IC Cold Links: Pacers And Wizards Did Themselves No Good In The End
by Tom Lewis on Apr 15, 2010 6:30 AM EDT
in Indiana Pacers News
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PrintDon't worry, I didn't lose any sleep last night over the Pacers late-game implosion and loss to the Wizards. I am still shaking my head at how the last two minutes went down, though.
I'm assuming Jim O'Brien was going all out for the win at the end and wanted to put the game in his best players' hands, even though he would freely admit a win last night was irrelevant.
Plus, his didn't leave the game in his best offensive players' hands, at least the best on this night. Yes, Danny Granger should shoot for the win at the buzzer, no problem with the final call. But Roy Hibbert watching the game go down in flames was ridiculous.
The main point of my consternation is that this was a prime opportunity to see what Hibbert could do with the game on the line. A perfect chance to give him some experience in closing out a game. Regardless of whether he would succeed or fail, the experience would be good for the developing big.
On his last touch before leaving the game, he made a solid move in the post to get a nice little jump hook which was just a touch long. He was able to get himself those shots all night and in the end the Pacers just needed one more to go in. But, the opportunity was missed just like the five jumpers Roy's teammates missed to close the game.
OK, done shaking my head. After the jump, a few more links from the close of the season.
- PACERS: Pacers lose 3-point touch, fall to Wizards in finale, 98-97
Bruno's Inside the Game has all of the numbers, notes, quotes and hightlights for the season finale. - Pacers lose final game to Wizards
The Star can't send Mighty Mike Wells to the season-ending game? Yeesh. - Wizards Insider - A costly victory?
Michael Lee comments on how the Wizards would've been better off losing last night's game. - Teams to pay attention to - Ball Don't Lie
Kelly Dwyer takes a moment to give a nod to all of the non-playoff teams before the second season starts. - Pacers, City Stalled In Lease Negotiations
See, this is what happens when you talk about negotiations. All of the local news outlets have to try to advance the story.
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No one cares?
First comment after this has sat for awhile… Apparently even us die hard Pacers fans care little about this team – just like (it seems) the management and ownership… The only thing standing between the Pacers and another bad season next year is a lucky ping pong ball bounce giving us a top 3 pick… SAD!!!
by FortWayneKarl on Apr 15, 2010 3:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
oorrr.... a lot of us have jobs?
+1 to Tom.
I actually called the Big Joe Show on 1070 the fan and talked to him about that very same thing. I also pointed out the fact that Roy had been shooting free throws well too. So worst case scenario Hibbert drives the ball in and gets fouled, even if he misses 1 we go to OT. That could have been Roy’s chance to be the hero of the game, what a good thing for him to build on next year. That said he can still take A LOT from this game. He played really well, and its just good to see since there used to be a few Hibbert Haters on here, and I haven’t heard from them in a while.
~SHaFF!~
if nothing else....
JOB could have had Roy at least IN THE GAME. He’s your leader scorer… and like you said, everyone else but Watson was bricking it up at the end. I also was shaking my head, but oh well, at least its over now and we can look forward to next year.
~SHaFF!~
I’m with you SHaFF87, not having your leading scorer in the game is a mistake. To not go with the guy who has the hot hand is a mistake.
Has Granger proven himself to hit game winning shots? I really don’t know but if he has, then I can see with going with Granger.
Season’s over, so it’s all mute now.
thats the problem with the Pacers...
Granger hasn’t proven to be THAT guy. Probably won’t ever prove to be.
~SHaFF!~
Granger
Put himself in good favor regarding that during 08-09. He iced a few teams in the clutch, and was either first or second in fourth quarter scoring that year. His 09-10 was a disappointment for a number of reasons, but to say he hasn’t proven himself capable in that situation? I’d say he has to a degree that he can be trusted with the last shot.
Of course, he got very few chances to hone that craft this year after a pretty solid 08-09 clutch campaign. The Pacers were either blown out or (in much rarer fashion) blowing teams out. This was one of the very few opportunities Granger had to actually take that kind of shot. I’m not going to say he didn’t deserve the last shot, because no one else on this team is fit to take it…especially if you actually sit your best player that night.
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