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The Pacers hit the reset button on Wednesday night in an effort to begin a new winning streak as show up at the not-so-friendly confines of EnergySolutions Arena to play the Utah Jazz.
The Pacers witnessed an interesting night in the Eastern Conference on their night off in Salt Lake City. For starters, the Miami Heat minus Dwyane Wade coughed up a chance to draw within a game of the Pacers when the Detroit Pistons rolled into Miami, used their big front court to attack the rim and hold off the Heat. If the Pistons could work on their defense a little bit, especially the transition variety, I wouldn't mind seeing them play the Heat in a first-round playoff matchup.
Of course, despite Detroit's sub-.500 record they would still need to drop a slot in the playoffs for that to happen which brings me to the other early-season EC note from last night. The Toronto Raptors went from cruising to a nice road win in Golden State to absolutely folding. Their 18-point lead to begin the fourth quarter turned into a nine-point loss. This combined with the Boston Celtics win over the Milwaukee Bucks, put the Celtics in first place in the Atlantic Division.
Goodness.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers at Jazz | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Paul George Named Eastern Conference Player of the Month | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Another Marker Along the Fast Lane | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
George's Confidence Never Higher | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
NBA-Pacers' George models game after Kobe, eyes similar success - Yahoo Sports
Pacers' George undeterred by finger pain | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
Ax Dr. Bruno: Can PG really win MVP? - 1070 The Fan
Paul George Is Yet to Be Fully Impressed By Himself | 8 Points, 9 Seconds
Utah Jazz: In Pacers, Gordon Hayward faces team he once idolized | The Salt Lake Tribune
Utah Jazz stressing development this year, right? - SLC Dunk
When should NBA contenders fire their luxury tax bullet? - SBNation.com
Pistons snap Heat's 10-game win streak, 107-97 - USA Today
Jason Kidd's relationship with top assistant deterioriated after heated staff meeting - Yahoo Sports
Michael Carter-Williams, Victor Oladipo each notch triple-doubles - SBNation.com
Nets assistant coach Lawrence Frank reassigned by Jason Kidd - CBSSports.com