Axel’s Deep Dives: Is the Indiana Pacers Hot Start or Sustainable?
Hoops writer Jeff Axel gives you a look at the new look Pacers and the key to their 6–3 start.
The Indiana Pacers have great depth, quality young talent and play at such a high pace they’re looking to end a 3 year playoff drought. Lead by Tyrese Haliburton (24ppg and 12apg on 51% from the field) the pacers are first in the league in points per game (126ppg) first in the league in assist per game (30.1apg) and are top 10 in points in the paint (55.8ppg) three point percentage (38.7%) fast break points (19.4ppg) score margin (4.4ppg) (49.6% from the field) (15.8 three pointers per game) so despite the fact they play at a fast pace and are able to be this efficient has been impressive to start this season. The pacers have great balance with 7 players that average 10ppg or more.
Myles Turner is second on this team in scoring averaging 18ppg, 8rpg and 1.7bpg as he looks to build off a career year last season. Bennedict Mathurin is 3rd on this team in scoring averaging 14ppg as he’s a quality shot creator looking to build off a strong rookie season. Buddy Hield is one of the best 3 point shooters in the league and he’s averaging 13ppg off the bench, and Aaron Nesmith (12ppg) and Jalen Smith (12ppg and 7rpg) have seemed to find themselves and have improved this season being productive in under 25 minutes per game. Bruce Brown has been a quality free agent acquisition averaging 11ppg and 5rpg. With Obi Toppin (9ppg) the pacers have great floor spacing at every position where 5–10 players can shoot three pointers at a high level. The pacers also have quality backup point guards in Aaron Nembhard (9ppg 5apg) and TJ McConnell (7ppg 4apg) who do a good job of pushing the pace when Haliburton is resting or out.
Outlook:
For as great as their offense is the biggest concern is their defense. Giving up 122ppg is near the bottom of the league even though they have good shot blockers with Myles Turner, Jalen Smith, and Isaiah Jackson the perimeter defense seems to be problematic. They also struggle getting to the free throw line (18.8 times per game), so whenever the three pointers aren’t falling I’m wondering if they can score in more diverse ways. The Pacers are 6–3 to start this season, they play with high energy offensively with sharing the ball, scoring balance and a three point barrage. Before the season I predicted Indiana getting 40 wins and making the play in tournament. With this start they could exceed that expectation and end their 3 year playoff drought behind All-Star Tyrese Haliburton who is looking to for another All-Star Game appearance and an All-NBA spot this season.
