How Wizards Can Emulate Pacers' Formula for Success

The Washington Wizards should duplicate the path the Indiana Pacers took to find success.

Feb 12, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) defends in the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

To grow something from the ground up, patience is required. Patience is needed because things aren’t always good in the beginning. It takes time to see a flower grow. Sometimes, an individual may take notes, admire, and aspire to follow the path to success from others. We may try to duplicate someone else's success by following their formula. The Washington Wizards should be taking notes as the NBA Finals are underway.

The Indiana Pacers have won Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder were winning for the entire game, and they had a comfortable lead of 15 points at one point. However, the Pacers led their comeback with pace. One way they did so was by never giving up. This is something the Wizards should try to add to their system.

When you’re a bad team, or even a team outmatched by your opponent, it is easy to give up. This is where patience comes into play. Basketball is a game of runs. With those runs, you have to be patient and wait for your moment to make your imprint on the game. As the Wizards are often outmatched, they must set in their minds to never give up. They should never take any plays off. One big play could lead to a burst of energy from both the players and the fans. That, too, can lead to yet another big play, and before you know it, you’re back in the game with a tied game or even a lead.

This was done using a unique style of basketball by Indiana. Every player except for Bennedict Mathurin who saw the court in Game 1 made a three-point shot. The Wizards can duplicate this formula for success as well. They already have multiple rookies who made over 100 three-point shots this season. The Wizards shot the ball well from beyond the arc. If they continue down that path, follow the formula of the Pacers by not giving up and shooting the three-ball well, then they may be a team to reckon with soon.

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