The silver lining that emerged from the otherwise gloomy Western Conference excursion was the production of the guy whose recent play had been the gloomiest of all the Pacers.
Tyreke Evans, a non-entity throughout the three weeks prior to the four-game road trip that resulted in defeats against Denver, Portland, the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State, played better in each successive game and perhaps re-established himself as a vital contributor going forward.
Evans opened the trip with a solid floor game against the Nuggets, finishing with five points, five rebounds, three assists and no turnovers. He followed with nine points and three assists in Portland.