The Indiana Pacers struggles have continued this season. This team is yet to really find its rhythm and rotations. There have been many different rotations tried and failed. What Pacers fans like about this team is the fact that they are staying out of trouble and not making headlines for careless acts. This representative group is a respectable group looking to make an impact on the floor…although we’ve yet to really see it.
The team began a 4-game road trip last night and ended with another loss after a double-digit lead was blown by this young team. Monta Ellis scored a career-high 45 points to help the Golden State Warriors overcome a 14-point deficit in their 126-107 victory over the Pacers. This team cannot give up a huge lead and expect to win, especially on the road.
The defense has been terrible. In Toronto the team gave up 74 first half points, 3 shy from a franchise record for the Raptors. I like Roy Hibbert in the starting position. Coach Jim O’Brien will evaluate Hibbert and veteran Jeff Foster’s play over the next few games on the road to determine who earns the starting stop. "We’re searching right now. Hopefully we’ll come off this trip and decide whether or not we have a solid rotation,” O’Brien said. I personally like 2nd-year player starting…He has the length and presence in the middle. Foster can bring intensity, leadership, and rebounds off the bench which the Pacers can really benefit from.
Brandon Rush is yet to find his game. The team is hoping he would produce and play more like he did the last 20 games last season. Dahntay Jones has been the best offseason transaction for Larry Bird in his time under control. O’Brien opted to play Jones over Rush in the second half against the Warriors, in which he scored 21 points.
Mike Dunleavy finally returned last week against Dallas to provide a spark off the bench. It was his first game in nearly a year after knee surgery. "I’ve got to work on some things, get my rhythm back and just get back into the daily routine," Dunleavy said.
The injury bug has bothered this team there’s no question about it. Dunleavy, Foster, Diener, Hansbrough, Granger, and Ford the most notables. While that is nobody’s fault in particular, this team has to get healthy to make an impact. It’s great to see the off-the-court issues taken care of, but it’s time for them to follow suit on the court.
first of all rush has to do something he has been terrible! and the Pacers have to get healthy bc half their rosters been injured