The situation was all to familiar again for the Indiana Pacers.
Key players on the bench in street clothes and another close finish in a game where they had played valiantly all night.
This time they would not be denied as their rising superstar would not let them lose. Danny Granger’s fifth three point basket of the game found the bottom of the net as the clock expired to lift the Pacers to a 113-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns, and give
Indiana a much needed road victory over a quality opponent.
The Pacers who led by as much as 16 at one point, played without
T.J. Ford and Marquis Daniels who sat out with nagging injuries.
Despite their absence, the Pacers had six players scoring in double figures including Mike Dunleavy, who had 14 in his long awaited season debut, which had been delayed due to bone spurs in his knee.
Dunleavy, who played just twenty minutes per a medical directive, looked good for a player who had not seen competitive action since October. But the night was indeed all about Granger, who continues to solidify his bid for what most feel is an obvious selection to the Eastern Conference All Star team, by posting a game high 37 points to go along with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.
The Suns were led by their own All Star, Amare Stoudemire, who had 23 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Grant Hill added 18 points and Louis Amundson grabbed a game high 16 rebounds for the Suns, who played without future hall of famer Shaquille O’Neal, who missed the game due to back spasms.
Notes: Pacer guard Stephen Graham took advantage of increased minutes due to injuries to score 13 points and grab 7 rebounds.
The Pacers have yet to resolve the status of inactive point guard Jamaal Tinsley. With the trading deadline approaching, the club undoubtedly will be looking to broker a deal the for the veteran
who is owed just over 21 million by the club and has not played this year for Indiana. The Pacers who insist they are attempting to trade him, will not buy Tinsley’s contract out, and both parties appear to be set for the long haul on this endeavor. Clearly, a resolution sooner than later, would no doubt benefit all those involved.
The Pacers visit Los Angeles on Friday January 9th to face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers who currently hold the best record in the NBA. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Indiana at 10:30 pm.
The Pacers return home on January 14th to face the Detroit
Pistons who now feature future hall of famer Allen Iverson.
Friday January 16th features the return of former Pacer Jermaine O’Neal as the Toronto Raptors invade the friendly confines of Conseco Fieldhouse. Tickets for both contests are still available
at Ticketmaster.com or at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office which can be reached at (317) 917-2727.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com
