The Indiana Pacers began the season as one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA. Yet, in recent games, they're shooting even worse than they did before.
In the month of November, the Pacers averaged 35.1 three-point field goal attempts per game and shot 31.9% from deep, according to NBA.com. Only the Portland Trail Blazers (31.7%) shot less efficiently than they did. However, in their last five games, they are shooting 29.8% from deep on 37.6 attempts per game, which is the third-worst mark in the league across that span.
The Pacers' offense has mostly looked like a shell of its usual self with Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf. Not only is he the engine that keeps the offense running because of his elite playmaking and facilitation, but he is a perimeter threat himself, shooting a career 39.2% from beyond the arc. Without him, Indiana's offense is far less dynamic and versatile, and it's showing.
The Pacers have slipped as a three-point shooting team
Interestingly, Andrew Nembhard has been Indiana's best three-point shooter in its last five games, shooting 40.9% from deep. He has always been a bit of a streaky shooter, but it seems like he is truly improving this season.
Additionally, Garrison Mathews, who is known for his three-point shooting, has been solid as well, shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc on 4.2 attempts per game across that stretch.
Beyond them, however, many Pacers are leaving a lot to be desired.
Across Indiana's last five games, only four players have shot 30% or better from beyond the arc. Johnny Furphy has shot 37.5% from deep on just 1.6 attempts per game, and Jarace Walker has shot 31.8% on 4.4 attempts.
Pascal Siakam, who has easily been the Pacers' most important player this season, shot 27.3% on 4.4 attempts. Given how much is on his plate, it's normal for his efficiency to ebb and flow a bit, which is exactly what's happening here. Still, it's a bit of a concern that will be worth monitoring.
Furthermore, Bennedict Mathurin (25% on 6.4 attempts), Jay Huff (23.3% on 6 attempts), and Quenton Jackson (22.2% on 3 attempts) have all been disappointing from beyond the arc as well.
Given how important spacing and shooting from three-point land is in Indiana's system, to say this is far from ideal would be a massive understatement. It is also a big reason the team is 1-4 in their last five games.
It's a pretty small sample size, but the Pacers' three-point shooting has clearly taken a back seat in recent games. This is likely just temporary, but it will still be important to keep an eye on from here on out.