Indiana Pacers News

Pacers Links: OT loss to Nets leaves Pacers limping to All-Star break

The Pacers failed to close out a late lead at home for the second game in a row, resulting in an OT loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

By Tom Lewis@IndyCornrows Feb 12, 2013, 7:00am EST

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I'm not sure what the Indiana Pacers need more, Danny Granger's return or the All-Star break. After their overtime loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, it appears they desperately need both.

Somehow the Pacers let a late four-point lead slip away before losing in overtime, which is quite remarkable upon closer inspection. How in the world did they amass a four-point lead with less than two minutes to go? Considering that three of the Pacers' top four scorers combined to shoot 8 for 39 in the clankfest, the fact the Pacers weren't run over by the Nets is impressive.

The matchup with the Nets highlighted just how important Granger can be to the Pacers upon his return. Paul George fouled out after a tough game, including his worst offensive night since the "Golden State Goose Egg" at the first of December. Of course, PG also had to chase Joe Johnson around on defense while then being chased on offense by Gerald Wallace. With Granger in the lineup, PG won't always have to guard the best wing player and then have the opponents best defender guard him.

But at this point, the Pacers appear to simply need to the All-Star break to hit the reset button and start fresh after the break. Part of that includes taking care of business on Wednesday when Charlotte visits the Fieldhouse. The Bobcats beat the Boston Celtics on Monday to stop the C's winning streak.

Check out the links:

Nets at Pacers - Box score and highlights

Game Rewind: Pacers 89, Nets 84 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Pacers blow another game in OT, this time to Nets | 1070 The Fan – Opinion & Analysis

Pacers show need for Danny Granger's return in OT loss to Nets | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Bob Kravitz: Pacers' Danny Granger can't return soon enough | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Pacers notebook: Danny Granger inches closer to return | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Should Granger’s return mean demotion for Stephenson? | 1070 The Fan – Opinion & Analysis

Pacers: Pendergraph comes through when called upon | Pacers Insider

Brooklyn Nets defeat Indiana Pacers, 89-84 in OT - NetsDaily

With Deron Williams Out, Struggling Nets Win a Big One - NYTimes.com

Without Deron Williams, Tyshawn Taylor, Brook Lopez rise to the occasion as Brooklyn Nets top Indiana Pacers in overtime, 89-84 - NY Daily News