Chris Copeland Powers Pacers Past Mavericks

Oct 10, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel yells out instructions during the game against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers by the score of 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana Pacers came into the evening at 1-3 in preseason action, and faced a tough Dallas Mavericks team that beat them last week. Granted, the Mavericks sat some of their key players out in Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons, but both teams fought hard throughout the entire game. Indiana was able to pull out a 98-93 win thanks to the play of Chris Copeland and Donald Sloan.

Bankers Life Fieldhouse didn’t sound like it was a preseason game, and the atmosphere was rocking all night long. It’s great to see the fans still embracing the team despite the loss of both Paul George and Lance Stephenson, and the team definitely has a bright future. The team was also very supportive of one another, and it’s obvious that they have all developed a great chemistry together.

Copeland led the way for the Pacers with 22 points on 6-15 shooting, including 6-14 from behind the three-point line. He brought a lot of energy and his shooting was excellent as usual. David West scored 16 points as well for the Pacers before leaving the game due to a sprained ankle. Sloan was another key player for Indiana down the stretch, scoring 15 points to go along with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. George Hill rounded out the double digit scorers for Indiana with 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Gal Mekel led the way for the Mavericks, with an impressive 19 points and nine assists. He cut through the Indiana defense all night long, and showed the potential that they saw in him. Richard Jefferson joined Mekel with 19 points, and both Al-Farouq Aminu and Charlie Villanueva scored 11 points for Dallas. Brandan Wright was the only other double figure scorer with 10 points on the night.

Needless to say, this was a very nice win for the Pacers to improve to 2-3 in preseason action. It may still be preseason action, but the Pacers are taking things seriously and it is a breath of fresh air to see the team playing hard. Indiana will now look ahead to their next preseason game on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.