Pacers: Brogdon & Warren are a dynamic duo, numbers prove it

The Indiana Pacers have something special in Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren. Brogdon and Warren have found themselves leading the NBA in assist combinations.

The Indiana Pacers set a high standard coming into this season after acquiring emerging stars Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren this summer.

The new group had growing pains to start the season, but things have finally come to fruition.

This is not only evident in the team’s record the past three weeks, but a few other numbers speak for themselves:

Brogdon to Warren is the most frequent assist combination in the league so far this season.

The duo of Brogdon and Warren got off to a hot start and has never looked back. The combination has 30 assists so far in 11 games.

The next closest is the tag team of LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers with 29, not bad company for Brogdon and Warren.

James Harden and Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets round out the top three most frequent assist combinations, the two have 28.

It has been impressive that Brogdon and Warren have developed such a strong rapport so quickly as it is their first season as teammates and members of the Pacers organization.

Both Brogdon and Warren have showcased a high-level of basketball IQ which has correlated to the pair leading the NBA in assist combinations.

Warren, as a professional scorer, has the innate ability to create his own shot which has made Brogdon’s role as a composer of the offense a breeze.

Brogdon and Warren have been able to initiate a two-man game that is difficult to anticipate and defend.

Here is an example of the combo creating space for one another that leads to an open look from distance:

The duo’s ability to recognize the defense’s approach is a reason why they have been so successful.

Brogdon and Warren have also been able to recognize when one of them has the hot hand.

Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard and General Manager Chad Buchanan have brought in talent that exerts full effort on the floor at all times.

Brogdon and Warren exemplify that mindset.

This is evident in Brogdon and Warren’s willingness to move without the ball.

Warren’s sense of urgency without the ball in his hand has created open seams against defenses. This has allowed Brogdon to easily feed Warren for scoring opportunities.

A large number of the 30 assists between the combo have derived from this type of play:

It also helps that both Brogdon and Warren have the utmost confidence in their game. Whether it be the ability to pass or shoot, the duo trusts themselves and one another.

The comfort has allowed Warren and Brogdon to play without pressure and turn to one another when looking for success within the offense.

This play against the Hornets is evidence of the cohesion and trust Brogdon and Warren have displayed in this early portion of the season:

Brogdon and Warren leading the NBA in assist combinations is clear evidence that the Pacers can hang with the best of the best. But what is promising is the room for growth.

Brogdon has done a tremendous job orchestrating the Pacers’ offense, even with being thrust into the shooting guard role with Warren being the largest beneficiary.

Hopefully, the duo can keep up the pace and put the league on notice regarding their value and potential.

The dynamic duo of Brogdon and Warren has yet to reach its peak.