3. Their slow starts are an issue that needs fixing

While the Indiana Pacers did not have two of their most important players in this game, they continued their habit of starting the game slowly. It was especially important that they got off to a strong start with a depleted lineup but that didn’t happen.

Indiana began their performance facing a 12-3 deficit at the 7:04 mark of the first quarter. Their struggles continued and the San Antonio Spurs went up 22-9 with 4:23 left in the opening period.

While the Pacers managed to close the first quarter on a 13-4 run, their efforts were only enough to face a 29-23 deficit heading into the second period. They ultimately never held a lead at any point in this game as a result.

On the season, the Pacers have been outscored by a total of 32 points during first quarters. They are now producing a 103.0 offensive rating (23rd), a 109.3 defensive rating (20th), and a -6.4 net rating (25th) within the opening quarter of games.

Last season, one of the most entertaining aspects about Indiana was that they led the NBA in comebacks after trailing by at least 15 points. While it’s always fun to watch a good come from behind win, digging holes early is basically like walking on a tightrope.

Getting off to better starts is a necessity for the Pacers. It would give them a greater margin for error throughout games and that would be big for a team that is net positive in every other quarter.