We now know that our beloved Blue and Gold have secured a spot in this year’s version of the NBA playoffs. Now the question is, what do they do with it?
Sure, the heavily favored, No. 1 seeded, Chicago Bulls are the “reward” for claiming the last playoff slot in the Eastern Conference, but does anyone really give the Pacers even a puncher’s chance? The answer to that from most people around the game is no, but I happen to feel differently.
Indiana is certainly the less talented team in this first round match up and is expected to be sent packing in four or five games, depending on whom you talk to.
But let’s keep this in perspective folks. The Bulls are not invincible and the Pacers certainly can give them a go in this series. The determining factor here will be if the Pacers can commit to defending and rebounding as a team.
Sure, NBA MVP-to-be Derrick Rose will be a monster and do a lot of damage, but can the Pacers be successful in containing the balance of this talented Bulls roster and give the fans in Indianapolis something to look forward to in games three and four?
I say they can. While the Bulls have a ton of talent, they are not world beaters in their half court game and that is an area in which the Pacers must exploit defensively.
Roy Hibbert must be a constant in the pivot while Tyler Hansborough, and Josh McRoberts must own the backboards to give the Pacers a chance.
The odds say it will not happen, but again, why not? This is not the Michael Jordan led Bulls (I laugh at the comparisons) and certainly isn’t a David versus Goliath situation as well. The regular season is over and everyone has an even slate.
The biggest challenge for the Pacers is to not start off slow and allow the Bulls to get up big early in a noisy United Center where they have been dominant this year. Danny Granger can not do it all himself offensively, and he will need offensive contributions from Darren Collison and Mike Dunleavy as well.
While losing in overtime to Chicago at home on March 18, Indiana out rebounded them and held them to just 40 percent from the field.
Having done that, why can’t they be competitive against the Bulls?
Interim head coach Frank Vogel has done a credible job since being handed the reins, but this is a player’s game and it is time for the Pacers to step up and meet this challenge.
One thing is for certain, the fans know this team underachieved in the regular season and got into the playoffs by virtue of a generous NBA playoff format, which takes eight teams from each conference regardless of their records.
It is now time for this team to repay the local faithful with a spirited effort in this playoff series. Coming up short to Chicago will not be a disgrace, but going down without a valiant fight will be. Show some toughness and play hard for 48 minutes. That’s all we ask.
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NOTES: You can now purchase playoff tickets for games three and four by visiting the Conseco Fieldhouse box office or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Danny Bridges, who feels the Chicago Bulls are vulnerable in the post season, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
