The Indiana Pacers could’ve had a better chance, but the Miami Heat were better
It’s difficult to reimagine things in retrospect because it tends to solely judge from the vista of the one who benefits from it. And in this case, the Indiana Pacers simply got the short end of the stick because they faced a rampant team in the Miami Heat who were simply better than them in the most important aspects of the game.
Injuries and homecourt advantage would’ve given Indy a batter chance and avoid a sweep, but as pointed out in the earlier slide, Miami just had more drive, pedigree and skill that their definite strengths far outweigh the great additives that the Pacers could’ve had in their pockets.
Equally, their current struggles in this postseason is simply because they find themselves against a more talented and hungrier team coming off two straight disappointing playoff exits. Last year, destiny was on their side. And this year was just different.
However, if we’re seeking out to answer if the Pacers getting swept by the Heat was a fluke, then a yes wouldn’t be irrational, especially with Indiana starting off missing key players. But ultimately, avoiding a sweep does not mean that they could’ve also evaded defeat. Even if they stole a game or two from the eventual conference champs, Indy was only as good as giving them a slight scare with Miami controlling the series and holding a definite edge.
I find no satisfaction in seeing teams get beat down (aside from super teams), but the Miami Heat’s struggles against Milwaukee Bucks perfectly mirror what the Indiana Pacers realized last postseason — that circumstances falling you way can never really measure up to superior talent.