Basketball, She Wrote
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How the Pacers flipped the "switch"
🕑 Added 2024-03-11 14:50:08 +0000 UTCAnd found a new way to win in Orlando
By: Caitlin Cooper I @C2_Cooper
Despite shooting just 8-of-23 on threes, Indiana rallied for a 111-97 victory over the Magic on Sunday to pull within a game of Orlando in the standings. These aren't games that the Pacers normally win. In fact, entering into Sunday's contest, the Pacers had gone just 6-18 this season when shooting below 35 percent from deep. Moreover, the last time they only made eight threes against the Magic, they trailed by as many as 40 points. On the flip side, Paolo Banchero attempted eight threes for the eighth time this season, with Orlando going 1-7 in those games. Granted, the Magic didn't have Markelle Fultz or Jalen Suggs and correlation doesn't necessarily equal causation, but the Pacers also made some tweaks on defense, both schematically and in execution, that were notably absent in Friday's loss to Minnesota.
For a deeper look into what changed while also highlighting the overall defensive impact of Myles Turner, here are the relevant timestamps:
0:00 - Introductions
1:15 - Setting the stage with the video that was never made
4:53 - Switching 4-5 screening actions with Pascal Siakam (FINALLY!)
6:06 - Obi Toppin wasn't just running and dunking
8:19 - Closing out the bench minutes with Pascal Siakam at the five instead of Isaiah Jackson
10:26 - Turner holding his own on switches against Banchero and Wagner
10:49 - Orlando finishing with zero fastbreak points
11:48 - Turner, not only blocking shots at the rim, but also preventing shots at the rim
12:15 - Thank you and Goodbye
Comments
Bruce White
Putting my man Myles in the right place! Thanks for the insights!
Jason S.
Despite the years of trade rumors and doubt, Myles keeps getting better. Every time I watch I see new parts to his game. I’m so glad he stayed a Pacer.
coolkatco
Great analysis.. I kept saying Pascal should not be used as a perimeter defender. Raptors fan here, he can 4/5 switch or the roamer defender...
Scott Bolander
I have learned so much about basketball from you.
Bob Cook
Thank you so much! Jumping the gun for a future mailbag, but I would love even more detail on how this game exemplifies Nembhard’s impact, even when he shoots only twice and doesn’t score.
Jay Glenn
Loved the breakdown.
