Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy are the Pacers' go-to players, but they'll likely need help from at least one other player if they expect to make a run at a playoff spot. Point guard T.J. Ford is willing to be that player.
Ford, who was acquired from Toronto last summer, is still adapting to coach Jim O'Brien's offense, which relies on a lot of ball movement. "I'm getting more comfortable with it," Ford said. "It's a little bit of give and take both ways. It hasn't been an issue. It's just coming down and trying to attack. If can I get to the rim, I get to the rim, if not, I'm trying drive and kick it out." Ford, who has been dealing with a back problem for about a month, has picked up his scoring lately. He's averaging 22.7 points in the past four games. The Pacers are 3-1 in that span.
"I'm feeling better," Ford said. "I doubt I'll be able to get 100 percent. I think right now, I'm the best I'm going to get. For me, it's better than where I was. I'm able to get back to playing my style and be aggressive, make cuts, make certain moves. I'm not limited anymore."
PACERS 107, BUCKS 99: Point guard T.J. Ford picked up the scoring load in Danny Granger's absence by tying his career high of 34 points in 37 minutes. Mike Dunleavy, Jarrett Jack and Rasho Nesterovic scored 14 points each for the Pacers, who had to hold the Bucks off after squandering a 20-point lead. Indiana made up for 23 turnovers by shooting 52 percent from the field.
