Pacers Crushed by Spurs in Paris: A Defensive Nightmare
The Indiana Pacers suffered a devastating loss to the San Antonio Spurs in their first Paris game, with the final score a lopsided 140-110. This game was a defensive disaster for the Pacers, rivaling some of their worst performances of the season.
From the outset, it was clear the Pacers were struggling to contain the Spurs offense. San Antonio, who entered the game ranked 24th in the NBA for three-point percentage, shot an impressive 18 of 36 from beyond the arc. Devin Vassell led the charge with a 5 for 6 performance, while Victor Wembanyama contributed 4 of 11 from deep.
The Pacers inability to defend wasn’t limited to perimeter shooting. They allowed 66 points in the paint, showcasing a complete breakdown on the less glamorous end of the floor. The Spurs 140 point total marked their highest-scoring game of the season, a clear indicator of the Pacers defensive woes.
Perhaps most concerning was the Pacers lack of defensive identity. They failed to take away any aspect of the Spurs offense, allowing easy baskets at the rim and open looks from three-point range. This inability to dictate the game defensively led to a third-quarter collapse, with the Spurs pouring in 45 points to effectively seal the game.
The Spurs ball movement was particularly impressive, recording a season-high 43 assists. This level of offensive efficiency exposed the Pacers lack of communication and poor rotations throughout the game.
Offensively, the Pacers struggled to find their rhythm. While they managed to keep the game close in the first half, they couldn’t match the Spurs offensive explosion in the third quarter. The team’s inability to generate easy baskets in transition, despite forcing 19 turnovers, was a significant factor in their offensive struggles.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will need to make significant adjustments, particularly on the defensive end. Improved communication, more aggressive ball pressure, and better rotations will be crucial if they hope to compete in their next matchup against the Spurs.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers performance in Paris, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• Bennedict Mathurin’s standout performance
• Pascal Siakam’s solid outing despite limited touches
• Victor Wembanyama’s dominant display and its impact on the game
