2 Goods, 1 bad to watch in Indiana Pacers game vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Bad – Bruce Brown defending Donovan Mitchell

When the Indiana Pacers signed Bruce Brown this offseason, they signed one of the most versatile players in the NBA, and that includes his play on the defensive end.

Brown was a key cog in the machine that was the Denver Nuggets en route to their first NBA Championship in franchise history last year, and now, he’s in Indiana.

Last season, Donovan Mitchell absolutely dominated the Pacers. In four matchups, he averaged 32.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 47.8% from the field and 40.0% from deep on 11.3 three-point attempts per game.

Mitchell’s primary defenders last year were Andrew Nembhard, Buddy Hield, and Aaron Nesmith. Nembhard did an okay job, but Mitchell is a different animal.

Maybe the Pacers decide to throw Brown at Darius Garland, but having him in the mix to guard Mitchell should be a huge help, and it’s a matchup most fans should be excited to watch.

As the Pacers look to push for their first playoff appearance in two years, defense will be a key part of how they run the team, and Brown is integral to their success on that end.

Going up against Mitchell will not only be a great test for the Pacers, but it should be a great test for Brown as he looks to help build up Indiana’s defense.

The Pacers will tip off against the Cavaliers at 7:30 Eastern time on Saturday night.