Pacers 97, Cavaliers 87: Can't Spell LeBron without an L

The Pacers handed the Central Division leading Cavs and LeBron James a big L at Conseco Fieldhouse tonight, 97-87. I'm still sequestered in the land of giant Supersonics, so my impressions of the game come from the box score and this recap.

A few quick observations reveal an ugly start by the Pacers with only a 12-point first quarter leading to a 13-point deficit at the half. The script was flipped in the second half as the Cavs only mustered up 9 points in the third quarter. Doesn't sound like an instant classic, but as I've said before, every W for the Pacers has its own beautiful aspects and should be celebrated by all Pacers fans.

It appears that Jack finally let out a little steam and was T'd up. I'm sure the home faithful let him hear about it. Many of the haters have built up a reserve of venom they've been dying to unleash on Jack but he hasn't given them the opportunity until tonight. Hope they enjoyed it.

Looks like the heroes in blue and gold tonight were JO and Jamaal Tinsley. JO is delivering in a huge way. Since the blow up in Boston, he has put his nose to the grindstone and carried this team. JT must get credit, too. He's played quite well the past four games and teamed up with JO to be the 1-2 punch that knocked out the Cavs.

The Pacers go to 7-6 with a day off to pack before heading out for a six-game roadie starting in Toronto. Keep and eye and ear out for a post game recap of the Raptors game with HoopsAddict.com.