The Pacers have conceded that they know the odds are against them for making the playoffs. They're 4-1/2 games behind Chicago with eight games remaining in the season.
They look at the final eight games as an opportunity to finish the season on a high note, which they hope will carry over into next season. "If you're not going to make the playoffs -- and it would take a minor miracle and a complete fold by teams ahead of us -- play for pride," coach Jim O'Brien said. "Pride is not a bad thing to play for. I think our guys know they've worked very hard this year. The best way to reward themselves is to play every game like it's the first round of the playoffs. We played with a great deal of focus."
Rookie Brandon Rush is definitely making the best out of his extended playing time. The No. 13 pick in last summer's draft is averaging 21 points, almost seven rebounds and 38 minutes in the last four games. The Pacers are 3-1 in that span.
All-Star forward Danny Granger is showing he's fully healthy from his foot injury. He's scored at least 21 points in five of the last six games.
"They pay us to play 82 games, not until you're out of playoff contention," guard Jarrett Jack said. "We have to go out there no matter what and play with pride and be professional."
PACERS 124, WIZARDS 115: Rookie Brandon Rush tied his career high in points for the second straight game to help be Danny Granger's sidekick in a game that wasn't as close as the final score. Rush scored 29 points to go with 10 rebounds and Granger recorded his 18th game of at least 30 points when he finished with 31. The Pacers shot 52 percent from the field and led by as many 22 points.
