Question to Pacer fans (all of us, I hope)

cdash · Post #1 » by **cdash** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 7:20 am

So of course the team is gelling and finally coming together at the very end of the season. We have won 6 of 8 and have played noticeably better lately. My question: What is the reason? Is it because other teams are tanking/don't give a crap anymore? Is it because we have had a lot of home games? Is it because we are actually improving? I realize all of these things play a part, what I want to know is: Which plays the biggest part, in your mind?

Post #2 » by **Gremz** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 7:26 am

I think the performances of the rookies has been key of late, and it should have nothing to do with tanking. I do think there's a number of factors.

Both of Rush's big scoring games came against Miami and a playoff challenging Chicago, his defense has been extremely effective in the run also.

Roy is showing some consistency of late, enough to warrant his time on the court.

Jack and TJ know their current roles on the roster, and whether or not they're happy with it, both have been extremely effective.

And of course the return of Granger and his great form has been elite. A true performer one who warrants so much attention that the others would have increased confidence with him on the court.

They are all positive signs for the future IMO.

Kuq_e_Zi91 · Post #3 » by **Kuq_e_Zi91** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 8:13 am

I'd say Jarrett Jack holding TJ accountable for his selfish play. We needed someone to step up for the betterment of the team. I think next year we'll look back on this season and you can point to that incident and say, "this is where things turned around."

JOB adjusted the line up and everyone has adapted to it. BRush has probably been impacted the most by the new line up. He's finally been given the green light and he doesn't have to worry about being pulled if he makes a mistake.

Our defense is much better with Jack and Rush instead of Ford and Jack. Roy is toning his fouls down and learning how to change shots without having to go for the block every time. He's also looking more relaxed and patient on the offensive end.

TJ has been great off the bench. He's the perfect spark when we need a little boost of energy or instant offense.

Except for a couple injuries here and there, Granger and Murphy have been consistent all year long. You know what you're gonna get from them and they're players you can count on to contribute their roles.

I'm looking for all of this to continue next season. I think IF (and that's a big IF) we can finally remain healthy, that we have a real shot at the playoffs for the first time in way too long.

Also, all of these guys need to put in work this summer and come back to training camp with new additions to their game.

Post #4 » by **Miller4ever** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 2:32 pm

I'm not a Pacers fan. I have been and will always be primarily a Cheryl Miller fan. Luckily my unhealthy obsession about her is so great that it extends to her brother's former team.

Rush is back to being shaky, but I've found that on days when Hibbert's doing poorly, Rush is doing well, and when Rush is doing poorly, Hibbert is doing well. The stretch when Hibbert started starting, Rush was relegated to the bench, and then when the lineup was tweaked, Hibbert started to get in worse foul trouble while Rush shined, and the last two games saw great numbers out of Hibbert but mediocre games from Rush.

Luckily team chemistry is apparently great, because that makes progress easier when everyone's on the same page.

Also, the real reason we've been winning games is because Stern is looking away to check on his Knicks to ensure that they win the lottery.

xxSnEaKyPxx · Post #5 » by **xxSnEaKyPxx** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 2:41 pm

Miller4ever wrote:I'm not a Pacers fan. I have been and will always be primarily a Cheryl Miller fan. Luckily my unhealthy obsession about her is so great that it extends to her brother's former team.

Rush is back to being shaky, but I've found that on days when Hibbert's doing poorly, Rush is doing well, and when Rush is doing poorly, Hibbert is doing well. The stretch when Hibbert started starting, Rush was relegated to the bench, and then when the lineup was tweaked, Hibbert started to get in worse foul trouble while Rush shined, and the last two games saw great numbers out of Hibbert but mediocre games from Rush.

Luckily team chemistry is apparently great, because that makes progress easier when everyone's on the same page.

Also, the real reason we've been winning games is because Stern is looking away to check on his Knicks to ensure that they win the lottery.

Back to being shaky? He had 1 bad game.

Dunthreevy · Post #6 » by **Dunthreevy** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 2:45 pm

Miller4ever wrote:I'm not a Pacers fan. I have been and will always be primarily a Cheryl Miller fan. Luckily my unhealthy obsession about her is so great that it extends to her brother's former team.

Rush is back to being shaky, but I've found that on days when Hibbert's doing poorly, Rush is doing well, and when Rush is doing poorly, Hibbert is doing well. The stretch when Hibbert started starting, Rush was relegated to the bench, and then when the lineup was tweaked, Hibbert started to get in worse foul trouble while Rush shined, and the last two games saw great numbers out of Hibbert but mediocre games from Rush.

Luckily team chemistry is apparently great, because that makes progress easier when everyone's on the same page.

Also, the real reason we've been winning games is because Stern is looking away to check on his Knicks to ensure that they win the lottery.

How is Rush back to being shaky? He had an off night last night, but I don't think that should take away from the 8 games prior to that. He's shooting above 50% in those games and his defense has continued to be better than everyone else on our roster (other than last night).

Post #7 » by **Miller4ever** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 3:11 pm

I didn't mean back to being the lost rookie he was. I wasn't trying to say that, it was just part of my whole "either Rush or Hibbert" observation. I said that compared to the amazing stretch he had prior, the last two games were just okay. "Shaky" was overstatement, and I wasn't trying to make that claim.

Sparhawk · Post #8 » by **Sparhawk** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 7:34 pm

Miller4ever wrote:Also, the real reason we've been winning games is because Stern is looking away to check on his Knicks to ensure that they win the lottery.

If the Knicks to win the lottery, I think we'll all know it's rigged.

cdash · Post #9 » by **cdash** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 8:09 pm

Sparhawk wrote:
Miller4ever wrote:Also, the real reason we've been winning games is because Stern is looking away to check on his Knicks to ensure that they win the lottery.

If the Knicks to win the lottery, I think we'll all know it's rigged.

The Bulls getting hometown hero Derrick Rose last year wasn't enough?

Post #10 » by **Miller4ever** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 8:42 pm

"With the 435th pick of the NFL Draft, the PAcers select Quarterback Nate Davis from Ball State"

granger05 · Post #11 » by **granger05** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 9:36 pm

I really don't think our play has changed all that dramatically recently. I think the difference between winning and losing in any professional league is pretty small. We were 10 games below .500 by the new year which isn't too surprising given that we were working in so many new pieces. Since then, we've played .500 ball. If we do that next season we're a playoff team (maybe even hosting a series in the East). I really think that the bad start was due to all the roster changes. We lost a lot of close games because our team just didn't know how to play together yet. They've improved on that and we've closed out games better.

Post #12 » by **Gremz** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:23 am

Miller4ever wrote:"With the 435th pick of the NFL Draft, the PAcers select Quarterback Nate Davis from Ball State"

At least it's not Thabeet....

cdash · Post #13 » by **cdash** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:34 am

Gremz wrote:
Miller4ever wrote:"With the 435th pick of the NFL Draft, the PAcers select Quarterback Nate Davis from Ball State"

At least it's not Thabeet....

I see you like Thabeet about as much as I do.

bballpacen · Post #14 » by **bballpacen** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:56 am

^Seems like you both like him more than I do.