How Did Unproven Pacer Shine in Blowout Loss?

Before Wednesday's matchup with the Rockets, Jackson hadn't started for the Pacers and only played six games for the 2024-25 season. Yet, an unproven player outperformed his star-level teammates on the road against a playoff-caliber Western Conference. 

Under the bright lights of the road and in hostile territory, Jackson showcased why he deserves minutes moving forward. 

Jackson erupted for a 10-12 shooting mark from the field and finished 3-4 from the charity stripe, which led to a team-high 24 points. In addition to the impressive offense, Jackson showcased his defensive potential by accumulating two steals and a block in 26 minutes. 

From an advanced standpoint, Jackson blew his team out of the water, similar to what the Rockets did to the Pacers. Although one shouldn't regularly depend on box plus-minus, there are times when it tells a story. 

On a night when last season's All-NBA Haliburton produced a 78 offensive rating, Jackson's team-high 16.2 box plus-minus showcased his desperation for minutes and the necessity of convincing Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle to give him playing time. 

Frankly, Carlisle has little to no choice due to the injury-ravaged Pacers roster. Regardless of injuries, Jackson's performance warrants another look against the Milwaukee Bucks on NBA Cup Friday.