SB Nation - Indiana Pacers

Stephen Jackson Stirs Up Drama At The Fieldhouse Once Again

Tom Lewis — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:37:25 -0000

The Golden State Warriors arrive at Conseco Fieldhouse tonight in the midst of all kinds of drama surrounding former Pacer, Stephen Jackson. After signing a lucrative contract extension last year to keep him in Golden State through the 2012-13 season, Jackson decided this summer that he wanted to switch from Captain Jack to Jumpin' Jack and join another team.

So now Jack wants to be traded and the Warriors want to trade him. As Pacers fans know all too well, when a player and organization agree to part ways, a big contract creates no market and no fun. Jackson has 3 years and $28 million left on his contract after this season, so now Jackson and the Warriors are stuck in a buyout blink-fest. Stuck at an impasse it becomes a situation of which side can make it more miserable for the other forcing one side to cave in order to resolve the situation. My money's on Jack in this one.

Before you go chalking up a W for the Pacers thanks to the Jack-induced chaos on the opposing bench, keep in mind that the Dubs scored 145 points with Jackson delivering 15 assists in the Warriors last game. Not only can Jack survive amongst the chaos, he can thrive.

After the jump, more links of interest including Danny Granger working on his shot, Hibbert doubling up and Stephen Curry transitioning to the NBA.

PACERS: Pacers-Warriors preview
Bruno previews tonight's game against the Warriors, who will certainly present a challenge to the Pacers improving defense.
Pacers' Granger can't seem to locate his shot
Mike Wells reports on Danny Granger trying to work through his recent shooting slump.
Too much Rod Benson: Taipei travel - Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
I knew Rod Benson wouldn't let us down! During Pacers' camp Benson put the Boom Tho! on hold but kept notes so now it's time to catch up with Benson's first dispatch from the team's Asian trip.
Hibbert building streak of double-doubles
Bruno's latest Caught in the Web focuses on Roy Hibbert's double-double production in the past three games.
2010 NBA All-Star Game ballot unveiled - Ball Don't Lie
Skeets is all over the NBA's release of the All-Star Game ballot yesterday. T.J. Ford, Danny Granger and Troy Murphy are the three Pacers included on the official ballot. "Write-in Roy" has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
Jared Wade offers a stunning comparison of Matt Bonner to Reggie Miller.
Nearly Drafted by Knicks, Curry Gets Rude Welcome on Warriors
Karen Crouse reports on Stephen Curry's adjustment from Davidson to the NBA amongst the chaos with the Warriors.
Golden State Warriors are on the verge of another massive meltdown - San Jose Mercury News
Gary Peterson compares the current problems of the Warriors to year's past that didn't end so well.

Daily Links 11/10

FLCeltsFan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:07:38 -0000

Herald NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has rare form of leukemia
Green light on free throw issues
Jazz play winning note on Knicks
Review: Police did not cause Celtic fan’s death
Globe Celtics are poised for big score in digital game
Rondo: A rested development
Celtics step up for Pagliuca campaign
SI's Thomsen: Bird says NBA refs best of any sport

CelticsBlog    Quick Peek Ahead
Loy's Place   Happy Birthday to Perk!!!
ESPN    Aging Gracefully in the NBA
Celtics putting focus on free-throw shooting
Walker making great strides
Celtics get back at it
Blocks, steals becoming even scarcer
Looking Pretty Good Now
NBA.com   Philadelphia roots stir Wallace's passion for boxing
Bulls could be enticing option for LeBron James
Slam Online    Euroleague Weekly Preview
Stephen Jackson vs Don Nelson: Round 37
NBA Players That Should Be in Europe
Dick Bavetta Considering Retirement
Examiner    Celtics Sleep Their Way To The Top
Celtics showing weaknesses despite 7-1 start
Loscy    The Ghost of Glen Davis Past
Eagle Tribune    Shooting coach: Rondo's shot a work in progress
Red's Army    Your Morning Dump... Where Sheeds talkin' 'bout Iverson
Matt Bonner did what now?
Comcast SportsNet    Blakely and McAdam on Sports Tonight
Celtics by the Numbers
Celtics Hub    Like Christmas Morning for a Hoops Geek
Sheed Continues to Be a Great Quote
Do the Celtics Have a Foul Line Problem?
A Tiny Window into the 2009-10 NBA
Pushing the Boundaries of the Four Factors
North Station Sports    Celtics Fans: Welcome to the Jungle!
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has Cancer
What do we need from Sheed?
Blue Ridge Now    Jazz-Celtics Preview
CBS Sports    Jazz-Celtics Preview
Lex Nihil Novi    Celtics Edge Pacers on Parish Buzzer-Beater (83-84)
KG Making Most of Limited Minutes (1995)
Walton Iffy for San Diego Game (83-84)
CelticsLife    Who Do You Hate More?
Down with the haters
Today's Video: Rondo Dream Sky High Mix
Fan Huddle   West’s Return Has Sparked Consecutive Cavaliers Wins
M Live    Rasheed Wallace adjusting to new role better than Allen Iverson
Washington Times    Different paths to success on Tobacco Road
Dimemag    NBA Hit List power ranking, 11.9
Knicks Blog   Just When You thought it Couldn’t Get Worse- Here Comes Utah
Bust a Bucket   NBA Player Rankings: Power Forwards
Inside Hoops    NBA RUMORS: TUESDAY, NOV. 10
Patriot Ledger     CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Six of the next eight games are at the TD Garden
WEEI     Easy on the 72-win talk for C’s|
Celtics Weekend Nuggets!
Record Pub    Reasons why LeBron James is not leaving the Cavaliers
Baltimore Sun    Disgraced ref's credibility just goes lower and lower
NESN     Top 10 Celebrity-Athlete Look-Alikes
Celtics Winning Despite Obstacles in Early Going
Rasheed Wallace Adjusting to New Role With Celtics
Hoop Doctors    Which NBA Teams Have Got Next?
NJ.com   Brook Lopez's maturation was on display in NJ Nets' hard-fought loss to Boston Celtics
Sports of Boston    Rondo-Paul Incident Sets Stage for Budding Rivalry
Mass Live   Celtics big man Rasheed Wallace can sympathize with Allen Iverson's Memphis Grizzlies discontent
Now to Watch Sports    On a Wing and a Prayer: A Frank Look at the Small Forward Position
Bleacher Report   Big Problems With Big Baby: A Celtics Fan's Reluctant Realization
Cleveland.com   LeBron says free agency 'is all about winning' -- does that open new 2010 options?
Dwight Jaynes    Playing perimeter defense in the NBA
Ballerblogger    Comparison: Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose
Athlon Sports     NBA Power Rankings
Green Street    Celts get back to business
View from the Student Section   Rajon Rondo's Taking Shots At Chris Paul

IC Cold Links: Pacers Need Time To Heal

Tom Lewis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:24:12 -0000

Here we are waiting through yet another off day as the Pacers prepare to host the Golden State Warriors tomorrow night.

After winning their second game in a row last Friday, the schedule seemed unkind with four full days off between games. When a team is hot, you want to get back out on the court and keep the positive flow in motion. The Pacers are one of only two teams (Milwaukee) to have played only five games so far. A few teams have played six games but most teams already have seven or eight games in the won/loss column.

Forget the short-term momentum, though, the Pacers desperately need this slow early schedule. Just look at the injury list. Every extra minute off is an extra minute to heal and the Pacers have plenty of players on the mend. Tyler Hansbrough finally returned to play limited minutes and should be good to go this week. Troy Murphy was ruled out of tomorrow night's game last week but is considered day-to-day along with Brandon Rush.

Speaking of heels (synonymous segue), Danny Granger is apparently still enduring the effects of a right heel bone bruise. Granger took advantage of the time off to hit his Twitter account yesterday with the following complaint.

Im fully convinced that every pro athlete is injured in some kind of way lol... Feels like somebody beat my heel with a hammer!!!

T.J. Ford felt compelled to reply and brought a little levity to the situation, skipping straight over any sympathy to go for a quick dig at his teammate.

@dgranger33 u don't wanna see DG feet.. Looks like Cole on " Martin " Not a good look..lol

Life is so much better after a win, isn't it? After the jump, more links of interest including more on T.J. Ford, a few power rankings and Commissioner Stern on Mel Simon and the Pacers staying put.

Pacers' Ford snaps out of slump quickly
Mike Wells reports on T.J. Ford jump-starting his season in New York last week.
JMV spoke with Commissioner Stern (audio link) last Friday and the two hit on Mel Simon, the collective bargaining agreement, the Pacers staying in Indy and a few more issues of the day until Stern finally cried uncle and bailed.
Three Seconds I: On Indiana Pacers
John Oehser offers up three thoughts on the Pacers to ponder this week.
Around the NBA: Indiana’s Granger looking to lead
Chris Dempsey reports on Danny Granger trying to develop his leadership ability to go along with his All-Star playing ability.
Nelson: Warriors still open to trading Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson and his agent, Mark Stevens are making it tough on Golden State to try to deal him for any value. But on the court, Jack helped the Warriors to a big win last night over Minnesota. The Dubs will be in town tomorrow night.
NBA.com: LeBron keeps teams on edge as he ponders future
David Aldridge takes a nice trip around the NBA in his latest column. Nothing of note on the Pacers but a great read for any NBA fan.
NBA.com: Suns Rise to the Top With Big Road Wins
John Schuhmann's latest NBA team rankings are out and the Pacers' recent wins and defensive effort earned them a six spot jump all the way up to...21. Oh, well.
Power Poll: The Baseline ranks the League
Sean Deveney slots the Pacers 23rd in his latest rankings.
NBA Basketball Power Rankings - ESPN
Marc Stein slots that Pacers at 24, up one measly spot after winning a couple of games.

Quick Peek Ahead

Jeff Clark — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:07:22 -0000

The road weary start of the regular season is over and the team "escaped" with a nice 7-1 record. Now they've had a few days to ice down knees and eat some home cooking. Seems like a good time to take a peek ahead at the next few games.

11/11 vs. Utah - Will Rondo trash talk Deron Williams too? If he doesn't, will Deron feel slighted? I can never figure out the Jazz. Williams, Boozer, and Millsap are great talents. Kirilenko was once a star role player, or something like that. They have a very well respected coach. Why don't they win more? Hopefully they'll take at least one more game before figuring it out.
11/13 vs. Atlanta - Slowly, ever so slowly, they are moving from "young, plucky team nobody wants to meet in the playoffs" to "pretty good team." Still love Joe Johnson's game. Jamal Crawford has finally found a home. Joe Smith is the grizzled vet while Josh Smith is lurking on the weakside ready to block your shot into next week. I don't like this matchup for us at all. Young whippersnappers running all around could prove too tiring for our old legs. Then again, if our defense smacks them in the face early on, I could see them folding early.
11/14 @ Indiana - Another dangerous game in that it is the 2nd of a back to back and the Pacers have some young legs and nothing to lose. Beyond that, I may have to fall back on ex-Celtic storylines (Bird, O'Brien) because beyond Granger this team doesn't do much for me. On the bright side, they have completely cleaned out the rif-raff. Now they need to take that next step (like the Jail Trail Blazers did) and get good again.
Next week: Golden State and Orlando (we'll cover that one in excruciating detail soon enough).

Poll

Which game is the most dangerous (potential upset)?

Mike Dunleavy In The Role Of Lucy

Tom Lewis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:03:22 -0000

Mike Dunleavy is almost ready to practice again. Raise your hopes at your own risk.

View full size photo »

I need someone with Photoshop skills. Should be easy enough, simply put a black Lucy wig on Mike Dunleavy with a blue dress.

Why?

Well, once again I feel like Charlie Brown after reading Dunleavy's latest blog post which includes an update on his injury status along with a defense of the training staff. The good news is, he's hoping to begin practicing with the team in the "next week or so." You're on your own to define how long "so" might be, but he makes it sound promising. Well, I'll let him suck you in.

I don't care how good a doctor someone is, you can't prevent stepping on someone's foot and rolling your ankle. You can't keep a player from getting undercut and landing on his back. The only thing you can do is rehab players the right way so they get back as soon as possible but also as healthy as possible. There is no doubt in my mind that is happening in our training room. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt for all of us to keep our fingers crossed for no more bad luck.
That's what I've been doing the past couple weeks. The fingers have been knotted because I feel great and I want it to stay that way. I've been working out with our assistant coaches by myself. They've been putting me through half-court and full-court drills. I'm just trying to get my timing and conditioning back along with testing the knee.

You know, maybe Dunleavy is actually Charlie Brown and Josh Corbeil (Pacers trainer) should be considered Lucy. Who knows?

All I know is that the ball is on the ground...again.

Hansbrough Should Keep His Haters Happy, Along With Pacers Fans

Tom Lewis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:11:03 -0000

More photos » by Ron Hoskins - NBAE via Getty Images

Look out! Here comes Hansbrough!

Browse more photos »

No worries about Tyler Hansbrough floating while out on the court.

In fact, if Hansbrough jumped off a platform at the Nat, I'm pretty sure he'd sink. Floating is just not something I'd associate with Hansbrough in any facet of life, let alone on the basketball court. And it's that style of play that has drawn him so many detractors outside of Chapel Hill over the past few years.

During his debut, the rook seemed drawn to the action. If there's a scrum in the pain, he's in the middle of it. If the ball is moving on offense, he's working like crazy to get open for a touch.

But these were things we kind of expected from Hansbrough as he transitioned from North Carolina to the NBA. Getting in the mix and giving a strong effort. The questions arose over whether his very productive college game would translate to the NBA. Would that same effort produce similar results against the bets players in the world?

Plenty of haters doubt he'll be more than an undersized Jeff Foster, yet in his brief debut he showed plenty of Foster but with the ability score some points. The doubters don't think Hansbrough is big enough to play big, yet there he was collecting fouls in the paint. The hoping-he'll-fail set doesn't think the rook is athletic enough to play in the open court, yet there he was beating his man down the floor for a layup.

No doubt, the haters aren't convinced after such a brief stint in his first NBA game, nor should any apologist boldly claim, I told you so when after a positive first step.

So the question remains: Will Hansbrough's rough and tumble, unorthodox game translate from college to the NBA?

Hansbrough seemed to get the benefit of every call at Chapel Hill to the tune of well over 200 free throws in his senior year. Surely that game would be swallowed up in the L, right?

But there he was in his first game, fighting his way into position to draw fouls, go for five two-shot trips to the line and seven of his 13 points. Drawing contact and working his way to the line is a big part of Hansbrough's game which we witnessed in the summer league games as well. There are a couple of factors that lead to whistles in his favor.

First, Hansbrough's patented, rapid-fire, double-pump fake which no defender with an ounce of shot-blocking instincts can resist. But the odd timing doesn't just get the defender in the air, it puts them off-balance. That's when Hansbrough strikes, strongly finishing the foul. He makes sure there is plenty of contact and lets the ref sort through the debris.

Finishing the foul is huge for a rookie, or really any NBA player not among the 15-20 best in the league. If a defender is off-balance and/or up in the air, the offensive play has to take advantage and finish the play strong, forcing enough contact to draw a whistle. When the offensive player assumes any contact will draw a foul and tries to get cute, maybe turning around to flip up a shot for a potential and one, the refs have a tendency to swallow the whistle after such a weak finish. We've seen that happen in the past with Brandon Rush, Danny Granger and Troy Murphy to name a few.

In college, Hansbrough was known for some of those post-contact, from-the-hip chucks, but in his NBA debut he wisely took the hard contact and two free throws and went on his way. No doubt many a Wizard fan was complaining about some of the call Hansbrough drew, as will other fans across the league.

As for Pacers fans, just sit back and enjoy the artistry in the ugliness that Hansbrough brings to the court which raises the level of play for the Pacers along with the ire of opponents and their fans.

Daily Links 11/8

FLCeltsFan — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:10:36 -0000

Herald Celtics drag it out in NJ
Rajon Rondo pointed right way
Cavaliers, LeBron James need an assist
Tyreke Evans ascends to lead with Kings
Globe Celtics postgame analysis Celtics postgame analysis
Celtics wait out Nets, 86-76 Celtics wait out Nets, 86-76
Bird-Johnson book reveals binding friendship
Hawks rebound against Nuggets N.J. youth movement impresses Celtics’ Rivers
Weary Celtics hold off Nets
Market for ticket resales booming

CelticsBlog   Avert Your Eyes
Marquis Daniels: Good Vibrations
Finally, Some Rest for the Weary
Loy's Place     Comments from the Other Side - Nets 11/7
Celtics.com    Keys to the Game: Celtics 86, Nets 76
NBA.com    Lakers big men Gasol, Bynum sit out game vs. Grizzlies
Celtics back on winning track after bouncing winless Nets
ESPN     Allen Iverson leaves Grizzlies for personal reasons
Three-point percentage tells story of tired team
Weary Celtics pull away in fourth
Moral victory for winless Nets in loss to Celtics?
For Boston Celtics' Glen Davis, injury doesn't dampen wit
Bright Side of the Sun   Boston, MA: Where the Suns Bench Happened (to kick the C's in the teeth)
Red's Army    Video evidence of a defensive lapse, starring Rajon Rondo \
Well THAT was horrible to watch
Your Morning Dump... featuring some love for Scal
Wicked Local    Friday night pregame Celtics update: Scalabrine out; Walker says he’ll be back Monday
Comcast SportsNet   Survival test: Celtics defeat Nets Survival test: Celtics defeat Nets
Celtics Hub     Delete from DVR Immediately: C’s 86, Nyets 76
A Note on Iverson and a Sunday Notebook
North Station Sports    NSS Live Game Chat: Celtics vs Nets
Celtics End Tough Stretch with Squeaker in New Jersey
CT News     Worn Out Celtics Wear Out Depleted Nets: 86-76
Celtics Town   Running Diary: Celtics struggle past Nets in ugly game
Lex Nihil Novi    Celtics Subdue Pacers (83-84)
Remember Steve Stipanovich? (83-84)
Unspoken Lethargy
Celtics Life    What the Hell Happened to...Chris Carr?
Today's Video: Paul Pierce-The Turning Point
Gino's Jungle    Amare, Beasts Aren't Suppose To Have Fun
Celtics Fans, This Season Is For You
Celtics Grind One Out - Stand at 7-1
Boston Sports Pulse    Kendrick Perkins: Physical, aggressive, & mean?
Celtics Pull Away In Fourth To Beat Winless Nets
Nets Daily    Hassell, Scalabrine Prove Meaning of "Professional"
North Jersey.com   Nets still winless; forward has H1N1
WEEI     The Three-Pointer: Celtics Win Ugly
Star Tribune     Garnett says, 'I've never looked back'
Slam Online    A Third Dose of the Dime
The Ledger   Rondo, Pierce Help Celtics Bounce Back as Nets Remain Winless
Telegram    Phoenix proving to be better off without Shaq
Dimemag    No Answer
Cleveland.com    Wally Szczerbiak rehabbing knee, doesn't know if he will play in NBA again
NESN   Celtics Keep Producing Wins Despite Difficult Schedule
Live Blog: Celtics at Nets
Live Blog: Celtics at Nets
Celtics Rebound From Loss, Take Down Nets 86-76
NJ.com     Banged-up NJ Nets give Boston Celtics a fight but lose, 86-76
Green Street    Fast break: Celtics-Nets Fast break: Celtics-Nets
LA Times     Referee Tim Donaghy lacks not just integrity, but credibility too
Nets Are Scorching     Quick Recap: Boston Celtics 86, New Jersey Nets 76
Bloggers Talk: Boston Cecltics
Newsday   Hornets frustrating Paul's intense desire to win
NY Daily News     Magic Johnson & Larry Bird long for NBA rivalries, but without handshakes

Could The Pacers Use More Decorative Banners In The Rafters?

spstevenson — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:25:33 -0000

They are the symbol of a franchise. The past stuffed into a single number. The history crammed into the rafters of an arena.

Banners of retired jersey numbers act as bodiless tombstones hung high above the present bundle of front office staff, coaches and players. They wave in the cross-hairs of high altitutude to represent the past keeping an eye on the present. They're making sure that no one forgets.

On Friday, the Indiana Pacers added another name and banner to the rafters of the Fieldhouse. The man who, along with his brother Herb, helped save the franchise from relocation was honored with his own banner. Now, Mel Simon's marker keeps watch over the blue and gold along with Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, Georgie McGinnis, Reggie Miller and coach Bobby "Slick" Leonard. The pantheon of Pacers pride.

But should the Pacers reserve the Jersey Legends just for the Mount Rushmore of Pacers royalty, or is it time to begin opening the door for a grander overview of the franchise, thus allowing a new society of notoriety and knighthood to grow? The reason it popped into my mind was because of that big, awkward-looking 7-foot-4 dude sitting courtside during Friday's game. I think he's a famous BMX rider.

The decision to either put Rik Smits' name in lights or keep him off guest list is near the borderline for how the Pacers handle jersey ceremonies in the future. When we look up at the rafters 15 years from now, will Smits, Dale Davis, Mark Jackson and others be added to the list, or will it be just Danny Granger (fingers crossed) as the only one joining the hallowed ranks? The rest of the NBA doesn't offer a clear choice...

Each NBA team has its own way of honoring those who have served the team.

Some teams honor only the best. The Lakers have seven franchise players who changed the course of team history during the 60's, 70's and 80's. Compared to the Celtics, the Lakers have one of the stingiest and exclusive banner hanging clubs around. The Celts, the only team that can aptly be considered more successful than the Lakers in NBA history, have 23 numbers and more swaying in their home.

Some teams honor fallen heroes (Timberwolves - Malik Sealy, Hornets - Bobby Phillis), while other teams honor other team's heroes (Heat - Michael Jordan and Dan Marino). Some teams honor franchise stalwarts (Jazz - Mark Eaton), while other teams honor even just the minimal time spent with greatness (Nets - Julius Erving, Suns - Charles Barkley).

There is no blueprint. Each team does it differently. But if you compare teams based on retired jerseys for players who played the majority of their careers from 1980-present, the Pacers rank near the bottom of the league. With only one player from 80's and 90's generation (Uncle Reg), Indiana is right on par with a team like the Knicks, which also has only honored one member from those big time 90's squads (Patrick Ewing). Other teams that had successful runs in the 80's and 90's have been much more lenient in their presentations.

The Suns lead the pack with seven members added in the modern era. The Celtics and Jazz have added six each, and most of the other squads pack three or more additions of players who played in the 80's and beyond. The Pacers are in the "one and done" club with the Knicks, Timberwolves and Hornets.

So there's the spectrum. I can see the benefits of both sides. Keep the list low and reserved for the toppermost of the poppermost and you've distinguished your Roll of Fame for the very best that ever was that wore your jersey. The exclusivity keeps you from becoming like the Jazz, which even considered raising a banner for Lewis Scott from Celtic Pride.

But opening the door to more players who allowed this franchise to stay in Indiana, rise to the top of the NBA ranks for nearly two full decades and also to build one of the best arenas in the league could use a little lovin' too. Hey, and maybe you boost Rik Smits retro jersey sales while you're at it. Everybody wins.

Whichever side of the fence you reside on, here's an opportunity to rank which other players would go first in the jersey line, and where you would draw the line on who makes the cut. I guess I'd go with Smits and Jackson as the next batch of people. If you were running the Pacers, how would you handle the jersey conundrum?

Briefing: The Wizards are Stumbling out of the Gates, What's New?

JakeTheSnake — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:29:04 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

We have our classic dejected-players-sitting-on-the-bench shot, now we know its time to get worried.

Browse more photos »

I saw this tweet before the game and I had to chuckle a bit:

Washington Wizards are off to best start in 3 years, let's see if they can continue tonight against the Pacers

Keep in mind that the team was 2-3 going into last night's game. A below .500 record constitutes the best start we've had in three years. Even with the loss last night, this team has a better record after six games than the last two squads, who both started 1-5. Even though the team from three years ago started 3-3, you may recall that they didn't pick up their first win on the road until December 6th. The last time that you can say the Wizards really came blazing out of the gates, was 2005-06 when the team won five of their first six, and even then the Wizards followed up that start by losing their next five. Slow starts have just been a part of Wizards basketball over the last few years.

In the past, you could blame it on learning the nuances of the Princeton offense. Not only did it take longer for players to get acclimated to the offense, but it also took away focus from learning on the defensive end. So essentially the team was playing catch up with the other teams in the NBA on both sides of the ball to start the year. Instead of learning the Princeton this year, the team is starting from scratch with an entirely new system from a new coach, which takes time to implement.

Returns from the first game of the season were very promising, as we saw last night, there's still a lot that the team has to learn. Some of it involves developing offensive cohesion, some of it involves coming out of the gates with better execution and focus, where they've struggled in their last two losses. A lot of us said before the season that Flip Saunders would have some bumps in the road early in the season as he gets acclimated to his roster and vice-versa. Well, these are what bumps in the road look like. Let's hope that both can adjust accordingly as the season goes on.

Washington Wizards lose third straight, 102-86 at Indiana - Michael Lee, Washington Post

"I was trying to get someone to play hard," Saunders said. "I told those guys, I can't coach effort. You got to come out and be prepared and play hard. "I thought our effort was poor. I was extremely disappointed. I told them I take responsibility because evidently right now we've got to keep pounding away because we're not getting through in doing the things we need to do in order to be successful."

Listless Wizards fall on the road - Mike Jones, Washington Times

He tried the traditional lineup (although it was his third different one of the season thanks to injuries). He tried a small lineup. He played Gilbert Arenas on the ball. He played him off the ball. He used all 12 players at his disposal. But none of that did the trick. The Wizards put on a listless performance and fell 102-86, their third straight loss. Although the score indicated otherwise, the Pacers' play couldn't exactly be described as dominant.

Wizards lose to Pacers, Jamison chews out team - William Yoder, Agent Dagger

It's only the sixth game of the season and it looks like Flip Saunders may be running out of ideas. The Wizards head coach addressed the criticisms of the past games. Critics said Caron Butler had to get more aggressive offensively, and the former all-star put up 24-12. The Wizards bigmen got into foul trouble early in the teams last two losses, but tonight Haywood played 35 minutes and grabbed 19 rebounds.

Pacers 102, Wizards 86 - Michael Lee, Wizards Insider

Nick Young and Paul Davis were the only two players who didn't commit a turnover on Friday. It was the third consecutive game in which the Wizards had more turnovers than assists. It's easy to lose three in a row that way. "If we keep playing like this," Arenas said, "we're going to keep getting our [butts] whipped."

Pacers 102, Wizards 86: Washington minus two starters equals yuck - Craig Stouffer, Washington Examiner

Mike James turned the ball over and missed his first shot almost immediately after entering the game in his first appearance of the season. Pretty much summed up the night. James still played 22 minutes, finishing with 6 points and 3 assists.

After loss to Pacers, Jamison blasts effort - Mike Jones, Washington Times

"We've got to get better as a team," Haywood said. "Everybody from the starting unit to the bench, you have to be ready to play at a certain level. And if you're not, then don't play. That team played very hard tonight, and I'm not sure that we, as a unit, as a team, matched their energy. Everybody has to come out as a team and match their energy night in and night out. "You're not always going to make shots, but you can control your effort."

Pacers 102, Wizards 84: Inspired Pacers Roll Past Wizards - Tom Lewis, Indy Cornrows

Second-year center, Roy Hibbert set the tone early with a couple of hook shots and blocks along with a few rebounds all delivered with a genuine enthusiasm that lifted teammates and fans alike. No doubt, playing against his home town's Wizards gave Hibbert extra motivation. He was so pumped at times it seemed like he was high fiving family and friends back in D.C. right through the television screen. Roy finished the first half with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Not a bad start for Hansbrough - Mike Wells, Pacers Insider

Hansbrough looked like a fullback when bullied his way to the basket for 13 points and five rebounds in 14 minutes. Coach Jim O'Brien said before the game that Hansbrough wouldn't play more than 16 minutes. The stat that stood out was the 10 free throw attempts. Hansbrough's either going to get called for an offensive foul or he's going to get fouled when he goes up for a shot in the paint.

Postgame Report: Pacers vs. Wizards 091106 - Conrad Brunner, Pacers.com

[The Pacers] two victories are most encouraging because of how they were accomplished. They didn't ride hot shooting or explosive offensive runs. Granger scored 22 points but shot 7-of-21 (3-of-11 from the arc). As a team, the Pacers shot just 40 percent but they had strong balance. Dahntay Jones scored 18 with five rebounds, five assists and two steals; T.J. Ford had an odd double-double for a 5-10 point guard with 10 rebounds to go along with 18 points; Roy Hibbert had his third straight double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, adding five blocked shots. "Winning solves a lot of problems in this league," said Ford. "We’re still getting familiar with each other and the system. Everybody’s role is evolving."

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IC Cold Links: Granger Impressed By Hansbrough's Debut In Pacers Win

spstevenson — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:35:26 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Roy Hibbert was pumped to the max as the Pacers dismantled the Wizards on Friday.

Browse more photos »

It took only 13 minutes of play, but rookie Tyler Hansbrough's performance (13 points, five rebounds) during his first time on an NBA court turned some heads. And teammate Danny Granger is warning the rest of league to take notice.

After the Pacers 102-84 thumping of the Wizards Friday night, Granger gave Bruno the following quote about the debut of his teammate:

"We had all been waiting to see Tyler play. We've seen him play in practice and know how aggressive he is. They got a taste of it tonight. It was a lot of fun. He's like a big-man linebacker. He's going to get from point A to point B and take some people along with him in the process. ... He's so physical, he's one of those guys you definitely want on your team." -- Danny Granger

That seems to sum it up best. Hansbrough stole the show during a dominating Pacers performance at home that rightly celebrated two icons -- Conseco "Reggie Miller" Fieldhouse and the late, great Mel Simon. Tom had plenty of thoughts on the game here.

The Pacers now get a nice mini-vacation to bask in the glory of a quality win. Indiana doesn't hit the hardwood again until Wednesday. So let's hit the jump and check out the many links that focus on the Pacers win, Antawn Jamison giving his teammates an earful after the loss and Granger's new blog.

Box Score
AP Story
Photo Gallery
The IndyStar's Mike Wells empties the notebook to comment on the jersey ceremony honoring Simon, which members of the 1999-00 Finals Paces squad showed up last night and an update on the latest injuries.
Defense. Defense. Defense. The mantra was loud and clear heading into the season and after the team failed mightily to turn the words into something on the court during the first three games, Mike Wells notes that the effort is finally rearing its head in a big way. T.J. Ford told Wells that defense was the key to last night's big win: "That's huge. It gives us a lot of confidence knowing we don't have to worry about scoring. The scoring will come; we just have to continue to play defense like we're doing."
Wells also wrote a Pacers Insider post about Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert and the Wiz leaving a shattered plate in the visitor's locker room.
Bruno put together his Postgame Report giving Stat of the Night honors to Hibbert's achievement of three straight double-doubles after nabbing 12 points and 11 rebounds last night. Also, check out Bruno's live blog here.
Shout out to user "donhein" for posting a link to Eddie White's glowing review of Hansbrough hitting the court.
John Oehser writes his recap for Examiner.com.
Always Miller Time also chimes in on the Pacers improving to a 2-3 record.
The Washington Post gives a sterling report on Jamison's outburst to his teammates after the loss. Jamison reportidely "stormed from the locker room alone after unleashing a vicious, expletive-laced tongue-lashing."
SB Nation's Bullets Forever could only muster a couple of sentences to accompany the photo of Wizards' players looking distraught on the bench in their recap. Ahh, what memories!
In the not-so-distant future of the 2010-11 season, the NBA's salary cap could be taking another hit. Eight Points, Nine Seconds checks out the repercussions and how it could affect the blue and gold.
Finally, NBA.com has launched a new blog for Danny Granger to spew his thoughts during the remainder of the season. In his first post, the star talks about the slow start to the season along with his off-the-court activities.