06-12-2025, 04:50 AM
(06-12-2025, 04:18 AM)F Gump Wrote: "If the Pacers can repeat this constant attack on both sides of the ball " ---- Isn't the constant attack from everyone and the hurried pace and the trapping pressure on every possession the normal IND style of play? I think that's their secret sauce, because they are used to it, and the grind of it (mental as well as physical, on both ends) wears down the opponent. Even if you get a lead, it's going to be hard to get that advantage to the finish line without cracking.
I really like that kind of basketball, where there is always pressure and the ball moves and every player is potentially part of every play on both ends. One minute's goat can be the next minute's hero. Every player matters and has to contribute. I've been so beaten down by the one-man show offense that the Mavs and so many others have gone to in recent years, and to me this is refreshing and so fun.
SIDE NOTE: No one notices, but Indy's FO work has been stellar. Last summer they basically did NOTHING to "improve" their team. They just re-signed the guys they had that needed new deals, and then let the improvement come from development from within. The one moving part has been looking for a usable backup C, starting with a summer minimum salary NG signing of Wiseman (gone via injury waiver in early Dec), and leaving their 15th slot open to try out some others. They took Bryant off MIA hands in a salary dump in mid-Dec that refilled the 14th slot of Wiseman, and signed some various temps (NGs, 10-days) for minimum salary C help in that 15th slot (eventually ending with Bradley), but it's really been a stable team.
Don't look now, but this Finals run may be only the beginning of IND being a major contender for several years to come. Assuming they don't stupidly tear down a winner like Cuban did, and Nico after him, they have a great foundation in place to work from. They are really good already, of course. They have a really smart coach to help them navigate the road ahead. Money is very manageable - they are under the tax line, and also don't have any looming cap issues going forward (among their regulars, only Turner this summer, and Mathurin in 2026, are going to be needing new deals anytime soon).
You are right - they as a team are very well capable of, especially at home it’s wave after wave and hustle play after hustle play. The question will be if the referees allow them to be physical enough in game 4 to really tire SGA or if he gets three or four more easy foul calls, they are in the bonus and in foul trouble early and are forced to scale back the intensity.
I agree with you, that’s a hell of a group of young, athletic, selfless two-way players on reasonable deals. If Miles Turner doesn’t leave and they have to trade an asset for a replacement - Mathurin for PJ or Gafford anyone? - then they are here to stay. Them and the Knicks could be the teams battling it out in the East for years to come.