Game Thread 01/29: Pacers vs. Hornets

[boomershadow]

Of course, McMillan hates to see his team get in such a hole and is eager for a better start when the Pacers (27-23) host the Charlotte Hornets (20-28) on Monday night.

But he likes his team’s determination.

“This team just continues to fight. Even when they are down, they dig down deeper,” McMillan said. “They find a way to fight back. We came out soft. The challenge is get our heads up and go out and be us. We said we can win this game. They continued to work themselves back in the game

https://www.foxsports.com/indiana/story/indiana-pacers-look-to-start-hot-to-avoid-getting-stung-by-charlotte-hornets-012818

[Wizop]

We play them twice this week and need two wins if we hope to have a chance at 4th rather than drop into the battle for 8th.

[Pacers_Freak]

Looking forward to watching this one tonight! Hopefully we get out of the gate strong.

[HankMoody69]

Domas should continue to start. Don't disrupt situation, which is working. Let Myles to get back to form gradually and win back his starting place himself, if he can.

[ducler]

[Jake0890]

Turner being back is gonna be huge against Dwight. Gotta come out of this with a win, especially at home.

[cruwinas]

Hornets have 6 road wins. Only Atlanta has less - 4. Orlando and Dallas have 6 wins too.

Basically, must win. Recipe for W is simple: Pacers can fall behind by 21 points to Hornets, but is Pacers fall 22 points or more - I don't know guys

[cruwinas]

BTW, Domas due to Myles absence played very well. In my opinion, Myles need like 4-5 games to come of the bench to get himself into shape.
When Dipo was out, Domas was checking into the game with Pacers mostly down by double digits. Let's current starters start, so bench will have easier job to maintain the lead and the tempo of the game. Pacers second unit is not Raptors second unit. Raptors second unit can bring team back into the game with their choking defense, while Pacers second is pretty good offensively (that's good to maintain the lead), but defensively - they are struggling.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Blake Griffin got traded to the Pistons. 0_0

[Pacersike]

We should start a SS movement:

Start Sabonis

[Topofthekey]

Bogie. Sigh.

[Miller4ever]

I think that TJ Leaf will have a better NBA career than Frank Kaminsky.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

I think that TJ Leaf will have a better NBA career than Frank Kaminsky.

That is a low bar to hop over.

[cruwinas]

OK.

Watched Domas guarding D12. Domas was always into his body, making sure that D12 knows, that his defender is very close to him.

Watched Myles guarding D12. Myles keeps his distance, relying on his height and length.

I don't want to compare Domas and Myles defenses against good Cs. Myles keeps distance cause he can provide help to his teammates. Domas uses his physicality, able to stand his ground and pushing his oppononets out of their "comfort" position.

It's all good. Just Domas and Myles need more floor time together, to understand each other without the words, feel each other and operate like a fine tuned Swiss watch.

[cruwinas]

Check out Bogdanovic stat line. Nothing, but ZEROS, except one turnover. I like the guy, but he SHOULDN'T"T BE STARTING!!! BTW, 2:33 left in the first half.
Don't want to bring bad news, but the way Bogdanovic plays lately - stat numbers can get even uglier

[Wizop]

Bogie needs the all star break.

Sent from my phone.

[cruwinas]

Pacers 52 - Hornets 51. Too close for my comfort. But I have a feeling - Pacers have a "play much better magic button". I hope it's working today. Cause to get a W Pacers will need it in second half.

[basketballwacko2]

Turner is shooting the lights out.

[cruwinas]

Bogie needs the all star break.

Sent from my phone.

Bogie need plenty of everything. This is 50th game of the season, 50th time he is starting. If the player is a starter in the NBA - he has to play against 29 other starters in his position. And some of these SF are best basketball players in the world, exceptional athletes too.

Last season Bogie appeared in 81 games (pretty good), started in 54. Averaged ~25 minutes per game. Averaged 13.74 points (and a miserable 1.37 assists).
Season 15'-16' Played in 79, started in 39.Averaged 26.8 minutes. FG% 43.32%, 3 points% 38.27%. Point average 11.2
Season 14'-15'Played in 78, started in 28. Averaged 23.8 minutes. FG% 45.38%, 3 points% 35.54% Point average 9.0

I don't like getting on the guys. I don't want to go hard on Bogie. BUT. Soon he is going to be in his prime come April he will be 29). But all that we see is disappointment. Maybe longer minutes, increased role for the team, quality of the team (prior he played for Nets and Magic) and all other little stuff is getting to him. There is no way to put it nicely - Bogie is dragging team down. Defense is bellow average, shooting... You asking me of a shooting for a sharpshooter? Bogie's shooting right now is non-existent. Passing (creating an offense)? Are you kidding me? Numerous times he had a better shooter open in better position, but no pass ever came. I'm not saying hat he is selfish blackhole on the offense. It's just how he was trained.

And now, a little bit "nasty" from me personally to Bogadanovic: HE EARNS THIS SEASON 10,500,00.00 USD. Bogie needs to look into the mirror and take a deep look inside. He needs to find a way to be a better player. Period.

[Wizop]

I still think he's just lost his legs and needs rest. not arguing against cutting his minutes but we really don't have a good option other than small ball with Lance.

Sent from my phone.