Can The Pacers Upset Lebron & The Cavs? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

Can The Pacers Upset Lebron & The Cavs?

The Dethroning of King James

62
Can The Pacers Upset Lebron & The Cavs?
Instagram

In order to defeat Cleveland, Victor Oladipo and the Pacers will need to re-create their game 1 success in three areas.

This regular season, the Pacers have only played one national TV game - Paul George’s return to Indiana on December 13th, a 5 point win for the Thunder.

Game 1 of Round 1 against the Cavaliers showed a glimpse of what the Pacers have been like this season. The addition of Victor Oladipo has added toughness and they have the potential to be the surprise team of the postseason. Here’s what they did in game 1 and what they need to continue to do, to upset Lebron.

Push the Pace

Indiana fuels its offense with forcing turnovers, having the league’s fifth-best turnover rate. Whether it’s Collison’s passing prowess (he led the NBA in assist-turnover ratio—seriously), or Stephenson’s occasional miracle isolation baskets, or Sabonis cutting for a poster slam, the Pacers have managed to take advantage of holes and counterpunch against any adjustments opponents make. Oladipo was one of the NBA’s 15 best players this season, and the Pacers have a chance to win when he’s on the floor.

Exploit Kevin Love

Against the Cavalier’s poor defense (ranked 29th), the Pacers relentlessly attacked Kevin Love’s defense. Forward Bojan Bogdanovic, who scored 14.3 points per game this season, isn’t the quickest player, but he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor, especially against slow defenders like Love. If the Cavaliers try hiding Love on defense by putting him on one of Indiana’s forwards—Thaddeus Young, or Trevor Booker—any of them could still screen for their ball handlers, Oladipo or Collison.

The Pacers gained their huge 20 point lead in the first quarter and Oladipo finished the game with 32 points, many of those points coming when Love was setting his screen. Oladipo was able to zip inside to the paint or fling a pass to the outside with supreme accuracy, They can’t have Love switch onto Oladipo, or he’ll get cooked. But even if LeBron or someone else is guarding Oladipo, he can still score buckets from all over the floor.

He’s been a killer from beyond the arc all season long. He’s hit five game-tying, go-ahead, or game-winning shots in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and in overtime. He’s clutch because he’s so potent (35.4 percent, to be exact) pulling up for 3s. Oladipo is streaky, but the highs are high, and right now he’s soaring.

Lebron Stoppers?

Going forward, forward Thaddeus Young could be a huge part of any adjustments the Pacers make; the veteran forward didn’t defend LeBron for a single possession in Game 1. But during the regular season, he was tasked with containing Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he played a significant role against Ben Simmons.

The Pacers could try putting Young on LeBron from the opening tip in Game 2 to throw a new challenge at the Cavs. Of course, teams need to be one step ahead in the playoffs, which is why coaching can be such a significant factor in team success.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25114
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10467
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7680
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments