Game #69 Recap: Granger Back, Indy Rolls 106-102

A great game played by the Pacers, putting up a 106-102 win over the Detroit Pistons at home. Danny Granger, who was back after missing the Cavaliers game after an incident towards the end of the 99-94 win over the Charlotte Bobcats, scored 29 points.

“I felt healthy,” Granger said. “I don’t think anything is wrong with me. I just got my block knocked off real quick and I’m OK now.”

It seems that the Pacers would just give this season up and go for a better chance in the lottery picks during the next year’s NBA draft. Many would have to think again. Danny Granger does not want to quit this season. He’s going to give it all he’s got. He cost the Pacers a playoffs’ chance during his injury for that month. He knows it. He’s repaying the team and Pacers fans for a good season towards the end. So far, he hasn’t failed.

Troy Murphy had 20 points and eight rebounds. The stat line for Murph of the night was an impressive four three-pointers. Those four three’s pretty much made up 3/4 of his points scored that night. Earl Watson had an impressive night with eleven assists. Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush added 15 points and Mike Dunleavy had 10 points, including four points off free throws in the closing seconds of the game.

Everyone is excited to see Granger back in action.

“He’s a very integral part of this team and we’re happy to have him back,” Hibbert said. “He was on fire today.”

Rodney Stuckey scored 25 points for the Pistons.

The Pacers had this game in the second half, leading 92-79. But the Pistons were marching back with three’s of Ben Gordon and some points off DaJaun Summers. The Pistons were on a 15-0 run and maintained their first lead of the game with a 95-94 lead. That’s when the cheering stopped and the awkward silence began in Conseco Fieldhouse.

“I thought our guys in the second half played the way they’re supposed to. We defended and played hard,” coach John Kuester said. “I thought his [Stuckey] energy was great tonight and I am very proud of him.”

But with Granger there, the Pacers managed to close out the game with a win. Indiana will have a tough match entering Sunday against the Thunder. I will be there at the game rooting my team on. Don’t forget that we’ll be interviewing as many people as we can like the coaches and players, so I look forward to putting that up here on the site. I’ll also be attending the March 30th game against the Sacramento Kings.

But anyways, a great win for Indy. Keep going strong as the season ends. Make the most of everything!