01-07-2005, 01:18 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hickville, Indiana
Age: 17
Posts: 14,903
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Article with mentions of Bender, JJ, Foster, Mike Brown, and Jackson
Quote:
SAN ANTONIO -- It turns out Jonathan Bender spoke too soon.
After declaring Saturday's game at Dallas as his point of return from a seven-week stretch on the injured list for an injured knee, the Indiana Pacers forward will have to wait awhile longer.
He hopes to play at Memphis on Tuesday, or at least against Phoenix at Conseco Fieldhouse on Friday.
Bender's statements to the media Monday brought a quick reaction from the team's medical personnel, who told him to be more patient and get in better shape first.
"I kind of felt they were going to do that," Bender said, smiling. "I was just so excited. I've been feeling good out there and I want to jump back in there. But I'm glad they're there to bring you back down to reality a little bit."
New/old role for Jones
It wasn't long ago that James Jones was a go-to guy. Now he's a gone guy again.
Jones has faded from view since players have begun returning from injury and suspensions. Over the six games previous to Thursday he had hit just 3-of-19 field goal attempts.
That was after he averaged 9.8 points in 14 games as a starter when the Pacers had to play with a stripped-down lineup. He scored a career-high 27 at Seattle on Nov. 28.
Jones lost his starting job at small forward to Michael Curry after the Christmas Day loss to Detroit.
"That's the nature of the business," Jones said. "That's the nature of basketball -- trying to assemble the right mix of guys to get Ws.
"Right now Mike Curry does that job. He does all the little things that help you win that don't show up in the stat book, which is something I'm trying to learn. By having a chance to sit back and watch him play, I'm learning those things."
Jones has no problem with his limited role. He expected it entering the season.
"I was hoping to play, but nobody would have thought I would be starting games under any circumstances or playing significant minutes," he said. "So everything for me right now is a plus."
Jackson fitting in
Stephen Jackson joined the Pacers on their four-game trip in preparation for his return from a 30-game suspension.
Jackson, who also traveled to last week's games at Charlotte and New Jersey, can play again at Boston on Jan. 26.
He can practice with the team on the road but cannot go to the arena for the games.
Ticket masters
Thursday's game against the Spurs was a hot ticket for center Jeff Foster and associate head coach Mike Brown, two Pacers with San Antonio connections.
Foster, who grew up in San Antonio and lives here in the offseason, collected 30 tickets for family and friends. His father purchased more.
Brown, a former assistant coach with the Spurs, gathered 25 tickets. He would have needed more if his wife and sons had made the trip from Indianapolis.
"It's just fun to play in front of family and friends," Foster said. "And I like playing against these guys, because I work out with them all summer. It's like a second team to me."
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http://www.indystar.com/articles/7/207596-8637-179.html
It's good that Bender's taking the time out to heal even more. We don't want a Grant Hill story, and have him returning too early too often.
JJ should be the same or almost the same minutes as Michael Curry. When you drop 27 in a game against one of the best teams in the league, you know you have the talent to play at least equal minutes to Michael Curry.
Jackson traveling on the road with us is great news; I'm assuming Artest does the same?
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Article with mentions of Bender, JJ, Foster, Mike Brown, and Jackson
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