Why the Pacers are no longer a "blur"
Added 2024-03-19 17:26:55 +0000 UTCA last two minute report on the ghost screens that have been ghosted & more
By: Caitlin Cooper I @C2_Cooper
En route to a 108-103 loss to a depleted Cleveland Cavaliers team, the Pacers closed the game going 3-of-10 from the field, including 0-of-7 from three, while being held scoreless over the final two minutes. During that span, with the Cavs switching or going ice-to-switch on most ball-screens, there were interior mismatches that fell by the wayside and those that were attacked from the perimeter were all too often missing what previously had generated the separation for the defense to go, quite literally, sideways.
As such, by comparison to the In-Season Tournament win over a more fully healthy version of the Cavs in November, here's a video breakdown of why the Pacers are currently no longer a "blur," organized by both actions and process.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introductions
1:10 - Changes to defensive assignments
1:50 - Going your "separate" way - to the right!
2:21 - It's all a blur (screen)
2:57 - Turning the corner
5:22 - Attacking switches with motion
6:54 - Scram reads + Pascal Siakam's lack of late-game shot attempts
10:18 - The set play that worked until it didn't
15:00 - Comparing how different teams have defended that same set
15:40 - Thank you and goodbye
Comments
If that’s how he’s getting his catches I think it’s more a problem than a solution. He needs to work for better. It’s not late clock and he’s not a KD or Dirk type that can/will catch turn and shoot in the defenses grill from there. He’s clogging everyone so he can get a catch guarded by a good defender in the long mid range.
Rafa
2024-03-20 17:42:04 +0000 UTCHmm. I'm going to have to disagree there. That's no different than how he gets most of his touches out of that action. Also, from watching LeVert in a Pacers uniform, I'm not overly convinced that he would've impacted that entry pass. Meanwhile, the other option on the perimeter wasn't beating Niang off the dribble in space and the shot wasn't falling, either. I can't get there.
Caitlin Cooper
2024-03-20 17:25:01 +0000 UTCI know PS is a on his hooneymoon period but I think his lack of catches is partially on him. In the clip you showed he made no attempt to get "good" postion. Myles worked for deep postion and I thought he should have been rewarded. If PS wonders to the 18 foot mark early clock and puts his hand up while being covered by an althetic 6'7 wing I have no issue with Ty (or anyone else) waiving him off.
Rafa
2024-03-20 17:16:56 +0000 UTCI don't think those two situations are completely comparable. Among the 130 players averaging at least five drives per game, Mathurin's pass-out rate ranks 124th. He made *some* strides with his field of vision, but he still doesn't always make the right read when he draws help at the rim. Siakam is much more capable of manipulating the coverage and making plays for others out of his gravity. More often, I think his touches (or lack thereof) are more a product of the fact he and Tyrese are typically drawing the toughest match-ups, which means there isn't necessarily an advantage to them screening for each other. That's why the inverted spacing, with the ball getting entered to him at the elbow and a guard positioned in the dunker's spot, has been easier to assemble while getting him a wider gap to drive into.
Caitlin Cooper
2024-03-20 15:42:29 +0000 UTCThe reason the chemistry is a problem seems to be the same reason the chemistry was a problem when Mathurin was starting, Pascal does not catch and shoot when he’s open. Both of layers catch the ball and look to dribble and make plays or get their shot. That’s why the points are down, the offense takes longer to get shots. Everyone else in that position this season was catch and shoot if they have the space, if not pass it back to Ty.
Mike Nice
2024-03-20 06:09:21 +0000 UTCThere can't be quarters when he only attempts one shot, that's for sure.
Caitlin Cooper
2024-03-20 00:21:35 +0000 UTCA lot of it has to do with match-ups. When Ty is being guarded by the other team's best defender, using him as a screener for Siakam isn't necessarily to the team's advantage. That's why I liked what they did at the end of the game against Detroit, with the inverted spacing. I made a video about that, too -- if you're interested. https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-pacers-are-99115924
Caitlin Cooper
2024-03-20 00:21:05 +0000 UTCI don't think anyone on the current roster is going to have the same effect as Buddy (i.e. getting Giannis to slide down the 3PT line with him, opening the switch pocket at the end of the IST game with Boston), but McDermott or Sheppard is probably the answer. Nembhard has shown he can late-pivot as a screener.
Caitlin Cooper
2024-03-20 00:19:41 +0000 UTCGreat analysis...i think from the beginning of the game... Pascal gave the ball back to Tyrese and TJ... it seems to be a coaching preference every other game... when Pascal pushes they get good looks
Norma
2024-03-19 19:16:29 +0000 UTCThe lack of chemistry between Ty and Pascal is a little worrisome. Even though Pascal + bench has been amazing, don't they need to figure out the 1-4 action before the playoffs? I don't think the Ty hero ball will work in a 7-game playoffs series.
RB
2024-03-19 18:56:40 +0000 UTCGood video! One question, Who do you think would be best suited to start initiating those ghost screens for Tyrese? Sheppard and Nesmith?
Kirby Tie
2024-03-19 18:35:37 +0000 UTC
