Victor Oladipo’s late triple wins it for Indiana
After going second overall in the 2013 NBA draft with a bright future ahead of him, Victor Oladipo migrated around the league to three teams in five years. However, with the way he’s played so far, his most recent stop may become his last.
Coming to Indiana as part of a trade package from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George, many people saw the acquisition of Oladipo as a desperate attempt by the Pacers to squeeze any ounce of value out of the eminent departure of their star. Despite playing the lowest minutes per game since his rookie season, Oladipo has challenged that train of thought and blown his previous career high averages out of the water.
While he won’t be entering MVP discussions any time soon, the fifth year guard out of Indiana University has turned heads with his Allstar level of play in the absence of franchise star Myles Turner. His scorching shooting percentages can’t be sustained on his volume of shooting, but his aggressiveness slashing and attacking the rim will ensure Oladipo more trips to the line and more than a few free points a night.
Heading into the game against the Western Conference powerhouse San Antonio Spurs, Oladipo and the Pacers were given little chance to win even accounting for the sidelined MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard. Like he’s done all season, Oladipo silenced his doubters with another huge game against daunting competition.
As the game met its end, the Pacers were playing from behind with little momentum on offense and even less time to turn things around. After a uncharacteristically sloppy late game turnover by the Spurs, the Pacers drew up a play for Oladipo who drained a three in the face of a contesting LaMarcus Aldridge.
Oladipo hung 23 points on San Antonio and his huge triple gave Indiana the lead. Behind their impenetrable final defensive sequence, the Pacers secured a 3-3 record with an outstanding 97-94 victory in crunch time.
Without a clearly defined role or a strong supporting cast, Oladipo looked hopelessly lost in his first four years in the league. Now, he’s home and as confident and comfortable as ever. Keep an eye on meteoric rise of Victor Oladipo, Indiana might just have uncovered a hidden star in the making just waiting to breakout.
