The Indiana Pacers' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the In-Season Tournament Finals highlighted their persistent struggle with opposing teams' size, a theme that has been affecting the team for several seasons. The Lakers' dominance, particularly the impact of their big wings and larger players, exposed the Pacers' need for more size and defensive capability.

Why It Matters

The loss underscores the Pacers' ongoing vulnerability against teams with significant size and raises questions about their strategic approach and roster composition.

By the Numbers
  • The Toronto Raptors, with the NBA's 23rd rated offense, scored 132 points against the Pacers earlier in the season.
  • The Lakers, equipped with multiple players over six-foot-six-inches tall, showcased the impact of size by out-rebounding the Pacers by 23 boards and limiting their scoring well below their average.
State of Play
  • The Pacers' small ball approach has been effective but has also left them vulnerable against opponents with size, impacting their ability to compete effectively in crucial games.
  • The team's struggle with size has been a recurring theme, indicating a need for strategic adjustments or roster changes to address this ongoing challenge.
Bottom Line

The Pacers' loss to the Lakers underscores the pressing need for addressing their size-related vulnerabilities, whether through strategic adjustments or roster changes, to ensure competitiveness in crucial games and enhance their overall performance.