Pacers miss shot at upset

The Indiana Pacers weren't supposed to have much of a chance. They walked into the US Airways Center as losers of seven of their past eight games, having to face the run-and-gun Phoenix Suns.

[Sotto Voce]

Despite my better judgment, I actually watched some of the game after I discovered it while cycling from VH1 to Cartoon Network on my cable box.

Is it just me, or did it look like Tinsley was proving to be a liability during OT. I'm thinking of two plays specifically: a) one where he flopped to try to draw a charge and lingered on the floor for a while before getting back on defense, and b) one a bit later when he missed a lay-up (or another supposedly "gimme" shot) and bent over with his hands on his knees while Phoenix recovered and went on offense.

While it is true I was watching only an overtime period for the second game of a back-to-back, but if fatigue was an issue, shouldn't the coach have accounted for that in his rotation?

[Big E]

Sotto Voce wrote:

Despite my better judgment, I actually watched some of the game after I discovered it while cycling from VH1 to Cartoon Network on my cable box.
Is it just me, or did it look like Tinsley was proving to be a liability during OT. I'm thinking of two plays specifically: a) one where he flopped to try to draw a charge and lingered on the floor for a while before getting back on defense, and b) one a bit later when he missed a lay-up (or another supposedly "gimme" shot) and bent over with his hands on his knees while Phoenix recovered and went on offense.
While it is true I was watching only an overtime period for the second game of a back-to-back, but if fatigue was an issue, shouldn't the coach have accounted for that in his rotation?

I didn't get to see it, but from what I can read the backup PG's got hurt.

[Florida fanbase]

Anyone who watched this game down the stretch realized that Tinsley is struggling again. He didn't look to get his teammates involved in the late going, especially in the overtime. Clark Kellogg was good to point that out. JT's inability to seek his teammates cost this game for the Pacers. It's just that simple. Sometimes, he makes very poor decisions. RESULTS ARE ANOTHER PACERS LOSS.
This team again showed it plays better uptempo ball when O'Neal isn't in the game. There has to be a reason for it, and the Pacer brass won't admit it. Here's now hoping Jermaine will opt out of his contract at the end of the season. The Indiana Pacers are a different team without him in the lineup. And either Tinsley starts playing the point guard role, or maybe it's time he gets a new home also.

[Best is not good enough]

This games proves one thing. That even playing their best basketball the Pacers are still not capable of beating a contender. Of the many problems the Pacers have 2 of the usual problems turned out to decide the game. First the Pacers play no defense. If a team scores over a 120 points and loses they are playing no defense. Second, Tinsley's decision making is still worst then the Pacers need him most. His play kept the Pacers in the game early. His play also cost them the game late. He is not a go to guy and is definitely not a clutch player.

[WHY]

Tinsley's shooting off the court is just as bad as on the court
GO FIGURE

[Hmmmmm]

Who is the "go to guy" on the Pacers. Noone can emerge since they still "don't know" the coaches system. Give them a break - 4 months and you expect them to understand how to play basketball?

[LongSeason]

It's turning out to be a really long season! Oh sure, I expect, somewhere down the road here, the Pacers will put together a little winning streak, but reality is, this team is what it is, and that's not very good.

[Bops]

Even though they still lose, this team is more fun to watch. If we are going to lose, let's have some fun doing it!

[RunAndGun]

WHY wrote:

Tinsley's shooting off the court is just as bad as on the court
GO FIGURE

His shot selection is a bit off and he has been taking some bad shots. At least he is gunning to play this year. He just needs to keep firing and the shots will fall. He is fast enough to drive by people in the lane. We need Tinsley for our run and gun offense.

[JKL]

Bops wrote:

Even though they still lose, this team is more fun to watch. If we are going to lose, let's have some fun doing it!

Don't worry, they will lose plenty and it will be fun watching this organization dig an even deeper hole they need to dig themselves out of. From top to bottom this is a horrible group.

[JKL]

RunAndGun wrote:

<quoted text>
His shot selection is a bit off and he has been taking some bad shots. At least he is gunning to play this year. He just needs to keep firing and the shots will fall. He is fast enough to drive by people in the lane. We need Tinsley for our run and gun offense.

His shots are off due to his inability to get to the gun range and practice shooting. He has been at the gym trying to build up his stamina si he can RUN away from shots now rather than going to get his gun and fighting back. This is the real run and gun you speak of.

[yeah right]

Once again, the "team" played better without JO.

[george]

Same old BS from the team, organization, and fans. How long does it take to learn a system of basketball? How long does it take to know something isn't working? Oh yeah, 7 years, just look at our federal government. Pacer fans, hold on we have a ways to go.

[UGH]

SSDD

[Staxawax]

Great passing and team play for 45 minutes, then Tinsley becomes "The Black Hole" (no pun intended) and no one else ever sees the ball. This is literally what happened last night. If team concept is good enough to lead Phoenix for most of 45 minutes on the road then it's good enough to finish with. Tinsley doesn't understand.

[RichardSmits]

42 free throws to the Pacer's 17. Nope, there is no fix in...

[Disgusted Pacer Fan]

I watched about the 3nd half and OT. Tinsley continues to be a detriment to the team.

1) He shoots 33% from the field (not offset by his 11 assists).

2) He tried to single-handedly win the game but actually is the cause of the loss with his lack of "team" in the OT.

3) He too often forgets he is a point guard and is supposed to dish to his teammates, not throw up horrible shots in OT.

4) His "taking over the game" makes the rest of the team stand around so the other team does not have to play defense. It was like everyone knew he was going to shoot so why bother. Are his teammates as sick of his poor, inconsistent play as the fans?

If he wants to help this team win instead of causing them to lose by poor performance in key moments of the game, he better remember to dish off to his teammates. He is a "point" guard, not a shooting guard.

In the OT, he played like he "was" the team.

Bad decisions, inconsistent performance, lack of shooting ability, etc., etc., etc.

Pacers Management, get rid of him if you wnat some "W's"!

[Disgusted Pacer Fan]

Uh, make that the 2nd half. Fat fingers apparently.

[Pitiful Pacers]

If in fact O'Brien is telling Tinsley he's the "go-to guy" then O'Brien needs to be fired immediately. Tinsley is the worst PG in the NBA. PERIOD!

[James]

I watched the whole game last night and was really proud of our guys for about 45 minutes. We had a lapse at the end of regulation and then Jamaal lost it for us in the overtime. O'Brien and Tinsley lost this game --- Tinsley took every shot (except a tip in by Dunleavy) in the overtime. 5 MINUTES, FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE! O'Brien must take some of the blame because he allows (maybe even wants) Tinsley to do what he did in OT. Who should have been the "go to" guy (or guys) in OT? Tinsley 31% FG, 50% FT? Or Granger 50% FG, 100% FT? How about Dunleavy 67% FG, 100% FT? At least I didn't have to turn this game off after one quarter.