It's no illusion: Defense disappears

Magic's 63.6 percent shooting is highest ever against a Pacers team * Shooting slump benches Diener Tom Wood Lexus Lexus Certified Pre-Owned includes 3 Year or 100,000 Total Vehicle Mileage Warranty.

[Kevin]

There was little effort by the Pacers in this game. I felt like I was wasting my time when I watched. On one occasion, Dwight Howard missed a shot, then got his own rebound. While 3 Pacers watched, Howard moved in position for an easy put-back. And collected a late slap on the arm for a possible 3 point play as a bonus. I do know one thing. This franchise is at a crossroad. To put forth such a lackluster effort is inexcusable. It's sad, very sad.

[GA Cols Fan]

This team just is not very talented. Why talk of playoffs and why be surprised at another loss. It is time to clean house AND disinfect!!!!!

[paul]

Same old song and dance!!!!!

[Jeff from Delphi]

I'm pretty sure Granger and Murphy were arguing about who gets to set beside the coach on the ride home.

[Old Guy]

Man, you take away they pieces, how they sposed to defend they selfs. Oh, you mean on the basketball court...

[cwillis]

I was there and the Pacers had no defence because the refs called everything on the Pacers!!!

[No effort no win]

The blow up between Murphy and Granger was over Murphy's defensive effort. Larry and Jim should be excited becaus they have been waiting for Granger to step up and be the leader. These two better learn to get along because they will be playing together until Murphy's terrible contract expires.

[MJK]

This team needs more talent. a great draft choice would really help the Pacers. Keep losing Pacers good job.

[Rumor has it]

Rumor has it that Granger has become very upset with the Pacers. Supposedly he has turned down contract extensions because he is tired of losing and has no faith that the franchise can be turned around during his career. He is planning on playing out his contract and hitting the free agent market. Hopefully the rumors are not true but you certainly could not blame Danny if they are.

[jjj]

We still have an nba team,wow.

[oldady]

Come on guys you can play better than that. Forget that the other team is supposed to be so good and play ball like you no how to play. You can win! STOP being down on yourselves and play ball. Don't worry about what everyone else thinks, just play ball. NOW, go, fight, WIN! God bless the Indiana Pacers!!!

[oldady]

cwillis wrote:

I was there and the Pacers had no defence because the refs called everything on the Pacers!!!

That is the way it is most of the time. Where is Mr. Stern? This should absolutely NOT be allowed! I still say there are bets being taken on the games and the Referees make sure of the outcome. Someone is making good money.. I always thought Jermaine was in on the take, and I still do.

[oldady]

Rumor has it wrote:

Rumor has it that Granger has become very upset with the Pacers. Supposedly he has turned down contract extensions because he is tired of losing and has no faith that the franchise can be turned around during his career. He is planning on playing out his contract and hitting the free agent market. Hopefully the rumors are not true but you certainly could not blame Danny if they are.

Danny is a pretty good ball player, but he is NOT as good as he thinks he is either. I have noticed the last few games the friction going on between Murphy and Granger. Danny wants to shoot them all, he is forgetting he is a PART of the team, NOT the whole team. Murphy would like to shoot some himself and he has the right. They need to work plays and work together. When I say they, I mean the team.

[indy]

keep losing..............they don't need to go to the playoffs

[Old Lady is Stupid]

Once again Old Lady chimes in with nonsense. She has absolutely no clue as to what she is talking about. Danny Granger is a quiet soft spoken young man. He is one of the most unselfish players on the team. If he has a problem with another player it has everything to do with the other player. He is the only player on the whole team that plays offense and DEFENSE every night. As the only player that plays any defense (other than Foster) if he wants to take an extra shot or two he certainly deserves it. Granger is no superstar and never will be. However, he is the best player on this team and has done everything asked of him. This team is horrible as it is. If they really believe that Granger is part of the core for the future then Murphy better learn his place on the team.

[Tinzley]

Rumor has it wrote:

Rumor has it that Granger has become very upset with the Pacers. Supposedly he has turned down contract extensions because he is tired of losing and has no faith that the franchise can be turned around during his career. He is planning on playing out his contract and hitting the free agent market. Hopefully the rumors are not true but you certainly could not blame Danny if they are.

Yep, this is the same thing Danny told me last night.

[James]

The "heated exchange" between Granger and Murphy last night shows that the team has issues with each other. Maybe this is what's wrong, I don't know. You cannot have feelings like this on the team and expect them to play like a team. Last night's defense was just horrible! And, the players and coaches say that they practice on defense all the time. It certainly doesn't translate to the game floor. Hopefully, these problems will be addressed in the off season.

[bradley4u2]

i think they should play guys like Shawne Williams and let him play through his mistakes, we need to develope our very young talented guys we have on our bench.

[Hick from the Lick]

It's no illusion: Larry Bird is gone.

[joe]

GA Cols Fan wrote:

This team just is not very talented. Why talk of playoffs and why be surprised at another loss. It is time to clean house AND disinfect!!!!!

My thoughts exactly, breakout the ajax, the bleach, and brillo pads. Oh light a couple of candles this season stinks like all get out. How many more games are actually left in this season anyway? The Pacers are getting closer to firing Larry Bird and finally drafting a college All-American.