Pacers largely listless without starters Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner in loss to Spurs

Show Caption Hide Caption Darren Collison explains what's wrong with his jump shot Darren Collison shot 2-for-8 in a loss to San Antonio and finding it difficult to repeat last year's shooting performance as his time decreases.

INDIANAPOLIS – Missing two starters in Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner, the Indiana Pacers found themselves behind from the opening tipoff Saturday and never could get on top.

In losing 111-100 to the San Antonio Spurs, the Pacers (11-8) had their three-game winning streak snapped at Bankers Life Fieldhouse because of poor 3-point shooting (3-for-24, 12.5 percent) and an inability to get stops.

"We haven't been able to establish our defense in the last two games," said coach Nate McMillan, alluding to a loss to the Charlotte Hornets when his team allowed them to shoot 18-for-29 on 3s. "They've been attacking us. We can't control the ball, can't guard the ball and teams are going to get what they want. We're digging ourselves deep holes to start."

While the Hornets began dropping in long balls immediately, the Spurs pounded the Pacers inside with LaMarcus Aldridge and the 3s came later off the help to stop him.

"It was tough," said Domantas Sabonis, who was a game-time decision because of a right ankle sprain. "Felt like I was a second slow with everything I wanted to do on my reaction time. I feel bad because I wish I could've guarded him better."

Five minutes into the first quarter, the Pacers only had one field goal and trailed 13-3. The starters, which included Tyreke Evans and Sabonis (19 points, 16 rebounds), slogged through it until Cory Joseph (18 points, seven assists, four rebounds) and Aaron Holiday (11 points) entered to quicken the pace to cut it to 29-23 entering the second quarter.

Just as the Pacers cut the deficit to 45-41 with two minutes left before halftime, they allowed a pull-up jumper from Patty Mills (15 points), a 3 from Marco Belinelli (seven points), a layup by Aldridge (33 points, 14 rebounds) and a jumper from DeMar DeRozan (16 points, six assists).

The Spurs made 5 of 8 3s in the second half to finish 10-for-21 overall, or 47.6 percent.

"They controlled the pace," Joseph said. "They made us play their game. It didn't benefit us. They're inside-out.They were kicking it out, knocking down 3s. We weren't able to play fast. That's when we're at our best."

The Spurs (9-9) led by as many as 20 and when the Pacers had a spurt in the fourth to make it 91-80 they allowed a 3 from Bryn Forbes (13 points) and a wide-open layup for Rudy Gay (11 points, seven assists).

Bojan Bogdanovic (21 points) shot 10-for-15 to lead Indiana.

The Pacers begin their longest road trip of the season beginning Monday at the Utah Jazz, Tuesday at the Phoenix Suns, Thursday at the L.A. Lakers and Saturday vs. the Sacramento Kings.

Oladipo and Turner are expected to make the trip.

>> The starting backcourt of Darren Collison (four points) and Tyreke Evans (two points) couldn't have had a worse night. Collison couldn't force the Spurs to respect his jumper as they went under on the screens and played him for misses. Collison tried to assert himself in the third quarter but missed a series of jumpers, was beaten off the dribble by Forbes, failed to poke it away from behind as he made the shot. Collison finished 2-for-8 in 26 minutes. His second make didn't come until a few minutes remained and the outcome settled. Evans hustled to cover up his misses by getting the offensive rebound (he had three) but he shot 1-for-12. They combined to shoot 0-for-8 from 3. "It's all about rhythm shots and being in rhythm," Collison said. "Not overthinking. Last year I had more of a feel for the game. I was out there more. ... My minutes are down. That's tough to do, too. At the same time it's a good thing because you're winning games."

>> Bogdanovic has developed into a go-to player when in need of a bucket. The Pacers called his number to get the shot off curls and he attacked smaller defenders by driving, using his superior size to elevate and bank in buckets. This was Bogdanovic's fourth game in a row with 20 points or more, a career-high. He didn't make a 3, however, which was what the Spurs wanted. The ran him inside the arc and were content to sacrifice the deuce to limit any outbursts.

>> Aldridge was a matchup problem. Sabonis is strong enough to battle him inside but just doesn't have the lateral movement and quickness to deal with his repertoire of counter moves. Thaddeus Young (12 points), who is undersized, proved to be a better option but on the offensive end didn't have the ability to finish. The Spurs allowed Young to go at DeRozan and their guards on switches as they banked on he couldn't fully capitalize. Young did not for the most part as well as launching a corner 3 that went completely over the rim. Young finished 6-for-12, but four of those makes came in the fourth quarter when the outcome was settled.

Follow IndyStar Pacers Insider J. Michael on Twitter at @ThisIsJMichael.