This shocking stat proves Pacers' major weakness is now their key to title contention

The Pacers are succeeding on both sides of the court.

Jan 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) celebrates with forward Pascal Siakam (43) and center Myles Turner (33) after a basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) celebrates with forward Pascal Siakam (43) and center Myles Turner (33) after a basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers have found their rhythm after a slow start to the season and are finally back in the playoff picture comfortably. With a 22-18 record, the Pacers own the No. 5 seed in the East and are continuing to climb their way up the standings.

As was the case last year, the Pacers' offense has been essential to the team's turnaround and overall success this year. Their 115.3 ORTG ranks as the ninth-best in the NBA. However, they have a 120.3 ORTG over the last month. This is the fourth-best in that span, over teams like the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Indiana's success largely depends on how well they are playing on offense. However, their defense, which has been arguably their biggest weakness in recent years, could be what holds them back from legitimate title contention.

The Pacers have been one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA over the past few seasons despite having many solid defenders on the team. This season, however, the Pacers' defense has also played a major role in their success and will determine just how serious their title contention is.

Indiana's starting lineup is among the best defensive lineups in the NBA

Of all the five-man lineups to play 100 or more minutes together, the Pacers' current starting lineup ranks second behind the Sacramento Kings' lineup of De'Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis in DRTG. Furthermore, of all lineups to log at least 103 minutes together, the Pacers' lineup ranks first.

This is interesting for multiple reasons. However, arguably the biggest reason is that they are doing it without Aaron Nesmith, their best wing defender. Additionally, this lineup ranks higher than every lineup the Thunder, Rockets, or Orlando Magic (the top three defensive teams in the league) have put out for at least 100 minutes.

The Pacers as a whole are still not a great defensive team statistically. However, it is clear that they are starting to figure some things out in the starting lineup. During their six-game winning streak, they have held teams below 100 points three times. This includes against the Cavaliers, who scored at least 100 points in each game prior.

Given how well the team is playing, it will be interesting to see how different things look when Nesmith returns. Regardless, if the Pacers can continue to grow as a defensive team, it will make them one of the most complete teams in basketball and legitimate title contenders as soon as this season.

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