By Daniel Massa | Pacers.com Halftime Rewind
The Indiana Pacers saw their defensive struggles continue during the first half of their matchup with the Utah Jazz Saturday night, and trail 60-50 at the break.
After giving up a decisive 35-point third quarter in last night's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana allowed the Jazz to score 34 points in the first quarter. Utah, which averages only 99.5 points per game, held a 34-21 lead after the opening frame. Paul George and Thad Young each had eight points in the quarter, while Utah's Gordon Hayward led all scorers with 11.
Indiana was within four, down 15-11 with 6:37 left in the first, but the Jazz went on an 8-2 run to open up a 10-point lead. The Pacers would never get within closer than eight points throughout the rest of the half.
Monta Ellis scored six points in the first five minutes of the second quarter, but the Jazz built their lead up to as much as 17 midway through the second.
The Pacers cut the lead to 10, 56-46, on a Jeff Teague floater with 2:31 left in the half, but the teams traded baskets the rest of the way.
George picked up his third foul with 6:07 left in the second quarter and was force to sit the rest of the half.
Indiana actually outshot Utah, 51.3 percent to 48.9 percent, but the Jazz made six more free throws and grabbed six offensive rebounds, leading to extra opportunities.
Young is the only Pacers player in double-figures with 14, and Hayward leads all scorers with 15. Tickets
The Pacers return home following their Western Conference swing on Monday, Jan. 23 for a primetime matchup with the New York Knicks. Tipoff is slated for 8:00 PM ET. Find Tickets » Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
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