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Dale Davis a surprise force for Pacers
Posted: Saturday May 30, 1998 05:39 PM
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Davis (32) is shooting a blistering 72 percent from the field in the series (Matthew StockmanAllsport) |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Suddenly, the Indiana Pacers have a new
inside offensive weapon in Dale Davis.
The Chicago Bulls knew to advance in the Eastern Conference
playoffs they had to work on defense against Reggie Miller, Rik
Smits, Chris Mullin and Mark Jackson.
Heading into Sunday's Game 7, the 6-foot-11 Davis has
established himself as a problem that can't be ignored.
Although he's still struggling at the free throw line, Davis is
averaging 10.7 points after scoring a career playoff-high of 19
points in Friday's 92-89 victory. He is shooting a team-high .722
from the field in the series and has made 66 percent of his shots
in the playoffs.
Capitalizing on a strength advantage over Toni Kukoc, thundering
dunks have become routine for Davis, who was 7-of-9 from the field
on Friday. His teammates loved his aggressive powering to the hoop
underneath.
"That was phenomenal," teammate Jalen Rose said Saturday of
the effort by Davis that helped Indiana send the series back to
Chicago. "You know he's going to play defense, you know he's going
to rebound. But, if he can come out and shoot the way that he did,
score down low, that takes Kukoc out of the game."
"Davis played off the charts," Reggie Miller said of the
player known affectionately as "Double D" by his teammates. "He
was really a thorn in the Bulls' side."
"It was huge, real aggressive, made them pay for having Kukoc
on him," Mullin said.
"We were very motivated," Davis said of the Game 6 effort,
which included his getting a game-high three blocks and a team-high
eight rebounds. "There was no tomorrow. ... You have to let it all
hang out. That's what I tried to do."
"Davis is very valuable to us. He's been getting off to good
starts. He's been playing well for us. It's just that some nights
you don't score as much," Indiana coach Larry Bird said. "Last
night we went to him, and he produced, so we continued to call his
number."
Friday's victory sends Indiana into a Game 7 playoff contest for
the fourth time in five years, while Chicago will be playing a
seventh game in the playoffs with Michael Jordan for the first time
since 1992.
"We definitely want to get into the game early," said Davis,
mindful that the Pacers were blown out at the United Center in Game
5.
Indiana went more than 14 minutes without a field goal in the
first half, trailed by 25 at halftime and never made a run before
losing 106-87.
"The team was a little embarrassed. I thought we responded
well," Davis said. "We really realize what position we're in
right now, and are prepared to go on."
The winner of Sunday's game will open the Finals on Wednesday at
Utah.
The success of Davis against Kukoc poses a decision for Chicago
coach Phil Jackson, who may start Dennis Rodman at forward rather
than Kukoc.
"Coming with that match-up [Kukoc vs. Davis], Chicago liked it
because I had to guard him out on the perimeter, I don't think we
went after him, and exposed him," until Friday, Davis said.
Davis is confident his team can match the challenge of Chicago
to reach the NBA Finals for the first time ever.
"There's no doubt in my mind that we can beat Chicago. It's
just a matter of going up there and doing it, just coming out and
never looking back," he said.
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NBA Finals
