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Three factors that have propelled the Indiana Pacers this season

By Clay Maxfield

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 4: The Indiana Pacers huddle up during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 4, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- DECEMBER 4: The Indiana Pacers huddle up during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 4, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Indiana Pacers
Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Balanced play behind Malcolm Brogdon

In the Pacers’ first quarter of the season, their play has been influenced by several factors and key players, none are arguably more vital to the 16-9 start this season than Malcolm Brogdon.

Acquired in a sign and trade deal from Milwaukee, Brogdon leads the team in points per game with 19.5 and also assists with 7.5 per game.

His valued play doesn’t just stop at the numbers either. Brogdon has been a ball hawk, hounding some of the NBA’s better guards on the defensive end on a nightly basis.

Brogdon has had a tough slate of guards to defend that include the likes of Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, and Ja Morant.

Brogdon’s defensive rating of 105.1 is in the top 40 in the league when considering guards that average 30 minutes a night or more.

Lastly, his ability to find success from the free-throw line has kept the Pacers in games like December’s matchup against the Boston Celtics where Brogdon went 15-15 from the free-throw line.

Brogdon currently is coasting with a 94.6 shooting percentage from the charity strike.

After the game, Brogdon noted his dedication to working on his craft from the free-throw line throughout his career.

"“Ever since high school, there are days when I get in the gym and try to make the best out of 100 [free throws],” Brogdon said. “If I don’t get 95 or better, I try to shoot them again. I’ve been like that since college. I think free throws are the easiest shot in the game. So those are the ones you have to make.”"

With no Victor Oladipo, Brogdon has been the key leader for the Pacers and expect that to never waiver as the season moves forward.

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