If You're 1 for 8, How Can You Be Smug?

by RVANDY9 on Jan 14, 2012 1:19 PM EST

Once again, Danny Granger comes thru. Not the best way either, but showing a smugness about him which was definitely not called for. I mean, when you shoot one for eight, and your head hasnt' been in the game much at all, because you're not hitting, not rebounding, not assisting other players, then how the heck can you have the attitude he showed when he blocked the shot? Oh, don't get me wrong, a great block. But that's about the only thing he'd done right to that point, and he knew he already had a technical, and there was an official standing right there. Come on Danny, get your head, and heart into the game. But, much to the Pacers' credit, the other players didn't give up, played as a team, and went on to victory. A great come from behind, when they had started so poorly. Sometimes, it seems like Vogel should pull the plug on some players earlier, if they arent' going to play the game the way he wants them to.Hibbert, tho' in foul trouble, played a good game and tried to keep the 'team' playing unselfishly, as did George Hill. Both played very admirably. I wish Paul George would develop the instinct to shoot that 3, when he's wide open, or slam the ball when he's in so close, instead of trying to do some fancy layup. But overall, a great team effort, minus of course, Granger's continued "me" ball effort.

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I guess im the only one but

i think its nice to see a little attitude. Finally the Pacers are playing with attitude. I cant stand to see Djones shoot the ball but heck the guy has a chip on his shoulder. ALong with the rest of the team. I dont care if Danny is shooting pooring but if he starts playing like hes shooting then the team will see that.
I think ever since Vogel had the team watch the Bird and Magic rivalry they have all been playing with chips on their shoulders. Hansbrough and Foster already have that chip and now that the whole team is getting it…win or lose shoot poorly or make everything..this team is going to be a force to be reckoned with…If you come in the paint prepare to be challenged…1 for 8 doesnt mean you cant be a little cocky. Sure he shouldnt of walked towards him and stared him down but its nice to see a little swagger out there. The Davis brothers are proud

by supercolts on Jan 14, 2012 2:24 PM EST reply actions

Reminds me of the old mentality in the Knicks/Pacers rivalry in the 90’s:

Tonight there is a basketball game and fight. We’re going to win one of those.

by TrueBlue87 on Jan 14, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions

That's stupid.

It’s basketball, if that’s your attitude, your going to get in a fight, get T’d up and leave the court. But, I think I get your point assuming there’s an element of hyperbole in there. I think there’s a balance between the ultra-soft team of the past few seasons (DunMurph) and the hot headed Artest/Jackson/Tinsley years. I think that balance was the Miller/Smits/Davis’s years.

My big problem, and it really, REALLY upsets me and makes me disapointed in Danny is that it was a great block, but I’m pretty sure he kept it in bounds which means, the only talking you do is to your teammates down the court on the fast break. No focus or commitment to the team shown on that play by Danny.

peac.e

by trucutter on Jan 14, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

What I said was a paraphrase of what Riley would tell the Knicks. It’s in the “Killing Time” 30 for 30

by TrueBlue87 on Jan 14, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

Aggre!!!

by Engalwood on Jan 14, 2012 2:55 PM EST reply actions

Simple, you emphatically block a guy who's gearing up for a dunk

shrug

It’s not that none of these other guys don’t get smug regardless if they’re shooting 18% or 68%, whatever. It was a dumb ass thing to do, but seriously, he got his second T, got tossed, he’ll pay his fine and then play the next game. It’s not a big deal.

by Gwen on Jan 14, 2012 3:36 PM EST reply actions

As I said above....

…getting T’d up was dumb, but what really disapoints me and concerns me is that I’m pretty sure he kept it in bounds and blocked it to a teammate and instead of getting back on the break he was staring down an opponent laying on the ground out of bounds.

We could’ve had a 5-on-4 break away, instead our best player gave foolishly gave his team the opportunity to prove that maybe we don’t need him after all.

We do need Danny. But we need the Danny that can find a balance between his apathetic self of much of the past couple seasons (not the apathy, but at least a level head) and the aggression he’s showing this season. He needs to figure it out pretty soon. Or he needs to go. He played very well against Atlanta and I’m not saying that just b/c his shot was falling, but he made smart plays and stayed focused. Seeing him regress in Toronto was disapointing. Especially since he was playing a little better/smarter as the game was going on until that knucklehead taunting.

peac.e

by trucutter on Jan 14, 2012 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

It's still not a big deal

If he gets T’d up at the rate of say, Rasheed Wallace, while only shooting 1-8, then sure.

If he does the same thing tonight, sure.

If he does the same thing on the upcoming West coast trip, sure.

No one can really disagree that it was a dumb move, hence my calling him “Dumb Ass Danny” but…it’s still not a big deal.

by Gwen on Jan 14, 2012 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

You're missing my point.

Picking up the Tech was silly…stupid even. But you’re right, not that big of a deal. Here’s my problem. Unless I’m remembering the play incorrectly, the ball was still in play, we were losing, and he was out of bounds senslessly talking S**t about his good block.

A dead ball tech is a little more acceptable, but the fact that we had a chance to get back on the break and he wasn’t involved. That’s what concerns me with where Danny’s head is at.

I wish I hadn’t deleted the DVR recording of it so I could make sure the ball was still in play. That’s what really got me. If I’m wrong and it was a dead ball…I’m not anywhere near as upset by it.

peac.e

by trucutter on Jan 14, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

Who cares?

You play ball and are able to block a dunk attempt, you get to be smug about it. Considering the skill level of those I typically play against, there aren’t too many blocked dunks, but the few I’ve had in my life? Damn right I was smug about it.

I also agree with trucutter that getting back in transition would have been nice, but I’m not mad about that either. Those technicals are weak, but it is the rule so he needs to be more aware.

Pacers motto - "Never Easy"
Pacers = Thugs
So Thugs never have it easy = Thug Life
I love the Pacers. I love the Thug Life

by SpaceCowboy1984 on Jan 14, 2012 6:10 PM EST reply actions

I can see that.

How many millions of dollars do you make and how many thousands of fans are rooting for you and your team to win?

I’m being a bit of a stickler on this sure. But that play is adding to my concern over Danny given the other deficeincies in Danny’s game as of late, not just the %, but the shot selection and turn overs (not even at his career average, but I think per touch his turnovers are probably up from the past couple years…and they’re ugly ones where he’s getting himself in trouble needlessly).

peac.e

by trucutter on Jan 14, 2012 6:20 PM EST up reply actions

I know for a fact that no one cares if my team wins!

Anyway, nothing wrong with your criticisms because they are a legit. I wouldn’t say Danny is selfish so much as he overestimates his capabilities. I think as the season progresses he will settle into a role more fitting the current roster. That’s my hope at least.

Pacers motto - "Never Easy"
Pacers = Thugs
So Thugs never have it easy = Thug Life
I love the Pacers. I love the Thug Life

by SpaceCowboy1984 on Jan 14, 2012 6:44 PM EST up reply actions