After a lot of anticipation, playoff basketball is finally here. In what many predict will be a close series, the Indiana Pacers are hosting the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday afternoon to kick off what they hope will be another deep playoff run. The Pacers made the conference finals last year, but they have made it clear they are not satisfied just yet, and that their eyes are on the NBA Championship.
Despite last year's playoff success, the Pacers were doubted all season long. This carried over into their series against the Bucks. Though the Pacers finished with the better record and secured the higher seed, many expect the Bucks to eliminate them in the first round. However, in just the first game, the Pacers proved they deserve more respect and exposed the Bucks in a major way that might bode well for them the rest of the way.
The Pacers exposed a major Bucks flaw
Arguably the Pacers' biggest advantage over the Bucks was their fast-paced offense. A lot has been said about the Pacers' offensive system, and rightfully so. It played a huge role in their conference finals run last year, and it was a big reason they were successful this season as well. In just the first game, the Pacers already used their fast-paced offense to their advantage.
With just two minutes left in the first quarter, the Pacers were 13-for-18 from the field and had 30 points on the board. Additionally, though the Bucks are a solid defensive team overall, it became clear very quickly that they will struggle against the Pacers' offensive unit. The Bucks' defense continues to struggle with speed and space, and if there is any team that will expose this flaw, it is the Pacers.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers recently spoke about the team's poor transition defense and made it clear that the team must improve this against the Pacers. Unfortunately for them, the Pacers are one of the quickest teams on offense and play with high energy. There is still a lot of basketball left to be played in the series, but things do not look good for the Bucks early on.
As for the Pacers, they will continue to bring the energy on offense as it is clear that it is working. Many doubted the Pacers' ability to defeat the Bucks in a seven-game series this year, but so far, it looks like they have them right where they want them.