Indiana Pacers Defeat Utah Jazz, 94-91

Mar 2, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) drives to the basket against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers rallied in the second half to defeat the Jazz Sunday evening. After a prolonged ending to the game, the Pacers came away with the 94-91 victory.

The Jazz held two double-digit leads in the first half of the game, but the Pacers managed to make it a one-point game by halftime. Indiana continued its trend of exceptional third quarter by outscoring Utah 30-24.

Former Butler star Gordon Hayward had a chance to tie the game as time expired, but missed the three pointer off the back iron. He brought the Jazz within one on the previous possession with tough three and Paul George‘s hand in his face. Heyward led his team with 21 points.

George struggled shooting the ball tonight, but did finish the game with 22 points. He was 6-for-16 from the field, including 1-of-6 at the three point line. He was able to get to the free throw line frequently, shooting 9-for-10 from the charity stripe.

George also came away with six rebounds, four assists, and a pair of steals.

As he often does, David West took over the Pacers in this game. He led the team with 25 points off an efficient 11-for-17 shooting night. West also had six rebounds and a block.

Although he struggled in the second half, and picked up a technical foul for slapping the floor, Lance Stephenson did a little bit of everything for the Pacers once again. Stephenson 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists against the Jazz.

After three straight games scoring in the double-digits, Roy Hibbert struggled from the field. He was just 1-of-9 for two points. Hibbert was still effective on the defensive end with two blocks and altering a number of shots. He only logged 19 minutes as he sat for most of the night with foul trouble.

Ian Mahinmi relieved Hibbert and continued his exceptional play over the last few weeks. Mahinmi finished with nine points, seven rebounds, three blocks and a steal. Mahinmi has been on a tear basically since the Andrew Bynum signing.

CJ Watson once again filled in for the injured George Hill. Watson had an impressive stat line with 13 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Both Mahinmi and George suffered bad falls during the game. Neither player left, but both admitted to being sore after it was over.

The Pacers have won five in a row against some of the worst teams in the NBA. That is going to change quickly as the Pacers face four playoff bound teams in the coming week. First is a visit from the red hot Golden State Warriors Tuesday, and the next night the Pacers will be at Charlotte to start a three game road trip.

Indiana will be at Houston on Friday and at Dallas Sunday.

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