The Indiana Pacers have used 16 different starting lineups so far this season. 17th time's a charm?
Mike Wells reported after the game that Jim O'Brien wasn't pleased with his team's first half performance and after once again seeing a small lineup have some success in the first half, he might just start the game that way, moving either Roy Hibbert or Troy Murphy to the bench. Now where have I heard that before?
"The big lineup doesn't work," he said. "We're too slow, (that lineup) doesn't run, doesn't move, doesn't get up and down and doesn't defend at a high enough level. We're better when we're small."
I found it strange that after the comeback win over Toronto, that this move didn't happen immediately. Hibbert and Murphy are more productive when they don't play together anyway and after that game, JOB mentioned that the Pacers were 8-3 when using a small lineup for a majority of the game.
Better late than never, I guess.
Plenty of links after the jump.
PACERS: Inside the Game: Magic 109, Pacers 98
Bruno's Inside the Game report has all of the notes, quotes and numbers from the game last night. No surprise to see the Pacers shut out in the Hustle Board categories.
Early hole proves too deep for Pacers
Mike Wells reports on the same ol' story line doing the Pacers in.
The Magic returned home from their 1-3 road trip and beat the Indiana Pacers
Brian Schmitz reports on the Magic returning home ready to play against the Pacers last night.
Orlando Magic 109, Indiana Pacers 98 - Orlando Pinstriped Post
Ben Q Rock has the Orlando perspective covered over at OPP.
Denton: Magic-Pacers Postgame Analysis
John Denton takes a closer look at the Magic savoring their win after struggling of late.
Game #42 Recap: Math Lessons, Fouling, Mike’s "Defense," Guokas & Faux Comebacks
Jared Wade picks over the carnage at 8.9 and finds a suitable silver lining in the strange numbers the Pacers continue to produce.
Record similar, feeling different at midseason
Bruno's lastest CITW assesses how things are different at the halfway point this year despite a similar record to last season.
Pacers Notebook: Magic's Howard gets back at Hibbert, leads win over Pacers
Notebook items include Dwight Howard nullifying any impact Roy Hibbert hoped to have on the game. Also, JOB looking to change up the lineup again and start small, plus some nice off-court news thanks to Earl Watson.
Nets pulling brakes on Harris trade talk?
ESPN's Marc Stein offers up the latest trade information he's heard floating around including Cleveland continuing to mull a deal for either Antawn Jamison or Troy Murphy.
The four factors certainly favored the Magic last night. More on the four factors.