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Are the Pacers better than "merely bad" on defense?
🕑 Added 2024-01-13 18:18:49 +0000 UTCTracing what's changed on that end of the floor through the lens of the match-up with Atlanta
By: Caitlin Cooper I @C2_Cooper
At least in this particular match-up, the Pacers have come a long way on the defensive end. After surrendering 152 points to the Atlanta Hawks during the group stage of the In-Season Tournament, in which both teams eventually resorted to 3/4 court trapping in what basically was a regular season version of an All-Star game, Indiana cut-back on the number of paint points allowed, shaving the total from 74 to a more manageable tally of 48 -- especially for a team that continues to score in bulk, even sans Tyrese Haliburton.
With before-and-after comparisons, here's a look at some of the noticeable areas of improvement from earlier in the season to now, both from an individual and process standpoint. Enjoy!
Timestamps
0:00 - I've been waiting a long time to make this video!
0:49 - Some semblance of defense was played!
1:15 - Buddy Hield, guarding the yard
3:33 - Taking "shift" seriously
5:00 - Andrew Nembhard's defensive feel
7:45 - Bennedict Mathurin veer switching + Obi Toppin's midline help
9:38 - It's a low bar, but the Pacers have cleared it - for now
11:03 - Thank you and Goodbye!
Comments
Dwain Kitchel
i really like this video format kudos Caitlin :)
Michael Beight
Wow. Very sizable indeed
Caitlin Cooper
Since the change to the starting lineup, they rank 5th in points allowed per 100 transition plays. For the season, they rank 29th. So yes, a sizable leap.
Michael Beight
Something I don’t remember being mentioned, how much of this was set defense because they made 67% of their shots? Or has their transition defense approved as well?
Scott Bolander
In the NBA, it's difficult to overcome being only 6'1" with short arms. But I never seen anyone try harder to do it.
Caitlin Cooper
Links on some of the holes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/pacers-are-still-94837444?utm_medium=post_notification_email&utm_campaign=patron_engagement&utm_source=post_link
Caitlin Cooper
I would've gone as hard as it sounds like they did after O.G. Anunoby. You can see the impact he's had on the Knicks already as far as allowing the other players on the roster to slide into their more natural spots. He's one of the most position-less defenders in the NBA. Pascal is not at his peak as a defender, but he would also be an upgrade. With Scottie playing more of a roamer role and being better at the roamer role than Pascal, Pascal has played out of position on that end of the floor a lot for the Raptors to start the season. That wouldn't be the case with the Pacers. They also just need more positional size. Depending upon the cost, he's interesting for a number of reasons.
Caitlin Cooper
I made a Twitter thread about TJM the other day and wrote an article about him being in the closing lineup against Milwaukee. He isn't the same caliber of defender as Nembhard, but he provides a spark.
Caitlin Cooper
Even if that was the case, and as I mentioned, Trae didn't play well -- Buddy had some strong possessions against Trae in the prior game, as well. As for the rest, the process has been better. They still have some holes to address, but the execution is on the upswing at the very least.
maninthebooth
I felt like Trey was a step slow the whole game because of an injury. So, I'm not sure if the difference in covering him can be attributed to that or to better D. But, as you pointed out, with Buddy and Math playing improved D and the rest connecting, this is an improvement for team D. Thanks for the great video and critique. This is very helpful.
Paul Biondich
Nicely done, Caitlin. I’ll only add that TJMs effort level is a catalyst that prompts the entire team to dig in deeper. Seems pretty apparent when the game unfolds. Trust me bro. 🤣
William Safford
You mentioned roster holes. Not sure if I missed it, but curious as to your thoughts on those and ‘if you were GM’, who would you be inquiring on for the best fits of those holes.
