Three takeaways from the Pacers’ 97-94 win over the Spurs

Lifted by Oladipo’s step-back Three-pointer with 10.Three seconds to play, the Pacers (Three-Three) defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 97-94, Sunday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Oladipo, having the most effective begin of his profession, led the Pacers with 23 factors, whereas Domantas Sabonis added 22 factors and 12 rebounds.

This will likely have been the Pacers’ most spectacular victory, contemplating they fell behind by 9 factors within the fourth quarter towards a veteran Spurs (Four-2) crew adept at closing out victories. However Oladipo was the distinction. With the Pacers trailing 94-92, and the shot clock winding down, Oladipo took a step again and launched a high-arching shot from lengthy distance over the outstretched arm of LaMarcus Aldridge. When Oladipo’s shot went in, the gang went nuts. 

►BOX SCORE: Pacers 97, Spurs 84

Then after a Spurs miss, Cory Joseph of the Pacers was fouled and made two free throws to provide the Pacers the  ultimate margin. A final-second Three-point try by Patty Mills was nicely quick, and the Pacers have been free to have a good time. Aldridge led the Spurs with 26 factors.

Listed below are three takeaways from the victory: 

1. This recreation was performed on the Spurs’ tempo, but the Pacers received. 

The Spurs succeeded in making this a halfcourt, bodily recreation that performed to their strengths. That they had no intention of getting right into a monitor meet with the quicker Pacers. So San Antonio ran its offense patiently, taking day without work the shot clock and doing a very good job getting again in transition protection.

San Antonio methodically discovered its rhythm, forcing the ball inside to Aldridge and Pau Gasol (17 factors), who both bought a excessive share shot, or handed exterior to open teammates, In the meantime, the Pacers struggled offensively for lengthy stretches, notably within the second half.

When the Pacers are compelled to play halfcourt basketball, they’re merely not nearly as good. With so many new faces, they’re nonetheless constructing chemistry and studying how greatest to run their offense. On this recreation, straightforward baskets and transition baskets have been few and much between.  

2. The Spurs made a concerted effort to maintain Oladipo in test, however couldn’t.

It is no secret Oladipo has grow to be the Pacers’ go-to man, and he was the point of interest of the Spurs’ protection. Oladipo made issues tougher for himself by committing his second foul halfway by way of the primary quarter, robbing him of some taking part in time. Nonetheless, give the Spurs credit score for making Oladipo work for every part he bought. As a result of the Pacers not often had fast-break alternatives, Oladipo’s forays to the basket have been restricted. And every time Oladipo put the ball on the ground, the Spurs shortly rotated to provide badist.

Oladipo did a very good job staying affected person, not forcing pictures, and pbading to the open man. However when it was time to take over, Oladipo did precisely that. He needed the ball, he needed to make the large shot, and when the chance offered itself, Oladipo capitalized. That is one other encouraging signal for the Pacers. 

Three. The Pacers are exhibiting loads of grit early within the season.

Contemplate the Pacers have performed all however one recreation with out heart Myles Turner. (Turner is within the NBA concussion protocol and “feeling higher,” in keeping with McMillan.) Additionally, they’ve already performed two units of back-to-back video games, and three video games on the street. Contemplate that Glenn Robinson III, considered one of their key reserves, has missed all the season after ankle surgical procedure. 

They should get Turner again within the lineup badly, as a result of he brings lots to the desk. However that is the type of victory that can give a younger crew much more confidence.

Comply with IndyStar sports activities author Clifton Brown on Twittter @CliftonGBrown