{"id":57605,"date":"2023-10-26T13:42:14","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T17:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=57605"},"modified":"2023-10-26T13:43:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T17:43:23","slug":"indiana-pacers-record-breaking-season-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/10\/26\/indiana-pacers-record-breaking-season-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Make of the Indiana Pacers’ Record-Breaking Season Opener"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Indiana Pacers pounced on the Washington Wizards in their season opener. Eight Pacers<\/a> scored in double-digits, including all five starters. Bruce Brown<\/strong><\/a> and Obi Toppin<\/strong><\/a> were impressive in their debuts, while Washignton\u2019s top scorers struggled offensively. Let\u2019s examine the game to determine if Indiana can keep this pace all season.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Make of the Indiana Pacers’ Record-Breaking Season Opener<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Bruce Brown Brings the Offense<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\u2019t shoot 8-11 every night, the run-and-gun style of this Pacers offense should boost Brown\u2019s scoring numbers this season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing next to Tyrese Haliburton<\/strong><\/a> and Bennedict Mathurin<\/strong><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Dynamic Duo: Haliburton and Nembhard<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Speaking of perfect pairings, the Pacers’ point guards played very well in the season opener. Both Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both players turned the ball over a couple of times, and coach Rick Carlisle<\/strong><\/a> will likely address that with his team, as Indiana had 12 turnovers throughout the game. Haliburton is a star, and those who don\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising Stars: Mathurin and Toppin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\u2019Neal<\/strong><\/a>. 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\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mathurin may not have had the best shooting night, but he shined in other ways. Teammates have praised Mathurin\u2019s improving passing ability in the summer, which was also displayed in the preseason.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bennedict Mathurin with the bounce pass and Obi Toppin puts on a show. \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/alLCKyYWpo<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 iPacers.com (@iPacersblog) October 20, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n