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Pacers handle Magic 97-92 behind big contributions from GRIII

By Scott Stewart

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The Indiana Pacers beat the Orlando Magic last night by a score of 97-92, and Pacers rookie Glenn Robinson III was the big standout at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Glenn Robinson III probably was not the first person you thought of last night when the Pacers came to mind. However, the former Michigan Wolverine was the standout in their win over the Magic after being inserted late into the starting lineup.

-=Related: Pacers sign F Kadeem Jack=-

Last night, the “Little Dog” racked up 14 points in 30 minutes of action, the most on the team in both categories, on 3-5 shooting (3-4 from 3pt range) and 5-6 from the line.

George Hill‘s absence meant Monta Ellis would get the start at the point guard position, thus creating room for Robinson III to slide in and see some minutes with the starters. Monta Ellis looked remarkably comfortable in the first quarter handling the ball and that steadied throughout the game.

Yesterday, I wrote in our Pacers preview that it was likely Orlando would rest some of their starters coming off a game against the Miami Heat the night before. Well, Scott Skiles lied plain and simple, and the starters saw the floor for most of the minutes.

Oct 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward

Rakeem Christmas

(25) battles for position with Orlando Magic center Nnanna Egwu (21) and forward

Devyn Marble

(11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 97-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With Channing Frye out, Paul George was matched up against Tobias Harris and produced 13 points on 4-14 shooting. George was a little cold from beyond the arc last night and though he showed his ability to drain against the Pistons, consistency will remain a factor as the season goes on.

However, it’s still important to stress how “preseason” these games truly are. When the rubber hits the road in late October, this team will (hopefully) be in 2nd or 3rd gear as opposed to the 1st gear Pacers we have seen. Also, the 1st gear Pacers haven’t been bad – at all – and as the lineup continues to be tinkered, things will be figured out.

The Pacers are off for five days but will return to host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, October 13th. Tipoff is slated for 7 pm ET.

Next: Pacers face Magic at home in third preseason game

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