The Indiana Pacers pounced on the Washington Wizards in their season opener. Eight Pacers scored in double-digits, including all five starters. Bruce Brown and Obi Toppin were impressive in their debuts, while Washignton’s top scorers struggled offensively. Let’s examine the game to determine if Indiana can keep this pace all season.
What to Make of the Indiana Pacers’ Record-Breaking Season Opener
Bruce Brown Brings the Offense
Brown’s sharpshooting was one of the biggest surprises from the Pacers’ record-setting 143-point barrage. Known for his defensive prowess, the former Denver Nugget tied a personal best with four made three-pointers in the first half. Brown hit two more in the second half and led Indiana with 24 points. While he likely won’t shoot 8-11 every night, the run-and-gun style of this Pacers offense should boost Brown’s scoring numbers this season.
Playing next to Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin will help, too, since opposing defenses will likely focus on those two perimeter threats over Brown. His defense is a perfect pairing with the Pacers’ fast-break offense. Brown averages a steal per game, and these extra opportunities can turn into quick runs like they did against the Wizards.
A Dynamic Duo: Haliburton and Nembhard
Speaking of perfect pairings, the Pacers’ point guards played very well in the season opener. Both Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard had double-doubles. Nembhard finished with 12 points and 10 assists in 22 minutes, while Haliburton had 20 points and 11 assists. Haliburton was also impressive on the defensive end, blocking two shots and accounting for one of the five steals snagged by the starters.
Both players turned the ball over a couple of times, and coach Rick Carlisle will likely address that with his team, as Indiana had 12 turnovers throughout the game. Haliburton is a star, and those who don’t know that will be exposed to it this season. Nembhard looks more like the 2022 NBA Draft steal every day. The former 31st overall pick continues to grow and is a valuable asset in the Pacers rotation. His scoring numbers may not rise drastically, but expect his assists and overall efficiency to improve.
Rising Stars: Mathurin and Toppin
On the topic of improvement and potential steals, the Pacers’ trade for Toppin in the offseason may go down as one that changes the franchise’s trajectory. Speaking on potential impact and not play style, this could be looked back on like the 2000 trade for a young Jermaine O’Neal. Toppin is a perfect fit for this Indiana team. He is a phenomenal athlete who plays with pace and can finish at the rim. He didn’t make a big splash on the box score in his Pacers debut, but he only played 19 minutes. Toppin did show some shooting range, hitting two of his five attempts from beyond the arc.
Mathurin may not have had the best shooting night, but he shined in other ways. Teammates have praised Mathurin’s improving passing ability in the summer, which was also displayed in the preseason.
Bennedict Mathurin with the bounce pass and Obi Toppin puts on a show. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/alLCKyYWpo
— iPacers.com (@iPacersblog) October 20, 2023
He kept the momentum going on that front with five assists against Washington. This Pacers offense can be very dangerous with five scoring options and two great passers on the floor. If Mathurin continues to improve here, that dangerous potential could become a reality.
Pacers’ Pit Crew
Another takeaway from game one of the 2023 season: Indiana is a deep team. Eight players scored at least 11 points, and seven scored off the bench. Everyone except rookies Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard scored, and both were limited to six minutes of playing time. Both could find themselves with a more prominent role later in the year. Especially if the sharp-shooting Buddy Hield is moved before the trade deadline.
Until then, the Pacers have a solid rotation that includes Aaron Nesmith and Jalen Smith, who combined for 20 points in their 36 minutes on the court. The bonus to this depth is that the team is so young. Players like Nesmith, Smith, and Jordan Nwora fit a similar mold to Toppin. These young players are talented but couldn’t carve out a significant role on their original team due to play style or positional depth. This Pacers team gives them all a chance to shine.
What About Washington?
The Wizards got off to a decent start, taking a 39-34 lead after the first quarter. However, Indiana would outscore them by at least nine points every quarter after that. Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole struggled from the floor, shooting 1-10 from three-point range. While Indiana’s 143-point outing was impressive (the most points in Pacers history for a season opener), it’s unrealistic to think that they will be able to match this input on a nightly basis.
However, this team is exciting to watch in the Eastern Conference this year. Expect the Indiana Pacers to fight for a playoff spot. Their ceiling may be higher than the play-in.
