4. The average gap in perimeter shooting is concerning
A growing trend about the Indiana Pacers that is legitimately concerning is the gap in the volume of makes from beyond the arc that they have compared to their opponents. The San Antonio Spurs certainly put this weakness on display.
After making only three shots from deep and shooting 12.5% on these attempts, Indiana is shooting on average 9.4-of-25.4 (36.9%) from the perimeter on the season.
They now rank 29th in three-point makes per game, 27th in three-point attempts per game, and 5th in three-point percentage. Their lack of volume has continued to be a legitimate issue.
Meanwhile, the Pacers’ opponents are shooting on average 12.5-of-32.1 (38.9%) so far this season. For reference, the Spurs made 10 shots from beyond the arc while shooting 47.6% in this game.
Following tonight’s NBA action, Indiana now ranks 28th in opponent three-point makes per game, 19th in opponent three-point attempts per game, and 30th in opponent three-point percentage.
The Pacers have been outscored by a total of 177 points in the three-point shooting department so far this season. That translates to an average disadvantage of 9.3 points per game as a result of perimeter shooting.
It’s a real problem for a team in today’s NBA when one of the only two teams in the NBA that attempts a higher rate of their jump shots within the half-court from mid-range comfortably outproduces you from the perimeter.
