I have been…um…busy, which explains the dearth of recent posts. I figured the Pacers were losing every game, so I might as well wait it out until they break the streak before posting again. Little did I know it would take this freaking long.
Tonight, the Indiana Pacers overcame a 9-point deficit in the 4th quarter and rode the hot shooting of Damjan Rudez to finally snap their 7-game losing streak with a 106-99 victory over the Magic in Orlando. The win also snapped a 6-game road losing streak for the Pacers.
After the game, Rudez, who scored 16 of his 18 in the 4th quarter, spoke about coach Frank Vogel’s positive attitude in getting the team over the hump.
The Pacers know they have been very unlucky lately — and for most the season, in fact — with all the untimely injuries and bad bounces of the ball. During the losing streak, they lost by one to Philly, two to Detroit and Miami, and in OT to the Hornets. They also ran into the streaking Hawks and the contending Rockets on the road on a night James Harden went off for 43. And the other loss came against the lowly Timberwolves because Mo Williams went insane and scored 52, something that will never ever happen again until the end of time.
I’m not sure if this will be a turning point for the Pacers because the team just doesn’t appear to have enough talent on most nights, but in a throwaway season like this fans should celebrate every rare win as much as they celebrate a lottery odds-improving loss.
One thing I know has gotten the team a lot better is the return of George Hill (17, 6 and 3), who has barely played (6 games, 3 stars) because of injuries this season but has been dynamite when he’s been on the floor. Roy (11 points, 13 boards tonight) and DWest (20 points) also seem to play better when Hill is on the floor, so hopefully Hill can stay healthy and be back in the starting lineup soon.
Next up, a date with the Toronto Raptors in Indy to kick off a 5-game home stand.
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