The great joy of the Pacers

“They were more prepared than us. They jumped on us”. This is how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sums it up sudden loss of the Thunder against the Pacers. Author of 102 points in two games against the NBA finalists, SGA played like an MVP on Friday night, but lacked the support at home during the latest robbery.

“Obviously they were more prepared than us in midfield. Hats off to them for coming at us like that.” confirms Marc Daigneault. “When you come back from a long road, the first home game sometimes feels like the fifth away game. So some of that is almost expected, but we know that and we have to get over it as soon as possible, faster. When we stopped the bleeding, we generally dominated them for a good part of the game to stay in touch until the end. The difference was that they built a deficit in the first half.”

In order to surprise the Thunder, Rick Carlisle decided to focus on the mobility and speed of his players. Even if it means suffering a huge deficit against Chet Holmgren.

“Simple Match” answers the Indiana coach about this pick. “This team causes big problems in the match. Holmgren is a player over 2m10 who plays as a full-back. It is very complicated for a traditional center to defend him, especially with all the speed he has. There are several reasons for this choice, but when you put five “small ball” on the field, it has to work, and the players did what it took to make it a big thing for us.

“This is a difficult season, but also a pleasant season. It is a pleasure to fight with them.”

In the heart of a difficult season, Rick Carlisle would like to congratulate his players for their discipline and trust in the game plan. They never panicked even when SGA pulled out all the stops in the final two minutes.

“We were the big underdogs in this game, but we have real competitive toughness. I thought the defensive game plan that Jim (Boylen) and Jenny (Buchek) put in place was great, based on discipline, physicality and trying to keep them away from the free throw line.” details Rick Carlisle. “They still hit 30 shots, but in the last game Shai hit 26 by himself, so we were definitely better. A lot of players were very good.”

And Rick Carlyle honored them, one by one.

“Obviously, Walker had a big moment in his young career: He showed everything he can do – shooting, penetrating, defending, rebounding, passing. It was really great to see. Aaron also had a bit of a click match, which was great. Pascal was true to himself, consistent All-Star caliber. Absolutely everything, Potter played a huge role: 10 points, 10 rebounds and a critical shot for these guys.