by Sports Xchange

--G T.J. Ford is starting to look like the player many in the organization thought he would be at the start of the season. Ford registered his first double-double in the points/rebounds department when he scored 18 points to go with 10 rebounds and no turnovers in 40 minutes.

"I'm making better decisions and not putting myself in bad situations," Ford said. "I'm trying to be more patient and go through the offense a little more effectively."

--F Tyler Hansbrough didn't disappoint in his first game in an Indiana uniform. The rookie out of North Carolina bullied his way to 13 points, including 7-of-10 from the free throw line, and five rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench.

"I had a couple of jitters with it being my first time on the NBA stage," Hansbrough said. "I just tried to get in the flow of the game. I got to attack the rim, I was aggressive and I got to the foul line."

--C Roy Hibbert made a significant contribution on both ends of the court. He recorded his third straight double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Hibbert also swatted five shots.

"You have to play aggressive," Hibbert said. "I'm going after as many rebounds as best as I can."

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Mike Dunleavy (knee) is out indefinitely with a knee problem. He suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from knee surgery prior to the start of training camp.

--G Travis Diener (toe) has only practiced once since the start of training camp because of a toe problem that bothered him last season.

--C Jeff Foster will miss at least two weeks with a high right ankle sprain, suffered in the first half of the Oct. 30 game against Miami.

--F Troy Murphy is doubtful for Wednesday's game at New York because of a sore lower back.