Can The Pacers Upset Lebron & The Cavs?
Start writing a post

Can The Pacers Upset Lebron & The Cavs?

The Dethroning of King James

60
Can The Pacers Upset Lebron & The Cavs?
Instagram

In order to defeat Cleveland, Victor Oladipo and the Pacers will need to re-create their game 1 success in three areas.

This regular season, the Pacers have only played one national TV game - Paul George’s return to Indiana on December 13th, a 5 point win for the Thunder.

Game 1 of Round 1 against the Cavaliers showed a glimpse of what the Pacers have been like this season. The addition of Victor Oladipo has added toughness and they have the potential to be the surprise team of the postseason. Here’s what they did in game 1 and what they need to continue to do, to upset Lebron.

Push the Pace

Indiana fuels its offense with forcing turnovers, having the league’s fifth-best turnover rate. Whether it’s Collison’s passing prowess (he led the NBA in assist-turnover ratio—seriously), or Stephenson’s occasional miracle isolation baskets, or Sabonis cutting for a poster slam, the Pacers have managed to take advantage of holes and counterpunch against any adjustments opponents make. Oladipo was one of the NBA’s 15 best players this season, and the Pacers have a chance to win when he’s on the floor.

Exploit Kevin Love

Against the Cavalier’s poor defense (ranked 29th), the Pacers relentlessly attacked Kevin Love’s defense. Forward Bojan Bogdanovic, who scored 14.3 points per game this season, isn’t the quickest player, but he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor, especially against slow defenders like Love. If the Cavaliers try hiding Love on defense by putting him on one of Indiana’s forwards—Thaddeus Young, or Trevor Booker—any of them could still screen for their ball handlers, Oladipo or Collison.

The Pacers gained their huge 20 point lead in the first quarter and Oladipo finished the game with 32 points, many of those points coming when Love was setting his screen. Oladipo was able to zip inside to the paint or fling a pass to the outside with supreme accuracy, They can’t have Love switch onto Oladipo, or he’ll get cooked. But even if LeBron or someone else is guarding Oladipo, he can still score buckets from all over the floor.

He’s been a killer from beyond the arc all season long. He’s hit five game-tying, go-ahead, or game-winning shots in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and in overtime. He’s clutch because he’s so potent (35.4 percent, to be exact) pulling up for 3s. Oladipo is streaky, but the highs are high, and right now he’s soaring.

Lebron Stoppers?

Going forward, forward Thaddeus Young could be a huge part of any adjustments the Pacers make; the veteran forward didn’t defend LeBron for a single possession in Game 1. But during the regular season, he was tasked with containing Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he played a significant role against Ben Simmons.

The Pacers could try putting Young on LeBron from the opening tip in Game 2 to throw a new challenge at the Cavs. Of course, teams need to be one step ahead in the playoffs, which is why coaching can be such a significant factor in team success.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40675
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25263
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950874
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

132900
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments