Game Rewind: Pacers 106, Clippers 92

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Game Rewind: Pacers 106, Clippers 92

As the Pacers battled through an unusual circumstance, their stars and bench shined.

The Los Angeles Clippers, who are on the road for seven straight games, entered the game averaging nearly 115 points over their last five games — all wins.

In what turned into a physical game, the Pacers (32-7) didn’t allow the Clippers (28-14) to get out and run, and they held them below 40 percent shooting in their 106-92 win to take the season series. With the home win in front of the 14th sellout crowd of the season, the Pacers are assured of a winning record on their floor for the 25th consecutive season, the longest active streak in the NBA.

After falling behind 15-10, the Pacers dominated the final six and half minutes of the opening stanza. Roy Hibbert held his ground in the paint and swatted away five shots in the early going. Indiana went on an 18-3 run, capped off by a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the top of the key by Paul George, who had 13 points in the first quarter.

Much like the last two games, the Pacers’ bench not only maintained the lead, but also added to it. C.J. Watson had nine points and the second group accounted for 18 of Indiana’s 29 second-quarter points. They shot 57 percent, moved the ball exceptionally well — they assisted on seven of 12 field goals — and were active on the offensive glass. The Pacers scored at a high rate in the first half for the third straight game (they're averaging just under 60 first-half points over that stretch) and had a 57-41 advantage at the break.

Indiana would need more production from its bench in the second half. Just as the second quarter concluded, Clippers forward Blake Griffin chased down a poor Indiana inbounds pass and David West caught up with him. Time had already expired but the officials gave West a flagrant-2, resulting in an automatic ejection, for an elbow to the side of Griffin’s head.

Both teams became irritated in the quarter - the Pacers because of some of the questionable late whistles, and the Clippers because of their sluggish play, which had coach Doc Rivers calling a timeout in disgust. The Pacers’ lead swelled to 20, to which the Clippers responded with an 8-2 spurt. The Clippers cut their deficit to 10 as the Pacers made just one field goal over the final 8:59 of the third.

90 seconds into the final period, the Clippers cut it to single digits for the first time of the half but then the Pacers answered with 10 straight. During that stretch, the Clippers turned the ball over three times. As the Pacers pulled away, Paul George completed a 360 dunk that sent fans up from their seats.

With West out and Luis Scola in foul trouble, Danny Granger filled in admirably at power forward. Indiana’s depth was a major asset on the night, just as Pacers executives hoped it would be heading into the season. The Pacers, who swept their four-game home stand and won those games by an average of 23.3 points per game, have hit their stride as they set out west for their final long road trip of the season.

Paul George tallied a game-high 36 points (5-of-6 from deep), his second-highest output of the season and the seventh time this year he had at least 30. Lance Stephenson played 41 minutes and flirted with a triple double, finishing with 22 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, and seven assists. His five offensive rebounds were also a career-high.

Off the bench, Danny Granger was in double figures for the ninth games this season with 12 points and four assists. With 11 points, C.J. Watson scored in double figures for the third time in four games.

Jamal Crawford had 22 points off the pine to lead the Clippers. Blake Griffin was 6-for-18 from the field and had 19 points. DeAndre Jordan, who started his league’s best 200th consecutive regular season game, pulled down 17 rebounds and scored 12.

Though his offense was off — four points on 2-of-11 shooting — Roy Hibbert grabbed 11 boards and blocked five shots for the 10th game this season, all of which were Pacers victories.

“We had to play a game that we’re not used to playing tonight because of those circumstances. The guys that were on the court just flat-out battled, and they found a win — and win convincingly.” – Frank Vogel

“I was proud of Danny Granger for coming in and playing extended minutes, and playing some at power forward, which he hasn’t played in a couple years. He really battled Blake Griffin and gave us some critical, critical minutes in a tough matchup.” – Frank Vogel

“Danny’s a blowout machine. There’s something about him. He delivers those knockout shots. … He’s just strengthening what we have and added another dimension to this team that opposing teams have to deal with.” – David West on Danny Granger

“We are becoming an offensive juggernaut. At times, we struggled with our offensive efficiency but when we move the ball and pass the way we do and cut the way we do, it’s hard to stop us.” – Danny Granger

“I feel like every game is a good for us. We’re playing together, we’re playing smart and we don’t care who scores. We’re just playing within the flow of the game.” – Lance Stephenson

“We had the same principles (as usual). Help one another, contest every jump shot, load up the paint and make everything tough for guys.” – Paul George on their defense

“It was instinctive. I wanted to put on a show for the fans. They support us and I want to keep them coming back.” – Paul George on his dunk

The Clippers were fourth in the NBA in fast-break points entering the night, averaging 16.9 per game. The Pacers not only kept them to just six, but also outscored them by 12 in that category.

The Pacers begin a five-game road trip by taking on the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, Jan. 20. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. EST. Game Preview »

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