I can't think of enough positive things to say about TJ Ford at this point in the season.  He has been absolutely awesome for the Pacers.  This is what we have needed for the longest time.  We have needed a guy that can push the ball up the court, get into the paint with his penetration, make smart decisions, make open shots, make contested shots, turn possessions into a one-man-transition, and most importantly...LEAD THE TEAM!

Ford flirted with another triple-double last night while leading the shorthanded Pacers to a win over the New Jersey Nets.  TJ finished with 18 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, and three steals in 36 minutes of play.  About the only bad thing I can think of, is the fact that he missed an easy 14 footer in the first quarter and had three turnovers the whole game.  And, that is just me nagging.  He has been incredible so far this season.

With Mike Dunleavy sitting out due to his knee tendonitis and Troy Murphy missing the game because of the flu, the Pacers were already going to have to dip into their bench a little more than normal, but then Danny Granger didn't play because of a thigh cramp that he got right before the game, so it looked like Indiana might be headed for a loss.

Enter Stephen Graham...who?  You know, the twin of Joey Graham that wasn't supposed to really make it to the NBA...that guy.  OH.....who?  The guy that scored 12 points in 12 minutes last night.  The guy that is always on the end of the bench cheering for team.  That guy!

I am very pleased with how Indiana won this game.  They knew they were playing without Murphy and Granger for the night and everyone stepped up and did their part to help the team win.  Six players scored in double figures, so balance was the key.  Seven Pacers scored in the first quarter and that theme continued for the rest of the evening.  Ford led Indiana with 18 and Marquis Daniels and Jeff Foster both had 16 each.  Daniels has been another player that has been outstanding for Indiana this season and Jeff Foster has been great on the offensive end of the court this season.  He has scored in double figures in each of the last three games.  He looks like he wants to be a guy that can do it on both ends now, instead of just a good rebounder and defender, which is fine with me.  Earn that paycheck Jeff!

Indiana is now 4-3 and over .500 for the first time since Christmas of last season.  I'm hoping for 10 games over .500 by this Christmas!