8 points, 9 seconds
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Key Takeaways from the Indiana Pacers Win Over the Detroit Pistons

By Jordan Yant

Oct 6, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Indiana Pacers (from left to right) forward Paul George (13) center Ian Mahinmi (28) guard George Hill (3) and guard C.J. Miles (0) look on and smile during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pacers win 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Indiana Pacers (from left to right) forward Paul George (13) center Ian Mahinmi (28) guard George Hill (3) and guard C.J. Miles (0) look on and smile during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pacers win 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Offensive Pace and Effectiveness

The Indiana Pacers seem to be gathering their footing when it comes to adapting to the new offensive mantra. Just by using the good, old-fashioned eye test one can quickly see how different this team is offensively than what most Pacers fans are used to.

Monta Ellis has been barely visible, and that is primarily due to him not handling the ball nearly as much as he is used to. He seems to get the majority of his looks off of curls around screens off the ball and attacking in transition.

The team is now averaging 110 ppg after two games and has shown a great ability to score. That is a far stretch from the past Pacers teams. Sure, Paul George’s offensive explosion helped, but the Pacers put up 34 points in first quarter and looked to be able to get whatever they wanted.

A curious development has been just how much George Hill has served as the primary ball handler. He had 8 assists in 15 minutes against Detroit and looked to initiate the offense frequently. This leaves Monta Ellis in a lurch for now. He has been barely visible, and that is primarily due to him not handling the ball nearly as much as he is used to. He seems to get the majority of his looks off of curls around screens off the ball and attacking in transition.

If the Detroit game is a litmus test of how well the new offense is working, I would say it has been extremely successful. They shot 45% from both the field and from 3-point range and even kept the turnovers to a minimum for a preseason game with 13. The new up-tempo style also lead to them shooting 35 free throws (hitting 29, or 83%).

The Pistons are not viewed a playoff team going into the season so it will be curious to see how the new look Indiana offense will look come tougher competition. For now though, it has been better than expected early on.

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