Memphis Grizzlies  (26-14)  81

Could that game have been any tighter? I said on twitter, first one to 90 wins.  But at the rate, these teams were going, it might as well have been first one to 80.  The Pacers grind out a win, and got a much needed road win after not looking so hot there. Now they’ll head out West for three more games on the road and finally show up back in Indy for a home date against the Detroit Pistons on January 30th.

I think it’s key to get that first win on the road under the belt, and build up some momentum.  With this team as close as they are, it should be a good road trip to get even closer with each other, and really work through some tough games that could help in the long run.  Today’s game gave a good glimpse to the national audience of ESPN what the Pacers are all about.  Defense and playing tough are two aspects of the Pacers that people saw.  But they also saw those two aspects from the Grizzlies in a drag out fight.  These two teams were about as evenly matched as you could get. A lead of 6 points felt like a double digit lead with the way the defenses were playing.

The Pacers actually shot pretty decent in this game almost at 50% from the field and made 8 three pointers, but still come away with the one point victory.  They had a chance to build an actual double digit lead, but the Grizzlies battled all the way back and get their own lead.  It was quite a game of runs, ties, and lead changes.  Paul George gets the player of the game honors with his almost triple double of 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.  While not the highest scoring game going, George was still the stat stuffer he’s been over the past couple of months.

George Hill gets the go ahead winner with a late free throw after missing the first throw that could have helped seal the deal better. But it was that Pacers’ defense that steps up with 1.4 seconds left, and doesn’t allow Rudy Gay to get the shot off in time that actually went in.  They make it off the floor as quickly as possible and now head to Portland for another meeting with the Blazers.

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Memphis Grizzlies  (26-13)

The Indiana Pacers are walking in Memphis today with their feet on the ground ready for a game with the Grizzlies.  I had to put some song in there right?  And with the early tip off time of 1:00 PM (local time), I have to get this game preview up for your viewing pleasure.  It’s an ESPN game, which is good national attention for the team, and good exposure for Paul George to show off his All Star ability.  Us Pacer fans know he deserves the nod for an All Star reserve role, now we have to convince the Eastern Conference people who put that together.

This game might not be an offensive shoot out those for those of you that love those type of games.  But for those of you that love hard nosed defense and tough physical play, you’re in a treat.  Last time out, I predicted first one to 80 points wins the game.  Then as the game went on, I raised my prediction to 90, and the Pacers hit 88 to win the game.  This one is probably more of the same.

Both teams are one and two in scoring defense, so points are hard to come by.  Both teams have big men in the middle who alter a lot of shots in Roy Hibbert for the Pacers and Marc Gasol for the Grizzlies.  This is the match up to keep an eye on.  Gasol got the better end on points 13-9.  But then Hibbert got the better end on rebounds 6-2. I would expect some bigger numbers this game out if shots aren’t falling. Both guys have that knack for getting to the ball with their length.

Paul George is the guy I will be watching as the reserves for All Star teams are announce Thursday, and here’s a great way to show off his game. He’s becoming such a complete player and is showing veteran presence out there in his third year.  I knew this would be the year that he could break out or fizzle away, and I’m glad he choose the first option. He’s got that confidence out there that you look for in a player.  I think he’s the guy that the Pacers can call upon for a big shot soon enough.

Today’s game could come down to those big shots.  Last time out the Pacers were up most of the game, but had to keep building on the lead.  If the Pacers win today, it would be a sweep of the season series for the first time since 2006-2007.  Who knows maybe this could be a NBA Finals preview?  Two teams that have lots of talent, but no big superstar battling it out on the defensive end.  Can you just imagine how the NBA would feel about that match up?  I expect the Pacers to pull out the victory and continue their hold on the Central Division lead.