They lost 3 of their best players and they're 10-4? They are suppose to be sucking, yet they have one of the top records in the East. Why is their offense running smoothly? They don't have the quality center like we have in Yao, but they are doing something right. I know the East isn't very much competition, but still.... Speak amongst yourselves...
Before dismissing it as an Eastern Conference thing, look at who Indiana has played since the suspensions... Orlando -- L 83-86 Boston -- W 106-96 Minnesota -- W 106-102 Charlotte -- W 82-77 @Seattle -- L 95-103 They lost to two of the better teams (thus far) in the NBA; heck, most teams are losing to Seattle right now, and the Magic are no slouches either. They beat a decent Minnesota team, a poor Boston team, and a mediocre Charlotte team. So yes, it partially is schedule that has helped them to go 3-2 since the suspensions took effect, but it is also partially the team and coaching. Rick Carlisle is one of the better coaches in the league, perhaps not known for his ability to relate to players but moreso for his game planning. Austin Croshere seems to be one of those players who falters when he is not a focal point but blossoms when the offense runs around him as a first or second option. Fred Jones and Jamaal Tinsley seem to be coming into their own, and they have a couple of capable fourth-fifth options (James Jones seems to be doing alright, while Scot Pollard, when healthy, provides a nice post backup). But, the effectiveness of these players comes largely as a result of them not being put into situations that expose their weaknesses, meaning that the credit should go to the coaching. They are a well-coached bunch that should win the majority of games against lesser opponents and remain competative in many games against better teams (though falter and lose a good number with time). They will gradually fall to Earth -- note that of that 10-4 record, they were 7-2 at the time of the trade -- but it shouldn't be a hard crash nor anything that keeps them out of the playoffs. A team at about 22-20 when Jackson and O'Neal come back is about what should be expected, with a nice run to close the season not out of the question.
They have team players, and more importantly a PASS FIRST PG who makes the game easier for everyone else. DD
Total record: 10-4 Before suspensions: 7-2 After suspensions: 3-2 Since the suspensions they have beaten Charlotte, Boston, and Minnesota.
They are making shots, and everybody hustles. They caught a bad night of Minny and a bad night of Boston too. So they got a little bit luck. This indy team basically is a new team right now, team around league hasnt figured out how to play them yet. That Harris kid is serviceble and he will see minutes even after J.Oneal comes back.
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Hahaha, I agree. Okay everyone join in... Barrett, Barrett, Barrett Barrett, Barrett, Barrett I must say Sura is going to improve this team some. He can drive and dish, something we have really been missing. Only problem is, he can't play 48 minutes so here we go again... Barrett, Barrett, Barrett
Indiana has heart. They would go beat up anyone who would throw a beer on a teammate. If someone hit Mo Taylor, Yao would do nothing. Tmac would do nothing. Charlie Ward would yell out verses from the bible. Juwan wouldnt do anything cause it would affect his read to achieve commercials. Mutumbo is the only one with heart. I think Tmac has heart but he hasnt shown it yet. I'd take Ron Artest and Jermaine ONeal anyday.
Amen to that - We need a Kenyon Martin type of player. An enforcer. Someone who doesn't just shake his head and run back down the court after getting fouled hard.
Also this team doesnt look like they care about each other. Steve, Cuttino, Cato, and Yao seemed like they enjoyed playing with each other.
Tinman, I finally agree with you on something. I wish I saw some empassioned high-fives or chest-bumps or screams even. No heart, no joy, no love for the teammates..yet. But give it time...those guys had played together for a while. Everyoen doesn't gel with their teams overnight...esp. TMac seems like the kinda guy who takes a little time.
Indiana is 3-2 since the suspensions. They aren't doing very well. The only impressive game they've had was beating Minn. Over the next 20 games, they will be under (though probably not much under) .500.
