10-23 Spurs vs Pacers Game blog

[Blackjack]

AP's recap with a couple quotes:

Spurs Fall in Final Preseason Tuneup

[Blackjack]

NBA PRESEASON: PACERS 114, SPURS 112


With Granger at power forward, Indiana puts together big 3rd quarter
By Mike Wells


BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A shortage of healthy bodies forced Indiana Pacers coach Jim O'Brien to go with a small lineup to start the second half of Friday's preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs.

The move paid off.

Using a lineup that had All-Star Danny Granger playing power forward, the Pacers outscored the Spurs by 13 points in the third quarter to help them beat San Antonio 114-112 before 8,029 fans at Indiana University's Assembly Hall.

"I thought we competed well and had a great third quarter," O'Brien said. "We went small because (Troy Murphy) only had seven more minutes he could play. I wanted to be able to start small and it seemed to work out."

The Pacers wrapped up the preseason with a 3-4 record. They open the regular season Wednesday at Atlanta.

"I thought we played hard,'' O'Brien said. "We did some good things and we've got some things we have to clean up.''

The Pacers trailed 61-58 at the half when O'Brien opened the third quarter with a lineup of Granger, Earl Watson, Brandon Rush, Dahntay Jones and Roy Hibbert.

Hibbert, who has had an impressive preseason, scored 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting and blocked two shots in nine minutes in the quarter.

O'Brien wasn't able to go with a small lineup as much as he wanted to in the preseason because of a limited number of healthy wing players.

"That lineup is effective for us at times," Granger said. "If I can rebound like I did (Friday night), then we can go small. That's pretty much the only advantage (opposing teams) would have on us, the rebounding."

The Spurs, who trailed by 12 points in the fourth quarter, had a chance to tie or win the game after the Pacers turned the ball over with 13.2 seconds remaining.

With nothing to lose, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stayed on the bench and let All-Star guard Tony Parker draw up the final play. The Spurs tried to free up former Broad Ripple High School standout George Hill for a game-winning 3-pointer, but the Pacers defended it well, forcing Keith Bogans to take a contested 30-footer as time expired.

[Manufan909]

At least we know the play was designed for Hill now.

[TJastal]

Might as well consider this a win, spurs shot horribly from deep, and missed alot of charity shots that they would normally make.

Defense should be the first thing Pop talks about during tomorrow's practice.

As for the game, I couldn't be happier ... Bonner and Finley out of the starting lineup. Hope this trend continues. Thank you Pop!

[ceperez]

@ Bogans. Maybe Pop didn't feel like playing overtime at all.

Let's draw up the lowest percentage shot we can throw at 'em.

Don't know why they even bother to have Bogans on the court. Hairston was obviously more effective for the same stretch of time that they were both on the court.

[benefactor]

Don't know why they even bother to have Bogans on the court. Hairston was obviously more effective for the same stretch of time that they were both on the court.

Hairston was out there on the last play.

Another “last” to happen Friday? It's probably the last time Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will close a game with a lineup that includes Keith Bogans, Marcus Haislip, Ian Mahinmi and Malik Hairston instead of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson

[Mel_13]

Hibbert played well tonight, but Tim didn't exactly get shredded by DeAndre Jordan. He only had one noticable highlight play against Tim.

The highlight reel may have only shown one play, but it happened repeatedly.

[Mel_13]

Don't know why they even bother to have Haislip on the court. Won't post that since I've been hugging his nuts since he was signed

[benefactor]

I'm not going to look too much into Duncan's defense last night. It's probably hard to be overly motivated in a meaningless game against a bad team in a college gymnasium.

[Chieflion]

Anyone has today's video recap? I cannot find it.

[portnoy1]

If Bonner isn't starting then the Defense will work its way into shape. Remember, this is a team that hasn't played consistent Defense since the 07-08 season. Its gonna take some time. Oh yeah and how bout' Bonners great performance tonight. Where's Mel13 when you need him. That fool didnt even last a so called "20 minutes". 3 fls and turnover. If all you do is shoot then you have no excuse for getting a turnover.

[Mel_13]

If Bonner isn't starting then the Defense will work its way into shape. Remember, this is a team that hasn't played consistent Defense since the 07-08 season. Its gonna take some time. Oh yeah and how bout' Bonners great performance tonight. Where's Mel13 when you need him. That fool didnt even last a so called "20 minutes". 3 fls and turnover. If all you do is shoot then you have no excuse for getting a turnover.

I'm right here.

Yeah, foul calls in a preseason game with replacement refs prove everything you have said is absolutely true.

There's really no debate. Every position Portnoy1 has ever taken is brilliant and beyond reproach. Still think we should trade Tony and RJ?

[portnoy1]

RJ no, Offense kinda runs through Tony so that would be a bad idea right about now. Even if I wanted to. But just Maybe with the added weapons he'll be as dangerous as CP3. I'll be there Wednesday with a buddy of mine. You Going?

[portnoy1]

Kinda funny that Dahntay Jones outscored RJ though. You gotta admit.

[Mel_13]

RJ no, Offense kinda runs through Tony so that would be a bad idea right about now. Even if I wanted to. But just Maybe with the added weapons he'll be as dangerous as CP3. I'll be there Wednesday with a buddy of mine. You Going?

I go to all the games.

[portnoy1]

I go to all the games.

season ticket holder?

[Mel_13]

season ticket holder?

Since 2004

[portnoy1]

I'd do it, but since i work nights and certain nights i have obligations it would never work. I try to go to at least 2 games a year. But this year I'm really gonna make an effort best team assembled in a while.

[Mel_13]

I'd do it, but since i work nights and certain nights i have obligations it would never work. I try to go to at least 2 games a year. But this year I'm really gonna make an effort best team assembled in a while.

On this we agree. I have a level of anticipation for this Spurs team that I haven't had for any sports team in many years.

[portnoy1]

I like to get autographs from the visiting team so I save up and Sit near 115 and get there for shootaround to get some autographs. This year I'm for sure gonna get those seats for the Raptors game ( Calderon /Bargnani ) and Later on for the Pacers game ( Foster / Jones / Murphy ).

[Mel_13]

I like to get autographs from the visiting team so I save up and Sit near 115 and get there for shootaround to get some autographs. This year I'm for sure gonna get those seats for the Raptors game ( Calderon /Bargnani ) and Later on for the Pacers game ( Foster / Jones / Murphy ).

All your trade targets

[portnoy1]

All your trade targets

Ah you noticed!!!! I swear i'll ask Jeff Foster "Hey Mr Foster when you gonna come back and play for your home town team?" At least we are not a few years from being a contender. We are one right now, provided everyone gels.

[Mel_13]

Ah you noticed!!!! I swear i'll ask Jeff Foster "Hey Mr Foster when you gonna come back and play for your home town team?" At least we are not a few years from being a contender. We are one right now, provided everyone gels.

You're one of my favorite posters.

You're consistent

You're persistent

You're nearly impervious to a barrage of opposing posts