Pacers get first win in front of home fans
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — After two crushing losses to start the season, it was finally time for the Indiana Pacers to play in front of their home fans (with full attendance) again. And those fans might have made all the difference.
Playing in their second Overtime game in as many days, the Pacers found a way this time around. It was a gutsy performance against a good Miami Heat team, as the Pacers prevailed by a final score of 102-91.
“The home crowd was great,” said Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle. “Makes it tougher on the road. There’s a different dynamic this year compared to last year with home crowds. It’s on us to play hard, play well, and keep our fans into it.”
I asked Malcolm Brogdon for his thoughts on the home crowd after the game, and he seemed excited to discuss it. “It was huge,” Brogdon said. “Super excited to have them back. They gave us so much energy. We’ve been talking about it for two weeks, playing in front of these fans again. Overtime was great with their energy. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Rookie sensation Chris Duarte agreed: “I want to thank the fans,” he said. “What great fans we have, man. Tonight was fantastic.” As did Oshae Brissett: “I felt it from the jump. I felt a different energy. It’s exciting. Having the fans, it’s like an extra push. I like having a packed crowd. It gives us extra confidence.”
Speaking of Brissett, With Myles Turner in foul trouble for most of the night, Rick Carlisle turned to Brissett for big minutes, and he delivered. He made some of the biggest plays of the night, and finished with 18 points (7-of-11), and nine rebounds. One of the only good story-lines from last season, Brissett has earned his place as a rotation mainstay.
“He’s a good player,” Carlisle said. “Not playing him in Charlotte was a mistake. Tonight we needed something special off the bench. He was active. He made big plays on both ends and had big rebounds. And we needed it.”
After two high-scoring shootouts earlier in the week, it was the Pacers defense that showed major improvement, holding the Miami Heat to just 91 points in 53 minutes.
It feels good to get back in the win column. It feels even better to do it in front of the great Indiana fans. The next chapter takes place Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.
