Pacers vs. Wizards 10/25

[Wizop]

Not surprised that TJ is not in the 9 man rotation.

the Cavs game could be different if they play 3 small guards and 2 bigs.

[8305]

Not surprised that TJ is not in the 9 man rotation.

the Cavs game could be different if they play 3 small guards and 2 bigs.

I’d expect TJ’s use to be situational, when team is flat and badly needs an injection of energy.

[JMaster5K]

Some takeaways from this game:

The Pacers are going to be FUN TO WATCH! On any given night, one or more guys can get really hot from 3; the pace will be fast and fun. Whether they win or lose, these games are going to be a high wire act worth tuning into.

The Pacers depth is going to pay off. First, by being able to keep running teams out of the gym, and second as injury insurance. If any of our starters (maybe with the exception of Myles Turner) is out for a period of time, we've got guys who can fill right in and then third string guys who can pick up that slack pretty easily. Nesmith, Nembhard, Hield - all can capably start for any stretch of games we need them to. Jalen Smith actually looks much improved, too.

Our defense is going to NEED SOME WORK.

Yes! This team is going to be fun. Like nearly everyone on this site predicted, we are going to use our speed and our depth to our advantage. (good job guys! ) The defense was bad in the first quarter & a half. People were out of position, not switching or covering. But, I was pleasantly surprised with the defense after that. It definitely was not as effective as it could, should, or likely will be, but compared to the preseason, it was a good step. If I go back to the last preseason game, we still had players trying to defend from behind the play. The ball had already gotten past them & they were trying to get back into the play. Against the Wizards, most of our defense, when guys were in position, was played in front of the play, between the ball and the rim.

Frankly, Stix looked like a completely different player between the 2 games. This game he was banged into a lot more than I've previously seen because he was in the right spot between the ball (cutter or post) and the rim. It's all baby steps, but if you aren't where you are supposed to be, we get the first quarter defense. If you are where you are supposed to be, then you have the potential to be good. You still have to make the right play, from the right spot, but that will come with experience & time playing together.

It's just one game, against a team that isn't going to be good, or overly physical, so I don't think this game is completely telling of the season, but there were a lot of really good steps visible in this one. Win or lose, really looking forward to this season! =]

[Topofthekey]

How about Mathurin?

It looks like he's done a great job of adapting to playing with the starters, and also improving his playmaking

That's how great players are made isn't it, when they have the drive to keep polishing and adding to their game throughout their career

If he keeps improving like this, Hali won't be Pacers' sole franchise player for long

[JMaster5K]

How about Mathurin?

It looks like he's done a great job of adapting to playing with the starters, and also improving his playmaking

That's how great players are made isn't it, when they have to drive to keep polishing and adding to their game throughout their career

If he keeps improving like this, Hali won't be Pacers' sole franchise player for long

Yup,.. agree. Mathurin looked good. For me,. the question was, 'How was Benn going to develop',.. not 'if Benn was going to develop'. 1 game is not enough data, but you make a very good point. Was he going to continue to develop as an offensive force (along the lines of a Westbrook), play his game, expect the team to adjust around him? or was he going to work to improve his playmaking, reading the floor, defense, etc; play his game, and work to become part of the team built around team success. (ala a Jimmy Butler)

At first glance, after one game, it looks like more of the latter (which is great news for fans & the team). It's a bit of a longer, more difficult road to become a complete, well rounded, one of the faces-of-the-team player, team player. However the rewards for both the team and Benn are much greater with that approach. If he takes the 'work hard', team player ethic, it might take a couple of years longer to become an all-star (if that's his ceiling. I believe it is.), but, once he's at that level, he could be an all-star for several years running instead of just a one year note.

Regardless of the record, it's gonna be a good, fun year to watch the Pacers, just to see how these guys continue to grow! =]