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Pacers Season Reviews: Doug McDermott finds his spots on the floor

By Jordan Brandenburg

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Doug McDermott of the Indiana Pacers
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers shoots against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

McDermott becomes McBuckets from time to time

McDermott’s ability to find efficient shot-attempts manifested high percentages in a litany of advanced categories. He averaged 7.3 points in 77 games played, scoring in double figures twenty-four times. He converted on 2.7 of the 5.5 shots he attempted per game.

The Pacers forward started off the season shooting even better than his career averages had shown. He scored in double figures in four of the first five games and shot a scorching 50.9% from the floor and 43.9% from arc in October and November. McBuckets was able to quickly display his ability to catch-and-shoot high percentage three-point attempts.

However, McDermott’s shooting started to follow the Indiana temperatures in November and December. His shooting percentages fell to 50.9 FG% and 34.6 3FG% during these months. Shortly after Oladipo went down, McDermott missed five games with bruised ribs. The rest from his injury, combined with a nine day All-Star break, seemed to reinvigorate his touch. His efficiency from downtown was third among bench players after the break. He finished the remainder of the regular season shooting 53.4% from the court and a hot 46.6% from three.

Unfortunately, the sharpshooter’s hot-hand didn’t carry over into the playoffs. He averaged two points in three games played and missed all seven of his three-point attempts. Not even McBuckets was immune to the cold spell that permeated over the Pacers squad.

McDermott has an exceptional aptitude to cut to the rim for a lay-up or dunk. There were often scenarios where a teammate had the ball around the free throw line and Doug would run around them. This enabled him to utilize his teammate as a standing screen, which created separation between his defender and the hoop.

On the other hand, if his defender lost track of him or floated into help defense, the sharpshooter could run to the basket for an easy pass and score.

When you’re a reliably consistent shooter from long-range, a pump fake will get the defender in the air most of the time. McDermott was able to exploit this by driving toward the basket for a lay-up or floater; the latter he converted at a 100% rate. If a defender near the rim decided to switch onto McDermott, it usually resulted in an open teammate somewhere around the basket.

Now let’s look at some statistics that define the 2018-18 season for one of the Pacers best shooters.

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