Doyel: Pacers still not all there mentally

This game meant something more than a single win or a single loss. Playing the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, it was a chance for the Indiana Pacers to

This game meant something more than a single win or a single loss. Playing the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, it was a chance for the Indiana Pacers to find out about themselves. “A measuring-stick game,” is how Pacer star Paul George put it beforehand.

Physically, the Pacers measured up. They scored, they rebounded, they defended. They protected the rim. They lost 111-106 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime, but they competed.

The Pacers have the pieces. Physically, I’m saying.

Mentally? Nope, not yet. They don’t have all of those pieces. This game also proved that.

This game went to overtime only because the Pacers screwed up the final play of regulation. Tied at 96, Pacers ball, 20 seconds left. Shot clock off.

Click here for Greg Doyel's full column in the Indianapolis Star.