Boom Baby is a weekly article headlining the best things of the Indiana Pacers from the previous week. Check back each Monday to see what is highlighted and what might make you shout “Boom Baby!”
The first full week of the season is in the books, which means our first Boom Baby is here! Was it planned to be released just a few days after the Pacers debuted their “Boom Baby” themed NBA Cup court? No. Does it make this release even better? Yes, yes it does. Here are the best things from the Pacers this week.
Pacers’ ‘Grit and Grind’ culture
It is news to no one that the Pacers have been dealing with extreme adversity over the last few weeks. Everyone knew that this season would be tougher without Tyrese Haliburton being on the court, but the first 10 days have been a nightmare. Even still, the Pacers’ gritty, never-say-die attitude has carried on. Even if the record does not show it, the Pacers have a strong culture – play with grit and keep grinding until you win. Not every team has that, and we need to celebrate it when we can.
Starting fast
The win column may be small, but that isn’t for lack of trying.
In every game this season, the Pacers have been stride-for-stride with opponents after the first quarter. They have had the lead twice, been tied once, and trailed by four points or less in three contests, with the biggest deficit coming in Saturday night’s win against the Golden State Warriors at four points.
While first-quarter leads don’t win games, it should remind us that this team hasn’t lost a step; if anything, it has stepped up. Beginning each game with two out of last year’s five starters and going toe-to-toe with other teams has proved the team’s depth – when healthy.
Q
In the midst of the injuries, players need to step up, and Quenton Jackson, known to the team as “Q,” might be a surprise gem this year. Getting the start against the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State, Jackson is making the most of his minutes – garnering a career high 25 points in 31 minutes against the Warriors. Jackson made some big shots and was a spark for a team that needs it.
Pacers win
No one expected it would take six games for the Pacers to get their first win, especially after the nail-biter against the Thunder to kick off the season. Even still, winning always feels good! Sitting at 1-5 should remind us of another scrappy Indiana squad, but one on the gridiron: the 2018 Indianapolis Colts.
Even with such a dismal record, that squad turned it around and made the playoffs (plus a Wild Card win!) in a 16-game season. Surely, 1-5 with an 82-game slate is no death sentence.
Rick Carlisle
We know coach Rick Carlisle is a basketball savant, and it must be noted how he is getting so much out of every single player on the Pacers’ roster. This is not news, but it truly is incredible. Signing Mac McClung was wise, and he has had a strong start with the team.
Even when McClung was a DNP Saturday night, five players were on the court against Golden State that were either in the G-League, on another team, or not in the NBA last season. And the team won. Let that sink in.
Bonus: The sideline fashion show
With so many players sidelined, it is tough to ignore the street clothes fashion show happening on the sidelines these days, especially when Haliburton wears a fuchsia sweater. We may not have any Paris Fashion Week entrants on the team, but the fits have been set to impress.