Josh McRoberts was seemingly "relevant" during last night's win against the Wizards, although I wouldn't expect coach Jim O'Brien to acknowledge it.

When it was announced at Conseco "Reggie Miller" Fieldhouse that McRoberts was starting last night, my cousin and I were jubilant. This is what we came to see. Despite it meaning that the Pacers were going to fall further behind in the lottery chase (which there was no way in hell they could have lost that game if they tried), McRoberts exceeded even our expectations for his energy, efficiency and fun during the win.

In 30 minutes of play, McBob's scored 14 points on 7-of-15 shooting, grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds and blocked two shots. It was his third start of the season, which resulted from Roy Hibbert sitting last night out due to injury.

"I found out at about 4:30 (p.m.) that I was going to get the start," McRoberts told the Indianapolis Star. "Coach told me to be ready to take shots when they were available. I'm definitely not Roy. I think I can do other things to help the team, so I tried to do that."

McRoberts was there in the midst of every offensive rebound as he crashed the boards with controlled energy and prowess. Each time he entered or exited the game, he received a rousing applause from the crowd and, therefore, each time he was in the game, the crowd was a little louder than when he wasn't. Between McRoberts and Hibbert, who is one of the best cheerleader's on the bench in NBA history, they made the blow-out, ugly game fun to watch. Oh, and what did O'Brien think of McRoberts' play this time around?

"(McRoberts) got us off to a very good start," O'Brien said. "I was happy with how he played (Wednesday)."

Well, it's better than nothing from our esteemed coach. I'll take it. More links after the jump.

• AP Story
• Box Score
• NBA.com Recap
• PACERS: Inside the Game: Pacers 99, Wizards 82
  Bruno's Inside The Game report has all of the numbers, notes, quotes and highlights.
• Granger, McRoberts key win
  Mike Wells recaps all you need to know about last night's easy victory against the Wizards.
• Hibbert sits out with sprained jaw
  The Indianapolis Star reports on Roy Hibbert missing only his second game in his two-year career due to injury last night.
• Wizards fall on road to Pacers, tie team record with 13th straight loss
  The Washington Post gives the D.C. perspective on Wednesday's game at the fieldhouse. The Post also has a story on this year's Wizards' team looking eerily similar to the mid-90's Bullets.
  
• McRoberts sparks Pacers
  Well reports on how McRoberts had one helluva game last night.
• Wizards lose to Pacers, despite James Singleton's best efforts
  SB Nation's Bullets Forever has the Washington blogging atmosphere covered.
• Game #71 Recap: How Sweep It Is, Amirite? (or: Why Cavemen Want Their Corners)
  Eight Points, Nine Seconds recaps Tuesday's win against the Pistons.
• Pacers winning when it counts the least
  The Green County Daily World is suffering like the rest of the Pacers fans in the world right now.