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Indiana Pacers: 5 Reasons They’ll Make The Playoffs

By Evan Massey

Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) smiles from the bench against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) smiles from the bench against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey (2) practices his shooting before the game against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey (2) practices his shooting before the game against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rodney Stuckey’s Improved Bench Play

The Indiana Pacers have desperately needed better bench play over the past couple of seasons, and they have gotten that this year so far. Over the past two games, Rodney Stuckey has been coming off of the bench and has scored 30 points in each of the two games.

Stuckey was signed this past offseason to replace Lance Stephenson, and he has done a decent job of doing just that. Frank Vogel originally had been starting Stuckey, but these last two games have shown him that Stuckey is a much better fit coming off of the bench. If he is able to continue playing at that level, the Pacers are going to be a very difficult team to beat.

Through the 48 games that Stuckey has played in this season, he has started in 36 of them. During those games, he has averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

It will be interesting to see what type of play he can finish the season with moving forward. The Pacers need him playing at the dominant level that he showed over the past couple of weeks, and if he can Indiana will be a much more dangerous team.

Next: 4. Team Chemistry

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