The Indiana Pacers got “Dan Burke-d” last night.
Fans of the Blue and Gold enjoyed watching Dan Burke-led Pacers defenses lock down opponents for over 20 years. But they didn’t enjoy it very much from the other side.
Burke is now an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers and he led the climb back as Indiana blew a 20-point lead.
The television voice of the Pacers Chris Denari dropped by The Fan Morning Show on Monday to talk with Jeff Rickard, Kevin Bowen, and Big Joe Staysniak about how Indiana can respond with some massive clashes in front of them.
“Memphis has won six straight and Ja Morant is playing really well,” Denari said. “Then you have to go back-to-back with your first trip to Milwaukee. On Friday night you have Zion Williamson and New Orleans. Even though they have a sub .500 record, they’re a capable team. Then on Sunday you have Utah with the best record in the NBA.”
Nate Bjorkgren’s team is now 11-9 and coming off back-to-back losses for the third time this season. The old saying goes that great teams don’t lose three in a row.
That job will get tough as the Memphis Grizzlies are up first Tuesday night inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 8 PM. Memphis went through a five-game COVID stoppage over the last couple weeks, but also looked dynamic in their first game back beating the San Antonio Spurs last night.
“Philadelphia in my mind was only the tip of the iceberg,” Denari added. “It’s only going to get tougher as February starts.”
It’s a very early season gut check coming up real soon.
Tune into The Fan Morning Show weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
