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The Pacers were going to have to be right to beat the Houston Rockets on their home floor. But the Pacers aren't right.
Even as they tried to muster an effort to remain in the game, eventually the offensive struggles, leading to too many bounced jumpers allowed the Rockets to run all over the Pacers making any attempts to make up for the slow O on defense nearly impossible.
The good news emerging from the game is that the introspection and agitation about getting right surfaced from the players. Admitting a problems isn't the same as correcting the problems but it is certainly a step in the right direction. I'm not sure the Pacers can go much further in the wrong direction, unless some of their nagging injuries start costing player games.
Watching Paul George move around at times last night looked painful, so maybe a few days off would be more beneficial for his back. I'll leave that up to the trainers, but getting PG healthy and active will help. He looked pretty good going in one direction and didn't hesitate to try to make plays, but slowing down and changing directions made him look more like Danny Granger in need of new brake pads.
Yep, the Pacers are not right, but they know that and also know what being "right" is for them as a team. Flip on the tape from San Antonio or at Golden State, where they were able to bring the fight to their opponents and set the pace to their liking.
We'll see if the can make that happen in Dallas where they will be tested again by a team that beat them in Indy a few weeks ago.
Check out the links:
Game Rewind: Pacers 86, Rockets 112 | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Pacers get embarrassed in 112-86 loss to Houston - Indy Star
Pacers skid reaches 3 with blowout in Houston- 1070 The Fan
Roy Hibbert says he needs to improve his offensive game - Indy Star
Ultimate Rockets " Rockets dominate league-best Pacers - Houston Chronicle
Laudatory Villanelle Commemorating Rockets 112 - 86 Victory Over The Pacers - The Dream Shake
Smith: Not quite time to panic about Pacers - Indy Sports Legends
Post-Game Grades: Rockets Light a Fire on the Pacers | 8 Points, 9 Seconds
TheJayGravesReport.com: "Geto Boys" (How the Pacers got dealt with deep in 3rd Ward Houston)
LeBron James may mentor Paul George, gets OK to attend Zydrunas Ilgauskas' ceremony - ESPN