A Good Try?

Indiana Pacers make a feeble attempt to beat the Heat

By Doug Knopf

AP Photo/ Alan Diaz

Right at the start of the game it seemed like the Pacers had a chance to defeat the Heat. They beat them twice at home by double digits and won the tip-off to start on an offensive note. Halfway through the first quarter, it still seemed possible for Indiana to pull off an upset against the streaking Heat. The teams were trading baskets; Indiana was using their size advantage down low, and Lebron James was a non-factor. All except one of those changed quickly.

Statistics aside, Miami decimated Indiana in all phases. It was clear that Miami had the Pacers figured out. The Pacers had no room to pass the ball and looked confused on the court. Dwayne Wade had steal after steal and disrupted the Pacers’ offense. The only person who produced anything for Indiana was David West. Paul George just rattled off 3’s for, what it looked like at least, absolutely no reason. The game clearly became a one sided match.

The sad thing about the game was that the Indiana Pacers had no answer for… Mario Chalmers. He was constantly left wide open near the three-point line and a cardboard cutout could have done a better job guarding him. Thought to be one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, Indiana could not contain the fourth-best Heat. Even though it does not look it sometimes, basketball is a team sport and the Pacers got a good re-teaching of that Sunday. 

This game did not have many implications. I think everyone wanted the Indiana Pacers to win, but no one actually thought they would. Indiana is still tied for the second seed in the Eastern Conference with the New York Knickerbockers. Home court advantage is big for these two teams and it will be a true grind for these teams to earn the second spot.

Halfway There

Let’s check in with each team briefly as we approach the all-star game

By Doug Knopf

AP Photo/ Michael Conroy

Indiana Pacers: (31-20) I hate to say I told you so, but I told you they would be good. Even with the absence of Danny Granger, the Pacers hold the lead in the Central. It’s a slim lead, but a lead nonetheless. Indiana gets contributions from different players every night. Players are assigned a job and they do it. They are not flashy. These blue color players should not be taken lightly and are going to be dangerous threats in the second half of the season.

Chicago Bulls: (30-20) It has been a season of ups and downs for the Bulls, mostly ups though. Thibodeau has his team playing well as most expected, but they did not expect pressure from an Indiana team. There is no question whether or not Chicago will make the playoffs. The question is in what way will they make the playoffs. This team could easily flow into the playoffs and most likely lose in the first round to another team. The other option is, the Bulls get Derrick Rose back, get new energy and fly into the playoffs making a true run at the conference title.

Milwaukee Bucks: (25-24) Holding down the eight seed, the Bulks are clinging on to life. In reality, I do not see the skies falling. They have two premier talents to form a franchise off of and compete strongly with many teams. The issue for the Bulks is whether or not they can become elite. Right now they are not.

Detroit Pistons: (20-32) I really hoped the Pistons were going to do better this year. They were my sleeper pick to make the playoffs. But they just have not groomed their young talent into a formidable force. Brandon Knight is going to all-star weekend in the skills challenge… but not the all-star game. On the bright side for Detroit, there is still Calvin Johnson.

Cleveland Cavaliers: (16-35) Kyrie Irving is great, but he is on a terrible team. There is nothing to talk about with the Cavs besides him. I can only name one other player on their team off the top of my head (Omri Casspi). C’mon give it a try… give up? Yea me too, and the Cavs should probably give up on this season as well.

Central Showdown

The top two teams in the Central Division battle it out for first place

By Doug Knopf

On Monday night, the Chicago Bulls (29-19) took on the Indiana Pacers (29-19) in a game that would be a defining moment, with both teams trying to prove themselves against the other. With Derrick Rose and Danny Granger out, each team’s best player, it has been a struggle for them to stay competitive. With the division on the line, it was sure to be a good game.

AP Photo/ Tom Strattman

Before Monday night’s game, the Pacers trailed the Bulls by one game in the division and Nets by half a game for a home court spot in the playoffs. The Bulls were looking to extend their lead against a surging Indiana squad who had just beaten Miami. This would allow the Bulls to have more comfort room for when, if ever, Rose comes back

Chicago won the first and fourth quarter while Indiana took the second and third, ultimately ending at a final of 111-101 in favor of Indiana. Each team attacked the other differently.

Indiana, being a very defensive-minded team, forced the Bulls to spread the ball around and made non-shooters try to become playmakers. The Pacers did this well. Chicago had six players in double figures, with no starter having more than 20 points. Marco Belinelli, the second man off the bench, led the way for the Bulls with 24 points. Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng, the team’s notorious scorers, accumulated a total of 23 points and combined, made eight field goals. Overall, Indiana executed their game plan quite successfully.

In contrast, Indiana’s stars led the way. Paul George played for 44 minutes, and finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Pacers’ inside phenom, David West, led the team with 29 points, as well as 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. George Hill also quietly collected 22 points, only missing three shots the entire game. After beating Miami a few days earlier, the Pacers would not let anyone stop them. Additionally, Danny Granger might be back before the all-star break…look out Eastern Conference.

This game was very significant in many ways.

1) It showed that Chicago really needs Derrick Rose back before they lose ground.

2) The Pacers are hot and with their physical style of play, when they get going offensively, they cannot just hang with anyone, they can beat them too.

3) Coaching: When a team loses its best player, a coach’s true colors emerge. The Bulls and the Pacers clearly have some of the best coaches in the league because they have been able to overcome their adversity with flying colors.

Pacers Fall Short for Best Week Ever

After beating the Heat and the Knicks, the Pacers lose to the Nets

By Doug Knopf

AP Photo/ Darron Cummings

What a week it was for the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers went on a four-game winning streak beating the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks. They just could not finish the amazing run off with a win at Brooklyn. This streak of wins did a lot for Indiana and shook up the whole conference.

A key to the Indiana run was Paul George who finally received attention for his work on the court after dropping 24 on the Knicks and 29 on the Heat; keep in mind he was being guarded by Lebron James, one the best defenders in the league. His emergence adds one more star into the Eastern Conference and one more threat people have to look out for. Ultimately, his play has pushed Indiana into the third seed overall and into first place in the Central Division.

The Pacers impress people; they are like the little engine that could. When a tough test comes around, they always step up. A month ago it was David West, now it is Paul George. Once Danny Granger gets back, this team could pose a serious threat to anyone’s championship thoughts.

“They are for real,” said Tyson Chandler after his game with the Pacers on Thursday.

Beating the Heat and the Knicks (without Carmelo) is voice enough. People now know who they are. The Indiana Pacers play nitty gritty basketball and will fight in every game they play. Going 7-3 in their last 10 games, the Indiana Pacers, now 23-15, should not be trifled with.

Pacers Give Vogel the Nod

Indiana gives head coach Frank Vogel additional years.

By Doug Knopf

AP Photo/ Seth Wenig

Not much has been going on in the NBA Central, but one team is showing signs of life. The Indiana Pacers (20-14) currently sit in first place in the division with the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference. Is Indiana the fourth best team in the conference? Probably not, but the team may have at least the fourth best coach.

Frank Vogel has been a large part of the Pacers’ success since he became the head coach in January 2011. In this span he has gone 82-56 and has turned this small market team into a big time story. This season, Vogel has had to power through an injury to his best player Danny Granger. Currently, his team is the second best defensive team in the league and is poised to make the playoffs.

No terms of the deal have been released, but Pacers fans can take a deep breath and know all is good in the world.

Pacers Beat Up On Weak Teams; Gain Share of First Place

By Douglas Knopf

Doing exactly what they should be doing, the Indiana Pacers beat three teams on the decline, the Cavs, Hornets, and Jazz. This past week, the Pacers saw three different top scorers, proving their versatility and depth.

AP Photo/ Michael Conroy

Their first victory of their three game win streak was led by Gerald Green, their sixth man, who scored 21 points off the bench in 23 minutes. Green kept the game alive against the Jazz when the second unit went in providing 7 of 12 shooting with 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. Being a non-factor most of the season, it was nice to see Green fill some shoes for once.

The Pacers game against the Cavs showed what the team was really about. Six players scored in double figures with Roy Hibbert leading the way with 18 points. Hibbert played less than 25 minutes in the game, but still managed to assert his dominance in the post. While still being seen as one of the league best centers, Hibbert has also been insignificant in the Pacers’ offense.

David West had the most points in Saturday night’s game against the Hornets. His 25 point performance capped off the Pacers’ three game win streak in style. The team kept the Hornets to an impressive 75 points showing why they are the NBA’s best defense. Indiana gives up less than 90 points per game. This victory puts the Pacers at 16-12 for season and tied for first place in the division.

The significance of these three victories is that it shows that the Pacers can win in many different fashions. They can beat teams with their post game or with their shooting. Indiana is a dangerous team and no one should want the Pacers to get going and be at the pace they were last year.

Skirmish for the Central

Three teams compete for the top spot in the Central Division

By Doug Knopf

Two months into the NBA season, the NBA Central is the tightest division in the league with three teams within one game of the each other for first place. The Milwaukee Bucks, The Indiana Pacers, and The Chicago Bulls are in a complete battle. The teams do not have the greatest records, but they have the desire to win and the talent to compete.

It’s time to break down the each team and why they should or should not win the division.

AP Photo/ Matt Slocum

Chicago Bulls: 13-9. The Bulls, even without Derrick Rose, are in first place in their division, but they are not up by much. Luol Deng has been “putting the team on his back” averaging the most points on their team at 17.8 points per game. Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer have been contributing what they can, but they do not make up for Rose’s production. The Bulls bench has not been as strong as it was in past years when they possessed the best record in the league. Their defense has been carrying them but their overall performance has been lacking. Without a true prime time scorer and someone who they really trust, the Bulls will not win the division but will certainly make the playoffs.

Milwaukee Bulks: 12-10. Monte Ellis and Brandon Jennings, two great players who make the Bulks competitive, but sadly, that is all they have. No one on the team averages over 6 rebounds and no one else besides Ellis and Jennings averages over 11 points per game. The team is good, but they do not have all of the pieces required to win a division but possibly will acquire a low seed in the big dance.

Indiana Pacers: 13-11. The Pacers are the best defensive team in NBA. Defense wins championships. The Pacers, though, also have very low scoring power, being the second lowest scoring team in the league. A person needs to step up and provide the Pacers with some points if they want to compete in the division and go far in the playoffs. Someone will step up, and when Danny Granger gets back from injury, this team will be a force not to be reckoned with. They will win the division.

Numbers and opinions aside, the NBA Central is a division not many people are watching but should be watching. This small market division has some big competition and usually provides tough gritty teams who give the flashy teams with star players a run for their money. All three of these teams will end up making the playoffs, but the division is up in the air and it may be way too close and too early to call.

Pacers' Prayers Answered

The Indiana Pacers shift their focus to David West

By Doug Knopf

With Danny Granger out for the past month and what looks like some months to come, the Indiana Pacers have been searching far and wide for someone to step up. They finally have found that person and it comes in the form of power forward David West.

AP Photo/ Steve Yeater

Acquired after the 2010 season by free agency, David West joined the Pacers with a “fit-in” attitude. He was brought on to be a veteran, level-headed figure for a young team looking to taste victory. His presence clearly showed a difference with the maturity and success the Pacers had in the 2011 season. Now, even though he has aged through the years, his dominance is once again coming through.

On a team filled with young and athletic players looking for their chance to break out, David West leads the Indiana Pacers with about 18 points per game. In his last six games, he is averaging 23 points per game and almost 9 rebounds. Dominating in the post, West is bringing back the power forward position lost in the fog of flashy guard play. With good shot selection, West is averaging a 58 FG% over the last two weeks.  It is difficult for any team to guard an athletic 6-9 player who is also a savvy veteran.

"I only shoot shots that I practice," West said after the game against the Kings on December first. "Only take shots in the game that I work on in practice."

David West’s current play is positively affecting the Pacers. Indiana is 4-2 in their last six games, only losing to the Spurs and the Warriors, two very good teams. At 8-9, the Pacers are still very much alive in their division. Being one game out of first place in the Central division and one game away from the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, this team can easily make the playoffs.

With Roy Hibbert struggling this season, West has been looked at to provide big minutes in the paint and solid defensive effort.  The Pacers are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, only letting up 91.9 points per game. This sometimes proves to be costly since they only score, on average, 90.9 points.

David West is key to turning this year’s success around for the Indiana Pacers. With shaky play from almost every other position on the court, it is his job to be a rock and provide consistent points. Look for him to be the center of the Pacers focus until Danny Granger comes back. Oh, and remember to add him to your NBA Fantasy team.

Trying to Keep Pace

With Danny Granger out, the Pacers have to fight harder to be competitive in the division

By Doug Knopf

The Indiana Pacers will be without star player Danny Granger for at least three months, about 45 games, due to a sore left knee. Granger’s injury will hurt an already poor offense, which has only scored over 100 points once this season. With Granger being out for three months, the Pacers are looking to their bench for help. Currently the Pacers stand at 3-4, losing a few close games where they could have used Granger’s closing factor.

Bleacherreport.com

"We've still got a great deal of talent, a great deal of depth. So my hopes are very high that we'll excel without Danny,” said Coach Frank Vogel.

Indiana is still trying to figure out how they will compete in the division without their biggest weapon. The replacements that the team has on its depth chart have been inadequate recently, being only average at best. Gerald Green is averaging 9.6 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game, numbers that are clearly not at Granger’s level. On the darker side of things, he is committing around two turnovers per game and averaging .6 assists. These numbers are not good enough for a playoff caliber team looking to stay competitive.

Kings coach Keith Smart said after their game with the Pacers, "not having your go-to guy can change a lot of things.”

Things have changed. The Pacers are now relying on their own big four of David West, Paul George, George Hill and Roy Hibbert; but none of these players have the scoring ability that Granger possesses. Known as one of the deepest teams in the NBA, the Indiana Pacers have spread the love around giving more shots to unconventional scorers. Paul George has seen about nine more minutes worth of time due to Granger’s absence and newcomer Sam Young has been given an increased role as well.  The team is desperate to fine scoring and a new offensive focus.

           

One of the biggest differences between basketball and other sports is that there are fewer schemes involved in play. This allows substitute players an easier transition into the flow of an offense. Offense is the weaker part of Indiana’s game and this setback is sure not to help. Like the Bulls, Indiana is missing their best player and their performance is hurting. With 75 games left in the season there is still time for an adjustment to be made and for young players to step up.

Upset Special

A quick look at a few teams and how they fared after opening tip-off

By Doug Knopf

Alas, the NBA season is upon us; a time to rejoice for all basketball fans. Now it is time to get down to business.

AP Photo/ Chuck Barton

First off, it is necessary to point out that the Charlotte Bobcats won a game and against a legitimate team too, the Indiana Pacers. The game was not flashy at all; teams missed a combined 104 shots. Indiana played to its strength, its defense; but when Gerald Green has the second most shot attempts on the team, there is something wrong. The Pacers completed the weekend with a 2-1 record while the Bobcats lost their other game leaving them at 1-1 to start the week off.

Moving around the league, another upset which shocked the league is the Bulls loss to the Hornets without Anthony Davis. The Bulls were outscored in three quarters by the Hornets’ practically nameless roster. One of the Hornets’ many new players, Greivis Vasquez, led the team with 18 points. Even though the Bulls are currently 2-1, they are obviously looking for someone to take Derrick Rose’s place. Tom Thibodeau was rotating four players in and out of the point guard position throughout the game, showing the inconsistency of the offense.  One of the Bulls most missed players from last year might be backup point guard John Lucas who filled in nicely after Rose’s departure. 

More believably, the Milwaukee Bulks took down the aging Boston Celtics on Friday night. The Bulks, riding the on the back of Jennings established a balanced approach with six players in double-digit scoring.  Boston did a good job defending Monta Ellis, holding him to six baskets. Possibly for the only time this season, the Bulks are in first place in the conference. As one of the five undefeated teams left in the league, it’ll be interesting to see where this team will go.

Like baseball, there are so many games played in a season that there are bound to be multiple upsets. All teams have to do is to keep it close and since most teams do not play defense to begin with, it’s pretty easy to match basket for basket.  Usually in basketball one team is just more athletic than the other. But when scheme and teamwork come together, it is difficult to predict games. 

Blue Collar, Gold Swagger

Pacers fans try to bring last season’s swagger back

By Doug Knopf

The Indiana Pacers are not only making statements on the court, but off the court as well. Roy Hibbert along with Paul George and George Hill are sponsoring Gold Swagger and Area 55, the newly established fan sections for the team. The Pacers, in collaboration with Bankers Life Fieldhouse, have had some of the lowest attendance in the league for the past couple of years and are hoping that Gold Swagger will bring the people back.

Gold Swagger started as a campaign in last year’s playoffs to get fans involved and boost what seemed like low fan moral. With a strong performance in the post season, Gold Swagger is being established as the new identity for the young team. Billboards throughout Indiana show star players in the presence of slogans such as “no swagger without sacrifice” or “no heroics without hard work.”

The Pacers are looking for an energized crowd to back their best team in years. The perks of being in Area 55 go beyond being surrounded by other loyal members; fans are closer to the players than ever before, literally.

AP Photo/ Matt Slocum

“Roy’s taken us to the movies; we’ve been to laser tag. We kind of know these guys inside and out,” said Pacer fan Joe Murphy and a member of Area 55.

One fan, Joe Wagner, told the media, “it’s really awesome that they put stuff together where we can meet with the players. We’ve been down in the locker room with them; we’ve talked to Paul George.”

Anybody who is a fan of the NBA or of sports in general should be excited for something as awesome as this. It is always amazing for fans to get involved. Fans of the NBA are not as closely tied to a team like they are in baseball and football. Gold Swagger is an innovative way for the NBA to gain some market share in that aspect. 

           

Appealing to two distinct demographics with their slogan, “Blue Collar – Gold Swagger”, the Pacers are getting in touch with their inner-city surroundings. Everybody works hard and everybody wants swag, especially gold swag. Through this slogan, the Pacers are looking to grab a younger generation, while maintaining the presence of their faithful followers.

Crowd noise is an incredibly influencing factor in a game, especially in the NBA where fans sit courtside. With a pack of gold behind them, the Pacers look to bring the swagger back and continue on the success of last season. The best sports franchises have the best fans; look at the Yankees, the Packers, the Steelers and many others. Now, we may see the emergence of a new powerhouse with Gold Swagger.