Pacers Return from Paris: Lessons Learned and Rotation Decisions Ahead
The Indiana Pacers have returned from their trip to Paris, where they faced the San Antonio Spurs in a two-game series. The experience was a mixed bag, with the team suffering a humiliating defeat in the first game before bouncing back with a dominant win in the second. Reflecting on this unique mid-season journey, there are several key takeaways and important decisions looming for the team.
The Spurs hot shooting in the first game was a significant factor in their victory. Entering the Paris trip as the 24th-ranked three-point shooting team in the league, they caught fire and outperformed expectations. While the Pacers didn’t play their best defense, it’s hard to counter when a team is shooting lights out. The second game saw adjustments from both sides, with the Pacers ultimately coming out on top.
One of the most impressive aspects of this Pacers team is their ability to make adjustments between games. This pattern has been seen before, with strong performances in the second game of two-game sets against teams like Boston and Miami. However, it’s concerning that they often find themselves in a position where such significant adjustments are necessary.
The impact of the Paris trip on the team’s performance moving forward is a topic of interest. While both teams faced similar challenges during the games in France, the real test will come as the Pacers readjust to their home time zone while their opponents have not had to deal with such travel. The team’s upcoming schedule, with four days off before facing Detroit, may help mitigate some of the potential negative effects.
A crucial decision now faces the Pacers regarding their rotation. With Aaron Nesmith back from injury and playing over 20 minutes in one game in Paris, the team must decide how to balance minutes between him and Bennedict Mathurin. Both players are likely to see significant playing time, but the starting role is up for grabs.
The bigger question revolves around which player might see their minutes reduced to accommodate Nesmith’s return. Jarace Walker, who has played in all 45 games this season, appears to be the most likely candidate. However, this decision is not straightforward, as it involves weighing immediate impact against long-term potential.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers rotation decisions, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• Victor Wembanyama’s impressive performance in Paris
• The impact of jet lag on NBA teams’ performance
• The value of 3-and-D players in today’s NBA
