The Indiana Pacers find themselves in unfamiliar territory, sitting tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 9-11 record after a crushing 130-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons. For a team that stormed its way to the Eastern Conference Finals just last season, this isn’t the trajectory they envisioned.
Indiana’s run in 2023 was fueled by their surprising NBA Cup performance, where they showcased their ability to hang with seasoned squads en route to the finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
That momentum carried them deep into the playoffs. This season, however, has been a different story entirely.
Key injuries have hit the Pacers hard. Defensive stalwarts Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and rookie Ben Sheppard have all been sidelined, leaving significant gaps on both ends of the floor. Without their defensive backbone, Indiana has struggled to find consistency, particularly in the NBA Cup, where they’ve fallen to 0-3 in group play.
Veteran guard T.J. McConnell, a key bench presence, has taken on a larger role but acknowledges the challenges of piecing together lineups. “When guys are in and out of the lineup, it’s tough to build chemistry,” McConnell told the Indy Star. “Ty [Haliburton] and I have to find ways to make it work and help elevate everyone else.”
Coach Rick Carlisle is preaching patience but understands the urgency to right the ship.
“It’s a different configuration,” Carlisle said. “Last year isn’t this year. With some key guys out, it’s been about adjusting and figuring out what works. That process is ongoing.”
The Pistons, meanwhile, have embraced their scrappy underdog role, notching a perfect 3-0 NBA Cup record despite their modest 9-12 mark in the regular season. Against Indiana, Detroit’s young core looked sharper and more cohesive, something the Pacers are still searching for.
While Indiana’s early-season struggles have dimmed the glow of their breakout campaign, this roster still has the tools to make noise. With Tyrese Haliburton leading the way, a returning cast of playmakers, and Carlisle’s steady hand, the Pacers can still climb back into contention.
The path forward won’t be easy, but the season is long, and Indiana has shown before they’re capable of defying expectations.
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Sounds like Groundhog Day for Ben Sheppard. Could cause serious configuration problems.
Though even Bill Murray was able to remember and learn from his rookie mistakes.
Small sample size 20 games, and the struggles now and extra experiences while depleted will probably help them late season and playoffs when they need random guys to step up. Carlisle internalizing all this now, will know his guys that much better. This team in March could look a whole lot different.