The Pacers took care of business Wednesday night against a struggling Jazz team. It was a strong team performance that saw the Pacers pull away in the 4th quarter after allowing the Jazz to hang around for 3/4 of the game.

Though Aaron Nesmith was the team's leading scorer – a continuation of his red hot play to start the season – Benn Mathurin was the MVP of the game. It was the first time Mathurin has really put his fingerprints on an outcome this (young) season. We can chalk it up to needing to adjust to a starting role on a rebuilt team, or an increased focus on defense and playmaking, or even just a good ol' sophomore slump, but Mathurin had struggled to find his footing until last night.

That footing looked particularly sea-worthy against the Jazz, as he made contributions across the box-score (including 5 offensive rebounds!), and turned in what Carlisle called his best game in "two years." Hopefully that performance is something Benn can build off as the season chugs along.

In addition to Nesmith and Mathurin, Jalen Smith put together another strong, efficient performance, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Much has been written about Smith's resurgence but the biggest difference seems to be a change in attitude. He's playing angry this year. Against the Spurs he stormed down the tunnel, knocking over towels, after a foul call went against him. Last night he was huffing and puffing after a few seemingly innocuous plays. He's imposing himself on games and it's paying dividends.

According to Carlisle, the trials and tribulations of last season were the catalyst causing the change in Smith's mindset:

I chalk it up to the type of character that he has. He went through some things last year where there was some real ups and downs, mentally and emotionally... He starts 27 games, gets benched, goes through some of the mental gyrations with that and just decided that, ‘I’ve gotta pick it up. I’ve gotta work harder when I get my opportunities. I gotta raise my level.’ He did that.

The Pacers defense is still not very good but over the past two games the numbers haven't been quite as bad.

It's fair to chalk that up to the competition but eagle-eyed Caitlin Cooper has also pointed out that the defensive mentality the coaches are trying to instill is starting to take root. The Bucks will be a different animal (even without Lillard, who is sitting tonight) but I'll be tracking defensive effort as much as the results.

New Court

The Pacers are debuting the second alternate court of the season. A dramatic grey, black, and yellow combo that matches the City Edition uniforms.

Injuries

Giannis is playing for the Bucks, while Lillard is not. The Pacers are healthy again.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

TV: Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

Tagged in:

Game Thread