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Pacers' 'Super Six' Show Grit Amidst Chaos
4 Nov
Summary
- Six players competed valiantly despite numerous teammates sidelined.
- Rookie Braden Smith achieved his first career double-double.
- The team suffered four consecutive losses due to widespread injuries.
The Indiana Pacers concluded their second week of the season with a winless record, marked by significant player injuries and four consecutive losses. A notable highlight was the emergence of the 'Super Six' – six players who demonstrated remarkable grit and tenacity in a hard-fought game against the Atlanta Hawks. This resilient group displayed a spirit that had been previously lacking, offering a potential blueprint for the team's recovery.
Amidst the widespread injuries, rookie point guard Braden Smith made his first career start, achieving a double-double with 19 points and 10 assists. The team also ranked 10th in steals this past week. However, offensive struggles, particularly in assists and turnover control, were evident without Tyrese Haliburton. Defensive metrics showed the team in the middle of the pack for opponent shooting percentages but near the bottom in fouls committed.
Offensively and defensively, the Pacers struggled, posting the 7th worst offense and 10th worst defense, leading to the 8th worst net rating. Their three-point shooting also dropped to 23rd in the league. The team's injury woes, including Haliburton's hamstring strain and Sheppard's meniscus surgery, continued to impact performance significantly. Areas like second-chance points and rebounding also remained concerning, with the team ranking last in second-chance points and 24th in total rebounds.
