Playoff basketball may finally be returning to Indianapolis. After a four-year draught, the Indiana Pacers are on the verge of finally getting back into the playoffs – a big step for such young team.
Indiana improved to 35-42 overall with their win Friday night over the Milwaukee Bucks. It wasn’t pretty, going down to a last second shot that the Bucks Drew Gooden couldn’t hit to win the game. The Pacers are now 22-16 at home and are ensured of another winning record at Conseco Fieldhouse. In fact, the blue and gold have had a home winning record for a league-record 22 straight years.
There is a lot about this team that I like. Tyler Hansbrough in the starting lineup is a strong fit to his game. He plays 100% every minute he is out there. Some teammates could learn a little about playing with a competitive spirit from Psycho T.
Rookie Lance Stephenson not playing in the last four games is no accident. Sure he is one of the most athletic on the team but his negative attitude brings everyone down. Everybody knows one of these guys. We all have someone at school or work, that whenever you are around them they are a debbie downer. Well Stephenson is that and a lot more. He absolutely would benefit from a lot more minutes but it has come to the point where the coaches realize that he isn’t going to change. He sits, and the Pacers have won three straight.
This team still lacks a killer. Danny Granger is a great Robin but the team desperately needs a Batman to step up, be a leader and want to take the last shot of a big game.
Roy Hibbert offseason work has truly shown all year long. Without a question he is the Pacers most improved player and still has room to work. He finally can use his left hand to get a shot off. Last year anyone watching could see a right-handed hook shot coming. This season he is averaging 12.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Rookie Paul George has played significant minutes for the team, proving that he can play in the league. He does need to get stronger but he is a very versatile guard with a good shot and an athletic build to drive inside.
If the season ended today, the Pacers playoff draught would be over, earning the eighth seed playing number one Chicago. Indiana has five games remaining, three of which are at home. The Pacers and Bobcats are fighting it out for the last remaining playoff spot but Indy holds a two game league. It’s Indiana’s to lose.
Tyler Hansbrough’s younger brother Ben was in attendance Friday watching Tyler play. The Pacers return to action Sunday at New Orleans, then return to Indiana for three straight before ending the season on April 13th at New York.