The Indiana Pacers had a rough start out of the gate in the 2021-22 NBA season. They started the season 1-6, unable to take advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them.
On opening night, they blew a 23-point lead at home to the Charlotte Hornets and ended up losing by one. In their next game, against the Washington Wizards sans Bradley Beal, the Pacers lost in overtime by one point.
They were falling just short, but have begun to show some signs of life in recent games. They have won their last two, defeating the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks in blowout fashion. Indiana was excellent on both ends of the court and looked like a team that may have been written off too soon.
The game against the Knicks was the first one that their projected starting backcourt of Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert played together. LeVert missed the first six games of the season recovering from a stress fracture in his back. He has returned for the last three, the first two of which Brogdon missed.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Is Myles Turner A Long-Term Answer For Indiana Pacers?
Brogdon missed three games in total with his hamstring injury but returned to a full complement of minutes against the Knicks. He scored 17 points with eight rebounds and seven assists against New York, providing good defense against Kemba Walker as well.
LeVert, who is still ramping back up to a full allotment of minutes, played 31 minutes against the Knicks. He scored a season-high 21 points to go along with two rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block.
With those two now back in the lineup, the Pacers should start turning things around. There could be more help on the way sooner than later as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Is Myles Turner A Long-Term Answer For Indiana Pacers?
Indiana received some positive news in regards to the injured T.J. Warren. Warren is recovering from surgery in January on his left foot. On Wednesday, he was able to shed the walking boot and get shots up wearing his basketball shoes.
It was the most positive news the Pacers have received in regards to Warren in months. He was able to play in only four games last season, so knowing he is getting closer to a return is reassuring.
As Indiana returns to health, they are going to be a team that is a handful. They have some explosive scorers and multiple players that can get after it defensively as well. Their early-season record looks deceiving given all of the losses they have, but they are on their way to turning things around.
