Pooh
11-07-2003, 02:05 AM
By Johnnie Clay – Pacers Insider
November 6, 2003 - 9:55 PM
Shortly before tip off of tonight’s Pacers/Nets game, there was a slow leak in the roof of Continental Airlines Arena. Officials there were able to contain the leak and get the game started. That however, was the only thing that was contained there as the Pacers easily handled the Nets 87-81, moving their record to 4-1 this season.
A late run by the Nets in the fourth quarter only made the outcome closer on paper. Leading at times by as much as 19, the Pacers’ defense strangled the Nets, who shot only 41 percent from the floor. The Pacers themselves shot 48 percent for the game, at times hovering over 53 percent at times during the contest.
Defense has apparently becoming a trademark of the Pacers, who once again held an opponent to under 20 points in a quarter. Tonight it was the Nets, who scored only 12 points in the second quarter, giving the Pacers a lead they would never relinquish.
The Nets at times looked sporadic, going on spurts but were never able to sustain a run that could catch the streaking Pacers, whose half court game proved too much tonight for them. After leading at the end of the first quarter 23-22, the Nets slowly began to unravel. A run by the Pacers, put them ahead for good as they led 48-35 at halftime.
Every time the Nets looked as if they would make the game close, the pesky Pacers would reach down and hit a clutch basket as if to say…”not tonight boys.”
Ron Artest led the Pacers tonight with 21 points, and 6 rebounds. Artest, Jermaine O’Neal, Anthony Johnson and Al Harrington were the only Pacers in double-digits this evening. However, the others (Reggie Miller, Kenny Anderson and Fred Jones) contributed in their own way to help seal the victory tonight.
Johnson’s 17 points off the bench has everyone in Pacerland thinking “Whose Jamaal Tinsley?” by having another great outing tonight. Johnson’s 17, coupled with Al Harrington’s 10 points, give the Pacers a nice “one-two” punch off the bench this season.
Jeff Foster continued his solid play by scoring 5 points and 6 rebounds. Foster kept the Nets’ Alonzo Mourning in check, holding him to only 5 points and just one rebound.
Jermaine O’Neal contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Even though his numbers have been inconsistent so far this season, he’s slowly coming around to Coach Rick Carlisle’s defensive scheme.
The Pacers now fly back to Indiana for another back-to-back game, this time heralded rookie LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers make their first appearance in Conseco Fieldhouse this season. The Cavaliers are currently 0-4 this season, and the Pacers are hoping to extend that losing streak just a little big longer for them.
Gametime is at 7:30 (EST)
November 6, 2003 - 9:55 PM
Shortly before tip off of tonight’s Pacers/Nets game, there was a slow leak in the roof of Continental Airlines Arena. Officials there were able to contain the leak and get the game started. That however, was the only thing that was contained there as the Pacers easily handled the Nets 87-81, moving their record to 4-1 this season.
A late run by the Nets in the fourth quarter only made the outcome closer on paper. Leading at times by as much as 19, the Pacers’ defense strangled the Nets, who shot only 41 percent from the floor. The Pacers themselves shot 48 percent for the game, at times hovering over 53 percent at times during the contest.
Defense has apparently becoming a trademark of the Pacers, who once again held an opponent to under 20 points in a quarter. Tonight it was the Nets, who scored only 12 points in the second quarter, giving the Pacers a lead they would never relinquish.
The Nets at times looked sporadic, going on spurts but were never able to sustain a run that could catch the streaking Pacers, whose half court game proved too much tonight for them. After leading at the end of the first quarter 23-22, the Nets slowly began to unravel. A run by the Pacers, put them ahead for good as they led 48-35 at halftime.
Every time the Nets looked as if they would make the game close, the pesky Pacers would reach down and hit a clutch basket as if to say…”not tonight boys.”
Ron Artest led the Pacers tonight with 21 points, and 6 rebounds. Artest, Jermaine O’Neal, Anthony Johnson and Al Harrington were the only Pacers in double-digits this evening. However, the others (Reggie Miller, Kenny Anderson and Fred Jones) contributed in their own way to help seal the victory tonight.
Johnson’s 17 points off the bench has everyone in Pacerland thinking “Whose Jamaal Tinsley?” by having another great outing tonight. Johnson’s 17, coupled with Al Harrington’s 10 points, give the Pacers a nice “one-two” punch off the bench this season.
Jeff Foster continued his solid play by scoring 5 points and 6 rebounds. Foster kept the Nets’ Alonzo Mourning in check, holding him to only 5 points and just one rebound.
Jermaine O’Neal contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Even though his numbers have been inconsistent so far this season, he’s slowly coming around to Coach Rick Carlisle’s defensive scheme.
The Pacers now fly back to Indiana for another back-to-back game, this time heralded rookie LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers make their first appearance in Conseco Fieldhouse this season. The Cavaliers are currently 0-4 this season, and the Pacers are hoping to extend that losing streak just a little big longer for them.
Gametime is at 7:30 (EST)