The Pacers know what the Nets are going through. They went through it last year. They started 2-4 and didn't get two games above .500 until December 15, when they got to 13-11. (Last year's Celtics started 3-3, with losses to Milwaukee and Philadelphia.)
"That team is a lot better than [its record]. Even the games they lost they’re competing at a really high level. … They play with playoff intensity," Pacers coach Frank Vogel told Fred Kerber.
"They’re a good team. It’s early. It’s going to take a while for them to adjust," Roy Hibbert said. "When we come back [to Brooklyn], it’s going to be a tough environment. They’re a tough contender right there. I don’t see them having to continue the slow start."
Lance Stephenson agreed, telling our Dexter Henry, "They got a lot of pieces and a great bench. They're pretty good. But I'm just happy we got the win."
Kerber writes, "Funny, when a Pacer says it takes time, it sounds like an explanation. When a Net talks time, it sounds like an excuse. Bottom line, it’s reality."
- Nets still need time to find chemistry - Fred Kerber - New York Post
- 2-4 Nets still not close to being in sync - Rod Boone - Newsday
- Starting Five: Optimistic or pessimestic? - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York