Open Game Thread #40: Pacers vs. Warriors

by Tom Lewis on Jan 16, 2008 6:02 PM EST in Indiana Pacers News

With the attention of a city up for grabs, the Pacers host the Golden State Warriors tonight. A depressed Colts' fan base is looking for a diversion from focusing on football, so the Pacers have a chance to seize the city's spotlight with a good performance tonight. I'm not expecting a big crowd at the game, but maybe more watching on TV. The game offers a compelling matchup to say the least with former Pacers, Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington, and Austin Croshere playing for the Warriors. A win isn't necessarily mandatory, but a solid performance, showing off the uptempo and entertaining style of play will attract a second look. I know from my own conversations with people that there is a perception about the Pacers that is flat out fiction. I hear complaints from friends and co-workers about the Pacers and the style of play. It doesn't take long to realize the person I'm talking to hasn't seen the team play this year. Being the only game in town now, maybe some of those people will actually watch a game. They just might like what they see.

Check out Part 2 of my GSoM Q&A. Please excuse a few brutal errors, I need an editor.

Here's what the efficiency numbers say:

Team	Pace	Off.Eff.	Def.Eff.
IND	87.1(2nd)	105.4(18th)	107.0(11th)
GSW	96.8(3rd)	111.2(7th)	109.2(25th)

Projected Starters

PACERS	pos.	WARRIORS
Mike Dunleavy	F	Stephen Jackson
Danny Granger	F	Al Harrington
Jermaine O'Neal	C	Andris Biedrins
Kareem Rush	G	Monta Ellis
Jamaal Tinsley	G	Baron Davis

Feel free to leave your thoughts on the game in the comments.

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Comments

You've gotta to be happy about the results

This is a team that is clearly playing better at home. Indiana if they keep this up is a definite playoff contender.

Fun game to watch though tonight (from what I've seen). I'll admit I've watched the Kings & Raps + the Blazers/Celt's tonight alot. But this seems to equally entertain for my purposes.

Wow at this commercial with these fans screaming. This is very funny given recent events. And the buzz inside Conseco has to be nice to hear also.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:14 PM EST reply actions

Big board by Foster

Indy's offense has realy stagnated in the time I've been watching the game.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions

Ummm I like Matty Barnes I'll admit

Okay that is completely a flagrant. I needed to see the back angle. (Kind of a crappy way to end a game but it's good for the Pacers.)

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:18 PM EST reply actions

Dunleavy's revenge

Wow @ Jeff Foster. And big 3 by Rush. Needless to say I'm rooting for Indy. LOL

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:20 PM EST reply actions

Incredible board by Rush

This offense by Indy has been stagnant. Kareem Rush's 4th qtr has been tremendous. You have to give these guys credit. They're playing hard; not always with great continuity, but with great intensity. You gotta take your hat off to these guys.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:27 PM EST reply actions

Big FT's by Granger

5 pt lead by the Pacers. Gutsy crew these guys are. I've always been critical of O'B, but this guy is exactly the kind of coach this Pacer team needs.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:30 PM EST reply actions

Poor half court D on Ellis

Got lucky with him missing the FT.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions

These guys deserve big up's for the win tonight

This crew isn't exactly whole right now. And to win an emotional game with the deficit they had is a way to go. This group if they could keep it going is a serious group to watch down the stretch. Uhoh that Kings-Pacers rematch is looming Sat night. Wowzah can't wait for it. Again congrats on the big win.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions

I'm stunned

The lineup that posted that comeback wouldn't scare anyone on paper, but they got it done tonight. Granger was huge hitting the free throws down the stretch. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a couple of misses (not just by Granger) at that point in the game, and then see things slip away. Whew! Hopefully the P's will have a few more bodies to throw at the Kings.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 16, 2008 9:51 PM EST reply actions

You're right on all counts (not a shock there but)

The thing about this group is they're hard to define. When Dunleavy and Granger play well they're a totally different team. If you added a committed JO & Tins to that equation it changes everything. When Foster was active the way he was in the comeback it totally throws teams off because you have this up tempo group with a hard hat banger in the lineup. If this team can get healthy, and if O'B can figure out a way to get consistent performances out of everyone, this is not a team you can write off that's for certain.

I do think this also can close the book on the trade from last season. Which is a welcome to me at least. I'm tired of hearing how the Pacers got fleeced.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 10:12 PM EST up reply actions

The other part was the crowd

I think if this team continue to play well, without doing anything illegal off the court, then this team get back to the good graces around Indy. Considering where this team was at just a year ago was that even considered a possibility around Indiana at that time? It surprises me, but maybe it shouldn't. Curious on those thoughts also.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 16, 2008 10:15 PM EST up reply actions

Lookin' at the Schedule

After a big win tonight, the Pacers can look forward to going on another road trip.(After they play the Kings) This one isn't that bad, I might add, with all four games against teams under .500. The Pacers really need to gain ground here, because when they get back they will be met by teams such as the Pistons and Spurs.(Not to mention a little down the road we play Portland and Boston.) This is going to be a crucial stretch of games and the Pacers must execute.

by pacers33 on Jan 16, 2008 10:41 PM EST reply actions