by The GM on January 14 at 5:44PM
Last night, the Indiana Pacers completed their five game road trip in less than stellar fashion. As has been the case in most of their losses, Indiana played outstanding for three quarters and then gave the game away in the final period. It was really disheartening to watch a 19 point lead evaporate in six or seven minutes.
Perimeter defense continues to be the main cause of Indiana's troubles. Guys don't close out in time and either let their man get a wide open look at a three or they just drive right around and get the layup or get fouled. I saw a stat that showed Indiana was outscored 62 to 114 at the free throw line in the first four games of the road trip. That is a big indicator that the team needs to get A LOT better on the defensive end.
Jermaine O'Neal came to play last night, on both ends of the court. He ended the game with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 blocks. He was playing with a passion that I haven't seen in a while. It was actually very enjoyable to watch.
Over the road trip, Jim O'Brien decided to go with his version of "small ball." This game plan pushes Jeff Foster out of the rotation and places Kareem Rush and Travis Diener on the court for far too long, in my opinion. Jeff Foster is one of the best in the league on the offensive glass and deserves to be on the court.
Indiana is now 17-22 and in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. They can still make a nice push and end up with as high as the 4th seed. Now that JOB has gone with this new style, I am wondering if a couple moves might be made.
*SIDE NOTE: David Harrison is serving a five game suspension for violating the NBA's drug policy.
Perimeter defense continues to be the main cause of Indiana's troubles. Guys don't close out in time and either let their man get a wide open look at a three or they just drive right around and get the layup or get fouled. I saw a stat that showed Indiana was outscored 62 to 114 at the free throw line in the first four games of the road trip. That is a big indicator that the team needs to get A LOT better on the defensive end.Jermaine O'Neal came to play last night, on both ends of the court. He ended the game with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 blocks. He was playing with a passion that I haven't seen in a while. It was actually very enjoyable to watch.
Over the road trip, Jim O'Brien decided to go with his version of "small ball." This game plan pushes Jeff Foster out of the rotation and places Kareem Rush and Travis Diener on the court for far too long, in my opinion. Jeff Foster is one of the best in the league on the offensive glass and deserves to be on the court.
Indiana is now 17-22 and in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. They can still make a nice push and end up with as high as the 4th seed. Now that JOB has gone with this new style, I am wondering if a couple moves might be made.
*SIDE NOTE: David Harrison is serving a five game suspension for violating the NBA's drug policy.
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