The Official Site of TJ Ford

Thu, Oct 9th 2008, 13:53

Ford tries to drive Pacers

By Jeff Rabjohns

Even though it was the opening of the preseason, T.J. Ford looked like he was ready to play.

The Indiana Pacers point guard scored seven points in the first quarter, one fewer than the other four starters combined.

“I’m preparing like it’s a real game for me, mentally trying to focus, trying to get good shots, trying to get my team off to a good start,” Ford said after the Pacers’ 105-71 loss to New Orleans on Wednesday night at Pepsi Coliseum, the home of the original ABA Pacers.

“We had a lot of different combinations, some guys not used to playing with others and that’s part of it when you have a lot of new people on the team.”

Ford, acquired in the Jermaine O’Neal deal with Toronto, started along with shooting guard Marquis Daniels, forwards Danny Granger and Austin Croshere and center Rasho Nesterovic.

Of that group, only Granger and Daniels were with the Pacers last season.

Ford played 11 minutes in the first half and had 12 points to go with two assists and no turnovers. He finished with 15 points.

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