The Pacers continue to silence the doubters
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — Every time the Pacers have been counted out this season, they have silenced the critics. From the very beginning of the season, it was a team “destined for 30 wins.” Early success led to “this team will come back to earth” comments from fans and media alike. Maybe now after 64 games the critics can finally admit: This is a good basketball team.
After starting the year 5-3, there was some tempered excitement around the fan base. The Pacers were looking good, but how long would it last? They dropped their next four games, leading to lots of “They are who we thought they were” hot takes. But how did they respond after that losing streak? By going 11-4 in their next 15 games.
Fast forward a few weeks: After compiling a record of 19-14, the Pacers lost five straight games to fall back to .500 at 19-19. They lost to Chicago and Dallas during that stretch, and lost by 12 or more points in four of those five losses. That’s when the hot takes really started rolling in. But how have the Pacers responded since? By going 18-8 in their last 26 games.
#Pacers were considered overachievers at 19-19 to start the year. They are 18-8 since.
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) March 6, 2018
Even at 19-19, this team was considered an overachiever. Since that time, they’ve played their best basketball of the season. Home dominance (12-2 in their last 14 home games) and respectability on the road (15-16) has put them in a great position coming down the stretch.
In late February, the Pacers dropped two straight games to the Mavericks and Hawks. Were they finally coming back to earth? How have they responded since? By going 3-0 against playoff teams.
Important 3-game stretch for the Pacers. Might not be feeling too confident after the last few games, but every time they’ve slumped this year- they’ve come back from it.
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) March 2, 2018
The Pacers have also silenced the critics during the games this season. How many times have they been counted out only to see a furious comeback? At one point this season, the Pacers had trailed by 10+ points at halftime in 11 home games. They were 6-5 in those games.
“When our backs are against the wall, we all come together,” Thaddeus Young said on Monday night. “We come together and we feel we are going to win each and every game no matter if we’re down 15 or down 5. We encourage each other, and the positivity is at an all-time high.”
Victor Oladipo has clearly been the driving force of the season. It’s still amazing to think about this team’s record when Oladipo plays (37-21). That’s a .638 winning percentage, which would be a 52-win team over a full schedule. On Monday night, however, the Pacers were able to win in quite possibly Oladipo’s worst performance as a Pacer. He committed 10 turnovers and shot just 5-of-19 from the field.
“It means we’re a good team,” Oladipo said. “It just shows how good of a team we are. Guys stepped up and played well for us. It was a gutsy win and a great feeling.”
After the game, Myles Turner and Oladipo were checking the Cavs/Pistons score on their phones. It’s that time of year, and yes, the Pacers are good enough to be scoreboard watching.
Bojan Bogdanovic on the @Pacers vs. the rest of league: "You've got to believe always in yourself and your teammates. I know most of the league didn't. … This is their problem." #Pacers pic.twitter.com/vDne3MwxIp
— FOX Sports Indiana (@FSIndiana) March 6, 2018
Oh, and it’s not just the standings. And it’s not just during the games. Several individual players have silenced the critics throughout the year as well. Darren Collison was a bad signing? His numbers say otherwise. Oladipo is playing over his head? All-Star. Bogdanovic doesn’t fit on a winning team? Have you seen him play lately?
This team is fun. This team is legit. Whether they win the division and get the No.3-seed, or slip back to the No. 6 or 7-seed, this season has been a win. The critics should be silenced. And like Lance Stephenson in the 4th-quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, don’t blink: We can’t wait to see what happens next.
This Picture is Worth a Thousand Words #5:
How can a steal and a layup with 5 minutes left in a blowout win inspire an all-time memorable moment?
That's just how this team is.https://t.co/lqHDcIEn6z
— iPacers.com (@iPacersblog) February 24, 2018
