Game in and game out, we have come to expect consistent play from Thad Young. He’s good for almost 15 points and six rebounds per game, plus numerous hustle plays that stand out.
He’s Mr. Consistent. That’s why his performance Sunday was strange to see.
We saw frustration from the 11-year veteran who has played 11-plus years in the NBA. Not only does he know what he is supposed to do each time down the floor, but he also knows the responsibilities of each player on the court. So when he had a rare off night against the Houston Rockets (11-3), it certainly stood out.
Especially so when Young, who was scoreless (0 for 7) and had five rebounds in 24 minutes, accidentally split his jersey as he checked out with 5:30 left in the third quarter.
“I wasn’t having the game that I wanted to have,” he said calmly. “This game, [going] 0 for 7, of course I won’t have many of those. You get a little frustrated when you have games like that. You feel like you should have made certain shots, you feel like you should have did certain things better. Me personally, as a player, I want to be great every game. Frustration does settle in.
“I take pride in playing well and being a consistent guy in this league each and every day that I step onto the court.”
Equipment manager Josh Conder quickly got him a new one to exchange it out.
The Pacers, who trailed by 17 after the first 12 minutes, trailed the entire game in a 118-95 loss to the Rockets, who earned their sixth consecutive win.
Watch the video of Young tearing his jersey below (via @FSIndiana).
Thad Young frustratingly rips his jersey. #Pacers pic.twitter.com/hAq3BcUXvo
— FOX Sports Indiana (@FSIndiana) November 13, 2017
[Photo: @FSIndiana]