I got a chance to watch the Pacers play Sacramento for awhile tonight.
As I tuned into the game, I wanted to focus on Roy Hibbert. I've heard nothing but how much he's improved from last year. He is definitely in the best physical shape I've ever seen him in, and he's a gifted post player - he has good touch and knows how to use his length, and he has very good vision for a big man. As the game went on, however, some other players took my attention.
I'd forgotten how good of a scorer Danny Granger is. He torched the Kings from just about everywhere on the court. He has 37 on 12-19 shooting, and he hasn't had to dominate the ball to be effective - his points have been very much within the flow of the offense.
Hibbert's stats are good, but for the most part he was thoroughly outplayed by DeMarcus Cousins (although Cousins battled foul trouble for much of the game). The rookie tried to lead a comeback in the fourth quarter, but it ultimately didn't go anywhere as the Kings couldn't get any stops and Tyreke couldn't get it going.
In a way, Cousins reminds me a little of Carmelo Anthony in that they both make it look so easy. He seems to have a decent midrange jumper, and he's very quick and has a very good handle for his size. He doesn't know how to play NBA defense yet (and I doubt that will ever be a strength, honestly), but when he stays on the court and plays with effort, he is a force. He even made a few hustle plays tonight, which is a good sign. As long as his attitude and his effort level are where they should be, he'll be a heck of a player.
