It is exhausting to imagine something good can come from a 37-point loss, however Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle managed to seek out some positives.
His Pacers staff was put to the sword by the Boston Celtics, who featured Jayson Tatum in a 142-105 victory.
The Celtics duo of Jaylen Brown and Tatum mixed for 66 factors, handed the Pacers their second straight loss, and improved to 15-17 within the Japanese Convention.
Tyrese Haliburton was the Pacers’ high scorer with 19 factors, however was just lately criticized by Kendrick Perkins for his lack of focus.
Regardless of being clearly upset along with his staff’s efficiency, Carlisle favored the play of teenager Jayless Walker.
Coming into his second season within the NBA, Walker is beginning to show himself to the Pacers and the complete league.
The ahead entered the league averaging simply 10.3 minutes per recreation after being chosen No. 8 total within the first spherical of the 2023 draft.
His enjoying time has elevated considerably this yr, and his numbers have improved accordingly.
He dropped his highest factors in latest weeks with 17 factors within the win over the Orlando Magic, however his 15 factors final evening helped preserve the loss from turning into much more embarrassing.
After the sport, Carlisle praised Walker’s play, saying, “Walker did some actually good issues within the second half. I wish to see him at all times play with that form of depth and energy.”
“He did some actually spectacular issues, driving the ball, taking pictures, rebounding, defending. I imply, they had been going to get 50 factors on Brown, however he was in a position to get his personnel in place and preserve the streak going. We defended him for a few possessions, which was nice to see.”
The Pacers misplaced in virtually each division to a well-oiled Celtics facet with plenty of high quality, however one space the place Carlisle left unhappy was offensive rebounding.
Carlisle described this as his staff’s “largest downside” as his staff conceded 18 targets within the recreation in comparison with the Celtics’ 13.
He stated, “Offensive rebounding was our largest downside within the first half, and so had been untimely turnovers. 13 turnovers would not appear too unhealthy on paper, however we solely had 9 turnovers. .
“It is not good for Peyton Pritchard to go in there and get three consecutive offensive rebounds and create a rush between two of our gamers.”
The Pacers face a tricky rematch with the Celtics of their subsequent recreation, however it is a nice probability to proper their wrongs.
Associated articles
