There isn’t a team in the NBA that plays as fast as the Indiana Pacers. They are first in pace at 104.3 and lead the league in scoring, averaging 127.4 points per game. Their offensive rating of 122.1 is second in the league as well.
However, for how explosive and productive they are on offense, they are bad on defense. The Pacers are last in the NBA in points allowed at 127.0 and second to last in defensive rating with 121.8.
On Monday night, the team hit their average offensively, scoring 127 points against the Los Angeles Clippers. Yet, they were blown out of the gym, as they lost by 24, surrendering 151 to their red-hot visitors.
After the game, head coach Rick Carlisle did not mince his words. He knows something has to change if the Pacers are going to get back to their winning ways. Some major changes could be on the horizon to help make those changes come to fruition.
“If our mindset is simply to try and outscore teams, that’s gotta stop. If it means massive lineup changes, that’s what will happen. If it means slowing the game down, that’s what will happen. At some point, there aren’t any excuses,” Carlisle said via Tyler Smith of IndySportsLegends.com.
A lineup change seems more likely than overhauling the identity of the team, which is to play fast and try running opponents off the court. Obi Toppin is the only starter with a negative plus/minus ratio on the season, so that could be where Carlisle looks to make a change.
Indiana is the worst rim protection team in the NBA, which is a bit surprising considering they have Myles Turner as their starting center and a capable rim protector off the bench in Isaiah Jackson. Some scheme changes could be needed from Carlisle as well to get the most out of his roster.
Another thing that could be plaguing the Pacers right now is their success in the NBA In-Season Tournament. After defeating the lowly Detroit Pistons in their first game after their Las Vegas trip, Indiana has lost four consecutive games.
There could be something to the extra travel and playing an 83rd game. The Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Pacers for the inaugural championship, is 1-3 since the In-Season tournament concluded.
Whatever the reason may be for the Pacers’ struggles, Carlisle has put his team on notice. Performance will need to improve on the court otherwise he is going to begin making some changes whether it be to the lineup or the team’s game plan.
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