As of Friday, November 17th, the Pacers are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 7-4. Things are going according to plan, and a 2-0 record in the in-season tournament is a huge bonus. Highs and lows are a big part of the basketball season. Injuries will likely happen, scheduling will get tough, and it will be crunch time before we know it.
It hurt to see the Pacers lose a letdown game at home to the Hornets just after the big win vs Cleveland. Tyrese was visibly upset after the loss. But this was a loss the Pacers can afford right now. They will learn from it — a reminder to not take their foot off the pedal, to lock in at the defensive end every night — because teams will beat you, even on your home floor.
Taking down the Bucks was another highlight — 54 points from Giannis wasn’t enough to put away Haliburton & co. This was enormous for morale, even with Dame’s absence.
The games against Philly have been some of the best basketball I’ve seen all season. No matter what chaos is happening in the NBA world and what’s on the horizon, Embiid is still his usual self in Philly, playing phenomenal basketball. Harden’s understudy — Tyrese Maxey — is fully unleashed and making his case to be a starting guard representing the East All-Stars and, at the very least, locking down his spot in the game. So, to see this Pacers team lead/compete (and blow the game) but then complete the get-back win in the next game against those Sixers was beyond incredible.
This Pacers team simply has flow and shooting. This is why the Kings are so great; this is the Warriors we know and love, but the Pacers seem to be an even faster-paced version of them. The Pacers are starting to represent the NBA’s peak offense, and the numbers back this up, putting Indiana at #1 overall in offensive efficiency.
I do have a few comments on the rotation. TJ McConnell is making outstanding contributions with his limited minutes and seems to be on the very border of the rotation. Jarace Walker and Jordan Nwora will inevitably get minutes this season, but they have yet to play notable minutes.
Theis is now off the roster headed to LAC.
Rick Carlisle is now a Co-Favorite for coach of the year.
West Coast Hoops 