The Pacers had one of the hottest starts in the NBA winning 6 out of their first 8 and new head coach Nate Bjorkgren is a big reason why. The Pacers have changed their style of play. It’s faster, they’re shooting a lot more 3s, and the players have way more freedom than they did under Nate McMillan.
The whole team has thrived in this new system but especially Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon and Victor Oladipo. All 3 are averaging over 20 points a game. There is only 1 other team in the NBA with 3 players averaging over 20 points a game, the Houston Rockets. Sabonis is also in the top 5 in the NBA in rebounds per game averaging over 12 a game. He even had a game of over 20 points and 20 rebounds, the first one for a Pacer in over 10 years. Brogdon is leading the team in assists and steals. Oladipo really seems to have his burst and explosiveness back for the first time since his injury.
RAISE UP VIC š¤ pic.twitter.com/eYog9e7ZLi
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 10, 2021
Adding to the strong play from Sabonis, Brogdon, and Oladipo, Myles Turner is leading the NBA in blocks with 4 a game and Doug McDermott has been lethal off the bench.
But the key for the Pacers going forward will be the same as it has been for the past couple years and that is to stay healthy. They have already lost one starter to injury. TJ Warren is out after he had surgery on his foot, and the Pacers are still waiting on the return of another important player, Jeremy Lamb.
Nate Bjorkgren is off to a fantastic start with this team, and the Toronto Raptors seem to be struggling without him on the bench.