Pacers on the Rebound: Five Straight and Ready to Prove Themselves
After a rough start to the season, the Indiana Pacers have finally found their groove. Led by Tyrese Haliburton and his squad, they’ve reeled off five consecutive wins, including a big one against the Warriors last night. Are we witnessing the return of last season’s Eastern Conference finalists?
From Playoff Hopes to Early Struggles
Coming off a playoff appearance last season, the Pacers were eager to hit the ground running this year. But it wasn’t long before reality set in, as Indiana stumbled out of the gate. The team’s offense was a mere shadow of its former self, and the defense struggled mightily. Tyrese Haliburton, once a standout star, appeared lost amidst the chaos, and it affected the entire Indiana roster.
Turning the Tide in Style
However, good times seem to be back in Indiana. The turnaround began with a convincing victory over the Philadelphia 76ers just over a week ago. Since that spark, the Pacers have been unstoppable—trouncing the Pelicans’ bench and going a perfect 3-0 on a road swing through Phoenix, Sacramento, and Golden State.
Scoring Spree and Defensive Resolve
In these last five games, the Pacers haven’t dipped below 110 points, highlighting a revitalized offensive firepower. On the defensive end, they’ve showed grit, notably shutting down Steph Curry last night to a mere 10 points on 2-of-13 shooting. Coach Rick Carlisle has praised Obi Toppin’s effort on both ends of the floor as integral to their recent success.
Haliburton and Company Find Their Rhythm
Tyrese Haliburton is also making waves, gradually shaking off the doubts surrounding his shooting. Over this five-game stretch, the All-Star guard is averaging 19 points, 10.6 assists, and shooting nearly 44% from three-point range (on 9 attempts per game). Impressively, he’s dished out more than ten assists four times during this run, including a stellar assist-to-turnover ratio of 12 assists to just 1 turnover against the Warriors.
Support from the Crew
Adding to the excitement is Pascal Siakam, providing consistency with an average of 20 points per game while keeping emotional highs and lows in check. Myles Turner continues to be a reliable presence, delivering the clutch dagger against Golden State last night. Andrew Nembhard, a versatile asset, is fitting seamlessly back into the lineup after his earlier absence.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Stretch Awaits
Now standing at an even 15-15, the Pacers can begin eyeing a rise in the conference standings. To solidify this positive momentum, they’ll need to deliver in their upcoming matchups. And let’s be clear—there’s no turkey on the menu. The Pacers will face the Thunder at home and hit the road twice for matchups in Boston, followed by tough games against the Bucks and the Heat, both vying for a top-eight spot in the East. This stretch will be the ultimate test to see what these new-look Pacers are made of.