Indiana Pacers began their regular season with a win against the Brooklyn Nets, 140-131. Victor Olapido led the Pacers, filling up the stat sheet with 17 points (5-17 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 7-9 FT), six rebounds, and one block across 33 minutes. Nets’ D’Angelo Russell played an impressive all-around game, but it was not enough to overcome the Pacers and get the victory. The Nets took the lead in the first quarter with one point lead. However, the Pacers bounced back on the succeeding quarters, wrapping up the game with a 9 point lead.
D’Angelo Russell scored 30 points
D’Angelo Russell did not waste time in making himself as the no. 1 option on his new team. Russell ended the night with 30 points, five assists, three rebounds, and one steal across 30 minutes floor time. The 21-year old player hit 12-of-22 from the field, 4-of-8 from the three-point line, and 2-2 from the free throw line. Depending on how serious Jeremy Lin's knee injury is, Russell is expected to be seen with a significant bump in value throughout the season.
In June 2015, Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as their second overall pick in the NBA draft. After signing his rookie scale contract with the Lakers, he averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in five Summer League games.
Jeremy Lin will miss the rest of the season because of injury
Jeremy Lin played 25 minutes floor time in Wednesday’s loss against the Pacers. The 29-year old veteran suffered a patellar tendon rupture during the game. Lin's injury was a tough blow for Nets, who had high expectations from Lin and the newcomer Russell. With Lin being sidelined, the Nets will have a few options, with Allen Crabbe most likely to get the start as the shooting guard in his absence.
Spencer Dinwiddie and Sean Kilpatrick are also expected to be playing in extended minutes to compensate for Lin’s absence. Prior to his injury, Jeremy Lin still played a decent game with 18 points and 4 assists. As of now, Lin’s injury will cause him to miss the rest of the season.
Darren Collison dropped double-double
Darren Collison started the NBA regular season as the new starting point guard of Pacers.
Collison impressed everyone, as he was not only an active scorer but also a distributor and defender. The 30-year old veteran impressively committed just two turnovers as well. Next to Victor Olapido, Collison tallied 21 points (9-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 11 assists, two steals and three rebounds across 30 minutes floor time.
