IC Cold Links: Recapping More Road Rash

by Tom Lewis on Jan 13, 2009 11:00 AM EST in Indiana Pacers News

With the first West Coast roadie in the books, big ups to those of you who watched all five games from start to finish. Not an easy task for those of us in the Eastern time zone, especially when the alarm goes off at 5:30AM for work the next day (or with kids bringing their own early wake up call on weekends). Yes, the four losses were tough, but at least the Pacers kept us interested until the final buzzer in four of the five games. Here's to the 7:00PM EST tip!

Also, here are some items of interest:

Bruno's Inside the Game LIVE final and Postgame Report. Wow, from the Postgame Report: Including Monday's 44-point deficit (111-67), the Pacers' starters were outscored by 94 points in four losses on the road trip, an average defciit of 23.5. Quisy and T.J., get well soon.
Mike Wells reports on the Pacers coming up short once again. Love the alliteration in the headline. The fight to the finish was indeed futile last night and regardless of how close the score was it never felt like the Pacers would be able to get over the hump and grab the lead or the W.
Mike's Pacers Insider post finds Jim O'Brien praising his team's defensive effort in the second half. Huh?
"I thought we played great defense, Mike," O'Brien said. "I thought our defense was absolutely outstanding the whole second half. We held them to 39 percent the second, third and fourth quarter. I thought our defense was outstanding."
I admit there were some solid defensive possessions for the Pacers, especially late in the game, but they still gave up too many foul shots and couldn't grab key rebounds or loose balls when they needed to. Plus, any second half improvement would appear outstanding compared to the first half effort.
Ross Siler reports on Mehmet Okur feeling good all night.
Loren Jorgenson reports on the Jazz getting a boost from Andrei Kirilenko's production in a starting role due to the absence of Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap.
Matt Watson at NBA Fanhouse takes notice of the disturbing trend of opposition outbursts against the Pacers.
Finally, Tony Dungy retired yesterday as coach of the Indianapolis Colts. The impact this guy had on the Colts franchise and Indianpolis community is staggering and certainly can't be measured in wins and losses or as Bill Polian put it, trophies. Please check out Stampede Blue and scroll through all of their coverage of the retirement and reactions. Best coverage you will find.

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Has anyone heard of any plans to send McRoberts to Ft. Wayne? This is the last year they can option him down there. It would probably do him some good to get a little PT SOMEWHERE.

Also, since the playoffs are falling out of the question. When does Bird start to trade some of these expiring deals?

" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "

by aaronb on Jan 13, 2009 11:34 AM EST reply actions

One crazy thing...

I was really thinking about today. Even though TJ started out fantastic, he has more than slowed down recently, and it looks as if the injury-prone TJ we were warned about is really showing up now. On the flip side, Jermaine is being the same old Jermaine in Toronto, with the injuries and what not. The interesting thing though, is there is no doubt in my mind that both teams would do it again in a heartbeat. The departure of Jermaine has led to the emergence of Danny not only as the best player on the team, but a top 20 player in the league and the hands down leader in Indy. While Jermaines absence has led to the out-of-nowhere play of Bargnani. Barngani has been lights out recently with Jermaine out, and he would not have showed up if not for the circumstances they are currrently in. Thank you TJ, Thank you Jermaine. And for the record, I’ll take Danny over Bargnani.

by captain flitzy on Jan 13, 2009 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Agreed,

Also keep in mind. TJ Ford has a contract that can be moved much easier than Jermaine’s. So as we continue to retool. Maybe we can flip TJ for some addtional assets going forward.

In my opinion, the worst thing that the Pacers can do at this point is nothing. As a Memphis resident I can attest that having cap space that you aren’t going to use. Is really not any benefit.

Now is the time. Teams are trying to shy away from the luxury tax. This team as presently constructed isn’t going anywhere. Take back some salary, dump the expiring guys and unload JT and maybe TJ in the process.

" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "

by aaronb on Jan 13, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

We need a bruiser

I feel. Great that Murphy can, trail, Shoot a Three. Trail, Pump Fake, and do some awful drive. I want the 4 man to be like a Millsap, Bang the hell out of you down low, and just be a horse, not a 3 point shooter. Anyone think theres any value for Foster out there. I love him, but I have said it all along, a contender could DEFINITELY use him, and maybe we can get some nice package in return. I would hate to see him go but it might be the best thing.

by captain flitzy on Jan 13, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

Really JOB?

Great Defense? Come on. Anytime you give up 40+ to Okur (who got at least 75% of those points from wide open jumpers) AND cut the lead to 3 twice before forgetting to block out easy tip-ins twice (AK47 killed us late simply because we refused to put a body on him), you didn’t play great defense.

Also, did Foster experiment with some mind-altering drugs out in Cali? He looked lost most of last night and then, when he was active, he was out of control. Just seemed like we would have benefitted more with Paul Blart the Mall Cop patroling the lane, at least his Segway would have moved out of the lane and avoided three second calls.

by TheHawk5 on Jan 13, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions