In the final minutes of game two in the Pacers-Bulls matchup, fans at the United Center joined together screaming “Pacers Suck.” Initially I saw this as rude, uncalled for, and classless. While it is all of that, I saw the light after the game. Instead, Bulls fans gave the Pacers a big compliment: respect.
The Bulls were worried. Coming into the series, nobody picked the Pacers to win the series—not even diehard Pacers fans. They expected the blue and gold to compete and maybe grab a home win or two but not upset the team with the best regular season record in the league.
Indiana has won 37 games and slipped into the playoffs. They’re the only team in the playoffs with a losing record. Yet they have led the Bulls after five of the eight quarters—one they were tied, and of course the Bulls closed out both games.
ESPN’s Michael Wilbon wrote the best article I’ve read about the series, saying “Pacers have a better roster than Orlando & play with the passion Atlanta couldn’t possibly understand.”
This season, Chicago has only lost five games at the United Center, just FIVE. Indiana being so close both games with chances to win just exemplifies the effort and opportunities the Pacers had.
Interim head coach Frank Vogel, 37, has been huge in rebranding the Pacers image. Inside the locker room he has been a positive, enthusiastic and approachable coach for these inexperienced players. The Pacers haven’t quite turned the corner but they have got a glimpse of what the future may entail.
I thank Chicago Bulls fans for encouraging the Pacers team and staff for doing things the right way and playing with heart night in and night out. They’re back.
Good analysis, I like it
Yessir! Pacers are getting it done. WE’RE BACK!
what a stupid analysis. pacers giving bulls trouble? ahaha oh wow. yea ok. more like bulls not giving a fuck and barely trying. why risk injuries against a terribad team when you are the best team and will make it to finals?
try using your brain lmao.
nosssir! pacers are not getting it done, and are definitely not back. not with that shitty record.
Yes, if you’ve been watching the games you’d see each game decided in the final minute. And there’s no doubt Chicago is trying as hard as they can. Maybe they have overlook the Pacers. Don’t be closed-minded–it’s been a competitive series with both teams playing 100%. It’s the playoffs, of course they are.
If the Pacers are so terrible, then the Bulls aren’t that much better. It’s D Rose and everybody else.
Bulls fans chanting pacers suck. begging karma to smack them.
I personally loved the Pacers Suck chant…it actually means the Ps were getting some respect from the bullshirters.