Indiana Pacers Completely Forget How to Play Basketball

Apr 6, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks center

(6) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers put up their worst half of basketball all season long Sunday evening. Facing a mediocre Atlanta Hawks team in Bankers Life Field House, the Pacers dug a hole too big to climb out of in the first half ultimately losing 107-88.

The Pacers set a new franchise record for fewest points in a half, scoring just 23. The effort in the opening quarter was so pathetic that coach Frank Vogel pulled all five starters after just six minutes of play. The Pacers faced a 55-23 deficit to open the second half.

“I don’t think the way we played is acceptable,” Vogel said. “The whole team looks worn down, we have to balance rest versus rhythm. This was clearly an extremely poor performance by our team.”

Vogel was very short at the press conference and didn’t stay long to answer questions. The positive, nice guy routine might be coming to an end, but frankly this team could use some fire and brimstone. Is it possible to make professionals run suicides until they vomit?

Roy Hibbert was absolutely putrid tonight in his limited time on the court. Vogel decided to send a message by benching him for the second half and Hibbert played just nine minutes. He was 0-for-5 from the field and the only other statistic he recorded was a turnover. He’s 7-foot-2 and had zero rebounds and zero blocks.

He spent the second half of the game pouting on the bench and not participating in the huddle. Hibbert is the same player who called out his teammates for being selfish just a few weeks ago and he has the gall to pout while playing so poorly on the court. If he truly doesn’t get what the problem is right now, then he shouldn’t be starting.

“I considered resting Roy coming into tonight’s game,” Vogel said regarding Hibbert’s benching. “He looks to me to be worn down. And I decided after the slow start to rest him the remainder of the game.”

When asked if he thought Hibbert would start next Wednesday, Vogel said that he did not know. At this point, it might be a good idea for Hibbert to take an afternoon to go fishing, it seemed to work out pretty well for Paul George.

The Pacers once suffocating defense made the Hawks look like the San Antonio Spurs. They were able to move the ball easily and hit every difficult shot taken as evidenced by their 56-percent shooting night.

The second half wasn’t quite as embarrassing as those who took the court at least decided to try. The Pacers outscored Atlanta 65-52 in the second half, but the 32-point halftime hole was simply too large. It would have taken an inhuman effort to make up that kind of difference.

There might not be a weaker No. 2 seed heading into the playoffs in the history of the NBA. This team, which made significant strides last week, has the mental fortitude of a toddler. They can’t seem to get out of their own way and can’t seem to learn from its mistakes. 

The fact that these players can’t muster up the energy and put forth a consistent effort at this time of the year is pathetic. This is far beyond team chemistry issues, or maturity issues, or the grind of the season. The Pacers flat out stink and don’t have what it takes mentally or competitively to win anything in the post season.

Up next, the Pacers will be on the road Wednesday to face the worst team in the league. If the Pacers lose to the Milwaukee Bucks, its time to shut down the season and break up the team. That game will be followed up with a trip to Miami on Friday to face the Heat. 

The Pacers have just four games left and at this point need to at least post a 2-2 record going into the playoffs.

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