Smith: Despite early struggles, the Pacers will be fine
(Victor Oladipo scored 21 points in the Pacers loss to Portland on Monday. Photo by: Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — In the age of social media, it’s only natural to overreact in sports. Fans know one loss can’t possibly define a team, but it still feels that way after a rough night. After an uninspiring home loss against Portland on Monday night, the Pacers fell to 4-3 on the season. And many fans have already determined this team’s fate for the season.
“They can’t beat good teams.” “Safe to say this is an average team.” “Not as good as last season.” “Last year was Oladipo’s peak.”
And the beat goes on.
While there are some concerns with the Pacers’ start to the season, it’s way too early to determine anything. This is a team that started 19-19 last year (nearly half of the season), before finishing the season going 29-15.
Does that mean playing .500 for a long time this season is okay? Not at all. And I know you can only say “it’s early” for so long. But you have to keep some perspective in this game. There will be ups and downs. One hot streak can change the entire narrative of a season, and this team is fully capable.
“I think the biggest thing is, we shouldn’t get discouraged,” said Victor Oladipo after Monday’s loss. “We have another chance to play Wednesday. That’s the beauty of the NBA- quick turnaround. There’s not much time to think about it.”
Oladipo finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Despite the poor shooting night (9-of-24), it was what he did in the huddle that drew my attention.
A pretty spirited pep talk in the huddle from Oladipo. "Almost nothing's gone right for us, how are we going to respond? Every night isn't going to be easy. They're a good team, so are we." Then proceeds to drill a 3.
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) October 29, 2018
The Pacers responded to this pep talk in a big way, finishing the half on a 27-10 run. Oladipo continues to prove he’s a strong leader.
Every time the Pacers were counted out last season, they turned things around, with Oladipo leading the charge. As long as that guy is healthy, he should get the benefit of the doubt of helping his team respond.
The Pacers second unit will be a big story to watch all season. Some nights they look like they deserve their own nickname. Other nights, like Monday, they look out of sync and unsure how to play together. The second unit clearly has a lot of talent. They have some new faces. And you’ve got to believe they’ll have it more nights than they won’t. With a good starting five, that should mean good things ahead for this team.
What's the record for most 17-foot jumpers in a game? Asking for the state of Indiana.
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) October 29, 2018
I don’t think the Pacers will continue shooting 50 mid-range jumpers per night (Currently 30th in the NBA in 3-point attempts). I don’t think the bench will forget how to play basketball very often. And I don’t think the Pacers will continue with their head-scratching free-throw shooting thus far.
Concerned through seven games? In some ways, yes.
Do we already know who this team is? Not a chance.
“We’ve just got to continue to get better,” Oladipo said.
Let’s see what the next several weeks bring.
