After months of sub-par offense, the Indiana Pacers are finally showing how good they can really be.
This season has not gone to plan for Larry Bird, Nate McMillan and the rest of this Indiana Pacer roster. They have been erratic on both sides of the ball. So much so that they almost set a record for the most inconsistent stretch of all time.
This team has played far too slow for how their personal is set up. With a lightening quick facilitator and athletes at all positions, early offense and transition buckets should be a staple of this Pacers team.
Indy has been plagued by a lack of identity for most of the season. But they’ve found one in the most important time of the season.
The energy infused by Lance Stephenson has infected us all
This team is having fun again and it shows on the court. This Pacer team has went from being a middle of the pack offense to a top three offense. They are playing with a confidence that has not been seen all year.
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Their transition offense has been considerably better. More times than not, Jeff Teague will grab an outlet pass and race up the floor for an easy bucket. That is what makes Teague an elite level point guard in this league.
Not to mention getting out in transition is a perfect style for Thad Young and Monta as well as Lance. All three of these players boast above average athleticism and a game that improves in attack mode.
Myles Turner has also looked like he has figured out he is more talented than most centers in this league. Myles has consistently attacked the rim off of pick and rolls and kick outs. This leaves opposing big men to do nothing but foul or get scored on.
Recent bench play has also played a factor in the last 6
With Lance running the point and Kevin Seraphin stepping up as the backup center, the bench has thrived.
These two moves have had ripple effects through all five positions. With Lance as the primary ball handler in this group, Aaron Brooks can use his greatest strength as an off the ball scorer.
Stephenson can also break down the defense which allows the drive and kick for open shooters like Brooks and especially C.J Miles. Not to mention he is an excellent passer in the pick and roll game and has elevated Kevin Seraphin’s game to new heights.
Last but not least: Paul George
Paul found his sweet spot. He has absolutely dominated everyone in his path recently. Sure having his hype man back has helped. But, Nate has found something in Paul’s game that is almost impossible to guard. His shooting and off the ball movement around screens game is tough.
Possession after possession Paul sets his man up towards the baseline, comes off two screens and nails a jumper. It is almost unguardable, just ask LeBron.
George is so under control right now there is really no answer. Not only can the defender not go under these screens. But, if you chase him around the pick, Paul can curl it tight for a nice mid-range jumper or take the ball all the way to the rim.
This new-found wrinkle for Paul and the Pacers can be a game changer as proved by Paul winning the player of the week in the East.
Next: Paul George vs LeBron James: Part IV
The most important time of year in the NBA season is officially upon us. Though it was a somewhat disappointing season. The Pacers are heating up at the perfect time and could be able to give LeBron and the Cavaliers a run for their money.