3 lessons learned from Game 1 of the Pacers as they head into Game 2

Pacers bench needs to continue punishing the Celtics

It may not feel like it — mainly due to the third quarter — but the Pacers bench outplayed the Celtics. The stats only show them outplaying Boston by a point, but the bench ripped off 16-3, 5-0, and 12-0 (at the end of the game) runs, none of which were answered by the Celtics bench. Even if you throw out one during what was garbage time, Indiana had a combined 21-3 run against the Boston bench.

Each one came with Kyrie Irving and Al Horford off the floor for most of the duration. The Celtics may respond by making sure to blend their starters in and out more, particularly Jayson Tatum, but the modest runs by Indiana showed a weakness. Even in the regular season, Indiana’s bench found success against the Celtics.

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Indiana could counter with some more blended lineups of their own, but that doesn’t mean more Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner together is the answer.

As far as the bench is concerned, the combination of Sabonis, Cory Joseph, Doug McDermott, and T.J. Leaf found success in Game 1.

It’s not as if the Pacers can just hammer away with their bench. The Celtics only struggled when their best players weren’t on the floor, but if the Pacers can push this advantage further, they can force the Celtics starters into exerting more effort with less rest.

But there’s not much else they can do than continue to win the battle of the benches. It may mean more Horford and Irving, but the Pacers can hope to make them less effective in extended minutes.