The Indiana Pacers won big over the Miami Heat tonight in front of a nearly sold out Banker Life Fieldhouse. This win was something special as the Pacers came out and took the early lead. The Heat never seemed to be out of the game but the Pacers were sure to control the tempo all night. Big plays like Roy Hibbert blocking various shots, Darren Collison slamming down a dunk and Captain Barbosa hitting three, three pointers off the bench gave the crowd something to cheer about tonight.
It was the first time this year that Granger had a big night against the Heat - averaging just 9.3 points in the first three meetings; Granger lead the Pacers in scoring with 25. This Indiana team also won the game because they played solid defense holding the Heat to 90 points. The first two games in which the Heat destroyed the Pacers we gave up well over a 100 points in each of those games. The previous two games the Pacers only gave up 85 and 90 points, respectively - winning one game and falling by only two points in the other game.
This Pacers team is starting to come together behind the great play of Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert. Darren Collison has finally found his stride scoring 20 points tonight. David West continues to be a strong team leader and the bench is lead by the Captain Barbosa and George Hill. Paul George showed constraint and maturity tonight when he pulled back from a potential dunk with less then 30 seconds left in the game.
Overall tonight was a huge win for the Pacers as a team and their fan base winning 105 to 90 after 48 minutes of regulation. Despite having issues with some of the elite teams this year the Pacers have had their fair share of success and look to be gelling at the right time.
P.S. Was that not the most amazing shot by Paul George at the end of the 2nd quarter? BOOM BABY!
Keys to tonight's win:
1) Defense
2) Good, selfless ball movement
3) Danny Granger being a team leader
Indy Minute Player of the Game:
Darren Collison - The realitively little guy throw down a dunk and had 20 points, enough said.
Back of the Napkin Stats
All of the Pacers starts had double digit scoring nights
Both Paul George and David West had a double double
Barbosa lead the bench with 14 points and 3 for 7 from behind the arch
Showing posts with label Blue and Gold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue and Gold. Show all posts
Monday, March 26, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Pacers bench puts on a show
I have to admit - I was feeling a little down about my Indiana Pacers after losing to the Knicks two nights in a row. I was flying high after a big win over the 76er's as I watched from section 226 but then Granger opened his mouth and the Knicks put up to shut us up. The Pacers looked bad in both losses and it looked like this young team was crumbing. The Feildhouse has not been full most of the season but it has been energetic and recently the seats have been filling up more consistently. It is always hard to fill up Banker's Life Feildhouse on a Tuesday night but tonight just under 15,000 fans showed up and they gave the Pacers some energy.
I was a little nervous after the Pacers blunder in front of a sold out crowd on Saturday but Captain Barbosa came off the bench to get the crowd, and the bench, rockin! The Pacers bench outscored the Clippers bench 36 to 6 in the first half. Hansbrough, Hill and Barbosa had huge nights behind Danny Granger who led the team with 25 points and 8 rebounds - making up for this past weekend.
There were a lot of highlights in the game from behind the back passes to George Hill three pointers...the Pacers played good defense and hard offense. It was pretty easy to see that this Pacers team had passion and pride in their team and the game tonight - a spark that was missing over the weekend. The aggressive play of the Pacers got under the Clippers skin and the Clippers just could not recover.
The night was summarized nicely when Barbosa was interviewed on FSIndiana and he commented on how he had not played in front of a crowd like this in sometime. It just shows that Pacer fans are starting to come out of the wood work. This Pacers team has had a lot of ups and downs this year and will continue to have times that they struggle. It is part of having a young but balanced team. Tonight was a big win and confidence boost for the Pacers and the solid crowd on a Tuesday night!
#PACERSNATION
I was a little nervous after the Pacers blunder in front of a sold out crowd on Saturday but Captain Barbosa came off the bench to get the crowd, and the bench, rockin! The Pacers bench outscored the Clippers bench 36 to 6 in the first half. Hansbrough, Hill and Barbosa had huge nights behind Danny Granger who led the team with 25 points and 8 rebounds - making up for this past weekend.
There were a lot of highlights in the game from behind the back passes to George Hill three pointers...the Pacers played good defense and hard offense. It was pretty easy to see that this Pacers team had passion and pride in their team and the game tonight - a spark that was missing over the weekend. The aggressive play of the Pacers got under the Clippers skin and the Clippers just could not recover.
The night was summarized nicely when Barbosa was interviewed on FSIndiana and he commented on how he had not played in front of a crowd like this in sometime. It just shows that Pacer fans are starting to come out of the wood work. This Pacers team has had a lot of ups and downs this year and will continue to have times that they struggle. It is part of having a young but balanced team. Tonight was a big win and confidence boost for the Pacers and the solid crowd on a Tuesday night!
#PACERSNATION
Sunday, March 11, 2012
A young team...still growing
It's odd - I don't mind losing to the Heat in overtime on a shoot that only one of the greats can make in the last seconds of a game. For some reason it doesn't bother me as much as losing to the Bulls or being blown out by this same Heat team.
Last night I able to watch one of the most entertaining games of the year. Of course I was saddened as Wade hit a last second shot in overtime to beat the Pacers. I was saddened but not angered - like I was when the Pacers allowed the Bulls to destroy them in the third quarter a few games back. This Pacers team did everything they could to win a tough game against the best team in the NBA; everything but close the game out.
I recognize the fact that the Pacers are not one of the top 3 teams in the NBA. Last night was proof the Pacers still have some building to do but it was also proof of something more significant for Pacer fans. This year the Pacers have beaten some of the top teams in the league including the Bulls, Mavericks, Celtics, Hawks and Magic. The Pacers have also struggled against teams like the Magic, Bulls (at times) and definitely the Heat.
The difference between the defeat last night and some of the other L's the Pacers have suffered this year is that they played their game. In Chicago the Pacers forced the Bulls to play their tempo, they forced Rose to pass the ball instead of score the ball and they led at halftime. Then the second half the Bulls controlled the ball, the tempo and the game - beating the Pacers in an ugly game. Until last night the Heat played their game and have destroyed the Pacers in previous match ups this year. Last night was a different story. Last night showed that the Pacers may not be a top 3 team yet - but they are closer then many think.
The Pacers passed the ball vertically and horizontally spreading the defense so the Pacers could drive to the net. This also opened up the three point shoots so the Pacers didn't have to force poor shoots. They were able to contain James and Bosh throughout most of the game - unfortunately leaving Wade to have his way with the defense. The Pacers led most of the game but just couldn't close it out. This may be disappointing to many but we have to remember this team is young. It needs time to continue developing and learning how to close out games. The fact that they forced the best team into overtime to fall on a last second shoot should be encouraging.
Finally - I have to give a shout out to Lou. Great game Lou; you played tough!
Last night I able to watch one of the most entertaining games of the year. Of course I was saddened as Wade hit a last second shot in overtime to beat the Pacers. I was saddened but not angered - like I was when the Pacers allowed the Bulls to destroy them in the third quarter a few games back. This Pacers team did everything they could to win a tough game against the best team in the NBA; everything but close the game out.
I recognize the fact that the Pacers are not one of the top 3 teams in the NBA. Last night was proof the Pacers still have some building to do but it was also proof of something more significant for Pacer fans. This year the Pacers have beaten some of the top teams in the league including the Bulls, Mavericks, Celtics, Hawks and Magic. The Pacers have also struggled against teams like the Magic, Bulls (at times) and definitely the Heat.
The difference between the defeat last night and some of the other L's the Pacers have suffered this year is that they played their game. In Chicago the Pacers forced the Bulls to play their tempo, they forced Rose to pass the ball instead of score the ball and they led at halftime. Then the second half the Bulls controlled the ball, the tempo and the game - beating the Pacers in an ugly game. Until last night the Heat played their game and have destroyed the Pacers in previous match ups this year. Last night was a different story. Last night showed that the Pacers may not be a top 3 team yet - but they are closer then many think.
The Pacers passed the ball vertically and horizontally spreading the defense so the Pacers could drive to the net. This also opened up the three point shoots so the Pacers didn't have to force poor shoots. They were able to contain James and Bosh throughout most of the game - unfortunately leaving Wade to have his way with the defense. The Pacers led most of the game but just couldn't close it out. This may be disappointing to many but we have to remember this team is young. It needs time to continue developing and learning how to close out games. The fact that they forced the best team into overtime to fall on a last second shoot should be encouraging.
Finally - I have to give a shout out to Lou. Great game Lou; you played tough!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Pacers battle back...but fall to the Hawks
It was one of those tough afternoons at work as issue after issue continued to arise delaying my departure to grab dinner with my girlfriend of two years. To complicate the situation we were celebrating two years of being together with this dinner – and I was late. As any man who has been in a relationship for more than a few months knows – never be late to a special dinner or you will pay.
Tonight the Indiana Pacers had a night much like my afternoon. After losing a tough game in Chicago the Pacers had to play a tough Atlanta team at home. In the first half the defense looked like Swiss cheese and the Pacers fell behind to the Hawks by as many as 16. I had a pit in my stomach as I started to think about the Pacers team that went on a five game losing streak. Then all of a sudden the Pacers turned the game around.
Led by the scoring of David West and defensive efforts of Paul George, Roy Hibbert and Danny Granger the Pacers marched back into the game cutting the lead to 4 at halftime and took the lead late in the 3rd quarter. The Pacers continued to eliminate the Hawks lead and then the Hawks would hit some three pointers to pull away. In the end the Pacers weren’t able to overcome the deficit and win the game – falling to the Hawks 101 – 96. The Pacers did get the crowds blood pumping at the end because they stopped letting the Hawks control the game.
Tonight displayed that in order for the Pacers to continue being competitive and win games they must do the following:
I made sure to handle issues at work in a timely manner and the dinner turned out to be a success. Luckily I was able to turn my evening around because I have an amazing girlfriend. The Pacers weren’t so lucky but fans should feel good about this game because after a poor start the Pacers battled back. This young Pacers team has always done well when opening a big lead and battling in a close game but when they give up a big lead they let the opponents control the tempo. Tonight that Pacers regained control of the game and almost pulled out a win.
Tonight the Indiana Pacers had a night much like my afternoon. After losing a tough game in Chicago the Pacers had to play a tough Atlanta team at home. In the first half the defense looked like Swiss cheese and the Pacers fell behind to the Hawks by as many as 16. I had a pit in my stomach as I started to think about the Pacers team that went on a five game losing streak. Then all of a sudden the Pacers turned the game around.
Led by the scoring of David West and defensive efforts of Paul George, Roy Hibbert and Danny Granger the Pacers marched back into the game cutting the lead to 4 at halftime and took the lead late in the 3rd quarter. The Pacers continued to eliminate the Hawks lead and then the Hawks would hit some three pointers to pull away. In the end the Pacers weren’t able to overcome the deficit and win the game – falling to the Hawks 101 – 96. The Pacers did get the crowds blood pumping at the end because they stopped letting the Hawks control the game.
Tonight displayed that in order for the Pacers to continue being competitive and win games they must do the following:
1. Play strong man to man defense
2. Move the ball to keep the defense on their toes, finding the open man
3. Drive vertically and pass horizontally
Monday, March 5, 2012
Heartbreaker in the Windy City
In the middle of the third quarter the United Center started
to cheer..."Let's Go Bulls" and I had an awful flash back to last
season. My best buddy from college and I
were in the formerly named Conseco Fieldhouse cheering on the Pacers in a sea of red…hoping
to avoid playoff elimination. The 10,000
Bull fans that traveled down 65 to Indy packed the Fieldhouse and chanted back
and forth with Pacer fans all night. In the
end we had the last laugh (that night) as the Pacers went on to beat the
Bulls in game 4 of the playoff series – avoiding the sweep. Tonight the Pacers were not so lucky.
The night started out promising as George Hill and Paul George both started
the game strong and led the Pacers to a one point halftime lead. The Pacers held Rose to 1 of 9 shooting and 2
points in the first half using double teams and controlling the pace. My best friend and I spent much of the first
half taunting the bulls – yelling multiple insults at the Bulls players through
the T.V. and rooting on the blue and gold. We were both feeling pretty good as we
noticed that George Hill was trending on Twitter at halftime and we were excited to start the second half.
Then...the night fell apart, just like the Pacers. Deng of the Bulls lead the attack hitting two
big three pointers and then Rose took over – giving the Bulls a big 92 to 72
victory. The storyline tonight for the
Pacers was the strong play of the George’s.
Both Paul George and George Hill had strong games but it wasn’t enough
to overcome the Bulls. Roy Hibbert
struggled throughout the night and the Pacers lost control of the game in the
third period when the Bulls quickened the tempo.
In the end this is only one game and the Pacers have still
won 6 out of their last 7 games. The
Pacers also need to put this lost behind them fast because the upcoming games are
just as difficult. In the end the series
with the Bulls is tied at a game apiece.
The Pacers have the upper hand as the Bulls have to travel to Indy for
the last game of the season to determine the series winner. This year Pacer fans need to show up and keep
the Bulls fans out of Banker’s Life.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
A true team...
Despite having the worst record in the Western Conference the New Orleans Hornets entered Saturday night's game against the Indiana Pacers winning 5 out of their last 9 games. The Pacers on the other hand have the 5th best record in the NBA and were looking to extend their 5 game winning streak - which they did in fashion.
After running a 10K in the morning it was a pleasure to watch the visiting Pacers pull away from the Hornets after a close first quarter. Ex-Pacers Solomon Jones and Jarret Jack did their best to keep the game close but the team play of the Pacers proved to be too much. In the first half the Pacers moved the ball having six assists on ten baskets. The Hornets played extermely physical basketball but the Pacers kept moving the ball and driving to the basket opening up a 54 to 37 lead at the half.
The night was highlighted by slam dunks and clutch shoots. A pass from A.J. to Lou and from Jones to Hill lead to some electric dunks that silenced the crowd. The crowd was really taken out of the game when the Pacers missed a foul shoot at the end of the first half and Darren Collision put up an unbelievable shoot...adding to the lead.
The Pacers didn't let up in the second half and continued to pull away from the Hornets. At times the Pacers looked complacent with their large leads but whenever the lead dipped below 20 Frank Vogel didn't hesitate to take a timeout. It would pay off as the Pacers second and third units continued to shut down the Hornets and knock down shoots. In the end this game was an awesome 102 - 84 victory for the Pacers but there are many more story lines; many more important story lines.
First A.J. Price used the time that George Hill was injured to his advantage. Sources say that A.J. worked hard in practice and it showed in the games. When Hill went down Price got more playing time. His ability to find the open player and knock down three pointers moved him up in the depth chart ahead of the young Lance Stephenson. Secondly Lou Amundson went for a double-double...that is right #17 big Lou! For many this may not seem like a big deal but to see Lou go for a double-double just shows that this Pacer team is deep and a true team, not a bunch of selfish stars.
Lastly and most importantly this was the Pacers sixth straight win. The next nine games will be a true test for the Pacers as they take on teams like the the Heat, Bulls, Magic and Knicks. The difference between the Pacers and the other league leaders is that we have a team, not a bunch of stars. When I say the Heat you think Lebron or Wade. When I say the Bulls you think Rose and the Magic you think..."Where is Howard going to end up?"
When the Indiana Pacers are brought up everyone is curious who will have a big night. In two weeks we will have a much better sense of how far this Pacer team can make it this year in the playoff as they take on those stars. I will take this team over all the stars in the world and I think the Pacers will show the world why - it is fun to watch a true basketball team! PACERSNATION!
After running a 10K in the morning it was a pleasure to watch the visiting Pacers pull away from the Hornets after a close first quarter. Ex-Pacers Solomon Jones and Jarret Jack did their best to keep the game close but the team play of the Pacers proved to be too much. In the first half the Pacers moved the ball having six assists on ten baskets. The Hornets played extermely physical basketball but the Pacers kept moving the ball and driving to the basket opening up a 54 to 37 lead at the half.
The night was highlighted by slam dunks and clutch shoots. A pass from A.J. to Lou and from Jones to Hill lead to some electric dunks that silenced the crowd. The crowd was really taken out of the game when the Pacers missed a foul shoot at the end of the first half and Darren Collision put up an unbelievable shoot...adding to the lead.
The Pacers didn't let up in the second half and continued to pull away from the Hornets. At times the Pacers looked complacent with their large leads but whenever the lead dipped below 20 Frank Vogel didn't hesitate to take a timeout. It would pay off as the Pacers second and third units continued to shut down the Hornets and knock down shoots. In the end this game was an awesome 102 - 84 victory for the Pacers but there are many more story lines; many more important story lines.
First A.J. Price used the time that George Hill was injured to his advantage. Sources say that A.J. worked hard in practice and it showed in the games. When Hill went down Price got more playing time. His ability to find the open player and knock down three pointers moved him up in the depth chart ahead of the young Lance Stephenson. Secondly Lou Amundson went for a double-double...that is right #17 big Lou! For many this may not seem like a big deal but to see Lou go for a double-double just shows that this Pacer team is deep and a true team, not a bunch of selfish stars.
Lastly and most importantly this was the Pacers sixth straight win. The next nine games will be a true test for the Pacers as they take on teams like the the Heat, Bulls, Magic and Knicks. The difference between the Pacers and the other league leaders is that we have a team, not a bunch of stars. When I say the Heat you think Lebron or Wade. When I say the Bulls you think Rose and the Magic you think..."Where is Howard going to end up?"
When the Indiana Pacers are brought up everyone is curious who will have a big night. In two weeks we will have a much better sense of how far this Pacer team can make it this year in the playoff as they take on those stars. I will take this team over all the stars in the world and I think the Pacers will show the world why - it is fun to watch a true basketball team! PACERSNATION!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Section 4, Row 18, Seats 1&2
On a night where the Indiana Pacers swept the floor with
the Golden State Warriors, Bankers Life Fieldhouse was loud, fun and energetic. Despite a small crowd of just over 12,000 people in attendance
the lower bowl of the Fieldhouse was buzzing and the players responded. Former Indiana Pacer star and now head coach
of the Golden State Warriors, Mark Jackson, left the Fieldhouse on Tuesday
night with an ugly 102 to 78 loss to the Indiana Pacers. This might have been a loss for the former
Pacer star but it was a loud win for a Pacers team that doesn’t have a
star. Instead this Pacers team is built
upon a solid foundation of young hard working players, a smart young coach and
a couple of veteran leaders.
 |
| Pacers vs. Warriors - Tip Off! |
On this warm February night I was accompanied by my
beautiful girlfriend in Section 4, Row 18, seats 1&2. The night started out with a $25 meal for the
two of us at Dick’s Bodacious Bar-B-Q where we both dove into pulled pork
sandwiches. The
service was great and the restaurant is connected to the parking garage.
The Fieldhouse was packed in the lower bowl as the Pacers
won the tip off and jumped out to a 10 point lead. The crowd was loud but as the quarter pressed
on Golden State didn’t back down pulling within 4 by the end of the quarter. Like in many other games this year the zone
gave the Pacers problems early on in the game.
Fortunately for the Pacers Danny Granger had his mid-range jumper on
target as he led the team in scoring.
Besides Granger having a good scoring night with 25 points the Pacers made
adjustments in the first half that allowed them to attack the zone vertically instead
of horizontally – leading to either fast breaks, dunks or a combination that
left the crowd going crazy!
The Pacers only gave up the lead once early in the second
quarter 25 to 24 but regained the lead and pulled away quickly from Golden
State. The rest of the game was all
Pacers and by halftime they had opened up a 14 point lead.
The crowd cheered on the Pacers with only a few quiet
moments throughout the entire game. One of those silent times lead to the story
of the night as a fan from Area 55 yelled out to Nate Robinson of Golden State
that he “Looked like a Smurf.” The rest
of the night was filled with Area 55 chants of “Smurf, Smurf, Smurf, Smurf,” as
Nate Robinson took foul shots and put up the occasional air ball. Besides the crowd giving Golden State a hard
time the highlights came from an array of high soaring dunks supplied by Paul
George, Tyler Hansbrough, George Hill and even Lou! Darren Collison and George Hill did a good
job throughout the game pushing the ball up the court keeping Golden State on
their heels.
 |
| Pacers win big over the Warriors! |
At the end of the night the Pacers looked strong against a
below .500 team and they did so in fashion by leading throughout the second
half of the game by 30 points. The Pacers would end this electric night with their fifth straight win 102 –
78. If you enjoy basketball and haven’t
been to a game this is a team that you must see in person. FSIndiana does a great job broadcasting the
game but the energy at the Fieldhouse and this group of players is something
special. If you have the means, which I
found my section 4, row 19 tickets for $10 a piece on StubHub, then take your
buddy, wife, husband or entire family – you will have stories to tell for the
next week.
Sincerely,
The Indy Minute
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