Despite a season-ending injury, Victor Oladipo has remarkably bounced back from the unpleasant news he received after first being informed he sustained a ruptured quad and would need consequent surgery to fix it.
The Indiana Pacers quickly went on to lose four straight games, but bounced back after Oladipo, who was rehabbing in Miami, talked to his teammates — sparking a six-game win streak that is the best in the NBA today.
“It’s just a blessing that I can still do something relating to basketball even though I can’t play the games,” said Oladipo, according to Scott Agness of The Athletic. “Just trying to find ways to get better even though I’m not able to play. I’m still watching games, still watching other people’s games, still study the game, still have time to go form shoot and stuff like that. I’m a very optimistic person and very confident that I’ll be able to come back better than ever. Just taking it one day at a time really.”
That pep talk was exactly what his team needed, salvaging a four-game road trip to muster wins against the Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans, later trotting out a 42-point dismemberment of the Los Angeles Lakers, which resulted in national ridicule.
The Pacers followed that masterpiece with double-digit wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing a recent 99-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets to make it six in a row.
Head coach Nate McMillan argued that Victor Oladipo would be one to get over his injury and take it in stride thanks to his positive attitude, and it seems he was right on the money, as he has approached his rehab proactively.
“My doctor told me that the surgery had went well, that he got all unnecessary things out of my knee. I’m looking forward to seeing my knee be stronger than it ever was. I’m a positive butterfly. I’m not looking too far into the future, and I’m not looking into the past. I’m just focused on today. And trying to get better every day. That’s what it’s all about.”
Thanks to their hot streak, the Pacers are holding strong at 38-19, which is third in the Eastern Conference.
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