Wanted: Closer for NBA Playoffs. Apply within to the Indiana Pacers.
Successful candidate will be the type who wants the ball with the game on the line, and one that the opposition knows the ball is going to. Someone who can create his own shot and finish the deal down the stretch in tight games. Extensive experience required.
OK, you think that sounds harsh? Not a chance. The Indiana Pacers, who have not lacked in this area throughout their impressive regular season campaign, sure could have used a closer in game one of their opening round playoff match up against Orlando. While the Magic’s Jason Richardson demanded the ball down the stretch, Indiana had nobody who was similarly inclined and subsequently watched Orlando drop an 11-0 run on them to close the game and take an unlikely one game to zip lead in the series.
Hard to imagine that both Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert would join David West as being M.I.A. when it counted, but it happened. While this team certainly has a long way to go before a championship is in the discussion, nobody in Bankers Life Fieldhouse figured they would play hot potato with the ball when it counted the most. Clearly, that is both dangerous and unacceptable.
Being saddled with a one game deficit in a seven game series is hardly insurmountable considering the four out of seven format, and yes I do think the Pacers can, (and will) regroup to defeat a team that is playing without its best player in Dwight Howard and will win a highly contested series against the Magic. To accomplish this, the Pacers definitely must have a tougher mentality in the closing moments of the game. No question about it.
The deer in headlights look that was displayed on their collective faces in the closing moments of game one cannot reoccur, thereby allowing Orlando to think they have a chance as a result. Looking beyond the Magic to the next round is dangerous, as they are a scrappy and well-coached team.
I really do feel the Pacers will collect themselves and advance from what I predicted early on would be a highly contested series, even without Howard. However, they must realize there will be close games in the playoffs and finishing them strongly is a prerequisite if they are to parlay their regular season success into playoff victories. Will the real Pacers stand up moving forward? I say indeed they will. But just for convenience sake, lets keep that closer want ad handy.
Danny Bridges can be reached at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
