It's only preseason, but Indiana Pacers fans have hope again after seeing that the team has not lost its identity despite being without Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
Wins and losses don't mean anything in the preseason, but what teams show to get to that point does. Fortunately for Pacers fans, the team stayed true to their MO: they played fast, fought all the way to the end, and kept the pressure and their composure in clutch moments.
The Pacers blew a 24-point lead (and a 13-point lead heading into the fourth quarter) in their first preseason game of the year against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, beyond this, they played typical Pacers basketball and proved that they can still compete because of their style.
This ultimately led to Indiana sneaking away with a 135-134 victory, which was especially thanks to clutch shots from Jalen Slawson, who scored six points on 2-for-3 shooting in overtime.
Jalen Slawson's jumper looked good last night. Hit three big threes in the fourth/overtime. I liked him as a prospect pic.twitter.com/asXCCzrJdp
— Finn Kuehl (@finleykuehl) October 8, 2025
Indiana forced Minnesota to commit 13 turnovers in the first half of the game and constantly applied full-court pressure, which was what helped them stand out last season.
It's just one preseason game, but despite the Pacers' outlook for the season, they played the exact brand of basketball that has led to their recent success, and that should give fans renewed optimism during a challenging time.
Pacers' first preseason game means more than fans may think
From a literal standpoint, the Pacers defeating the Timberwolves on Tuesday doesn't mean anything. It has no bearing on the regular season standings, and both teams were mostly utilizing players who likely won't get much playing time during the year anyway.
Still, from a psychological standpoint, in a strange way, this game meant everything for the Pacers, and it's proof that they can still win games the same way they have in recent years.
The Pacers have made it a point to prioritize fast-paced ball movement, improvisation, resilience, and full-court pressure. They may not be the most stacked team on paper, but they are willing to do what other teams aren't, and that is what makes them so special. Early on, it looks like they are going to keep doing what works, and rightfully so.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has developed the perfect system in Indiana, and the players continue to buy into it. Whether this will lead to a playoff run of any sort this season remains to be seen, but at the very least, it is significant that the team is finding success with it, even if it's just in the preseason.
The Pacers still have a few preseason games remaining on the schedule, but if they can continue playing this style of basketball, there are reasons to believe that the momentum can carry over into the next season. Another championship run is unlikely, but the Pacers may be able to make some noise, and their first preseason game could be a sign of what's to come.