Game Thread # 32: Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks
Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks, Jan 2, 2009 7:30 PM EST
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|---|---|---|
| 10-21 | 12-18 | |
| January 2, 2009 - 7:30PM EST | ||
| Madison Square Garden | ||
| Radio: 1070AM WFNI TV: Fox Sports Indiana | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| T.J. Ford | PG | Chris Duhon |
| Marquis Daniels | SG | Quentin Richardson |
| Danny Granger | SF | Wilson Chandler |
| Jeff Foster | PF | David Lee |
| Roy Hibbert | C | Jared Jeffries |
UPDATE: Bruno's Inside the Game LIVE blog is up.
The Indiana Pacers ring in the new year at MSG Friday night when they take on the New York Knicks. The Knicks won their previous game at Charlotte on Tuesday to break a then 6-game losing streak.
Former Indiana Mr. Basketball and Bloomington North standout, Jared Jeffries, has started the past two games at center for the Knicks. That's some small ball, people. Kind of funny, since Jeffries played more shooting guard than center when he was in high school at Bloomington North.
The Pacers use of small ball usually works better when they dictate the lineup change. Attempting to match other athletic, small lineups has not worked so well this year. I guess it all depends on what Roy Hibbert and Rasho Nesterovic bring to the Garden party. I actually think the Pacers could go small and matchup well with the Knicks. If JJ is at center, and Roy can't expose the size matchup to the Pacers' advantage, I wouldn't mind seeing Josh McRoberts get a little run. With his athletic game he would still have a size advantage to work with against the Knicks.
Here are the Pacers.com matchups. Al Harrington has had some huge games since coming over New York from Golden State, but recently moved to the bench, now playing a sixth man role. The Pacers appear to be back at full strength (albeit without Mike Dunleavy) with T.J. Ford slated to start after dealing with back issues for the past few games.
For a New York perspective, check out Posting and Toasting and Knickerblogger.
Gameday Reading
- Mike Wells catches up with Donnie Walsh who continues to keep a close eye on the Pacers while tending to the Knicks.
- MG looks at the schedule and sees pain around the corner so the Pacers really need to win their next two games against the Knicks and Kings.
- Al Harrington is looking forward to playing the Pacers. As funny as it sounds, Al is right about the game tonight. For either team to harbor playoff hopes, a win tonight would be big.
- Stephon Marbury is no longer playing with the Knicks but this may be the last night he's a distraction since he's reportedly close to joining the Boston Celtics. No doubt Marbury's possible move will be a hot topic among the NYC media at the Garden tonight.
- Mark Hale has more on Al's move to the bench.
Leave your comments and observations on the game in the comments.
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Wow!
With JJ starting at center we should try to take advantage of Roy’s size every possession. I’ve been watching JJ for a long time and if there’s one thing he’s not good at it’s defense. Pound him Roy!
Danny 1 on 3
what are you thinking? Bailed out on a Knicks turnover to get the bucket back. Danny needs to shake the cobwebs here early.
Pacers up 21-14
4:52 left in 1Q
If the Pacers can just take care of the ball, stop trying to force stuff that isn’t there, they could have a big scoring night.
Jack is 3-3 from 3-land, so far.
Same score end 1Q
Only six points over final five minutes.
Knicks a lot more potent with Al and Nate Robinson off the bench. Still, Pacers gotta take care of the ball.
Knicks offering some donations of their own
I think Murph has swiped back two of his three turnovers. One more and he’s even on the night.
A couple of possessions ago, Harrington hit the back iron on a three attempt and the ball bounced up at least as high as the shot clock and then dropped right through the net. I’m sure Al planned it that way.
P’s up 35-30
Some sloppy play has broken out
on both sides. Pacers up 42-37 with 4:56 left in half.
McRoberts is making things happen out there. Some good, a bit more bad.
Nice finish
TJ set up Troy for a layup.
Pacers up 53-44 at the half. Game is real sloppy. Pacers should have some options to work with in the second half. Find something that works and bring this one home.
Man
If someone pieced together the clips of all of these turnovers it would be a comical Youtube classic.
Get it going Murph!
Little more offensive minded tonight, not just shooting 3s. Last bucket gave him another double-double.
Implosion?
Foster travels, Al hits a three, TO. Granger spikes the ball out of frustration and picks up a T even though he wasn’t frustrated with a call. Then JOB pleads Danny’s case and picks up his own T.
Pacers no longer in control of game. They lead 74-69 afte Knicks 8-2 run, but Knicks have the Techs still to shoot.
Knicks get four chances in one possession
then finally turn it over after Chandler carried the ball.
defense optional
they may be crappy, but at least Pacers/Knicks is semi-fun to watch again.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:24 PM EST reply actions
exhibit B
that turnover. but i think Jack’s made up for it with his three-point shooting.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
is his ankle still giving him problems?
he’s looked good when he’s been on the floor.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
TJ is fighting back spasms
He wasn’t moving too well after the game on Tuesday. He looked fine out there tonight, though.
Knicks won't go away...yet
but it’ll be hard for the Pacers to crumble against a team this inept defensively.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:37 PM EST reply actions
This is a mess
The Knicks could be up by 10. The Pacers could be up by 15. As it is, Knicks with 2 FTs, Pacers lead 91-86 with 5:26 left.
No Rasho?
Anyone know why he hasn’t gotten into the game tonight?
I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!
McRoberts took his slot in the rotation in the first half
Due to matchups with Knicks small front line.
Knicks up 3
12-2 run by NYK. 3:30 left in the game.
Pacers need to shake themselves and start making some plays, there’s a ton of time left.
gotta admit
it’s nice to hear the Garden like that. sounds like a 90’s Pacers/Knicks game.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions
and Smits
he beat up the Knicks, and Reggie would land the KO blow.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
marquis daniels is killin us
he has missed about his last 6 shots, which don’t get me wrong are pretty good shots, but he continues to shoot
Muprh with the tip
6-0 Pacers run puts P’s up 99-98.
This game could end no other way.
1:35 left in the game.
agreed
team with the ball last wins.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
Great game overall too …Daniels seems to be the only one who doesn’t like playing the Knicks.
I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!
this team has the ability
to make even the most average players look spectacular.
J2 having his way.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:54 PM EST reply actions
is that Reggie?
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:56 PM EST reply actions
good game
pains me to see the Knicks lose, but nice to see the Pacers close one out. that would’ve been a tough one to swallow. they’ve looked good over the past couple weeks, hopefully they’re starting to turn the ship around.
you going to the game tomorrow Tom?
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 9:58 PM EST reply actions
i'm just looking for an excuse
not to watch the Colts. maybe ill TiVo it.
Ewing with the step...YES! and the foul!
by Anthony Masons Haircut on Jan 2, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Not on TV?
Hate to hear it. I was looking forward to watching it to keep me from tuning into every NFL preview show tomorrow before the Colts game kicks off.
But this was a great win tonight. Feels very good to have the team prove me wrong after the nightly collapse at the 4 minute mark. I admit, I’m still not comfortable with Jack taking those kinds of shots. But he was lights out tonight, so I’ll gladly be wrong about that.














