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4 Indiana Pacers that have played their best season yet

By Zach Pearson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 5: Domantas Sabonis #11 and Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers look on before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 5, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 5: Domantas Sabonis #11 and Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers look on before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 5, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers
Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis earned every vote he received this season and became an All-Star for the first time in his career.

Although his season is on hold, the Pacers big man is playing his best basketball yet. In each season with Indiana, his numbers have improved, so what makes this season his best?

Before this season tipped off, Sabonis signed a contract extension with the Pacers with hopes of expanding his role with the team. A big part of his success comes from his teammate Myles Turner sacrificing his role, playing the natural center position to allow the offense to flow as much as possible with Sabonis in the starting lineup. This change alone allowed Sabonis to flourish.

While averaging over 18 points per game and over 12 rebounds, Sabonis became the Pacers franchise leader for most double-doubles in a season with 50, passing Troy Murphy who had 49 (2008-09). He’s also playing the most minutes of his career (34) per game.

Related Story. Sabonis has been the Pacers MVP. light

While he’s in the game, he has been the anchor for the offense, setting screens up top, running the pick and roll/pop. His footwork in the post is incredible and he has been excellent at finding open guys on the floor.

He was averaging five assists per game, which is nearly three times more than when he first started with the Pacers. Sabonis has shown this improvement every season he’s played, and it is very likely that the trend will continue. With the continued unselfish play from his teammates, which will undoubtedly due to this team’s culture, Sabonis will be an All-Star for many seasons to come.

Next. 15 greatest Pacers playoff moments of all-time. dark

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