pacersrule03

O'Neal sits out practice with injured eye


Associated Press
May 20, 2004


Jermaine O'Neal sat out the Indiana Pacers' practice today to rest his injured left eye, but plans to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday.

O'Neal watched practice in street clothes and sunglasses and was scheduled to visit an eye doctor later today.

"There's no way I'm not going to play Saturday," O'Neal said.

His eye was injured on perhaps his biggest play of Tuesday's series-clinching win over Miami in Game 6.

With the Pacers clinging to a four-point lead with about one minute to play, O'Neal emphatically blocked a dunk attempt by Miami's Caron Butler. Butler inadvertently poked O'Neal in the eye on the play.

O'Neal's eye was still puffy and red on today, but he said he was feeling much better and would wear tinted goggles in Saturday's Game 1 if necessary.

Forward Jonathan Bender also missed practice with what Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said was an injured foot. Guard Fred Jones appears ready after missing the last two playoffs games with a strained left shoulder.

Starting center Jeff Foster also had a sore back, but all three are expected to play on Saturday.

PacersguyUSA

Ha, yeah right. Anyway, does anyone think Bender will ever have an injury free season?

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noogie_da_sheep

nope...but he should be good for 60-70 games next yr...he is a real talent and creates match-up problems...if he was starting, he'd be a star...but that won't happen in Indy.

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Impossible is not a fact. It is an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It is a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing.

TLR

I honestly think Bender has made strides and could possibly turn into a Lamar Odom type player with some muscle and some health. He's definitely better this year. He can come off the bench at any time and we can run our offense through him when Jermaine gets into foul trouble.

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MillerTime

Agreed. Bender has grown up alot this season. I can't imagine what he can turn into if he plays say the whole season next year and improves each game like he did this season. He could be the star that everyone has been talking about.

We are playing awsome ball, are contenders for the title and we're very strong for the future. Donnie Walsh is a pure genius in my eyes.

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The First Rule of Basketball: BELIEVE

“I'm not going to answer any more questions about Ron Artest. Ron doesn't want to be here, so Ron doesn't matter anymore.” ~ Jermaine O'Neal.