Pacers Post Game Is More Important Than It May Seem

Jun 3, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) and center Roy Hibbert (55) react on the bench at the end of game 7 of the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers 99-76 to win the series 4 games to 3 . Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

I would like to start off by saying that it is in my opinion that Roy Hibbert and David West are too often overlooked and underrated on the offensive end of the court.  Not just by the media but when on the court the team seems to lean towards finding offense through jump shots and largely their backcourt along with the small forward creating their own shots.  I am not opposed to any one of the Indiana Pacers providing the offense that we need but it appears to me that we are at our best offensively and defensively when the ball is fed into the post.  This allows for so many good things to happen.

First of all both of the starting big men are good passers and are capable of finding the open man.  Let’s not forget Luis Scola or Ian Mahinmi as they have both picked up their games since the All-Star break.  What compliments this is that there are several combinations between Paul George, George Hill, Lance Stephenson, Evan Turner, and C.J. Watson who all move very well without the ball and are good shooters.  When they demonstrate this ability they often find 5+ players in double figures.  They also find themselves with big leads.

Secondly I will point out that while Mahinmi might still need to develop more offensively the other three frontcourt players mentioned above are more than capable of scoring in the post.  They all have a little shooting range as well.  The fact of the matter is they are skilled enough to command double teams and that allow for shooters to get open.  Doesn’t hurt that for Hibbert fatigue seems to be less of a factor when he is putting up big numbers.

My final point is that when a team takes higher percentage shots and eliminates the long rebound it allows for them to be able to avoid a great deal of the transition game.  The Indiana Pacers are outstanding defensively but fast breaks are hard to beat.  For teams like the Miami Heat that rely largely on points of fast breaks if you can stop that you are going to beat them.  Whenever I have watched Indiana actively feed the ball inside and utilize post moves along with cuts and solid passes it slows down the other team offensively.  Not to mention offensive rebounds.

I guess what I am saying is that I would like to see our Pacers really go old school and work out of the post for all their offense.  I only see good things coming from it.

Either way I will be rooting for them this evening when they tip-off with the Utah Jazz at 6:00 p.m.  Go  Pacers.