Granger's time to seize greatness is now
For someone so skinny, somehow Reggie Miller’s shadow has engulfed Danny Granger.
The Pacers’ high-scoring forward has his best opportunity yet to step out of it.
Granger has taken many big shots during his seven-year career, but he’s known as a scorer who lacks a signature moment or performance in a big-time game. He now enters the grandest stage of his career.
Sunday afternoon. Game 4. Miami at Indiana. The world is watching. The Pacers lead 2-1, and a 3-1 deficit would be tough for a Miami squad missing Chris Bosh to overcome.
Granger has a chance to do what matters most to these people in the Heartland, to add that missing piece to all his other accolades. He can win. But not just win. Win a game that means something, in front of the home crowd.
But that’s not all.
Indiana is watching closely because it tends to be picky about its heroes. The state wants to embrace Granger, but it will cling to Reggie until Granger makes it completely safe to jump on his bandwagon. To be the one fans call a hero, Granger needs to do something significant now. He needs to play a key role in a big win to become truly beloved in a state that lives and breathes basketball.
Make no mistake, Granger is well aware of Reggie’s reputation. He knows who he’s measured against.
Dwyane Wade and LeBron James will try to will their team to victory from the tip, so it will be a difficult for Indiana to win this game without at least one individual going above and beyond. And though much of the chatter during the series has focused on how balanced Indiana is, how team-oriented the Pacers are, how they’ve created a new blueprint for success in the NBA, there still sometimes are moments where a superstar is needed, especially when a favored team such as Miami is backed against a wall.
But maybe George Hill is that guy? Hill might not even be in the game down the stretch if Darren Collison is playing well. But David West has been their best player in the postseason! Right, but someone has to get the ball to West. Granger handles the ball.
Granger’s reputation has taken a hit during the playoffs. He traveled with Game 1 on the line against Orlando. He has struggled with his shot throughout this series against Miami. He has received more air time from getting into LeBron James’ face than he has from any in-game heroics. Some Pacers fans haven’t been pleased with Granger’s outbursts, but when did Miller ever back down from Michael Jordan?
It really isn’t fair the way Granger has been compared to Miller anyway. Miller didn’t win a playoff series until year seven of his career. It took Danny seven years. Miller also reached the conference finals for the first time in year seven. A win on Sunday puts Granger in prime position to match him. Many of Miller’s great moments came as he got older.
Here’s why the stage is set for Granger to have his Miller Time, or Granger Time, moment.
-He’s had his moments in this series. The 3-pointer to start Game 3 established a tone, and his 10 points in the third quarter of that game helped give the Pacers control. He has improved each game, and his confidence is building.
-James is carrying a large load. That load’s name is David West. LeBron is playing power forward because of Bosh’s injury. Miami would likely switch a tired James back to guard Granger at crunch time. After James battles West and plays 40-plus minutes, it’s going to be difficult for him to be the hero when needed.
-The Pacers will likely keep the game close, giving him a chance to be the man. It has become clear that the Pacers match up evenly with Miami, and Indiana has hung tough, even when not playing well.
-He wants it, and he’s due. Granger is a former All-Star who once averaged 25.8 points in a season. He’s too good a player to continue to come up short. And he has the chance to do it at home.
This is a fleeting opportunity for Granger. He’s 29, much older than guys like Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant. Paul George seems primed to emerge as Indiana’s go-to player in the next few years, so Granger’s time is now. Yes, it’s about winning, but players will often tell you they care how they are remembered. Right now, Granger doesn’t have that ˜Remember when?’ moment.
It doesn’t have to 8 points in 9 seconds. It doesn’t have to be a 40-point outburst. But it’s time for Granger to be the lead dog in a major win for the franchise if he wants his number in the rafters someday.
Get ready, Danny. Legendary status awaits.
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Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cliffbrunt_isl.
