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The Pacers are in New York on Wednesday to play the Knicks in the first of two road games after suffering their first loss at home on Monday.
The frustrating fourth-quarter fade against Portland, should have the Pacers attention to detail dialed in for their next two games against the Knicks and Bulls — two winnable games if looking just on paper. Plus, the 8 p.m. ET start from Madison Square Garden is on ESPN which gives the Pacers a chance to shine with a national spotlight on them.
Free throw woes have been a source of consternation with the Pacers this year. They shot 13-20 against Portland and as J. Michael chronicled today, the Pacers are last in the Eastern Conference (28th in the league) in free throw percentage and dead last in the league in free throw attempts per game.
Myles Turner took the brunt of the blame for missed opportunities at the line, going 0-4 against the Blazers including missing a pair at a key part of the game. Midway through the third quarter, the Pacers had battled back from an earlier 13-point deficit and had built a seven-point lead. But, as we know, the Blazers would battle back.
Jusuf Nukic made the first three-pointer of his career (clearly not a good sign when a sixth-year pro hits you for three, he’s now 1-22 for his career) to cut the lead to four. But Myles Turner came back and battled for a strong offensive rebound and drew a foul in the process to help the Pacers maintain momentum. Unfortunately, he was unable to cash in and missed both free throws. Big Mo shifted sides.
The Blazers continued to make an 11-2 run to take the lead back and would never trail in the game, again.
Check out the links:
Pacers Game Preview: Pacers at Knicks | Indiana Pacers
Victor Oladipo: Indiana Pacers' free throw woes go beyond misses
Offensive “Slippage” Brings Defeat | Indiana Pacers
David Fizdale staying patient with Knicks' new starting five | SNY
There is a pattern to the New York Knicks' Over/Unders so far - NY Post
Indiana Pacers lose at home for 1st time vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Indiana Pacers - October 29, 2018 | NBA.com - Recap
Power Rankings, Week 3: Raptors still tops, but Bucks and Warriors gain ground | NBA.com
Game Rewind: Pacers 93, Trail Blazers 103 | Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers trail late, get blazed by Portland Trail Blazers at home
Caleb Swanigan's career night helps Portland Trail Blazers beat Indiana Pacers | OregonLive.com
Trail Blazers Ride Bench To Overcome Shaky Start, Beat Pacers - Blazer's Edge
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