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Game Thread #3: Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers

Denver Nuggets at Indiana Pacers, Nov 3, 2009 7:00 PM EST


@
Indiana Pacers 
3-00-2
Novermber 3, 2009 - 7:00PM EST
Conseco Fieldhouse
Radio: 1070AM WFNI   TV: Fox Sports Indiana
Probable starters:
Chauncey Billups PG T.J. Ford
Anthony Carter SG Brandon Rush
Carmelo Anthony SF Danny Granger
Kenyon Martin PF Troy Murphy
Nene Hilario C Roy Hibbert

 The Indiana Pacers face a friendly foe in the Fieldhouse tonight with the Denver Nuggets in town for the 7:00PM tip.

The Nuggets and Pacers faced off twice in the preseason during their Asian excursion with each team looking darned good in one game and relatively poor in the other. The Nuggets are off to a strong start at 3-0 and look to be every bit of the Western Conference finalist they were last year. The Pacers meanwhile are still looking for a solid 48 minutes of play.

For a Denver perspective, check out Denver Stiffs.

Leave your thoughts and comments on the game in the comments. After the jump, more on the Nuggs.

Star-divide

As the Pacers are well aware, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups make the Nuggets go. Melo unleashed a lethal scoring binge on the Pacers in their second preseason game in Beijing, pumping in 45 points in a mere 24 minutes of floor time. It appears that Customs let him return to the States with his combustible offensive game because in the Nuggets' three regular season wins, Melo is averaging over 37 points. I have a feeling Melo bounced out of bed this morning looking forward to meeting the Pacers again in the Fieldhouse tonight.

As for Billups, he's spent many years causing problems for the Pacers. Fortunately now that he's in the Western Conference, those problems only present themselves twice a year. Billups has complimented Melo with 23 points per game. He's also playing a healthy dose of minutes, just over 37 per game, to start the season.

So, suffice it to say, no matter how much the Pacers emphasize their defense tonight, there's going to be a lot of points scored. The Pacers struggled against Miami to generate much offense, but with a few days off they should be fresh and ready to run. And running is the key since we saw against the Heat that the Pacers are still mixing and matching players and struggling to sync up the halfcourt offense.

The Pacers need to lean on the horses with some big production from Danny Granger and Troy Murphy. If Melo is staring at 40, Danny better be staring right back. The Pacers also need to squeeze more out of T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert to combine with the play of Earl Watson and Dahntay Jones off the bench.

All hands on deck making a positive impact. After the first two games, I know that sounds like a novel idea, but team will come together sooner or later, why not tonight? 

Comment 188 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Go Pacers!

I’m ready for tonight. This is a team that we’re familiar with, Jones will be as aggressive as ever and Melo will finally have his first offnight of the season. Get ready for an upset!!

by smits4ever on Nov 3, 2009 5:12 PM EST reply actions  

I hate thinking this

But maybe we should try and get Iverson since he’s not happy sitting and we don’t exactly have any legitimate options at the point.

Eh, maybe it’s too early to think about that, let’s see how they do tonight. Let’s go Pacers!

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions  

Haha

PTI just praised Hansbrough for that commercial, calling it the best on TV. I’m ready to get this guy on the floor to see what he has to offer.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 5:59 PM EST reply actions  

Twelve seconds in

And Denver’s at the line.

Not the ideal start.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:12 PM EST reply actions  

Great hook by Roy

Take advantage of the mismatch big fella.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:13 PM EST reply actions  

Bwaha

What was that floater by Carter? Full on air ball.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:16 PM EST reply actions  

Oh my

offense is hard to come by. Good defense?

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:17 PM EST reply actions  

Ugly game so far

Both teams clanking like they’re worth something.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:17 PM EST reply actions  

Except that was a poor call

Roy not getting the benefit on that one for obvious reasons.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:18 PM EST reply actions  

Good move by Martin

Don’t have the advantage, make it your advantage.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:20 PM EST reply actions  

Another poor call on Roy

No clue how that affected Nene at all…

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:22 PM EST reply actions  

Not enough ball movement

In my eyes.

Then again, it’s a turnover waiting to happen when they do, so it’s almost lose-lose.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions  

Nuggs are doing their part

Pacers just can’t take advantage of any Denver mistakes.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:26 PM EST reply actions  

4:32 left in the first, Pacers with 7 points

And down ten. Need to get something going here…

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:27 PM EST reply actions  

Wow

Rush scored, beat the Nuggs down the floor.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:27 PM EST reply actions  

Hahaha

That would’ve been a foul on our end. No home cooking tonight.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:28 PM EST reply actions  

scoring buckets is like pulling teeth. Need some easy ones to get going.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:29 PM EST reply actions  

5-21 shooting

Roughly equates to not high enough.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:30 PM EST reply actions  

I remember when it was this bad last year

We just haven’t seen the good yet. I think it’s about time for the good!

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 7:31 PM EST reply actions  

no doubt

The Nuggets are struggling, just not nearly as bad as the Pacers.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:32 PM EST up reply actions  

At least

Danny is doing his job defensively on Melo so far.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions  

Yup

Danny is playing well on D

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Billups says,

“Let me show you guys how to hit a three.”

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:34 PM EST reply actions  

I believe

I have seen him do that once or twice. You know it’s in before it hits the rim

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Pacers getting buried in a pile of bricks. Can they dig out of the rubble?

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions  

Alright D Jones

settle down with those quick 19 footers

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions  

oh

and Melo is only 1-7 so far.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:38 PM EST reply actions  

Nowhere to go but up

Then again, this is the that beat New Orleans by 60 points, so I guess it can get worse.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:39 PM EST reply actions  

Jeez

Doesn’t help the Nuggets bad breaks end in two or three points…

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:41 PM EST reply actions  

Man

Pacers look completely lost on the offensive end. These players have not meshed together yet

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions  

Where's Danny's aggressiveness?

Just drive and hope for the best…it’s already really bad, no sense in worrying about it getting worse taking a bunch of bad jumpers.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions  

Wow, there is no one in the building tonight. I hate seeing what Conseco has become.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions  

Murph shaken up

Just what we need, more frontcourt injuries…

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:45 PM EST reply actions  

Obie is not the one to lead these Jedi ....

I wouldn’t have taken free tickets to watch a team I love get slaughtered ….

and after they fire Obie the trainer should be called in the office next …..

by Man of Pace on Nov 3, 2009 7:46 PM EST reply actions  

Things have gotten bad

I’m excited that Luther is in the game.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:49 PM EST reply actions  

Roy gets a nice block.

Possession ends in three for Denver. C’mon…breaks…breaks…where are they!?

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:50 PM EST reply actions  

Sheesh Roy

At least figure out where you are before tossing the hook

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 7:51 PM EST reply actions  

Come on guys, let’s call a spade a spade. As I’ve said all along subtracting Jack and Daniels and adding Jones, Watson and Jones is a net loss. I think we’re seeing that on the court.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 7:54 PM EST reply actions  

wasn’t an either or situation, though.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions  

You’re right it wasn’t and that’s because neither of those guys had any interest in coming back to play for us. Mostly because the talent on this team is weak. So why bring in three more marginally talented players. Honestly, what is/was the point?

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions  

So

We overpay for Jack and pay Daniels an exuberant amount of money for 50 games of service? Then we basically field Price and McBobs in meaningful minutes because we’d have about eight players dressed right now.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Jack would've come back

Pacers didn’t have $20 mil for him, though.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions  

I wonder what Mel Daniels is thinking right now?

I have never seen a Pacer team look this un-organized and inept …

come on we are begging for a break ?

by Man of Pace on Nov 3, 2009 7:54 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

D.Jones

Doing well here. Can’t expect great things if we have to rely on him like this.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:57 PM EST reply actions  

Man

Speaking of D.Jones, he didn’t even get back on that play.

This is pretty ugly stuff.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 7:58 PM EST reply actions  

Backpack Attack charity

Not getting any play. Poor kids without their backpacks.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:04 PM EST reply actions  

Speaking of which

I’m ’bout to reach in my backpack and get some studying done. Might give this game a rest for awhile

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Can we get some McRoberts and Price? Maybe these two can show some heart.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 8:06 PM EST reply actions  

Pretty sure

We are gonna be seeing them tonight!

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions  

I hate Price as a player, but this might be the most intriguing player on our roster at this point. Very sad as a fan.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 8:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Wow

This is just sad. Nuggets basically turn the ball over four times on that possession and end up with three.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:07 PM EST reply actions  

My fantasy team

Even has some Pacer-itis tonight. Man, depressing basketball night!

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions  

Pacers lucky to be down only 16 at the half. Too bad they have to play the third quarter.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 8:11 PM EST reply actions  

Boston- 44
Philly – 35

At least we outscored Philly in the half. Too bad Denver has more than 44…

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 8:12 PM EST reply actions  

Unfortunately

They have young guys like Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young. We have Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert, which isn’t exactly the same here in 2009-10.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Only 5 turnovers (searching for something good)

The north rim will be happy the teams are switching sides, though.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 8:13 PM EST reply actions  

There are no people in the arena!

Maybe the Pacers shouldn’t have paid all that money just for a guy to do polls. I could have done a poll. I could have called random people to answer a poll.

by Gwen on Nov 3, 2009 8:18 PM EST reply actions  

Yeah

This is a bad situation with these operating fees, this product on the floor, and the Colts continuing to steal the show every game they play. I just hope I’m still watching the Indiana Pacers in a decade.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions  

C'mon boys

We need a good second half!

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions  

I can't even legitimately complain

About those annoying Ford dribble/drives if he’s hitting them…

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions  

Another foul on Roy

McBobs can foul out in thirty seconds, who exactly do we have behind him again? Can Larry Bird walk through that door?

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions  

I thought Jim Halpert when I saw it last week.

by ben.renz on Nov 3, 2009 8:29 PM EST up reply actions  

It's what I'll be rocking

If I don’t get it cut within the next couple of months, haha.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions  

I’m getting tired of seeing our guys foul the Nuggs every single posession.

by ben.renz on Nov 3, 2009 8:32 PM EST reply actions  

Free throws

Not only does the differential suck horribly, but to not basically shot 90% once you’re there? That hurts a lot.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:32 PM EST reply actions  

Danny doesn't look good offensively tonight

Think this foot is still bothering him? Hopefully it’s not his above average defensive effort holding him back offensively.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:33 PM EST up reply actions  

I *know it's only the 3rd game of the season

I *know there are a lot of new players to incorporate. I *know we are getting some players back…I *know these things, and I’m still bummed.

by Gwen on Nov 3, 2009 8:33 PM EST reply actions  

It's definitely too early to panic

But by the third game of the season, you should have a microcosm of an idea of what to expect, and I don’t like what microcosms I’m seeing of this team.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Third quarter reversal

Maybe something’s wrong with that goal…

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:35 PM EST reply actions  

Danny silky smooth shot

Yes, sir, I did doubt you. Prove me wrong, please.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:36 PM EST reply actions  

The Denver feed sounds weird, like a strange echo

Are you there Tom? Is there an echo in the arena?

by Gwen on Nov 3, 2009 8:37 PM EST reply actions  

Cornrows, for after the game

May I suggest the Whiskey Bar on 2nd ave. Good place to forget about this game

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Got it within ten

Just in time for Denver to score five unanswered.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:38 PM EST reply actions  

At least some energy, knock some people around...

his hair will scare everyone away from the basket

by Gwen on Nov 3, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions  

The Nuggets announcers just said Josh is out of Miss. St. How does an announcer not know he’s out of Duke?

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t think Miss. St. has put a white guy in the NBA in the last 25 years.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions  

McRoberts says

“I eat rebounds for breakfast!”

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:46 PM EST reply actions  

There are a lot of jump balls tonight

If this were a college game, I’d be really mad at the possession arrow right now.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:48 PM EST reply actions  

BOOM BABY

Danny puts it within 11. Need a stop here.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:54 PM EST reply actions  

Pacers actually within striking distance

Need to actually get a run started to open the fourth.

Think of the children who need backpacks, guys!

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:57 PM EST reply actions  

Earl Watson has to know how much times on the clock there.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 8:57 PM EST reply actions  

I was thinking that

While exclaiming, “Clock! Clock!”

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 8:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Earl’s defense has been suspect so far this season as well. Tell me again what he’s here for?

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions  

No other options? Travis Diener and A.J. Price at #2? Not good. I think we could’ve had Ramon Sessions for about the same price though, which doesn’t settle well with me.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions  

D Jones with 17

Raise your hand if you thought he would be our second option.

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 8:59 PM EST reply actions  

Raise your hand if you think someone who’s career average is around 6 pts a game should be the leading scorer for the Pacers.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions  

My two year old just remarked that Chris Anderson needs a haircut.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:03 PM EST reply actions  

He could also use some common sense.

by ben.renz on Nov 3, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions  

You have to be at least three years old to pick up on that.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Does anyone else get the impression that T.J. isn’t very happy?

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:05 PM EST reply actions  

Ha ha

whatever gives you that impression?

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Why?

His tweets in the offseason made it sound like he was really gonna try to get better this season. I don’t see it on the court. Does this mean I can’t believe everything I read on Twitter.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions  

for starters, yes on the last question

He’s not showing much fight, though. Seemed real happy working out for the summer, but when things go bad seems like he goes south instead of digging in.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Ford leads with his shoulder

Gets absolutely nothing that helps him, and fouls out.

Awesome. Let’s get Price in there.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 9:06 PM EST reply actions  

On a positive note

both Danny and Brandon’s man defense look better this year. Brandon needs to see the ball go in the bucket a couple of times and get some confidence out there.

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 9:07 PM EST reply actions  

The story of Brandon’s career. All the time he spent in Kansas he should have went to see the Wizard for some confidence.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Lead back up to 20

I’d say that might just about finish this one off…bleh.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 9:09 PM EST reply actions  

I’d rather have Ty, two years younger and he can play the point.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:12 PM EST reply actions  

We are loaded at PG

Just none of them are starters. Thats got to be an area of concern this offseason

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Should have been an area of concern last off season.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions  

I really hate to pass a six-month judgment on a team six days into the season

But we don’t have anything. And not even in the same way Jack and Daniels could help. Last year’s energy is not there, and we can’t even hang with contenders right now. Dunleavy can’t even save this.

We’ve got a long way to go. Hope it’s not too late when we finally have cap room to make real moves.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 9:17 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

I still don’t think we can do anything of note in free agency, even with the cap money. We’ll just overpay more role players. If we want to do anything we have to stop wasting draft picks on bench players.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions  

This team has so little fan interest that we can’t even get more than 6 people involved in a game time thread. I can’t imagine how little interest will be here by the end of this season.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:24 PM EST reply actions  

I realize

Not all Colts fans are from Indiana, or even the ones in Indiana are all Pacer fans, but it’s pretty frustrating at how lopsided the fan interest is here. Getting blown out in the first three games doesn’t help at all and won’t help the interest moving forward.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 9:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed

Especially the first two at home. Sad state of affairs for the Basketball State

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Yep, the problem is that the Pacers don’t win anymore. And that there really isn’t anything that’s been done in the last three years that leads someone to believe that they’ll start winning any time soon.

by ThirtyOne on Nov 3, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions  

On to MSG

chance to see just how ugly this start to the season can get…

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 9:29 PM EST reply actions  

Hawks, Heat, Nuggets

All going to be really good teams this year.

The Knicks…not so much.

A pretty big psyche test tomorrow for this team.

by Nathan S. on Nov 3, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Think I might

open up the Crown Royal after that game. See you guys tomorrow for some sweet Pacers action

by jantz101 on Nov 3, 2009 9:35 PM EST reply actions  

Suggestion

Open the Crown BEFORE the game tomorrow.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions  

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