IC Cold Links: Plenty Of Work Left For Pacers' Playoff Push; T.J. Ford Still Making Plays

Don't exhale, just keep making plays.

The Indiana Pacers control their own playoff destiny after great night last night that saw them open up a 3-game cushion in the standings over Charlotte and Milwaukee. That's what scares me.

This team doesn't handle comfortable very well. Sometimes it feels like it is all or nothing with this crew, but they've now worked themselves into a position where the long playoff drought can end. They just have to keep playing. Hopefully Danny Granger can continue bringing his big offensive game which makes the Pacers dangerous when Tyler Hansbrough is contributing his 20-point games, as well. Keep grinding through the finish and the Knicks are definitely in play, but regardless just keep grinding through the finish and the playoffs will take care of themselves.

Speaking of making plays, the Pacers made plenty of big plays in the third quarter last night. And it wasn't just Granger, Hansbrough and Brandon Rush. Even though T.J. Ford isn't travelling with the team, instead spending time at home in Houston when the Pacers are on the road, he made a big play late in the third quarter as well.

While the Pacers were pulling away in Charlotte, Ford tweeted about his big play at home, playing the role of a backyard Bear Grylls and taking down a snake. The timing was absolutely hilarious, even including a picture, because the Pacers were taking care of business at the same time. Yet another reason why you have to love the NBA.

After the jump, a few links of interest including Josh McRoberts checking in at #5 on the plays of the day with his one-handed jam.

• Box Score

• PACERS: Game Rewind: Pacers 111, Bobcats 88
  Bruno has all of the notes, quotes, numbers and highlights from the win last night.

• Pacers put clamp on Bobcats with 111-88 victory | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
  Mike Wells reports on the Pacers taking care of business on the road last night.

• Charlotte's playoff hopes take a hit - CharlotteObserver.com
  Rick Bonnell reports on the fading playoff hopes for Charlotte after their loss last night.

• AP: Pacers rout Bobcats 111-88, tighten grip on 8th

• Notebook: Jackson makes sure he starts against Pacers | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
  Mike Wells notes that Jack gave it a go and Vogel likes to go with whomever has it going at shooting guard or power forward to close games.

• Bobcats, playoff hopes crumble in loss to Pacers 111-88 - Rufus on Fire

• Adrenalin trumps hamstring, for a while - CharlotteObserver.com
  Tom Sorenson comments on Stephen Jackson trying his best to play through his hamstring injury.

• The playoffs will be good for the Pacers | Pacers Insider blog
  Mike Wells opines on the benefits of the Pacers making the playoffs.