Game 28 : Chicago Bulls (10-15) @ Indiana Pacers (14-13) - 7:00 PM

[ducler]

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[Topofthekey]

Interesting choice to start McConnell. Doesn't look like a bad idea, actually

Does this mean Brogdon is better playing as the off guard?

Or maybe it's a sign that the team has so far relied too much on Brogdon and consequently he has been running out of gas before Pacers can close the game out

We've seen Bjorkgren putting McConnell on the floor together with Brogdon in the middle of games and let him take on the ball handling duties, as a way to help take some strain off Brogdon as the game progressed

Perhaps they've decided to do that right from the beginning of the game now

[Pacers Forever]

T.J. McConnell in the starting lineup tonight in place of Doug McDermott along with Turner, Sabonis, Brogdon, and J. Holiday

[Pacers Forever]

Interesting choice to start McConnell. Doesn't look like a bad idea, actually

Does this mean Brogdon is better playing as the off guard?

Or maybe it's a sign that the team has so far relied too much on Brogdon and consequently he has been running out of gas before Pacers can close the game out

We've seen Bjorkgren putting McConnell on the floor together with Brogdon in the middle of games and let him take on the ball handling duties, as a way to help take some strain off Brogdon as the game progressed

Perhaps they've decided to do that right from the beginning of the game now

I'm thinking it is just because of Doug being out, however I agree with you that it is a good move that will take a lot of pressure off Brogdon as McConnell is a true point guard.

[Topofthekey]

Interesting choice to start McConnell. Doesn't look like a bad idea, actually

Does this mean Brogdon is better playing as the off guard?

Or maybe it's a sign that the team has so far relied too much on Brogdon and consequently he has been running out of gas before Pacers can close the game out

We've seen Bjorkgren putting McConnell on the floor together with Brogdon in the middle of games and let him take on the ball handling duties, as a way to help take some strain off Brogdon as the game progressed

Perhaps they've decided to do that right from the beginning of the game now

I'm thinking it is just because of Doug being out, however I agree with you that it is a good move that will take a lot of pressure off Brogdon as McConnell is a true point guard.

Yes, but they could have gone with Lamb or Aaron, interesting that McConnell is the one who got the start

On an unrelated note, a Sumner sighting!

[Pacers Forever]

I think the reason they went with McConnell is he has defensively been tearing it up and also adequately getting the ball to open players for their shot. I think they wanted to keep Lamb as the scorer on the second unit.

[Scoot McGroot]

Sabonis having a terrible start so far

[Topofthekey]

Sabonis having a terrible start so far

Opponents have been throwing bodies at him in the post all season long. He's probably getting worn out. I'm just happy he's staying healthy

On the other hand, two Domas blocks!

[Topofthekey]

Myles successfully defending Lavine on the perimeter wow

[Pacers Forever]

Not bad to be down only 5 at half. Sabonis, Brogdon, and both Holidays a combined 9 for 28 a whopping 37%

[Pacers Forever]

Also it is so obvious how valuable Doug has been this year as I so miss his cutting backdoor and moving all over the court to create offense. Hurry back Doug Also I really like McConnell's play however I'm seeing why he doesn't start due to his lack of offense except close in flip shots or drives. Don't get me wrong I love his hustle and just with he had a jump shot with more range.

[Wizop]

McConnell gets the team playing faster which is likely why he got the start in Doug's place.

Sent from my phone.

[Topofthekey]

Lamb turning into Reggie out there

Lamb's low-key a very good player. He's very good in many things, but not elite unfortunately

I think if you put him in the CBA he turns into Kevin Durant

[Pacers Forever]

Would have been nice to pull the win out in OT but when they shoot as bad as they did all game you can expect to be in a dogfight against a less talented Bulls team and the Bulls seized the moment. Chicago also shot bad but just seemed to get the few possesions that it took to win the game. The Pacers had to play catch up most of the game which has to suck mentally. On to the next one and hopefully Myles, Justin, Malcolm, and Domas hit the shots they normally do. So many easy shots missed underneath tonight.

[pacers33granger]

Would have been nice to pull the win out in OT but when they shoot as bad as they did all game you can expect to be in a dogfight against a less talented Bulls team and the Bulls seized the moment. Chicago also shot bad but just seemed to get the few possesions that it took to win the game. The Pacers had to play catch up most of the game which has to suck mentally. On to the next one and hopefully Myles, Justin, Malcolm, and Domas hit the shots they normally do. So many easy shots missed underneath tonight.

Unfortunately it's what many Pacer fans saw coming. These guys are tired. Brogdon's shots have been short for a couple weeks (and it was the same last year after a hot start). Now Domas is off and doesn't seem to have the stamina to play bully ball as much, or he's sick of getting called for charges. McConnell is throwing some uncharacteristic passes to no one. Justin isn't getting the same looks because he can't run around like prime Reggie for an entire year.

Funny enough based on his history, Myles has been our most consistent guy, though part of that is his consistent inconsistency on offense. But his individual defense hasn't let up. Could be the injury got him a bit of rest.

I get why Nate has done what he's done. Part of it is learning your personnel and part of it is having a roster missing 2 key starters. It's an issue though.