More from RealGM
 Indiana Pacers WiretapPacers LinksNews Archive
NBA News
The Pacer Report51? 51 points, are you kidding me? A few days ago I didn't think the Pacers could beat a high school team by 51. Granted the Bulls aren't the cream of the NBA crop but still, beating another professional team by 51 points (during what I am now calling a drought, not a slump) is unheard of. It is the biggest margin of victory in a NBA game this year. And almost more impressive it was done mostly by the bench, as each starter only played between one and two quarters. So how did this happen, and more importantly, what does it mean? Is this all Tim Haraway's doing? Will the Pacers get two win for their effort? Okay probably not, but it may be the final shove to get them back on track for one last run this season. Tonight the Pacers won again against a playoff team from "dominant" Western Conference, even though they were basically out played for most of the game. The Pacers won the hustle points as they got every loose ball and they played extraordinary defense. Eric Strickland stuck to Stephon Marbury like white on rice, in what possibly was the best defensive effort Marbury has ever faced (he scored only 10 points). Ron Artest finally showed us why he IS worth having on the team as he basically set the tempo on both ends of the court. The Pacers are beginning to look like the team that was once 33-13 (seems like along time ago doesn't it) the way they have played defense and have played unselfishly on offense. They are getting healthy, with the exception of Reggie who is still playing injured, and Tinsley who is having family problems; and seem to be getting a new spark of the bench from Tim Hardaway. Yes, there is finally some optimism for the Pacers, and isn't ironic the on the night they begin to look like their former selves, they clinch a playoff berth? Is it an omen, I hope so. Weekly Predictions: The Pacers are hot, this may be fun again! Last Week:2-2 Season Total:17-15 VS. Kings: This will show us what the Pacers are really made of. A win would be huge for both teams but the Pacers are at home where they seem to thrive. Pacers by 2. @ Cavs: Pacers don't "thrive" as much on the road, but the Cavs have basically mailed in the season and are looking for losses – hey you would be too if it meant a chance at Lebron. Pacers by 1300(okay not really but you get the idea) @ Pistons: If the Pacers win the two aforementioned games this game will be the biggest to this point in the season. I'm sticking with Pacers even if it is on the road. Pacers by 1 (a Reggie Miller three, hopefully) Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Hardaway impresses in debutMark Monteith of the Indianapolis Star reports: While Tim Hardaway is living out of a hotel, has only a bag of clothes, and is driving a yellow rental car, he is looking more than presentable on the court starting to influence the Pacers already. "That's the way I am," he said after scoring 14 points, passing out seven assists and getting three steals in Indiana's 140-89 victory over the Chicago Bulls. "I talk and I lead and I try to get people to go out there and play right." Hardaway, for one, is eager to teach and happy to be back on the court. "Coach (Isiah Thomas) told me there was a lot more chatter this game than in the previous five or six games," said Hardaway, 36. "When I talked to them, they listened. "They're not looking for the little things, like slips, like dump-downs. That's what I'm here for, to teach them. You'll get the pass back, you'll get the layup. If you come off (a screen) and can't catch-and-shoot, don't frown. Just pass it in. You'll get another chance and when you get another chance, make the shot. Don't worry about it." Back up point guard Erick Strickland is trying to soak it all in while the former All-star is here. "I love it," Strickland said. "He talks to me, stays on me, shows me what's going on. I'm glad he's around." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Pacers dismantle, embarrass lowly BullsMark Monteith of the Indianapolis Star writes: The Pacers 51-point victory over the Chicago Bulls makes one wonder whether one teams defense was so bad or the winning team was so dominant. "Probably 50-50," Al Harrington acknowledged after the Pacers' 140-89 adjective-defying win. "We had to make shots regardless of how bad the defense was. But they didn't play great defense. I don't know what their excuse is. I know we have to see them again, so I don't want to say anything about it." The Pacers could do no wrong on this night. The shot 62% from the field and outrebounded Chicago 59-27. "It was a total embarrassment," said former Pacer Jalen Rose, who scored 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting. "Our play on the road is almost like a basketball travesty. "A loss is a loss when you lose the game, not at the end of the first quarter. I don't know if I've ever lost this bad at anything in my life, whether it be pool, video games, anything. Playing the game of basketball starts on the left side of the chest. We have not mastered that concept yet." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Pacers Mar 2003 Archive
|
