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3 key stats for the Indiana Pacers after 2 weeks

By Tony East

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 24: Members of the Indiana Pacers celebrate after a Domantas Sabonis dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during an NBA game on October 24, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 24: Members of the Indiana Pacers celebrate after a Domantas Sabonis dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during an NBA game on October 24, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images) /
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Myles Turner Indiana Pacers defense Cleveland Cavaliers
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 27: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 27, 2018, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 119-107. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The Indiana Pacers have a top-10 defense

I wouldn’t be shocked if the Pacers finish the season with a top-5 defense, but as it stands now, I think we can say for sure they are and will be, a top-10 defensive team.

They are currently 10th in defensive rating at 105.7, and they have the personnel to make that number rise (the ranking, not the rating). Victor Oladipo is obviously one of the best defensive guards in the league. Turner’s defense looks even better than it did last year thanks to all that yoga he did in the summer. He is nimble and quick while he roams the paint.

Tyreke Evans has proven to be a solid-enough perimeter defender. Cory Joseph is always a pest. Domantas Sabonis is keeping up with the game better, and thus protecting the rim a bit better. Thaddeus Young is a master on the defensive end.

All of that put together is yielding an excellent product. The Pacers are swarming teams and stopping everyone, sans a Bucks team hyped up by a new arena opening. The Pacers defense will carry them this season, and it will create some easy opportunities for their offense.

Analyzing how Doug McDermott enhances the Indiana Pacers’ offense. dark. Next

These figures all are things to keep an eye on for the Indiana Pacers as the season goes along. There is still a lot of basketball left to be played, but the Pacers are starting to reveal who they are.

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