The Indiana Pacers (43-37) blew out the Brooklyn Nets (21-59) on Sunday, 129-105.
A win here would have guaranteed a a playoff spot for the Pacers and they made sure there was no doubt that would happen. The game was well out of hand early, as they led 39-19 after the first quarter, won the second quarter 30-22 and won the third quarter 35 to 31. The 28-point halftime lead was the Pacers high of the season and it shows how much motivation they had coming into this game. The defense was key, as they held the Nets to 39 percent shooting and forced them to commit 15 turnovers. The Indiana offense wasn’t shabby either, as they shot a cool 56 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range.
This game meant very little for the Nets and they clearly didn’t show up. Thomas Robinson has been the teams best player over recent weeks, but he left early due to a knee injury. Markel Brown stepped up off the bench though, as he amassed 18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, six steals and three blocks. Donald Sloan contributed 19 points, three rebounds and five assists of his own off the bench as well. Sean Kilpatrick led the team with 26 points, as he also came off the bench. Up next for the Nets is a matchup with the Washington Wizards on Monday.
Indiana wanted to make sure they'd secure a spot in the postseason, as they put it on the Nets in this lopsided game. Myles Turner was the player of the game, as he tallied 28 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. George Hill led the starters with 18 points, while also providing five rebounds and four assists. Ty Lawson had one of his best games in a Pacer uniform, as he accumulated seven points, six rebounds and nine assists. On deck for the Pacers is a matchup with the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
