Ignoring the final three quarters will go a long way in determining the overall success of the new look Indiana Pacers especially when the ending is the same as it ever was. They even managed to follow a shockingly similar path as to their loss last Sunday to the Cleveland Cavaliers by blowing another 20-point lead to the Cavs, an impressive feat to be sure given the number of moving parts on both rosters in that time period.
For all things considered, it was a successful debut for Indiana’s four new players, especially in that opening quarter, when they blitzed Cleveland’s defense with speed and precision, finishing with 47 points in the quarter, shooting 71% in the quarter and 10-12 from three point range.