After defeating the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday to take a 1-0 series lead in the first round, the Indiana Pacers sent a major message to their doubters. Despite finishing the regular season with the better record, many doubted Indiana's chances of winning the series. There is still a lot of basketball left to be played, but Pacers fans should feel good about the team's chances in the series after Game 1.
Both teams have big advantages and disadvantages over the other. The Bucks have the best player in the series, whereas the Pacers are deeper and have homecourt advantage. In theory, this should be a close series, and the winner will be whoever executes their game plan better.
On Saturday, the Pacers exploited a major Bucks problem that bodes well for their chances of advancing past the first round.
The Pacers exploited a major Bucks weakness
Heading into the first round, it was clear that the Pacers had a major advantage over the Bucks because of their speed. In Game 1, they proved that speed was not just their advantage, but it might be their key to a series victory. Additionally, it was Indiana's speed on both sides of the ball that stood out and made it clear that the Bucks were going to have some problems in the series.
The Pacers play with high energy on offense and defense. In Game 1, they did a fantastic job of using their speed to their advantage, especially on closeouts. Though not known as a defensive team, the Pacers have drastically improved in that area, and it is largely because of their energy and speed.
Against the Bucks, the Pacers did a great job of forcing them to take contested or uncomfortable looks. Additionally, it would explain why many of their role players struggled in Game 1. Bobby Portis only scored four points on 2-for-8 shooting, Kyle Kuzma did not record a single point and shot 0-for-5 from the field, and Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., and A.J. Green all shot worse than 40% from the field.
The Bucks have time to adjust and work this out. However, as it stands, it seems like they do not have an answer for the Pacers' speed, which will be a big problem for them. As the Pacers look to prove their doubters wrong and send the Bucks home early once again, they will likely lean into this strength to ensure that they achieve their goal.