Cleveland Cavaliers 98, Indiana Pacers 87: Comfy Cavs Cruise Past Pacers
by Tom Lewis on Feb 15, 2012 10:35 PM EST
in Indiana Pacers News
Email
PrintThe Indiana Pacers continue to struggle, losing their fifth consecutive game 98-87 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After losing to Miami last night, Roy Hibbert described the game against Cleveland as a must win. Unfortunately the Pacers showed nothing resembling a sense of urgency to win until there was about eight minutes left in the game. But despite Cleveland giving the Pacers a few golden opportunities to sneak back into position to win the game, the Pacers couldn't take advantage, coming up empty with momentum primed and ready to swing their way.
But this game was lost early when the Cavs were able to find shots when and where they wanted, scoring 32 first quarter points. The Pacers succeeded earlier in the year with a defensive effort that made teams uncomfortable. Tonight the Cavs may as well have been wearing a robe and slippers for some of their open looks because the Pacers left them alone in their comfort zone.
Kyrie Irving led the Cleveland attack with 22 points and five assists, making three of five three-point attempts. The Cavs made 10 three-pointers for the game including four in the third quarter to push the Pacers back every time they seemed to be gaining a little traction to cut the lead to single digits.
Meanwhile at the offensive end, the Pacers played like junk. Danny Granger missed the game with a sprained ankle and then Paul George missed the bulk of the game with foul trouble, playing less than four minutes in the first half. That left David West who couldn't hit a shot and Roy Hibbert who couldn't get enough good touches in the post.
So it is no surprise that Darren Collison led the Pacers with 18 points because he had to try to get something going. The most damning stat in the first half was the two assists the Pacers had at the break on a measly 14 field goals.
As bad as that first half was, again, Cleveland did their part to let the Pacers back in the game, but too many little things, like missing nine free throws for the game and giving up key rebounds, kept the Pacers from mounting a game-altering run. Paul George put together a stretch in the fourth quarter of his most aggressive play to date. It was obvious that PG's effort was fueled by pure frustration sprinkled with a little desperation, a style of play that would've been welcomed from the opening tip by all five blue shirts, but his effort came up short with a couple of missed three-pointers.
The Pacers have nowhere else to look for answer but in the mirror. George Hill reportedly went through a good workout before the game but his return date remains unknown. Granger tried to give it a go tonight so he may be able to return tomorrow night along with Jeff Foster.
The Pacers host the New Jersey Nets on Thursday night which should bring out their best effort to end this losing streak. But that depends on their comfort level with the losing.
That's all I can muster up for this mess. Feel free to add your own thoughts and observations in the comments.
36 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I am officially worried
that the first part of the season was a mirage.
This team isn’t nearly as deep as I thought it was going to be when the season started.
www.themindofshadow.blogspot.com/
My Own Thoughts????!!!!!
Damn!!!!! Stinking Pitiful, Sickening, Lack of Enthusiasm, Poor Game Shape, EXTREMELY Poor “D” from our point guard, Offense running amuck…Just Damn I guess.
***Forever Grunge...Man!***
MAN, DON'T START WITCHA BULLS%%T THIS MORNING!!!
We need it!
We need a addition, plain n simple!
A Buddy of Mine
Was at the game and sit 3 rows behind the Pacers bench..Late in the 4th during a timeout he said the players minds were off somewhere else besides the game. One of the players yelled out “TRADE ME THEN DAMNIT” ……. said he didnt know which one but a few people heard it. Embarrasing after I bragged these guys up.
***Forever Grunge...Man!***
MAN, DON'T START WITCHA BULLS%%T THIS MORNING!!!
don't believe that
I was thinking about her, thinking bout me
Thinkin bout us, what we gunna be?
Open my eyes, it was only just a dream.
Doesn't really make sense to yell that.
It’s not like Bird was on the bench with them so who would that player be yelling to? “Play me then, damnit” seems more probable.
Still, just a few weeks ago I would have hated to see anyone get traded. 5 losses with absolutely no effort have completely changed my stance.
by Ghostface_Millah on Feb 16, 2012 1:36 AM EST up reply actions
I would suspect it's frustration talking.
Plus, if we’re talking about late in the 4th then the whole arena was thinking about something besides the game.
"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't."
- Jack Dempsey
by infinityzero.systemerror on Feb 16, 2012 2:41 AM EST up reply actions
It was Ron Artest.
You can still hear the ghost of that trade demand.
=If true, trade whoever that was.
88, 32, 7, 21, 17, 31
Really? This bothers you?
Disclaimer: I’m a Cavs fan, who isn’t here to cause trouble, just see what you guys thought were the keys to the game.
Let me set up a possibility. Indy’s closed to 12 points, with 3:30 left. In the next 30 seconds, Darren Collison makes two horrible mistakes: not guarding Irving well which leads to an easy assist, and getting the ball stolen by Sessions. Coach calls time out, puts in the scrubs, and says something to the effect that Darren can’t play basketball. Darren yells back “Trade me then, damn it!”
This would bother you?
I’ve been in situations where I did my job well, and the situation ended up badly anyways. I’ve been called onto the carpet and I’ve said “if you don’t think I can do my job, fire me”. I think that’s all this guy (Darren or not) was trying to say.
I clearly don't know the situation in the huddle
But one thing this team does NOT need in the midst of this losing streak is anything other than team unity. Yelling “trade me” doesn’t really help with that.
88, 32, 7, 21, 17, 31
This is making me sad.
I guess I’ll look for a positive. Stephenson wasn’t as passive about shooting as he has been, showing some confidence. And did an admirable job for 30 minutes, quite a feat when you consider he typically plays only 10.
Kyrie Irving is awesome and the team still can’t run pick-and-roll for shit.
"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't."
- Jack Dempsey
by infinityzero.systemerror on Feb 16, 2012 2:45 AM EST reply actions
First somewhat rational thoughts: This is going to turn around. While a couple of these losses have been very, very disappointing, I think we’re going to be just fine in the grand scheme of this season. I hope the fans show up tonight, the team needs them, loud and supportive from the outset.
Profane Rant: Roy Hibbert, and anyone on this blog that believes they are smarter and know nba basketball better than the people that get paid handsomely to talk about this shit on TV: SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY WITH THE “MUST-WIN” thing. Ok, let’s say it was a “must-win” against the Cavs… well we lost. What are you going to do? Burn your pacers gear, jump-out a window, go cry in a corner and shit yourself, retire from the nba? There are no damn must-wins when losing puts you at 17-12, still in the top 8 in your conference by 5, THAT’S 5, games and there sure as fuck weren’t any must-wins earlier in the season. I think we’ll win tonight, and Ill be pissed off if we dont but we’re about 15 more losses in a row, at-least, from a “must-win”, so if you feel like declaring this game a “must-win” put your helmet back on and keep your worthless opinion to yourself retard.
oh what a pass by STEPHENSON! AND THEN ITS PAUL GEORGE!
Hansbrough is still proving to be a waste of a lottery pick
So we have that going for us
by redmid17 on Feb 16, 2012 4:01 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
no shit
Bout time to jump back on the Tyler hate train, but at this point, it would be way too easy. Just about not even any debate about it anymore. Dude is just straight up crap.
www.themindofshadow.blogspot.com/
by dbcb on Feb 16, 2012 6:24 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The "Dude" is a scoring machine
But the coaches have managed to screw him up. Now he can’t even hit foul shots. You guys apparently do not remember how he carried the team last spring when they hit another bad streak, and helped turn it around in time to make the playoffs. I see him sprinting down the court on the fast break, but have never yet seen one of the point guards actually pass him the ball. Incredible.
Not only that, but Tyler’s defense has improved greatly. The opposing forwards have trouble scoring on him, in case you never noticed. He has great hands—as do all the Pacers—and he uses them well.
You also apparently do not notice that he is out there working his butt off even when every one else’s mind seems to be wandering to…Bermuda? the cheerleaders? Sometimes he tries so hard, and is so frustrated, that he gets a bit out of control going after the ball. I will also say his rebounding needs work, and his off-the-ball motion.
Control and Leadership
Where is it now? At some point someone has to emerge within the players.
The need for additional players is obvious, but no signs or rumors that is being considered or negotiated.
How long do we allow ourselves to have part-time players. There needs to be a critical evaluation of each player for each game. With 3 strikes, then the player is out of rotation and maybe team.
Richard E Schultz
Glad I turned this turd fest off during the first quarter.
Just so much is wrong with this team and it all starts with having a mediocre point guard, imo.
And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT
Ha
Turd Fest….a said something similar in the 4th qrt but i like the term “TURD FEST” Yep, Darren has prooved to be a back up point…im afraid teams wont want to trade for him
***Forever Grunge...Man!***
MAN, DON'T START WITCHA BULLS%%T THIS MORNING!!!
by rockguyinindy on Feb 16, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Said it when we were winning...
I love DC, and maybe he hasn’t been given the reins to fully run the team, but we need more than 5 apg from our point. There was a rumor about Nash, and I said go for it if we could agree on some type of extension with Nash, b/c I’d rather not have to go thru the whole RFA process and possibly overpay Darren if he’s not gonna be the point he was in NO, avg 18-9 when he started that year Chris Paul was hurt. DC needs to be avg either 25-5, or 15-10. He needs to be scoring more, or setting up assists more… Being in the middle of that just won’t cut it, especially come playoff time.
Give me a couple years of Nash and then we can go find a point for cheap before having to reach new deals with Paul, Danny, and Tyler. But, what I really hope is that DC can be unleashed, either by the coaching staff or himself. Either way, we need him to be better…
It’s a long season. Teams go through losing streaks. We lost to some really good teams. Look at teams like the Spurs and Mavericks. They started horribly but have since turned things around. Losing to the Cavs like we did tonight is definitely unacceptable, but like what 15ks “Profanely Ranted” about, we are still in the top 8 of the conference. I didn’t expect this team to win it all this year. Having a winning record and a higher seed in the playoffs (about 6, maybe 5, or 4 if I’m being really optimistic) was the goal, in my mind, for a successful season.
Every team faces adversity. This is how we find out who exactly this team we all love to root for is.
by smileyfacejackson on Feb 16, 2012 10:26 AM EST reply actions
LOOK!!!
I love the Pacers….since i came out of the womb basically. But the horrible losses are just compounded on many of us have ranted for a long time about having another back up. Good teams can figure us out real quick and knowing we dont have a bench besides Hill is gloom if the organization doesnt add or make a move. I dont see this team any higer than 7 when playoff comes b/c Boston and New York NOW seems to be playing much better….a team should get better as the season goes and yes including 3-4 losses, but this unit now has gotten worse as the season goes. It was painfully noticed a few weeks ago.
***Forever Grunge...Man!***
MAN, DON'T START WITCHA BULLS%%T THIS MORNING!!!
by rockguyinindy on Feb 16, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Fortunately
with 2 roster spots available & the trade deadline coming fast, theres no reason to believe Larry won’t pull the trigger
When, probably too late.
As each day passes, moves and signings are occurring. By the time something happens with the Pacers, there will only be the bones left for trade or acquisition.
Richard E Schultz
Word on the Court
is ALL teams are waiting for DHoward & Orlando to make up their damn mind.
Until then it seems Larry’s, and everyones elses for that matter, hands are tied.
Once thats decided, hopefully the gloves come off and moves are made.
I hope he makes some good moves. No reason not to.
Look, I don’t mind the losses, it’s just the way the Pacers have been losing. They just look lackluster. There’s no heart out there. No one is stepping up, everyone has taken a collective step(s) backward.
It’s up to the coach to get this team back to playing high octane defense. Our offense is going to be pitiful, but it’s no reason our defense should be suffering.
It’s up to Bird to make moves and improve this team. Our depth is a mirage.
And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT
If history truly does repeat itself
Larry will make moves and they will be good ones.
by jonjonNYC on Feb 16, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'd like Nash...
if we could agree to an extension beyond this season, but not at $10 mil a year. He was slated to go to play for D’Antoni and the Knicks, then Lin-sanity happened. With DC’s mediocre distributing and D, I take Nash, b/c at least we’d know we’re getting the distributing part. Plus, the experience and leadership he’d bring would only help.
I’d also like Conley, but Memphis isn’t giving him up. Maybe Felton since he’s fallen out of favor in Portland. But, like I said above, I’d love to see Darren step up and become the point that we need. Go Pacers!
Personally
I believe Collission will be fine
Wow
Is all I can say to the “Cers fans” who are freaking out and getting down like it’s a lost season. 1.) Pacers are without #1(dg) & bench # 1(gh). 2.) We have one of the best teams in the East which is something we couldn’t boast the past couple seasons. When you draft success and groom it, it takes time with picks that aren’t top 5. 3.) If it was Darren Collison, he needs to shut his mouth and know that the point guard is looked to as a leader, like it or not. To yell that is ignorant. If he gets traded, his career ends, period. Buck up and beat the Nets, and show your worth versus a loser who actually wants a trade from an actual bad team. For all Cers fans, be patient, have faith, and BELIEVE!!!!
by bpfalvey on Feb 16, 2012 5:21 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on Indy Cornrows
Related FanShots on Indy Cornrows
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- David West hilariously denies each and every one of his young fans a high-five (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Miami Heat are moving on to the conference finals
- Kevin Durant is tired of hearing about the Spurs
- The 10-man rotation, starring your Indiana Pacers
- Blake Griffin highlights, ‘NBA Jam’-style (VIDEO)
