There are still several steps to go, but the Pacers are getting closer to having their smartest offensive player back in the lineup. Guard Mike Dunleavy, who was second on the team in scoring last season, is scrimmaging about 10 minutes each practice. He's limited to only taking part in half-court scrimmages as he works his way back from bone spurs in his right knee. Dunleavy said there's no timetable on his return.
"Having Mike Dunleavy on the court for us really gets everybody excited -- management, the players, the coaching staff, because he knows how to play the game at such a high level he makes everything we do, especially offensively, a lot better," coach Jim O'Brien said. "This is the first step of a number of steps needed to get him back out on the court during games." Dunleavy, a self-described gym addict, hasn't gone through a full practice with his teammates since Oct. 16. He played 12 minutes the next night in a preseason game against Memphis before having a setback with his knee, which he injured while playing pick-up games in California.
"Obviously, it's great just to be in a team setting," Dunleavy said. "Everything (in) the last two months has been completely individual for me. To be out there moving around, working with my teammates, is great. It's been very frustrating but it is what it is and you've just got to deal with it. Injuries happen. I've been fortunate thus far in my career not to have had any. But this thing has come about so hopefully I can get back and put it behind me."
GRIZZLIES 108, PACERS 105: The Pacers blew a 17-point first half lead by getting off to a slow start in the third quarter, which eventually did them in, in their third loss in the past four games. Point guard Travis Diener missed a 26-foot three-point attempt at the buzzer that would have tied the score. Marquis Daniels led the Pacers with 28 points.
