The storyline behind Pacers victories is becoming repetitive. Paul George plays great, George Hill and Ian Mahinmi are steady, and the bench contributes.
The variable, more often than not, has been Monta Ellis, the free agent who was signed to add scoring punch to what was intended to be a sleeker and more powerful offense. Ellis has run hot and cold through the first 10 games, but is starting to produce the plays and games that made him appealing in the first place.
Ellis scored 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting, passed out a game-high five assists and made a crucial defensive play in the final minute of the Pacers' 107-103 victory over Minnesota Friday, helping avoid an embarrassing collapse from a 27-point third quarter lead.