The Indiana Pacers were my favorite to win the East Conference Championship at the beginning of the season. After last night's loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Pacers' record is now 20 wins -24 losses. It was their seventh loss in their last eight games.

Whoever said one player does not make a difference, needs to take a look at the Indianapolis Pacers. The team has a record of 13 wins - 22 losses since All-Star Ron Artest played his last game of the season. That means the Pacers began the season with 7 wins and 2 losses, but it is now evident that Artest's suspension has destroyed the team's chemistry. Even the return of Stephen Jackson to the lineup following his 30 game suspension, has not resulted in a single victory. We all know that it is a matter of a game or so, and the Pacers will end their 6 game losing streak. However the team from Indianapolis, thoughts of a dream season will not materialize in a NBA Championship.

I attended last night loss to the Toronto Raptors 97-98. It was disheartening to see a foul called with .4 seconds left in game, which resulted in Raptors' Jalen Rose sinking two free throws that sealed the Pacers fate. Yet the Pacers should be more disappointed in themselves by losing an 19 point game. It has been a season of almost and many missed opportunities.

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