Domantas Sabonis was given a massive contract just before the start of the season by the Indiana Pacers and he has shown why the team was willing to pay him the big bucks. He has scored and rebounded well and has also shown improvement on the defensive side of the basketball.
After a rough start to the season and an 0-3 record, the Pacers have bounced back strong with back-to-back wins.
Even with Myles Turner out due to an ankle injury suffered against the Brooklyn Nets, the Pacers seem to be putting the pieces together. A big part of that has to do with the defense starting to come together.
Following their win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, Sabonis took some time to share his thoughts on the improving defense.
Sabonis on the #Pacers' defensive improvement: "Guys are stepping up. We're playing more and more together. Guys are catching on more on the defensive terms — it's getting easier." pic.twitter.com/HwPJbB4Mno
— Bally Sports Indiana (@BallySportsIN) November 2, 2019
Looking a bit closer at Sabonis this season, the improvement is obvious. He has gone from being the leader of the second unit to being one of the key pieces for the future of the franchise. Sabonis is now a full-time starter and his numbers are rising quickly.
Throughout the first five games of the season, Sabonis has averaged 21.8 points per game to go along with 11.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He has shot 57% from the field overall and has knocked down 42.9% of his three-point attempts and 88.9% of his free throws.
Sabonis has become a leader for the Pacers. He has become one of the league's more consistent bigs.
Indiana has a ton of work to do if they want to end up being legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. Victor Oladipo is continuing to recover nicely and should be on his way back in the fairly near future. Until then, Sabonis is going to continue producing at a high level.
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