Note: Results are per Reflector press time.
Being a sports fan in Indiana has been horrible at times, but there is one team I have never turned my back on: the Indiana Pacers.
I did not think it could get any better than last season, even though the Pacers ended up being eliminated in the conference finals. This season, the Pacers have outperformed themselves from last and set some new records along the way. Notably, earlier this season the Pacers set a new franchise record for points in a game, scoring 162-109 against the Washington Wizards, according to the Associated Press, the likes of which have not been seen in a non-overtime game since 2008, when Denver beat Seattle 168-116.
Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner are the dream team the Pacers have needed for a long time. All three became team leaders in different statistics throughout the regular season: Siakam led in points per game and rebounds per game, Haliburton led in assists and steals while Turner led in blocks, according to ESPN. It is wonderful to see all three succeed — perhaps in one more season they will create a legacy that is worthy of being remembered for the next 20 years.
The Pacers currently sit at 50 wins and 32 losses, according to the NBA. It is notable they are facing the Milwaukee Bucks for the first round of playoffs, a rematch from last season’s playoffs. The difference is the Pacers went 1-3 this season against the Bucks, according to the NBA.
While the Pacers were able to easily steamroll the Bucks last season in the finals, I think this time around it will be a little more challenging. The Bucks have improved compared to last season, so the first round will be dragged out for a little longer as both teams show off their more competitive edge.
After the first round if the Pacers succeed, I do not see them making it past the conference semifinals, and definitely not the conference finals. If the Pacers end up rematching the New York Knicks like last season, which is likely, they have their work cut out for them. It could be done but I would not be surprised if the Pacers lose it there. It is always a happy feeling making it past the first round of playoffs at least, as the Pacers have struggled with that for years, along with other teams in Indiana for their respective sports.
If the Pacers advance past the conference semifinals, there is no way they can beat the Cavaliers or Celtics. Those teams dominate the eastern conference and will destroy the Pacers in a series. It is not that I do not want the Pacers to do well, quite the opposite, but it is a matter of fact when looking at statistics, they will get destroyed in games against the Cavaliers or Celtics.
The Pacers are a good team, it is nice to see year to year improvement. However, there are some teams they just cannot compete with yet, like the Celtics. It would not be a surprise if they get sent home earlier than last season in the finals, unless something turns around very quickly. They are still a team worth supporting as they have made history this season and hopefully will continue to for years to come.
