Phoenix: Close but no Cigar; Big Central Division Game

Without two starters, this Pacers team did a solid job against Phoenix.  What I was afraid would happen did happen though.  They were dominated on the inside.  Stoudemire had his 2nd highest point total in his career and had his way all game long.  I was afraid that was going to happen (see last episode).

The Pacers blew a chance to pick up a 2nd consecutive win over a playoff team.  Instead they tired down the stretch and did not really have an answer when Phoenix went on their final run.  Though it is early in the season, this team has to take advantage of these kinds of opportunities from now on if they are going to make it into the playoffs.  They can’t be a team that is competitive in all games but cannot pull out a win.

With that being said, I do not think this team is that kind of team.  they look to be playing together on both sides of the ball.  So much so that their play (not necessarily their record) is one of the biggest surprises in the NBA.  This team took advantage of their advantages on the wings and in the backcourt against Phoenix.  They must continue to do this because that is going to be there advantage over most if not all teams they face.

It is exciting to think of the possibilities of this team.  Once they get Rasho and Mike back from injuries, they will have another big man and their second leading scorer back.  If Marquis Daniels keeps playing like this he will be in contention for NBA’s most improved or 6th man awards.  The guy that might beat him out for most improved could be TJ Ford.  He has taken command of this team and offense better than anyone could have expected.  His assist numbers aren’t as high as people might expect but that is because of how well the team as a whole is moving the ball.  And of course, Danny Granger is morphing into the all-star that everyone in Indiana knew he could be.  This lineup is potent and will be more so when they get their other two starters back.

Cleveland Preview:

This will be a tough game for the Pacers.  In Cleveland after the Cavs have started to look more like a team coming off 2 straight wins.  You always have to worry about Lebron, but the best way to deal with a superstar is taking away the other options he has.  They must contain Mo Williams, Z and Delonte West.  TJ should be fine containing Mo.  Marquis can handle Delonte.  the problem lies with Z who is a bit of a mis match with his length and low block offensive skills.

This is a big early season game.  If the Pacers lose they will drop to 1-3 which is a very different record than 2-2.  Granted, they have the hardest start of the year of any Eastern Conference team, but they still must maintain a good record throughout the games.  This would yet again prove that they are contenders for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.  After this, they have 3 cupcake games.  2 v. New Jersey and 1 v. Oklahoma City, so they should not be looking ahead to anything.

I think the Pacers can pull this one out but they will have to take care of the ball, contain Lebron (that’s all on Danny), and take away from Lebron’s help.  If they can do 2 of those 3 then they will pull out a win.