IC Cold Links: Reaction Mixed After Pacers Preseason Opener

by spstevenson on Oct 3, 2009 9:50 AM EDT in Indiana Pacers News

The first game of the season gave fans plenty to talk about after the Pacers dropped a 104-95 contest to the Bulls Friday. Reaction was certainly mixed as analysts saw some positives (Solomon Jones, Josh McRobert's dunk, Danny Granger) along with some glaring negatives (Roy Hibbert, and A.J. Price's shooting woes).

Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star focused on Hibbert coming off the bench and not giving the most legendary performance ever. Hibbert's three fouls in five minutes was less than enlightening for the big man, but it did allow for Solomon Jones to show the Pacers that he can slide into the post very well this season. Wells quoted center Jeff Foster as saying the following about Hibbert.

"He needs to find his confidence," veteran center Jeff Foster said. "He's got more talent in the post than most guys in the league. He just needs to focus on the little things, like guarding his man, staying out of foul trouble and getting up and down the court and being a presence on defense."

Check out the jump for more links to reaction of the first loss of the young season.

Cliff Brunt's AP story highlights the bigger moments of the contest.

Bruno examines the somewhat improvement on defense for the 09-10 Pacers squad. He notes that htey are only halfway there to becoming the defensive team that they want to be this year.

Looking at the analysis for both teams, Eight Points, Nine Seconds writes what was good and bad for the Bulls and Pacers in the preseason opener.

Pacers Pulse offers their perspective on the contest.

Here is a link to SB Nation BlogABull's open thread for last night's game to get the opposing team's perspective.

There were two occasions during the game when the new replacement refs were forced to use replay to get the call right. The NBA granted expanded use of the instant-replay system on Friday, now giving refs the right to use the equipment for shot clock and out-of-bounds calls this year, according to ESPN.

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Comments

I do so love

When fans of average at best teams call our average at best team “sucky” or “not any good.” The Bulls aren’t the Cavaliers, and even if they were, victory wasn’t a foregone conclusion for them against us.

Hopefully Roy gets it. I’ve been more concerned about Brandon’s psyche than Roy’s so I don’t want to have two fragile college stars on our team. We could get Adam Morrison to do the sulking of both players for a cheaper price.

by Nathan S. on Oct 3, 2009 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

if its any consolation (and im sure it isnt)

im a bulls fan and i like your team a lot. in fact, i think theyll get 39 wins and an 8th seed this year.

by TheMoon on Oct 3, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

It's cool

I have nothing against the Bulls, but I saw some Bulls fans doing it last night and even Bobcats fans doing this last year as well saying stuff like, “The Pacers stink! We should beat these teams!” Uh, we all have the same record. If we stink, you stink.

I don’t think the Bulls are going to be bad this year though. I personally don’t think the loss of Gordon is going to hurt them a whole lot as long as Deng can stay healthy. Salmons is good enough to take a lot of that load.

by Nathan S. on Oct 3, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks for the compliment!

im looking forward to the Pacers proving themselves the top contender to Cleveland in the central and that would mean the Bulls falling. Rose is awesome but, to quote you… i really like your team. i think you’ll get 39 wins and the 8th seed.

by ottoprice13 on Oct 3, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions

McBob's

the McBob’s pic is just sick…the video is even better, but i’d love to see that turn into a poster down at the gift shop…just some good stuff right there

by blueandgold24 on Oct 3, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions