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Indiana Pacers too shorthanded for win vs Toronto Raptors, add Moses Brown
Nov 18, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) controls the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images|Nick Turchiaro/Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Pacers struggle on defense vs Raptors, make signing
The Indiana Pacers faced a challenging night against the Toronto Raptors on Monday, highlighted by significant defensive shortcomings. With a roster plagued by injuries, the Pacers struggled to contain the Raptors offensive onslaught, particularly inside the arc. The absence of key players like Ben Sheppard, Andrew Nembhard, and Myles Turner left the team vulnerable, especially in the paint where Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett dominated.
Defensive Woes and Injury Impact
The Pacers defense was notably porous, allowing the Raptors to score with ease. Poeltl’s size and technique advantages were evident as he exploited the Pacers lack of interior defense, scoring 30 points without attempting a three-pointer. Barrett added to the Pacers woes with 39 points, showcasing his ability to score both inside and from beyond the arc. The Pacers inability to defend effectively was exacerbated by the absence of their top defenders, leaving them exposed to the Raptors relentless attacks.
The injuries to key players forced the Pacers to rely on less experienced players, such as Enrique Freeman, who found himself overmatched against Poeltl. The lack of defensive cohesion was apparent, as the Pacers struggled to keep the Raptors out of the lane and failed to play connected defense. These defensive lapses were critical factors in their double-digit loss, despite winning the turnover and offensive rebounding battles.
Offensive Challenges and Roster Adjustments
Offensively, the Pacers managed to score 119 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their defensive deficiencies. Tyrese Haliburton had an off night, shooting just 5 for 18, which hindered the team’s offensive flow. While Bennedict Mathurin came alive late in the game, it was too little, too late to change the outcome. The Pacers offensive strategy was sound, but the execution fell short due to the lack of key contributors.
In response to their roster challenges, the Pacers signed Moses Brown, a move aimed at bolstering their center position. Brown’s height and rebounding ability are expected to provide much-needed support, especially with Turner’s injury. The addition of Brown is a strategic move to address the Pacers immediate needs, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can integrate into the team and make an impact.
The Pacers current situation underscores the importance of having a healthy roster and the challenges of maintaining defensive integrity with key players sidelined. As they prepare for upcoming games, the focus will be on improving defensive performance and integrating new roster additions like Brown.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers defensive struggles and roster changes, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Haliburton’s recent performance and its impact on the team
- The significance of Moses Brown’s signing and what it means for the Pacers future
- A look at the Pacers upcoming schedule and potential challenges
- Injury updates and their implications for the team’s strategy
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Legacy Explore the all-time lists of the Indiana Pacers. From memorable players to unforgettable moments, this trip down memory lane is a must for fans. (8 Points, 9 Seconds)
Trade There’s a potential blockbuster as the Pacers could receive a $45M star! This trade proposal might just change the season’s dynamics. (SI)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Shorthanded Pacers come up short in Toronto + Moses Brown signing coming Indiana was missing five rotation players when they entered Toronto to battle the Raptors on Monday, and they played like it. New lineups, poor defense, and plenty more led to another loss for the now 6-8 Pacers, who plan to sign center Moses Brown.
Indiana gets a much-needed win vs Miami Heat behind Myles Turner The Pacers needed a win Sunday and got it, taking down the Miami Heat for a nine-point win. Myles Turner’s season high was the story as he changed his attitude and dominated, but the Pacers victory was about much more than that.
An effort loss? Really? The Indiana Pacers were crushed by the Miami Heat on Friday night, and their effort was to blame. That can’t happen. What went wrong for the Pacers? And how can they correct it before their losses stack up too quickly?
