Indiana Pacers players react to NBA In-Season Tournament after first game
The Indiana Pacers played in the first-ever In Season Tournament game on Friday night. They hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers in a game for Group A of the Eastern Conference.
For both teams, it was a unique night. There was a new court, new uniforms, and a new feel to the game. While it was still a regular season game, and a division battle at that, there was more at play.
"It feels a little different," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said pregame. "The court is very different. It's a visual sensation that I've never experienced on a court before."
The atmosphere was different from that of a normal regular season game. A Friday night crowd and a close game certainly contributed to that. But the visual elements indicating that the game was different certainly helped. Every fan in attendance could sense that it was something special.
"It's new, it's fun. Glad to be a part of it," Pacers guard Buddy Hield said of the In-Season tournament.
The Pacers didn't prepare any differently — it was still a regular season game — but they were ready to go. It was their best start in a game to date this season, and they were up big at halftime. They smoked Cleveland for the first 24 minutes of action.
The Cavaliers battled back in the third quarter, but Indiana held on in the fourth quarter to get it done. They scored and got stops when needed down the stretch.
It helped that they had the crowd, who was intrigued by the tournament atmosphere, on their side. "Tonight was insane. The fans really brought it tonight, Especially in that fourth quarter," Pacers center Myles Turner said after the game.
Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who put the game away with a clutch jumper, agreed. "The crowd was amazing tonight," he said. Carlisle said he felt like the building was alive.
The Pacers won by five, notching the first-ever win for an NBA team in the In-Season Tournament. There were plenty of things for the team to discuss postgame.
The court
The new hardwood was a bright cyan color — "Royal Peacock," was the name chosen by a paint-color matching app. It was distinct, and the uniqueness of it was supposed to make it clear to viewers that they are watching an In-Season Tournament game.
"It's different to say the least. I like the step in the different direction," Indiana big man Myles Turner said. Turner played excellent on the new floor, notching 27 points and nine rebounds. He was fantastic and sealed the victory with an important block.
One issue with the court and its big graphics was that it was slippery. Players kept falling down. "Going into it, I think it's fire. I love the color. It feels like I'm in 2K out there. I like it. But it was slick to start the game," Haliburton said. He wondered if it was a league-wide issue.
"It's all new, but I like it. I think doing stuff different is cool," the star guard added of the court.
The money
Prize money is awarded to teams that do well in the In-Season tournament. Every player on teams that reach the quarterfinals will get some financial bonus, and the winning team gets $500,000 per player. Recent reporting suggests that coaches will receive prize money as well.
By getting off to a 1-0 start, the Pacers are one step close to the monetary prizes. "I think it's up for money too, up for bragging rights," Hield said of the In-Season Tournament. He was asked later if he thought the added atmosphere of the games would up his team's level.
"I hope so. I'd like to think so," he said. "More money that can go against my mortgage, retirement fund."
The standings
Indiana won on Friday night, and their game against Cleveland was the only In-Season Tournament game for Group A in the East. They currently sit on top of the group.
The win and losses matter the most, but there is a point differential element used to break ties in the In-Season Tournament. Winning, and winning by a lot, is important for teams.
Carlsile likened it to a FIBA-style event, and he has to think about the game a little differently knowing that the margin of victory matters. "You've got to be aware of everything that is in the mix," he said. The Pacers +5 differential is tied for the second-best in the Eastern Conference.
Indiana's next In-Season tournament game comes on Tuesday, November 14. It will be in Philadelphia against the 76ers.
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