The outcome of this game never seemed in doubt. The Pacers again suffered through long stretches of the clanks, taking and missing far too many jump shots. The Pacers did get the lead down to six points in the third. By the way, cutting the lead to six has become a positive point. Ugh.
The Pacers just didn't have enough talent to keep up with the Jazz when they decided to take back control of the game in the fourth quarter and outscored the Pacers 27-11 for a final score of 94-72. Unfortunately, I don't have the talent to write the same post-game recap a different way for the seventh time in a row. We all know the drill:
- Tinsley was up and down, couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. There's a reason teams leave Tins wide open behind the arc. It's called solid defense.
- Granger has another non-descript night, not aggressively looking to score which the Pacers desperately need. Now he's just passing up open shots.
- Ike Diogu complains about a lack of opportunity and he doesn't see the floor until late in the fourth quarter. Coincidence?
- The Pacers were manhandled on the boards all night. As a matter of fact, the Jazz were a step quicker to every loose ball, or so it seemed.
- J.O. packed it in early in the third quarter to take care of his knee. Is it just a matter of time before J.O. shuts it down for an extended period of time?
- Marquis Daniels missed his 11th game in the past 17. I actually didn't even think about 'Quis until Denari mentioned him late in the game.
- The Pacers are last in the league in FG% at 43.5% and will maintain that honor after shooting 38% in Utah.
- Indiana has a couple of days off before hosting the 76ers on Saturday night. If the Pacers don't end the losing streak against the Sixers, it could jump to 11 in a row in a hurry. Playoffs? Where's Jim Mora when you need him?