3 takeaways from the Indiana Pacers’ first loss of the 2020-21 season
By Sam Black
After a tough loss to the Boston Celtics, what did the Indiana Pacers learn about themselves now and for the future?
After what looked to be a promising opportunity at a 4-0 record to kick off the 2020-21 regular season, the Indiana Pacers finally lost their first game of the year to the Boston Celtics, a team they had defeated in their first match up only days before. They say failure is the best way to learn, and here are three key takeaways after what was a promising game against one of the Eastern Conference’s elite teams.
1. Victor Oladipo is Back!
After struggling with injuries the year prior, Oladipo finally looks completely healed from that scary quad tear he had been extensively rehabbing. This year’s Vic seems even scarier, as, besides the quick first step, tenacious defense, and nasty pull up mid-range jumper we are used to, it seems that Victor has truly figured out his three-point mechanics. Vic totaled 26 points, six rebounds, and six assists in an impressive showing.
2. Myles Turner is one of the most important players on this team.
The fourth quarter of this loss should tell Myles Turner doubters all they need to know when assessing his value on this team. With Sabonis at the five, the Pacers hemorrhaged points inside to a talented slashing team in the Celtics. Sabonis may be great offensively, but a limited wingspan allows plenty of points inside when he’s manning the paint. To add on to this, Turner looks to again be playing All-Defense level defense this year.
3. The Pacers need depth at the 5
To piggyback off of my last takeaway, that fourth quarter sealed the deal that the navy and gold are going to need a backup rim protector when Myles needs a breather. Our bench unit is all-around solid and scrappy on the defensive end and knows how to make great rotations, but they are expected to play that much better when they don’t have real rim protection behind them.
With all of that being said, if these first four games have been any strong indication of the rest of the season then the Pacers seem to be becoming an elite team in the Eastern Conference.