The Indiana Pacers Vs Milwaukee Bucks matchup on TNT last night was, in short words: electrifying. Since last season’s Giannis Antetokoumnpo game ball incident, both teams have developed a heated rivalry. Adding more fuel to the fire, the Pacers also defeated the Bucks in 6 games in the 1st round of the playoffs. The game last night showcased that brewing tension, as both Eastern Conference teams were battling it out on both ends of the court. Giannis and Myles Turner trading blocks, Spicy P being a Swiss army knife, Dame showcasing his 3 point arsenal: both teams were giving it their all. However, it was Tyrese Haliburton’s off-balanced 3 point game winner that sealed the deal. And thanks to the Greek Freak’s boneheaded foul, Halliburton was able to get a free throw in which he scored. Securing a needed win for the Navy Blue and Gold. This game cemented a fact that should have been known by now: a team that oozes with dark horse appeal.
Up until that game, the Pacers were 0-3. That losing streak was due to the absence of their floor general hero, Tyrese Haliburton. He was injured with a flexor strain, which was disappointing considering how needed he is on the floor. Without him, the Pacers are completely disorganized and lack cohesion. An elite facilitator such as Haliburton makes everything easier for the team.
2nd Option and proven champion, Pascal Siakam, is an excellent companion. As mentioned before, he’s a Swiss army knife. An intelligent defender who can guard most positions, an instinctual scorer, completely active off-ball, has speed, and great length. A perfect complement to Haliburton.
Myles Turner, the Lego fanatic who is as versatile as his passion. He’s a non-traditional center with elite shooting mechanics and has solid defensive instincts: a bonafide rim protector. Furthermore, the Canadian ballers such as Benedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard are important aspects on the team. Mathurin is an explosive scorer, he’s able to keep things afloat on the offensive end and a fierce driver to the rim. Nembhard, is a two way point guard that serves as the backup to Haliburton. His ball handling and defense go together like coffee and cream: he’s insanely valuable on both ends. So much that he’s up there as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in the NBA.
And let’s not get started on role players such as Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, Tj McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and Thomas Bryant who provide a supporting cast to the players mentioned. They provide depth and transition opportunities on the court.
To conclude, the Pacers up-tempo style is not just fast paced but team oriented. Most of the players are good to great playmakers who are able to share the rock. Last season, they did face injury ridden teams and were swept by the 2024 champion Celtics. However, their playoff run caused a huge berth for the team and gave them much more needed experience. The Pacers are battle tested and clutch. So, if you see them make it to the Eastern Conference Finals again this year, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
