Fresh off a 113-96 preseason win against the New Orleans Pelicans, the retooled Indiana Pacers have plenty of promise for this season. So much, in fact, that star forward Paul George thinks they could easily score 115 points a night.
But even after a satisfying start to their preseason, the Pacers were back at work the very next day for a two-hour practice, with running and drills included — a grueling method that has shown results so far.
“We’re still in training camp,” head coach Nate McMillan told Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star on Wednesday. “That was a statement that we played last night, we won a game and we did some good things, but we still are in training camp. There’s still a lot of improvement that is needed and we wanted to go hard today.”
McMillan was pleased with the Pacers’ up-tempo offense in their 17-point victory on Tuesday night's game.
“We did a good job of attacking the basket and we had 25 assists, so we’re moving the ball,” said McMillan. “That’s what we wanted to do and I thought our guys committed to that.”
George emphasized the versatility and flexibility of the offense, as he claims McMillan only called five plays in the game — all either after a timeout or when the Pacers inbounded the ball from the baseline.
“Everything was just free flow and we’re still trying to figure that out,” George said. “We’ve been so used to a set or calling of plays and now we’re getting that freedom. I think that’s going to take some time, but once we get it, we could easily be a 115-point team a night.”
The team's starting lineup boasts all five starters a double figure scorers last season. The balance was evident as Indiana had three starters in double figures and seven players overall during Tuesday's win.
“If we have a free flow where we’re not coming down pounding the ball or we’re not coming down looking to call plays, it puts us in attack mode every possession,” George said Wednesday. “Coach is fine with us getting a good look with 23 on the clock or two on the clock. It’s on us to push the tempo and get good looks.”
The Pacers will face the Chicago Bulls at home on Thursday for a chance to test their mettle against another revamped Eastern Conference team.
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