Orlando Johnson/Solomon Hill and looked like a natural fit. Butler added eight points, made a pair of three-balls and seemed to be a perfect stand-in for what Danny Granger can bring whenever he is ready to play again. Butler played almost 24 minutes which was a little more than Frank Vogel planned, but he was able to spell PG and Lance while keeping things flowing on the floor, so Vogel let him go a little longer.
- Cody Zeller had some nice offensive plays for Charlotte, including an and 1 that gave the Bobcats the lead at one point. The former Hoosier did struggle on defense, getting some graduate level instruction while trying to guard David West and Luis Scola.
Check out the links:
Game Rewind: Pacers 99, Bobcats 94 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Pacers struggle with, beat Bobcats - Indy Star
Pacers beat Bobcats 99-94, up home record to 11-0 - AP
Stephenson, Hibbert spark Pacers past Bobcats - 1070 The Fan
Pacers hold off Bobcats with George Hill’s late free throws | CharlotteObserver.com
Butler Earning His Way | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Stephenson’s Energy Pushes Pacers over the Top | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Post-Game Grades: Pacers Mail One in but Still Squeak Past Bobcats | 8 Points, 9 Seconds