Before this year, the Pacers had not played in the playoffs since 2020. And for their return, here they are in the conference final! If Pascal Siakam can boast of having an NBA championship ring and great playoff campaigns to his credit, a good part of the squad is discovering the playoffs. However, like Tyrese Haliburton, these same Pacers had already played high-stakes matches, with a sort of taste of the playoffs born from their superb run in the first In-Season Tournament.
“These experiences were certainly useful,” confirms Pacers coachRick Carlisle. “There were real playoff simulations like our quarter-final at home. It was a Monday night, against these guys (the Celtics), and it had a conference finals atmosphere. Going to Vegas and playing there was different, but there was definitely being exposed, being in the spotlight, and all that. So all these experiences are useful for a young team. »
Use every bit of experience
If no player has the experience of Pascal Siakam, TJ McConnell and Myles Turner were already present during Indiana’s previous playoffs. For his part, Obi Toppin had already played the postseason with the Knicks. As for Aaron Nesmith, he had tasted the Finals with Boston in 2022, but in a minor role with only 16 minutes spent on the field against the Warriors.
On the staff side, Rick Carlisle was of course titled with the Mavs in 2011, and his assistant, Jim Boylen, was champion three times as an assistant: twice with the Rockets and once with the Spurs in 2014.
“We have to prepare the guys knowing that this generation doesn’t want to hear things about the 80s”specifies Rick Carlisle. “Our staff has a lot of experience… but you have to make them understand that you have to go through it to really feel what it’s like. We tried to prepare them for that but there is nothing better than facing a Game 5 in Milwaukee or New York. You have to endure the avalanche of experience that falls on you. »
This evening, in the second round, the Pacers will be able to count on the experience and calm of Pascal Siakam to avoid repeating the same mistakes as in Game 1. “He and Tyrese are our two main pieces, and his experience is really important. He has a naturally calm demeanor and a reassuring presence. He doesn’t let himself be affected. His personality does not change and when there is turbulence, he calms our young people,” concludes the Pacers coach.
2024-05-23 17:38:40
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