Photo from forbes.com, By the Associated Press.
Pacers In the Playoffs,
Might Be Reality?
By: Michael A. Chase Jr.
12/02/2022
In what has been an intriguing season in the NBA thus far the Indiana Pacers are another one of the major surprises in the league this season. Not only being among the top teams in the Eastern Conference but doing so as one of the top offenses in the sport. The Pacers are accomplishing this also thanks to a young core that is growing in confidence by the game and has nothing but room to get even better. Today we discuss the Pacers and their prospects for making the postseason in a perceived rebuild year. Highlighting the key players and strategies they employ to give opposing teams trouble on the court.
Photo from moandsports.com, By Dylan Buell/Getty Images.
The Pacers own a 12-9 record, sitting 4th in the Eastern Conference ahead of teams like the Nets, the 76ers, the Raptors, and the Heat. This is thanks in large part to their offense, as the Pacers have been one of the better units in the NBA averaging 115.6 points per game which ranks 8th in the association. Indiana also sits 3rd in the league in assists per game at 28.0, using great ball movement to facilitate their attack. This is spearheaded by point guard Tyrese Haliburton who is having an All-Star caliber season thus far. The 22-year-old floor general is averaging 19.3 PPG, 11.2 APG, and 1.8 SPG. Showcasing a great feel for the game, controlling the pace of play while operating as one of the most efficient guards in the league. His combination of pick-and-roll mastery, outside shooting, and elite court vision have aided in making Indiana a tough offense to defend on a nightly basis.
They’ve also benefitted from tremendous starts to the season from Center Myles Turner and rookie guard Bennedict Mathurin. Turner is off to a terrific start averaging 17.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks while shooting 52.8% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range. Rookie Bennedict Mathurin with his performance is a legit rookie of the year favorite and has been vital to Indiana's success. He is averaging 19.2 points, and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 40.3% from three-point range. Add in guys like Buddy Hield (17.1 ppg) and Jalen Smith (11.4 ppg) and the Pacers have five players averaging double-figure scoring. While nine players are averaging at least seven points per game on the roster. Overall, with a 13th-ranked offensive efficiency (1.091) the Pacers are a solid offense that has some special players that are helping elevate their ceiling. Giving them a chance to be a true problem for several Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls.
Photo from si.com.
On defense, they allow 115.4 points per game (22nd in the NBA) which is at the backend of the league. They also rank 15th in the league with a 1.089 defensive efficiency, but combat this by making impact plays in terms of defending the paint, and forcing turnovers. The Pacers rank 7th in steals per game at 8.0, while ranking 2nd in blocks per game at 6.5. They have three bigs in Myles Turner, Isaiah Jackson, and Jalen Smith who all average a block or more per game. This is a big reason they allow 47.9 points in the paint a game that ranks solidly at 11th in the NBA. They also have four players averaging over a steal per game led by Tyrese Haliburton as they jump passing lanes and disrupt ball handlers. They still have work to do as a group to better at team defense, but they're remnants of a group who can defend when committed and together.
As the Pacers continue through the season, they will need to continue their success against their contemporaries as they try to solidify their place among playoff contenders. The fact they have beaten teams like the Nets, Raptors, and Miami thus far show they can hang with projected playoff squads. Add in quality wins like the one they attained over the Pelicans and the Pacers have displayed signs of elevating their play up to their competition.
Photo from bleacherreport.com, By Mark J. Terril/AP.