With the regular season opener a few days away, the Pacers continue striving to improve at both ends of the floor.
The Pacers continue grinding through preseason play, trying to find their stride while adjusting to a new coach, injured starters and new young faces who a ready and willing to make an impact.
The Pacers rallied late for a win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, which required getting the better of a smokin’ hot Sam Merrill and rookie Ziaire Williams instead of Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks.
The Pacers also survived a rough shooting night (5 of 25 from 3-land) and several defensive lapses which allowed backdoor layups. But the effort down the stretch to win via Jeremy Lamb’s midrange game winner was certainly a positive. Following the game, there was no better way to define the culture Rick Carlisle wants for his squad, than the description of what he told the team after a less than perfect win.
“We’re never going to make a win feel like a loss,” Carlisle told his squad. “But we’re going to be realistic about the standards we’re setting for ourselves and making sure that we’re always thinking about ways to improve.”
So, the Pacers will look to improve their level of play on Friday night against Cleveland close out preseason play.
The Pacers were off on Thursday but had plenty of action off the court with players pitching in with a MillionMealMovement effort to prepare 150,000 meals for Hoosiers in need. Also, most of the team visited the Putnamville Correctional Facility for a roundtable discussion and resident basketball game.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Cavaliers (Preseason) | Indiana Pacers
Criminal Justice Reform Takes Center Court as Pacers Partner to Play For Justice | Indiana Pacers
Pacers vs. Grizzlies: Jeremy Lamb delivers for injury-plagued team in win
Domantis Sabonis clicks with rookie Chris Duarte
Pacers: Who’s the best player? Ranking the roster 1-15
Indiana Pacers meet Putnamville Correctional Facility to discuss racial bias in justice system
Indiana Pacers Season Preview: Can Rick Carlisle’s Influence Reinvigorate The Franchise?
NBA’s 3-point revolution: How 1 shot is changing the game | NBA.com
NBA predictions: 11 questions that will determine 2021-2022 season – SBNation.com
Pacers’ home opener will be a gold out – by Scott Agness – Fieldhouse Files with Scott Agness
Three-point shooting is a concern for the Indiana Pacers