Inside The Wizards

Washington Wizards Trail Indiana Pacers 73-68 at Halftime

The Indiana Pacers are using their pace to score on the Washington Wizard defense.
Washington Wizards Trail Indiana Pacers 73-68 at Halftime
Washington Wizards Trail Indiana Pacers 73-68 at Halftime

In the first game of the Washington Wizards season they find themselves trailing the Indiana Pacers at halftime, 73-68.

The Wizards’ first opponent of the season relied on pace last year and were one of the top teams in the NBA when it came to that. In fact Monumental Sports broadcaster Chris Miller brought this up just before tip-off tonight.

READ MORE: Tyus Jones Up for the Challenge in Game 1

Miller mentioned that in the morning shootaround coach Wes Unseld Jr. had even brought up the fast pace style from Indiana.

"Indiana was number one in fast break points a year ago." Miller said right before tip. "There are going to be a lot of possessions. The Wizards want to do a better job this year of maximizing those possessions."

Former NBA player Drew Gooden, who provides insight and analysis on the broadcast alongside Miller, found that stat interesting because the Pacers led the league in taking a shot less then eight seconds in their possessions. 

He also pointed out pregame that effort would be a key for Washington tonight.

Heading into the second half the Wizards will need to make adjustments. 

The Pacers continues to run up and down and have taken advantage of Washington not getting its defense set up. 

READ MORE: Wizards in Indy for Season Opener

In the first half Indiana had 17 fast break points off of six for ten shooting. One point off the 18.2 fast break points the team averaged last year.

Washington will need to get back, get set and force the Pacers into a half court offense moving forward, and if they don't it will be tough to pull out its first win of the season.


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Gage Sheets
GAGE SHEETS

Gage is entering his first season covering the Washington Wizards and brings a lifetime of passion for sports with him. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a proud husband and father of two. You can follow or reach out to Gage on X @SheetsG23