Three takeaways as Indiana Pacers get stomped by red-hot Washington Wizards
It's nearly impossible for an NBA team to win if they give up 80 points in any half. The Indiana Pacers were reminded of that fact on Saturday night as they battled it out with the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards ran right through the Pacers in the first half. They scored 80 points, including 43 in the second quarter, and shot 73.2% in the first two frames. Washington led by 23 at halftime after a dominant start.
"Obviously, they're shooting a great percentage. But that's really on us. We've got to increase our presence," Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar said at halftime of the game on the Bally Sports Indiana broadcast.
The Pacers did increase their presence and defended much better in the second half, only conceding 47 points. But it was far too late, and the Wizards were coasting a bit. In the end, it still wasn't close as Washington won 127-113.
113 points is the most the Pacers have scored in seven games, and their second half defense was admirable. Yet they still lost by 14 points. It was a forgettable night for the blue and gold, and it all stems from the first half.
"They played a lot harder in the first half and we played a lot harder in the second half," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the game.
Indiana is now 25-33 and 12th in the Eastern Conference. They are close to falling into 13th place as a result of their ongoing skid — they are 2-15 in their last 17 games.
Little went right for the Pacers on Saturday. There are many things they need to correct ahead of Monday's matchup with Utah, and they all sit in the team's takeaways from the night.
The Pacers must defend better
Leading off with the obvious takeaway, the Pacers just have to defend better. 80 points in a half is inexcusable defending, and many of the Wizards shot attempts were wide open.
Indiana's defensive rating during their 2-15 stretch is 119.4, which ranks 27th in the NBA. They have given up 120+ points eight times in that stretch, and the Knicks were one point away from making it nine times. The Pacers can't stop anybody right now.
It hasn't seemed to matter who is on the floor or what the defensive strategy is. Indiana hasn't gotten stops in many situations. They need to communicate better, lock in, stick to the game plan, and just battle more on defense. Right now, they look miserable on that end of the floor.
"We've just got to stay together as a group and keep working to do better," Carlisle said.
Bradley Beal gave the Pacers problems
Three time All-Star guard Bradley Beal had an excellent night, scoring 32 points on only 18 shots. He looked great.
The 29-year old skated through the Pacers defense regardless of who was defending him. He made tough shots, created looks for his teammates, and buried threes. It was a complete performance from Beal.
Washington's star was a +13 for the game and proved to be a difference maker. He stabilized the Wizards in the early third quarter, which helped his team ultimately win.
Isaiah Jackson impressed again
Friday night, Pacers young center Isaiah Jackson only got minutes in the fourth quarter of a Pacers loss vs the Suns, but he still finished with 14 points and five rebounds. His skill set adds another element to the blue and gold's style.
Tonight, that happened again. The 21-year old operated as the backup big man with Daniel Theis sidelined, and he finished with six points, three rebounds, and two blocks on 3/4 shooting. His defense covered up mistakes made by his teammates throughout the game.
Jackson has been stuck on the bench with Theis healthy and the Pacers having a crowded frontcourt. But he makes effective plays every time he hits the floor. Indiana needs to find a way to get him minutes every night down the stretch of the season.
The Pacers will try to bounce back when they host the Utah Jazz on Monday night. "The stretch we've been through, every opportunity to compete, and compete better, is something we've got to relish," Carlisle said.
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