As highlighted in every review of the game, The Brazilian Blur, Leandro Barbosa, decided to take the ball to the rim in the final few seconds of the game.  Barbosa did this for a little revenge from Darren Collison's three late in an earlier Indiana Pacers' victory over the Toronto Raptors.  Danny Granger took exception to this particular shot of Barbosa, but didn't to any of his other shots, unfortunately.

I am all for seeing the Pacers' captain, Granger, getting in someone's face after a game when an unnecessary shot is taken, he is protecting his team.  However, it didn't mean much to me or anyone else when earlier in the game Granger was stripped fairly easily and simply trotted down the court behind the ball and allowed an easy layup.  This was just one possession (and yes, there were others) that stuck in my head throughout the entire game.  When the captain of a very young team that is fighting for the final playoff spot takes possessions off, you are going to have a tough time convincing everyone to give it their all every time up and down the court.

After the jump, check out the links of the day, plus hear what I think Granger needs to do to get his team going again...

I couldn't help but wander what would happen to this team if you took the fight and aggressiveness of Tyler Hansbrough and put it in Granger.  Obviously, you can't completely change one's personality.  However, Granger needs to at the very least lead this team by example.  He needs to fight for every lose ball like it's the final few seconds, and he needs to sprint down to try to stop every easy bucket.  Granger is never going to be the outspoken, vocal leader that many desire.  However, if he is going to be a "lead by example" leader, he needs to start giving the young players an example to be lead by.  He kicked himself out of the scoring rut he has been in, but this team needs leadership....as quiet as he wants it, they still need it....

• Box Score
• PACERS: Game Rewind: Raptors 108, Pacers 98
• Brazilian Blur leads Raptors over Pacers - thestar.com
  Not bad for a guy with a bad back. Leandro Barbosa sparked the Raptors to a 108-98 victory over Indiana.
• Pacers' losing streak hits 6 | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
  TORONTO -- Defense and rebounding are two areas of the game taught in peewee basketball. At times, even the professionals don't master it. That's obvious these days with the Indiana Pacers.
• Barbosa scores season high 29, Raptors beat Pacers - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
• Pacers Rocky Road To The Playoffs - Basketball News & NBA Rumors -
  Great article from Hoopsworld on the roller coaster of a season the Pacers are on...
• Dunleavy sits, waits | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
  TORONTO -- Indiana Pacers swingman Mike Dunleavy has never been this close to making the playoffs in his nine-year career.
• Pacers Post-Up: Playoffs?!?
  Bruno goes Jim Mora on the Pacers.
• Hoops Addict " Catching Up With Paul George
  Ryan McNeill spoke with PG before last night's game.
• Raptors HQ

• Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Bobcats - Recap - March 11, 2011 - ESPN
  NBA Basketball Recap: Final statistics from the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Bobcats game played on March 11, 2011