Pacers point guard T.J. Ford is doing a poor job of showing he doesn't like coming off the bench these days.
Ford, the team's starting point guard most of the season, has thrived backing up starter Jarrett Jack since coach Jim O'Brien made the switch March 21. Ford's averaging 14.6 points, 6.8 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 turnovers in the last five games. The Pacers are 4-1 in those games.
"I've said over the past week that T.J. is a quality professional and playing great basketball," coach Jim O'Brien said. "I'm sure he would like to start, but as long as he's getting 38 minutes, he's getting plenty of playing time and really playing at a very high level."
Ford, who has started 271 out of 320 games in his career, said he doesn't mind coming off the bench as long as he gets significant minutes. He hit the winning shot against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
"For me, if they want me to be the sixth man, that's fine with me," Ford said. "as long as I get some minutes."
PACERS 107, BULLS 105: Point guard T.J. Ford made a 10-foot jump shot with 3.9 seconds remaining to give the Pacers their fourth victory in the past five games. Bulls guard Ben Gordon missed a desperation shot as time expired. All-Star forward Danny Granger led all scorers with 31 points. Ford added 22 points and nine assists.
