Too many people were overlooking this Indiana Pacers team heading into tonight’s matchup. Many failed to recognize that this is a team that is above .500, and this is a team that has pieces that can hang out around any team on any given night. Elements of this roster need to show prolonged improvement if you are to take them seriously in the East. But during the course of the remainder of this regular season, it wouldn’t be shocking for this Pacers team to beat games that are considered significantly better than they are.
But if they string together a good run of games, could you see them making noise in the playoffs?
Tough Showing By The Indiana Pacers
The first half between the Los Angeles Clippers and Indiana Pacers was not exactly a defensive masterpiece. Combined, the two teams scored 127 points. But that is a side topic for now. Many expected the Clippers to easily run away with this game. Additionally, this Clippers team received welcomed news about Russell Westbrook’s return, and many thought this boost would give the home team a decided advantage.
Moreover, this is a Clippers team that beat the Pacers in Indiana by 24 points earlier in the season. Instead, the Pacers showed their ability to match blow for blow and didn’t back down from the challenges that this veteran group can present.
Key Players Stepping Up For The Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers were led at halftime by the play of their big three. Pascal Siakam had 14 points. Myles Turner had 11 points. Tyrese Halliburton had 15 points. These three continued to show that they can be a force to be dealt with, even on the road in the NBA regular season. The overall defensive lapses are an ongoing concern. But it was good to see these three players looking comfortable and playing well together.
They are currently in sixth place in the East and should be able to withstand the seeding shifts that will continue to happen between now and the end of the season. Altogether, this is a team that should be considered a fringe choice to exit the first round of the playoffs as a victor. In other words, advancing a round would be a complete surprise. However, they are just as likely to lose in five or six games.
Increased Confidence For Tyrese Haliburton And The Indiana Pacers
After the All-Star break, there were legitimate concerns surrounding Halliburton. On the one hand, he is the best overall player on this team. But on the other hand, he appeared to be playing with a lack of confidence. Therefore, it was good to watch him play with a boost of self-belief in his step tonight. Again, this is a team that not many are expecting to go far in the playoffs, let alone make it out of the East. But watching this Indiana Pacers team go toe toe-to-toe with one of the better overall teams in the league, even if they are down, is a step in the right direction.
About the Author
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