Nets 102, Pacers 91: Familiar Finish

The Indiana Pacers scratched and clawed their way back from a double-digit deficit in the second half, but the comeback stalled in the closing minutes, allowing the New Jersey Nets to hold on for a 102-91 win.

Taking a high level look at the loss, it's easy to pin point the difference between the Pacers' win last night and the loss tonight. Last night, Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy matched Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, then the Pacers took additional help from five other players in double figures, led by Travis Diener's best overall game of the year.

The loss tonight saw Granger (29) and Dun (19) a couple steps off the pace of Jefferson (36) and Carter (24), plus the role players tipped the scales in the Nets' favor. Marcus Williams looked horrible in Indy, but back home played much better, dropping off 13 helpers and adding 7 rebounds. Josh Boone was MIA in Indy, but was a thorn in the Pacers' side in Jersey, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Now, taking a little closer look reveals the Pacers scrapped and fought to the end. They dug in defensively to work their way back into the game in the fourth quarter. A Granger 3-ball at 2:22 left made it a two-possession game at 96-91. From there, the Nets made six free throws and the Pacers made bupkis.

Granger, Dun, and Murphy have played great lately, but we're still waiting for that Larry Joe Legend leader that is going to demand the ball late in the game and will the Pacers to victory. Until then we'll continue to endure these hard fought games that just fizzle out in frustration.