The Pacers poor shooting continued against the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals.  In Game 5, the Pacers shot 32.9 percent.  

In fact, neither team is able to muster consistent offensive output.

Pacers president Larry Bird analyzes the deficiency this way:  ?The thing that I see that's missing in our game is the midrange jumper.  Guys either shoot the 3's or they take it all the way to the hole.  Rip Hamilton is one guy who will pump fake, take a couple dribbles and hit the midrange jumper.  You don't see it very often anymore.?

However Bird also notes that ?the defense is definitely a lot better now? and predicts a return to better offensive performances:  ?Everything goes in cycles,? he said. ?This might be a 10-year cycle, an 8-year cycle. Then you'll see teams come back, I guarantee you.?

Leading 3-2, Detroit seeks to clinch the series tonight at the Palace of Auburn Hills.