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All eyes were on Evan Turner and how he would fit in with the Indiana Pacers. The outcome seemed secondary due to the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers.
But after leading by just three points at the half, Paul George set the tone for a defensive attack in the third quarter to help the starting unit overwhelm the overmatched Lakers and then really give Turner a comfortable environment to go to work.
The Pacers shot over 58 percent and outscored the Lakers 34-16 in the third quarter, but that offensive outburst was fueled by an uptick in defense. Four steals and three blocks kept the Pacers on the run, as George invaded passing lanes all over the perimeter and the team as a whole helped and rotated at the elite level few other teams can reach.
Seems like it has been awhile since the D was that glaringly dominant, even if it was against the Lakers and just for the third quarter. That level of intensity on the defensive end from the starting unit is far more important to the big picture than what the reserve unit delivers.
As for Turner's debut, his skill set in the mix makes the Pacers a different team. We'll see if they are better, and all indications are that they will improve the reserve production, but for now they are definitely different with another player who can go into attack mode with the ball in his hands.
Check out the links:
Game Rewind: Pacers 118, Lakers 98 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Radio Highlights: Pacers 118, Lakers 98 | Pacers Blogs
Turner Makes Himself at Home | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
George scores 20, Turner 13 as Pacers roll - 1070 The Fan
Turner fits in nicely in Pacers' debut - Indy Star
Holder: Pacers still have urge to get top seed - Indy Star
George helps Pacers pull away from Lakers, 118-98 - AP
Pau Gasol isn't happy after the Lakers are crushed by Pacers, 118-98 - latimes.com
Pau Gasol of Los Angeles Lakers voices frustration after another loss - ESPN Los Angeles
Mahinmi Quietly Raising His Game | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Turner scores 13 in debut as Pacers defeat Lakers | Fox 59 News – fox59.com
Turner fits in nicely in Pacers' debut - Indy StarPost Game Grades: Wow, the Lakers are Bad | 8 Points, 9 Seconds
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