Game Thread #2: Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers
Miami Heat at Indiana Pacers, Oct 30, 2009 8:00 PM EDT
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|---|---|---|
| 1-0 | 0-1 | |
| October 30, 2009 - 8:00PM EST | ||
| Conseco Fieldhouse | ||
| Radio: 1070AM WFNI TV: Fox Sports Indiana | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Mario Chalmers | PG | T.J. Ford |
| Dwyane Wade | SG | Brandon Rush |
| Quentin Richardson | SF | Danny Granger |
| Michael Beasley | PF | Troy Murphy |
| Jermaine O'Neal | C | Roy Hibbert |
The Indiana Pacersopen their home schedule at Conseco Fieldhouse against the Miami Heat. With the pre-game Third Eye Blind concert and other festivities on tap, the opening tip will be at 8:00PM. The Heat are coming off a strong home opener of their own, cruising past the New York Knicks, 115-93. For the Miami perspective, check out: Peninsula is Mightier and their game preview.
Please leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments and if you are at the Fieldhouse, don't forget the mobile commenting features work real well. Love to hear from others in the gym.
As for the actual game, the Heat haven't had much luck in the Fieldhouse recently, but they present plenty of problems for the Pacers.
The Miami Heat will once again test the Pacers defensive FG% goals as they present a bevy of shooters who have all torched the Pacers at one time or the other in previous seasons. Obviously, Dwyane Wade is a given, able to go off at any time and take the game by the throat. But then you have the assortment of shooters the Heat can fall back on should they need more than Wade. Daequan Cook, Quentin Richardson and James Jones don't strike fear on their own but all it takes is one of the three to catch fire and the Heat can ride that advantage to a win. Although, it appears James Jones is staying in Miami due to the flu, so that eliminates one long-range weapon for the Heat.
Last year I argued that shooters of the Cook, Richardson, Jones ilk would have better games against the Pacers because the were comfortable. They knew going into the game they'd get plenty of shots without a lot of hassle and were ready to take advantage. This year the Pacers are trying to emphasize perimeter pressure and getting into just these types of players is critical to improving the defensive results and bringing down the opponent's FG percentage.
After the turnover debacle in Atlanta, the Pacers obviously have to be more cognizant of the, well, ball. You have to figure, Miami will be challenging every outlet pass possible and in Wade and Mario Chalmers they have a pair of guards capable of gathering steals. SI's preview had a stat that Wade and Chalmers combined for 33 games last year with where one of them had at least four steals. That's the best combo since the lethal defensive duo of Gary Payton and Nate McMillan combined for 34 games in 1994.
Then there's Jermaine O'Neal, coming off a 22 and 12 opener and feeling real good about his health and game. J.O. could be the X factor in this game by not only producing but luring Roy Hibbert into foul trouble. Regardless of the outcome, J.O.'s presence offers some added intrigue to the home opener.
0 recs |
104 comments
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Comments
Am I first?
Woo-hoo!
Go Pacers! (I’m resting up for Halloween. Heh-heh)
by Gwen on Oct 30, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I"m at the Fieldhouse ready to go
Tip at 8PM
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After watching pre-game workouts
Michael Beasely is my new hero.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 7:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
minor scare
as the Pacers took the floor, Granger was not among the group. Fortunately, he was just trailing behind a bit. Game face firmly attached.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 7:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Real nice buzz in the Fieldhouse
I know it’s opening night and there should be, but still nice to hear.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I only get to watch
a small portion of the game tonight :( I hate crappy parties my girlfriend makes me go to.
im excited for this game though.
by RIPShea on Oct 30, 2009 8:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wish I could be over there tonight
But unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, and I’m only going to be able to be around for the first quarter or so.
Gotta hope we hold on to the ball better tonight and extend this Heat at Conseco losing streak, cause it’d be nice to 1-1. Let’s go Pacers!
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's hope it doesn't
But I’m sure it can, haha.
I really hope the Heat aren’t going to look as good against us as they did the Knicks.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
been watching the Bobcats
and they are absolutely destroying the Knicks right now
by RIPShea on Oct 30, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rain hasn't really hit the far east side of the state yet
How did the concert and pre-game stuff go? Amazing temps for it even if the rain is a bit of a damper.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
JO announced
Crowd offers up more applause than boos, in fact far more. Nice.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They should applaud JO
he was a big part of our franchise for years (for the better). A very classy player in my opinion. I will never forget him.
by RIPShea on Oct 30, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Openning up with some Black Eyed Peas
I hope tonight’s going to be a good night….
by indy62 on Oct 30, 2009 8:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not a bad intro
Liked the concept anyway.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
damn
is it just me or has Stacy just got incredibly hotter than she was….. whew!
by RIPShea on Oct 30, 2009 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Hope J.O.
Doesn’t have too big of a game on us. Pick him up well, Roy.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
JO goes to work on first possession
To the line.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hibbert with one already
Not a good start for the big fella.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bad pass, Ford
Good play by Murph to keep the possession alive though.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, give me a break
Roy heading to the bench…
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Keeping Roy in?
Kind of surprised. Hopefully he doesn’t pick up #3, but they’ll definitely be going at him…
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BOOM BABY!
Danny on the board. Needed that shot.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Atlanta kept pace with good shots early
We’re keeping close to Miami’s poor shooting.
Not sure how I feel about the contrast.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man
These refs are whistle happy tonight…
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't think we've gotten a foul all night
Have we?
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fouls mounting
Heat up 15-11 with 5:12 left in 1Q
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just showed a graphic on FSI
Granger one of four to average 25.5 PPG, 5.0 REB, and 2.5 AST. I’ll let you guess the other three (hint: they’re considered the three best players in the league). I figured having to drop Danny’s AST numbers down may open that up for a couple of extra guys, but I guess not.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jeff limping
Not good. With Roy in big foul trouble, we can’t really afford to have Jeff hurting…
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and there’s our first station to station pass turnover of the night.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh c'mon
Take care of the ball, guys. Jeez…
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Udonis Haslem postered up Solo. Pacers offense seems lost. After a missed three and offensive rebound, JOB calls a much-needed timeout.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
4 minutes without a FG
25% shooting. Need to get calmed down and get shots to fall. Worry about the rest as it comes.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
that was a lot of work for a bucket. At least Solo cashed it in.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yikes
offense can barely get a shot off.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ugly first quarter
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to see them work through it. Gonna have to rely on text updates. Hopefully they can give me good things. Gonna record the game to go back to. Hopefully they can get it going in the second.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 30, 2009 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dannyoke
Nice video screen bit. Granger sings a song and Rush tries to figure out what he’s singing. Took a bit, but Purple Rain was obvious after awhile.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Needed that one Earl.
Beasley too much for Dahtay to handle.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Spacing on offense is poor
All bunched up around the free throw line making it easy. Fortunately Dahntay drew a foul amongst the mess.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dahntay still struggling with Beas
Literally just fell down. Of course, they called a foul on him. Heat are just iso-ing Beasley on the wing and letting him go to work.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Foster has a sprained ankle
doubtful return
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There you go Roy
Take your time and make a solid move.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Whoa
They actually called a foul on D Wade.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oops
JO gets a T for haning on the rim. DG misses the freebie
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Whew, didn't think Luther was going to pull the trigger
Nails the 3, Pacers down 3.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Need
a strong run to close out the quater.
by vernonhowell on Oct 30, 2009 9:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
keep it close
shots have to start falling at some point.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dahtay drew one on Wade
but he probably can’t breathe on him the rest of the way.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thats
what is wrong with the NBA imo.
by vernonhowell on Oct 30, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice take TJ
he’s looked good since returning to the floor.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pacers shore up the D late
HALF: Heat up 49-47
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Way to fight back.
I would start D Jones on Wade in the second half.
by vernonhowell on Oct 30, 2009 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BMX bike show at halftime
One of the dudes bit it and was taken off on a stretcher. He appeared to be fine.
Good sign or bad?
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rush a little over 5 minutes in first half
Dahntay almost 17 minutes.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There you go BRush
draws an offensive on Wade
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ack
Roy over the back for third foul. Could’ve swore he already had three. nevermind.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Big Roy just went a few rows deep after a ball
didn’t get the ball but did get a huge ovation.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Now Roy has 4
trying to help Murph on Beasley.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
JO with a vintage take to the rim
looked like he tweaked an ankle earlier, but it appears to be fine.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ugh
Murph and Granger fumbled a rebound right to Beasley for a dunk. Wade steal and foul. Heat up 12.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Couple of careless turnovers
put the Pacers in a hole again. Heat up 65-51.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Granger and Wade are going at it
Wade just picked up fourth
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Pacers Suck
I thought we were gonna be better this year. But 2 games in and we look like complete shit. Uninspired, careless, unmotivated, immature, are all words that come to mind. Here’s to another worthless season.
PMGRW
(Pacers Must Get Russel Westbrook)
by Und3rgr0undh3r0 on Oct 30, 2009 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Danny's getting on Dahntay for that last turnover
nice to see.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 9:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heat up 25-10 in third quarter
Pacers struggling in all phases.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 10:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Roy just picked up his 5th by smothering Udonis Haslem. Haslem is wondering what hit him.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 10:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
End 3Q Heat up 79-63
actually seems worse than the score indicates.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 10:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
solo, dahntay, earl, luther and murph
keeping the game in play. Obviously a struggle offensively, but plenty of fight.
Down 11.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 10:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just got home
Wondering if anybody can sum up the first 40 minutes for me? Double please and thank you…looks like we’re struggling to put a big run together to get back in this one
by spstevenson on Oct 30, 2009 10:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
struggling to make shots
Pacers were nearly knocked out at end of 3Q but the lineup mentioned above has kept things interesting. Granger is in now, but hasn’t he hasn’t had the 3-ball going all night.
JO is having a real good night.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
I just heard the crowd giving JO is nice “ovation” as he came into the game…fun times
by spstevenson on Oct 30, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Granger finally hits a 3
too little too late.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 10:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Granger
Looks like he’s had one helluva shooting night…we’re not at a stage where we can win with him having a terrible shooting night…no yet, anyways
by spstevenson on Oct 30, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least last year we had that monster home-court opening win over the Celtics, still one of the best wins over the past couple of years. Too bad we didn’t get a good feeling going in Conseco “Reggie Miller” Fieldhouse this year.
by spstevenson on Oct 30, 2009 10:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
AJ and McBobs are in
along with the towel.
by Tom Lewis on Oct 30, 2009 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
JO
He’s gonna sleep well tonight. That’s how you stick it to your former team.
by spstevenson on Oct 30, 2009 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

















