Down the stretch execution stunted the Indiana Pacers season once again on Monday night.
When you are playing against a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, mistakes that cost your team the game just can't be made because it usually takes a nearly perfect game to beat a top team like Cleveland.
At the end of regulation, Myles Turner, the Pacers promising rookie, failed to make a play that in the end might have cost his team the game. Turner failed to set a screen on an inbounds play that might have freed up Monta Ellis for a game-winning shot.
"I forgot the play, I'm really frustrated about it, but it's behind me now, got to move past it," said Turner of his mistake after the game, speaking with Fox Sports Indiana's Pat Boylan.
After the game, Turner apologized to his team in the locker room, but was quickly backed up by his Head Coach Frank Vogel.
"He apologized to the team...I've got to grab him, look him in the eye, and make sure he knows where he has to be, that's on me," said Vogel of the mishap in the final play of regulation.
Turner's mishap was only one on a list of them down the stretch for Indiana in their eventual loss to Cleveland. The Pacers once again faced the problem that has faced them all year long, executing down the stretch of games and being able to close out games.
Paul George and Monta Ellis were a combined (3-16) from the field in the first half, totaling just nine points, and Ellis only accounted for two of those nine. At game's end Ellis tallied just 14 points, and George just 11, so the second half and overtime were not much better for the duo.
"Your two best scorers have really, really off shooting nights and you have a chance to beat the best team in the east." "There's nothing but encouragement in my mind," said Vogel.
The final in score stood Indiana 106, Cleveland 111 in overtime.
The Pacers definitely have some positives that they can glean from this loss however, as they look toward Brooklyn on Wednesday. Indiana got excellent play from Jordan Hill, and Turner showed flashes of almost veteran-like play.
"We are an improving basketball team, an evolving basketball team," said Vogel.
Vogel was looking much more to the bright spots that were evident throughout a game for his Pacers who happened to have a tough ending. He continued to point out to the media that he saw plenty to like from a night that ultimately ended in a heart-breaking loss.
The Pacers next game comes on the road against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Tip time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.