The Indiana Pacers wrapped up their 2024 preseason with a victory, but the performance left much to be desired. While the scoreboard showed a win, the Pacers’ starting lineup struggled significantly, raising questions about their readiness for the regular season.
Starting Lineup Struggles
The Pacers’ starting five, featuring familiar faces from last season, failed to impress. Despite some promising moments, their overall performance was lackluster. Head Coach Rick Carlisle’s comments post-game highlighted the lack of cohesion among the starters, a surprising issue given their history together. The starting lineup played over 20 minutes, scoring 46 points while allowing 53, a minus-seven differential that underscores their defensive lapses.
The preseason is often a time for experimentation and adjustment, but the consistent lack of performance of the starting five is concerning. The Hornets capitalized on the Pacers’ defensive weaknesses, hitting 11 threes in the first half alone. While it’s easy to dismiss preseason results, the issues with the starting lineup’s connectivity and defensive execution are noteworthy and warrant attention.
Bright Spots and Areas for Improvement
Despite the struggles, there were individual performances worth praising. Tyrese Haliburton showed flashes nearing his peak, contributing 14 points, five assists, and three three-pointers. Myles Turner was another standout, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 18 points. However, the rest of the starting lineup, including Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Andrew Nembhard, combined for a disappointing shooting performance.
The Pacers’ offensive struggles are particularly puzzling given their high offensive rating last season. While the starters managed to score 46 points in just over 20 minutes, the efficiency was lacking. The team needs to address these issues to ensure a strong start to the regular season.
Looking ahead, the Pacers have a chance to regroup and refine their strategies before facing the Detroit Pistons. The preseason has highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in terms of defensive cohesion and offensive execution. With the regular season just around the corner, the Pacers must focus on building chemistry and addressing their weaknesses.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers’ preseason performance, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
