Comments on: Clippers vs Pacers Preview: Showdown in Indy

By: dhpat

dhpat — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 03:46:57 +0000

There were still too many defensive lapses where the opposing players were just left alone to score. We need to play engaged defense — so that when we can’t hit the side of a barn, we can still win games.

By: chogokin

chogokin — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 02:25:31 +0000

Even better – Brandon Boston show

By: JCplusULTRA

JCplusULTRA — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 02:10:28 +0000

The 4th is the James Harden show.

By: John Maclean

John Maclean — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 01:58:12 +0000

The only thing better than our game play right now is Sieman:

“Kawhi is having an out of hard drive experience.”

“Like saloon doors in a spaghetti western”

I’d never heard these before.

By: chogokin

chogokin — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 01:36:33 +0000

I’m still hesitant to really buy into this team, but if Kawhi locks in like this during a playoff series this team is gonna be an awfully difficult out. One of the biggest reasons I was so down on this team trading for Harden was because I thought 213 was done being a top-tier duo, but Kawhi has been legit playing like an MVP candidate during this hot streak.

By: chogokin

chogokin — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:38:28 +0000

Man I thought we could take advantage of Turner being out, but I forgot Isaiah Jackson killed us last time we played them…looks like a repeat performance from him.

By: chogokin

chogokin — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 23:45:35 +0000

Myles Turner out tonight -hope they can take advantage by feeding Zu.

By: mlslaw1

mlslaw1 — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 23:32:34 +0000

We’ve won 7 straight and Pacers have lost 3 straight. We’re greedy for more and the Pacers need to stop losing games, especially at home.

Who’s more motivated?

As much as the our coaches and players may adopt the “take one game at a time” approach, the team has developed winning habits during this streak–taking care of biz like the pros they are.

And, they have to be motivated to some extent to want to keep this going. Pro sports is spectacle entertainment and these guys are performance artists. Accolades and getting noticed is very rewarding for them so they wanna get this one and more. I’d also dare to say that this streak essentially nullifies the Pacers HCA—as the motivation to extend is pretty damn strong and will translate into solid play.

By: jbugs

jbugs — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:46:41 +0000

I think because the win streak came after the signing of Theis and moving Russ to the bench, you can almost rest easy that we’re legit. For what feels like the first time in the 213 era, we’re done with tinkering and we’re on to actually developing chemistry. There are a ton of realistic ways we can actually improve as the season progresses.

By: jbugs

jbugs — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:43:43 +0000

We’ve gone from playing some of the most depressing basketball in the 213 era (with chemistry and overall performance looking awful despite being almost fully healthy) to some of the most encouraging basketball in the matter of weeks. I’m trying to temper my expectations, but the reality is that we finally have an amazing point guard to bring together the disparate pieces we’ve been working with for years now. Kawhi and PG are elite talents, but have always resorted to taking turns playing iso ball. Russ helped with this when he joined the team last year by initiating the offense and creating some movement/flow, but even Russ came with some pretty glaring deficiencies. Harden is the one of the most ideal fits for Kawhi/PG across the league and it’s starting to show. Ty is finally exhibiting some discipline in the line ups and it’s translating in wins and most importantly, blossoming chemistry. Russ is still finding ways to add value doing his thing off the bench. Theis gives us some big man versatility to change up our style of play. And Norm Powell’s efficiency is so hot that I almost forgot about all the ways he can hurt us.
Things are feeling pretty good and I’d argue we still have some pretty significant upside within the roster if Mann can start heating up. I think for Terance, I’d like to start seeing his FG attempts get into the 12-15 range. I still believe he has a high ceiling (maybe borderline all-star at some point in his career) and that the best way for him to achieve this ceiling is by starting to look to score. With so many things clicking right now, I’d love to focus some attention on developing Mann into a real option on offense. His passing game is pretty good. If we can pair that with some scoring, we would be able to generate a lot more space and clean looks for Harden/Kawhi/PG. Mann is our most athletic player. If we can get him going, it would totally change the way teams would have to play us.