This just might turn out to be the most significant week of the season for the Pacers.
Up until now, they have played primarily in the comfort of Conseco Fieldhouse, with nine of their 14 games at home. That they haven't taken particular advantage of that opportunity (going 4-5) sends them West with a heightened sense of urgency.
Granted, their last three home losses were to the Thunder, Magic and Hawks, powerful opponents all, and with a break or two the Pacers could've won the last two of those.
But Josh McRoberts summarized the import of those performances nicely.
"We are confident that we can play with anybody," he said. "But that’s not enough. You’ve go to win against anybody."
This week and its four road games will be a strong indicator of the Pacers' progress. The flip side of their 21-season streak of winning records at home, the longest in the NBA, is a recent history of major problems on the road. Their 9-32 record last season was the worst since 1988-89 and under Jim O'Brien they are 38-90 (.297).
But this season has had a different feel in many ways, engendering real hope for a playoff berth, and a successful road trip -- two victories – would further cement that confidence.
"We're playing better on the road (with a 3-2 record)," said Danny Granger. "We've got four road games but I'm confident we'll play well out West. It's a big one in L.A. so let's get ready for the Lakers.
"We've become accustomed to winning on the road. We need to win more at home but we've become a pretty good road team."
The challenge, however, is immense.
They begin tonight in Staples Center, where they've never beaten the Lakers. The Pacers have lost 14 in a row (including three in the NBA Finals) and are 4-33 all-time on the road in this series.
The most winnable game comes Tuesday in Sacramento against the struggling Kings but that is followed by a back-to-back against the Jazz. The Pacers have lost four in a row in Utah.
Another opportunity game awaits Friday in Phoenix, as the Suns are bouncing along at .500 and hardly appear invincible but the Pacers will be playing their fourth road game in six nights, a major hurdle to clear no matter the opposition.
"We've got to go out West, get some wins, then come back and keep this thing going," said Mike Dunleavy. "It's big. It’s always a challenge when you go out West. You've got the time change, you've got good teams, you've got almost a different type of basketball, so we've got to be ready.
"It would've certainly helped a lot of we had (beaten the Thunder) but regardless we're 7-7 and we need to come back from the trip .500 or better."
As McRoberts said, the Pacers have demonstrated the ability to beat anyone – the blowout in Miami is clear evidence of that. But they've also struggled to finish close games and, on the road, that is an ability that must be honed to a sharp edge.
"If we do the things we need to do, our style is conducive to having us in games and giving us a chance to win," McRoberts said. "We just need to make plays to get that taken care of. … When it comes right down to it, that’s what we’re out there for, to win ball games. "
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