3 takeaways from Pacers' 105-97 win at Orlando

Nov 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (4) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO - The Indiana Pacers will enjoy Thanksgiving, playing their best basketball of the young season.

Extending their season-high winning streak to four games the Pacers (10-8) defeated the Orlando Magic 105-97 Monday night at Amway Center. The schedule was working against the Pacers, playing the second of back-to-back games in Florida after whipping the Miami Heat on Sunday.

But instead of suffering a letdown, the Pacers were focused from the start and continued to build momentum. The Pacers do not play again until Friday, when they host the Toronto Raptors.

The Pacers built an 11-point lead late in the fourth quarter, then after Orlando made two consecutive three-pointers, Oladipo hit a clutch jumper while being fouled, putting the Pacers ahead 98-90 with 1:34 left. Orlando center Nikola Vucevic answered with a three-pointer, then Orlando forward Aaron Gordon made a turnaround jumper to pull Orlando within 98-95 with 49.2 seconds left. But after Pacers coach Nate McMillan called timeout, Pacers forward Bojan Bogdanovic iced this one with a deep three-pointer, giving Indiana a six-point lead, and sending the Magic (8-9) to another defeat.

Oladipo led the Pacers with 29 points, nine rebounds, and seven steals, and five assists, while Bogdognavic had another excellent game with 26 points, shooting 5 for 7 from three-point range. Vucevic led Orlando with 25 points. 

Here are three takeaways from another feel-good win for the Pacers:

1. Nate McMillan kept the Pacers' rotation tight, 

McMillan only used eight players, which deviated from his normal habit of using at least nine. It may have been an indication of how badly McMillan wanted this game. He also knew the Pacers did not have another game until Friday, so they would have plenty of time to recover.  Forward T. J. Leaf, who usually sees time with the second unit, did not play. The only bench players used were Cory Joseph, Domantas Sabonis, and Lance Stephenson. The Pacers have depth, but McMillan is not wed to any set rotation from game to game. It depends on who is playing well, matchups, and which combinations are working best. This is the best way for McMillan to coach this season, as he learns more and more about this young team. In this game, using eight players worked out fine.

2. Oladipo is playing at an All-Star level 

You can look at Oladipo's stats and see he is off to a superb start. But some of the things he is doing are more subtle. He had six steals in this game, using his hands and anticipation to get into passing lanes and disrupt Orlando's offense. Oladipo has been  a complete player, making a difference at both ends. And his shot selection is much improved over prior seasons. Oladipo knows he is going to get opportunities to score, but he is letting those opportunities come within the flow of the game, not forcing the action. Many players have contributed to the Pacers' surprising start, but none more than Oladipo. There was a momentary scare for Oladipo in the fourth quarter when he was struck in the head after colliding with a Magic player trying to retrieve a loose ball. But after being taken to the locker room, Oladipo returned to the bench a short time later. The Pacers breathed a sigh of relief. Whether he is named an All-Star or not, Oladipo is playing like one.

3. The Pacers believe they can go anywhere and win.

This made four straight road wins for the Pacers. They seem to be learning from every experience, and when Orlando made a run, there was no panic on the Pacers' part. They kept executing offensively instead of rushing shots,.Because their defense has improved, they are not as susceptible to losing late leads as they were earlier in the season. Perhaps early in the season, the Pacers would have coughed up this game after Orlando made its final push. But the Pacers are learning how to close games, another trait that will help them moving forward.\\

Follow IndyStar sports writer Clifton Brown on Twitter @CliftonGBrown