
The Pacers could have a point guard controversy down the road.
Coach Jim O'Brien shook up his lineup when he benched T.J. Ford and replaced him with Jarrett Jack at point guard against the Charlotte Bobcats. The two had been starting together in the backcourt. "We had lost five in a row," O'Brien said. "T.J. and I both talked, and he's not playing at the top of his game. I decided to shake things up to see if we can get a jolt."
The move paid off because Jack scored 31 points to help his team end its five-game losing streak.
"He gave us a tremendous spark starting at the point guard spot," O'Brien said. "He maintained the aggressiveness of our team the entire time, both offensively and defensively with positive talk and good court leadership. Not only did he score well, he led well."
O'Brien didn't say how long Jack will remain the starter, but it wouldn't be surprising if it stayed that way at least until the Pacers are eliminated from playoff contention.
Pacers officials may have to decide to keep one or the other during the offseason.
PACERS 108, BOBCATS 83: The Pacers waited until their playoff hopes were almost completely dashed before having their best game of the season. Guard Jarrett Jack scored 31 points on 13-of-14 shooting to lead five players in double figures. The 25-point victory was the largest of the season for the Pacers. Indiana scored 31 points off 19 Charlotte turnovers.