Granger struggles, but feels good in debut
by Mike Wells, USA TODAY Sports
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Danny Granger didn’t put up the numbers the Indiana Pacers have grown accustomed to throughout his career.
But it didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was that Granger was back on the court, playing in a regular season game with the rest of his teammates.
Granger went 1-of-10 from the field in his debut in the Pacers 90-72 victory over the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday.
The Pacers have won four in a row and nine of their last 11 games to increase their lead to a full game over the New York Knicks for the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Point guard George Hill scored 17 points for the Pacers, with Paul George adding 12 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
Granger, who had been out with a knee injury, missed his first eight shots before finally getting his first two points of the season when George threw a court-length pass to him and he made a 15-foot jumper with 9:25 left in the game.
And as they’ve done all season, the Pacers erupted off the bench in excitement. Granger’s teammates mobbed him like he made a game-winning shot as he walked off the court during the next timeout.
Granger checked out for good with 7:51 remaining. He was met by center Roy Hibbert, who gave him a big bear hug, as he made his way to the bench.
Mike Wells writes for The Indianapolis Star, a Gannett property
Loading ...
