Pacers 121, Grizzlies 111: Undefeated Start Continues

by Tom Lewis on Nov 3, 2007 11:53 PM EDT in Indiana Pacers News

This is starting to feel normal. The Pacers out-working and out-executing an oponent, coming up big in crunch time to protect a lead and preserve a W. Tonight the Pacers ran out in front of the Memphis Grizzlies, then hung on in the fourth quarter to move to 3-0 on the season with a 121-111 win.

Here are some quick thoughts on the game.

The Pacers and Grizz cranked up the offense early with a combined 71 points in the first quarter.
The game wasn't the run and gun affair the score indicates. There was plenty of walking to the free throw line. The Pacers committed 38 fouls which set up 51 free throw attempts for the Grizz. Fortunately, they missed 14 of them. Love it when you get a W and have some serious work to do.
Defense wasn't all bad though, clamping down for some key stops late in the game as the Grizz were creeping closer.
Mike Dunleavy played with a swollen, bruised and stiched lip. Didn't seem to bother him though as he pumped in 27 points and grabbed 8 carroms.
Danny Granger continued his consistent contributions with 23 points. Not a great shooting night from the floor, but he made 10 of 11 from the stripe.
Darko Milicic is a monster. I know many have given up on him and he has a ways to go, but check in with him in 5 years. He'll be 27 and probably not Hall of Fame material, but I bet he's causing problems for opponents. Dude is huge and active.
Jermaine O'Neal put in about 24 minutes and made a strong impact on the game. With this system, don't look to points and rebounds to judge J.O.'s play. He took four charges against the Grizz and ended up with team high +/- of +20. Pretty impressive for the limited minutes.
O'B played all 12 players in the first half. Stephen Graham saw his first action as a Pacer late in the first half. He wasn't in there long but quickly tallied four points.
Just thought of one other thing. On the post-game show, Denari mentioned that the Pacers have been tied or in the lead at the end of every quarter, half, and game so far this season. That's a pretty nice streak.

The Pacers have a few hard-earned days off before playing the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday at the Fieldhouse.

As always, please leave your thoughts on the game and the Pacers' 3-0 start. Sounds good, doesn't it?

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Scary thing

The scary thing is, we could be easily 5-0 by the time Denver comes to Conseco on the 10th.

Not wanting to count chickens before you know what, but, so far it's looking mighty good. Noticing a lot fewer incorrigible detractors on the Indystar comments. Funny how that works.

In this offensive scheme, I'm seeing a whole bunch of role players...by which I mean everyone except Jamaal, Danny and Mike Dunleavy. Everyone else gets their minutes, makes their contributions, and lets the next guy do the same. And I have to say, I think it's a good deal that JO could be a "role player." Less pressure on him. The occasional 25-point night. More time on the wood to let his knees un-swell.

Dunleavy is making his critics look bad. Way to go, Mike. You should'a played for IU.

by kester99 on Nov 4, 2007 12:05 AM EDT reply actions

Darko

He was active? Really? Because he's never played with any passion or heart in his career. Given the Magic's horrid rebounding this season, we would certainly have been better off if we kept him.

And I'm kicking myself for passing on Mike Dunleavy in all of my fantasy drafts. Talk about your late-round steals...

Third Quarter Collapse: An SB Nation blog for Orlando Magic fans

by Evan Dunlap on Nov 4, 2007 12:06 AM EDT reply actions

JT and Mike...

...both are reaping the benefits of J'OB's scheme. Both good on the open floor. Why Dunleavy didn't flourish at Golden State, I'm sure I don't know. There's a difference between Nelly's and JO'B's offense, yes, but still up-and-down, quick hitting.

Just don't know what the prob was at GS for Dunleavy...didn't see any of their games back then, but I thought last year, after watching him with the Pacers for a bit, that he could definitely deal and finish on the open court.

by kester99 on Nov 4, 2007 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

He wasn't fabulous

Don't get me wrong, he has a ways to go. But he moved around pretty well and he is just huge now. If his game catches up with his body in a few years, I think he can cause some problems.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 4, 2007 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Midnight in Memphis

I'm saying Congrats to JT, in hopes that he is sitting in his hotel room, cruising the internetwork with his laptop and a cherry cola, and will see this. Nice game. Again.

Beale Street is highly over-rated, Jamaal.

OK, it's not. But at least take a local guide. Take Jeff and Mike with.

I'm so bad. For all I know, these guys are flying back to Indy tonight.

Wish I was on Beale, though.

by kester99 on Nov 4, 2007 12:22 AM EDT reply actions

Jermaine O'Neal plus/minus

Hey, Pacers.com, aren't you forgetting someone on your plus/minus chart? Big guy? Been with the team awhile?

Seriously, guys, get Jermaine's numbers on the chart.

http://www.nba.com/media/pacers/plus_minus_0708.pdf

by kester99 on Nov 4, 2007 12:52 AM EDT reply actions

Finally decided to jump into the Indy Cornrows cro

Been commenting around Stampede Blue for awhile, waiting for the day that SBNation would do a cross-site login feature. Tired of waiting so I signed up.

Gotta say I'm pleasantly surprised by the Pacers so far this year. I might actually go to a game next week if my schedule permits.

Let's just hope the offensive tempo keeps up and that the defense can improve on the outside.

Charlie Weis Ate My Baby

by jdb on Nov 5, 2007 5:31 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for dropping by jdb

I can't wait for the cross-site logins either. The Pacer games have been entertaining thus far. The Clips game should be interesting since they're off to a similarly improbable start.

Keep up the good work at CWAMB.

by Tom Lewis on Nov 5, 2007 9:21 PM EST up reply actions