IC Cold Links: Reliving Painful Pacers Memories From Last Night, Five Years Ago

by Tom Lewis on Nov 19, 2009 6:41 AM EST in News Comment 30 comments

Al Harrington enjoyed finishing off the Pacers last night.

The sober light of day doesn't take the sting away from the opportunity for a win that slipped away from the Pacers last night. Credit the Knicks for staying in it for all 48 minutes because they were close to being knocked out early in the fourth, but kept coming when the Pacers couldn't deliver the decisive blow.

The Pacers showed they still need to mature as a group after not reacting well in the face of a little adversity last night. The self-inflicted wounds in the second half seemed to feed off each other. We're talking bulk turnovers and 25% shooting for the second half. That's never a winning combination and no one was able to step up and stop the madness.

LeBron James and the Cavaliers will be at the Fieldhouse on Friday, so the Pacers have a chance to bounce back and start a new winning streak.

After the jump, more links of interest on the game along with a look back at 'The Brawl' by Mike Wells. Where were you when the mayhem started?

I vividly remember watching that game five years ago while preparing to fly out to Seattle the next day for a Thanksgiving vacation. The whole scene was so surreal at the time that it was hard to judge the impact immediately. But the next day crater left by the impact was apparent. Seattle has some strong local sports talk and at the time the shows were local 24-hours a day. Nearly every minute of these local shows was dedicated to talking about the brawl. I may as well have been in Indy with all of the analysis and judgments I was hearing. Same with the local news stations. Video of the brawl was everywhere and Ron Artest was suddenly a world-wide name. Ugh.

On to the links:

Box score
PACERS: Inside the Game: Pacers vs. Knicks
Bruno's post-game report which includes more crazy numbers, including the Knicks bench outscoring the Pacers 65-22. Also has video of Granger talking to the hand...his own.
The Associated Press: Harrington, Knicks beat Pacers to snap 6-game skid
Cliff Brunt offer his report on the game.
Pacers blow big lead in 4th, lose to Knicks
Mike Wells reports on the collapse at the Fieldhouse last night, as he saw the Pacers revert to some familiar bad habits left over from last season.
Mike Wells picks through the ruins of the winning streak crashing to a halt.
Pacers show signs of finally recovering from 'The Brawl'
Mighty Mike Wells marks the five-year anniversary of the Palace fiasco digging into all of the details and aftermath. Thanks a lot Mike, just what I need after that nasty loss last night. At least he includes the light at the end of the tunnel as the current Pacers are far removed from that night at this point.
Practice? I'm talking 'bout practice!
Mike Dunleavy blogs about his long road to recovery and taking part in practice once again.
Curry helps snap Knicks' six-game slide
Marc Berman reports on the Knicks snapping their losing streak.
Curry back in favor
Alan Hahn reports on the favorable impression Eddy Curry left with his play last night.
Knicks pull away, end Pacers' 5-game win streak
John Oehser offers his report on the game for NBA.com along with his Examiner post.
Big step: Eddy Curry plays a little - TrueHoop Blog
Henry Abbott recognizes the return of Eddy Curry for the Knicks. Despite all of the jokes about his past play, Curry looked decent last night and was a plus for the Knicks.
Memphis beat the Clippers last night as Jamaal Tinsley made his return to the NBA official with about six minutes of playing time for the Grizzlies.

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please sign this guys

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=959809

by Man of Pace on Nov 19, 2009 9:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

If the Nets win was an Ugly Win

Then the Knicks was an Ugly Loss with a capital “Ugh” 14 pts each in qtrs 3 and 4? Yikes.

The Cavs lost to the Wizards last night.

by Gwen on Nov 19, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Looking at the last post, zanex prescriptions are needed in indy

Some of you guys are a trip. Positive post after a five game win streak, complete panic after a loss. Listen to Lewis, were young, we struggled on back to backs, we have a ways to go. It’s not time to trade our starting backcourt for a couple guys at the local Y. NY has a bunch of NBA players too, catching teams off back to backs will probably be how they get most their wins this season…hearing thirtyone and Gwen make comments that Rush is TERRIBLE and always will be, and we need to get Iverson so he can scream from the back of the bus how bad all the Pacers suck is a joke. You guys have 0 credibility! With fans like you, who needs Detroit? Take a zanex and chill. You guys remind me of my wife, you live in your emotion and not your intellect.

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I never said Rush was terrible - don't put a nonexistent word in my post...

and the Iverson comment was made as sarcasm. Get it? SAR-CAAAAS-IM

If someone needs a zanex it’s you and yes, I’m writing this post AFTER I saw the apology.

You’re too sensitive. Stop.

by Gwen on Nov 19, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

Thirtyone said Rush was terrible. You made the Iverson comment. And hahahahaha didn’t realize you were on the comedy circuit. That iverson joke was SUPER LAME! Go back to your day job (making bad basketball observations)…Please Gwen, for all of us who know basketball and no good humor. For the real fans, On the JOB show coach said Dunleavy has been running full court and will be back very soon, like a weekish. One more wing scorer with high basketball is just what the doctor ordered. GO PACERS!!

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I do comedy on the weekends

My God – You are a Dolt.

And you’re an adult, right? Married with opposable thumbs and everything? And your wife is the one who lives on emotion and not on intellect? Wonder what she’ll think about that, because every woman’s dreams involves her husband calling her out by her lack of intellect. On a Pacer’s blog, no less.

The Iverson comment was based on an article I read illustrating that there are worse options out there than our starting backcourt. How does that comment translate to ‘Not believing in the team’ or ‘Acting out on emotion.’

Damn moron.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-jacksoniverson111709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

by Gwen on Nov 19, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Stop it gwen

My wides a computer programmer, and my best friend. We sit together and laugh at your comments. Don’t even try a battle of wits. You’re too easy for me. It’s like competing against a one legged man in a butt kicking contest. Lol! Go back to your life of misery, seems to suit you…and as for your comedy…plenty of good seats still available. I will now no longer even dignify a response to your poor observations, and lame attempts at humor and personal rancor…have a nice life Peter Vecey Seinfeld. :-)

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Really? I assumed you were the one legged man

Either way – if you think I made some sort of rancid comments about said team, please do and post – I’d be curious.

Lord help your ‘wide’ – wait, I’m sorry ‘Wife.’

by Gwen on Nov 20, 2009 8:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And I don't succumb to the 'sky is falling' reactions

A) Don’t lump people’s posts together and say they are equal which is what you essentially did
B) Don’t presume that you know what a ‘real’ fan is just because you’ve been following the team for 25 years. (I’ve been following 17 years, whoa! – you must be a better fan than I.)
C) Don’t overreact when a person may make a sarcastic comment and automatically assume they are trashing the team
D) And if you do overreact and dig on someone’s opinions/comments (i.e. mine) in a very obnoxious way, I will fire back harder and faster. (Unless I get bored, which I’m close to it)
E) It’s a basketball game. That’s it.

by Gwen on Nov 19, 2009 7:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And you're the one bothering about my grammar and spelling?

Wow – You actually resorted to that.

by Gwen on Nov 20, 2009 8:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Tom, Gwen and thirtyone

I should be bigger than taking digs at your guys opinions. Were all fans, I just get frustrated with the “sky is falling outlook” I’ll stick to strictly basketball points.

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 2:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Tom

I apologized to you for taking digs on your blog. I really enjoy your reporting, and 9 times outta ten I completly agree with ya. I shouldn’t have taken shots at other commenters though. Won’t happen again.

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 2:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't care if you disagree with any of my thoughts

or the thoughts of anyone else. In fact, if you do, I encourage the dissent. ThirtyOne and I have been haggling over these types of things for a few years now.

Indy Cornrows

by Tom Lewis on Nov 19, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And,

One day Tom will look me in the eye and say, “You were right, we should have kept Bayless”. A glorious day it will be.

Seriously though, I’m gonna assume the day we don’t offer him an extension will be the day you finally give up on his “potential”. Is that a fair cut off date?

As for Aarena, I’m done responding to this guy. I only have so much patience for eternal optimism. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s not Brandon Rush in the flesh. Here to defend the good Rush name.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 19, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nevah!!!

Actually, I’m about done with his potential, I’m just holding out for some consistent play. Get back to me when Bayless makes an all-star team.

Indy Cornrows

by Tom Lewis on Nov 19, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And yes - I agree with Tom

I just want Rush to have consistency and Bayless is stuck on pine.

Ford is merely servicable.

by Gwen on Nov 19, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

It’s me, Rush. And likewise lifes too short to waste on “glass is half empty” guys. NOTHING drains on a human more than being around a Mr. Negative. We all know that guy. He’s the one always griping at work, and road raging in traffic. I can almost picture some of these commenters tossing on their pillows with anger because we lost on a back to back against a bad team. Hahaha Have fun with ALL that.

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lay off Rush

The guy has no confidence, the talent is definetly there. Just ‘cause Roy’s thriving already doesn’t mean Brandon will. These things take time and his teammates need to help him. Plus, it’s not like Bayless has been thriving either. He’s apparently not even been impressive enough to get him in the regular rotation with not even having 9 minutes a game. So stop being stupid, and lay off.

by B-Huse on Nov 19, 2009 4:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

These are the same issues he had in college though… it was repeatedly said he needs to be come more assertive and confident… for 4 freaking years in college.

Rush should be coming off the bench. He is a horrible NBA player right now, let alone an NBA starter. He doesn’t deserve to start at all. Put his ass on the bench, give him bench player minutes, and make him EARN his spot back. If it hurts his confidence even more… tough shit, then he isn’t tough enough to play in the NBA.

Ford is just who Ford is… meh. That is all to describe him as.. meh. No way he opts out this year… no way in hell.

and has anyone check out how J. Jack is doing? Just as awful… thank god we didn’t overpay to keep him

(you know what could have solved all this… drafting Lawson when we had the chance… that kid is dynamite… sigh)

by dbcb on Nov 19, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Finally someone else with some Bball IQ

Keep commenting, I need ya! Were outnumbered by some Mr. Negatives on this blog. I’ve been trying to bring some rational state of mind. I can’t do it alone. Looking forward to your next post!

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

aarena

i’m amazed how quickly you’ve turned this site into the forum page of the indystar. we all have disagreements about the team we love on here, but you so quickly turn everything into a “me vs. everybody else” scenario and just start going Rambo on everybody. seriously, we understand that you love the Pacers and we appreciate you sharing your comments no matter how great or bad they are, but these personal attacks just kills this site for me.

by blueandgold24 on Nov 19, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not just me. I even tried to man up and apologize, got ripped into

I’m a big fan. I’ve already decided not to even read a few of these guys post. I’m just sticking to basketball, and I’m gonna let the haters hate. Appreciate your concern, just had to respond to call outs about my family members ect… I think if you’ve read any of my post about bball, youde notice I’ve been watching the game for a long time, and I know a few things. I’ve never liked the fairweather haters, but I do realize I’m just banging my head against the wall trying to get negative people to search for the positives. I’ve given up on that. Our situation in Indy is tricky, we revamped a roster, we’ve gotten rid of cancers, picked up hood players at bargain prices, and are set for alot of roster space after 2011. All that and people still expect miracles. Go figure….but don’t worry, I’m done with those cats, just bball after this blog.

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

B Huse, that is

by Aarena on Nov 19, 2009 6:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Can't we all just get along

Go pacers!

by Rush Rules!!! on Nov 19, 2009 10:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Some of you guys are ridiculous

I was motivated to make a profile finally just to say that some of you guys are being ridiculous. I don’t wanna name names cause I don’t feel like being trashed. But you ALL know who you are. Alot of us read this blog and like to check out the fan reactions below, but I think were looking for your basketball opinions. Not an episode of the Jerry Springer show. Let’s keep it basketball related guys. These hateful thing being shot back and forth are really petty. Honestly, it detracts from your opinions when your flying off your collective handles. Let’s keep it real. Go pacers!

by Rush Rules!!! on Nov 20, 2009 12:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hate the brawl

I hate Detroit. I’ll just say it flat out. I can’t stand them and hope their franchise fails with us sending them out the right way by sweeping them in the playoffs. Twas the weekend of my 13th birthday. I got the gift i had been looking for all year. A nationally televised matchup with the Pistons on Friday Night. Living in California, i never used to be able to see Pacer games. I was so happy that day. I watched Ben Wallace thug it out and Artest and him being seperated. Then i saw something that seemed like a bad comedy movie. Ron Atest was in the audience and punching people (not players). It was the most entertaining moment of my life. The entertainment didn’t last long. After a bunch of phony baloney (balogna) suspensions, the pacers francise was driven into the ground. Completely. But at least we’re rebuilding. And one day when we take the title, we’ll rub it in David Stern and Stu Jackson’s grills. F*ckers.

GO PACERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by indikid24 on Nov 20, 2009 1:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Fleshy patch where your balls used to be.

Does anybody remember the scene in “40-year-old” virgin where Seth Rogen flicked Paul Rudd’s crotch? Paul Rudd goes, “Did you just flick my balls?”. Rogen goes “No. I flicked the fleshy patch where your balls use to be.” And then he flicks again… and again, and then slaps him in the face. Paul Rudd snaps out of it and goes for that fine chick with the Brooklyn accent. Someone needs to smack Rush around like Aaernea and Gwen were metaphorically smacking each other around earlier. That’s why I’m such a big advocate of getting a seasoned veteran winner that can teach these guys and bring out the best of em. Honestly, it sounds irrational, but someone needs to get under Rush’s skin. Maybe go as far as to have him physically lash out to break him out of his shell.

by hoosier3060 on Nov 22, 2009 10:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs