Indiana Pacers I had the opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the East Tuesday evening. If they can get a win in Oklahoma City, it would be their third straight road win. It would also signal that the Pacers are out of their post-All-Star funk.
It was not easy. Despite being up 16 points in the second quarter, the Thunder would come back to take the lead in the third. Indiana held a seven-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. They finally managed to hold on by winning the match 121-111.
Myles Turner was huge in the game, scoring 24 points and blocking four shots. His ability to shoot the three really helps this team when they get stuck in the mud in the half court. It helps when Pascal Siakam is out there because he’s not as good a three-point shooter. It was a lineup change involving Siakam that helped the Pacers win the game.
One thing the Indiana Pacers did to make an adjustment in this game was implement a substitution pattern earlier than usual. Carlisle would eliminate Siakam early in the first quarter and put Obi Toppin in with the rest of the starters. Not only was it good for Toppin’s offense, but it also helps the bench.
This model allows Siakam to be the focal point of the second unit. Without Bennedict Mathurin available, this unit has no plan creator. Enter Siakam. He solves this problem and allows the Pacers to create more offense in the half court when TJ McConnell is walled in.
This victory places the Pacers in 6th place in the East, which is critical. They need to separate themselves from the clutter of teams around the play-in game. The playoff field is still within this team’s reach. If they continue to play defense like this, they can definitely do it.
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The Pacers play again on Wednesday, so they might have tired legs. It’s also against the Bulls, it’s a game they have to win.
