The Indiana Pacers began their 2011 campaign Monday night with a 91-79 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The Pacers had to rely on their rebounding and defense as they only shot 37% from the field. Indiana’s big men were the stars of the game. Center Roy Hibbert, and forwards Tyler Hansbrough and David West, all had double-doubles. Indiana made 7 of 15 from behind the arc and 20 of 25 from the free-throw line. The team also combined for 53 rebounds, 18coming on offense, and 20 assists. This was a game that the Pacers should have won. They are the better team, and they proved it. The Pistons never led (I don’t think) and we beat them in most statistical categories.
Tyler Hansbrough may be the early candidate for the “Sixth Man of the Year Award”. Hansbrough is the back up to West, but he gets plenty of playing time. Head coach Frank Vogel also played Hansbrough and West at the same time. West moved to center and replaced Hibbert while Hansbrough played power forward. Although the Pacers lose some height, they replace that with two guys that play with a lot of tenacity and energy. Everybody’s favorite journalist, Bob Kravitz, compared Hansbrough to Tim Tebow in an article today. I agree completely. Hansbrough has a drive to win that not everybody is born with. He is a competitor that wants to win every time he plays. It is vital that he is on the court as much as possible.
The player that starts ahead of Hansbrough, David West, was also impressive in the first game of his Pacers’ career. West suffered a season-ending injury about eight months ago, and came off of rehab less than three weeks ago. He showed last night why the Pacers were so quick in signing him. He only shot 3-12, but he made five free throws and had twelve rebounds.
Another player making his debut for Indiana was my new favorite player, George Hill. Hill was born in Indianapolis and attended the same high school as me, Broad Ripple. He then turned down offers from several schools to stay in Indy and play at IUPUI. After playing for four years and leading IUPUI to the NCAA Tournament, Hill was drafted by the San Antonia Spurs. There he backed up Tony Parker and got to see some starting time. He finally returned home when the Pacers traded a draft pick to acquire him. Hill is the backup to point guard Darren Collison, but he is more than capable of being the starter.
I went to three Pacers’ games last year, but none of these even came close to the energy and excitement of what I experienced at this game. I could definitely feel the electricity in the air from the time I first walked into newly named Bankers Life Fieldhouse and until I left three hours later. As I was standing in the lobby before the game, surrounded by fellow Pacers fans, I couldn’t help but to smile. There was such a sense of pride and happiness that I had never felt at a sporting event before. This city has yearned so much for a great basketball team, and it seems like they finally have it. Opening night was just the first game in the beginning of what could be a magical ride.
Next three games for the Pacers: at Toronto (12/28), vs. Cleveland (12/30), at Detroit (12/31)
