Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle credited his team’s defensive adjustments for a dominant second-half performance in Sunday’s 135-118 victory over the Miami Heat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“Second half defensively obviously a huge difference and first half we were not good. They were shooting 61%. I know we were shooting a good percentage but it was a layup drill. It was open threes,” Carlisle said. “Second halftime we looked at some film and just said, you know, we all got to take the challenge. We did a much better job in the second half.”
Carlisle highlighted key contributions off the bench. “Huff didn’t get in until the second half, but he goes plus 17 in 16 minutes. That had incredible impact on the game. So, a lot of respect to him for that,” he said.
The coach also praised Andrew Nembhard for playing through injury. “Drew got banged in the knee in the first half. I don’t know how that’s going to be tomorrow, but he ended up playing the game and played another great floor game. He was a double-double and actually did get a double-double, so he was great.”
Pascal Siakam led Indiana offensively, and Carlisle noted his efficiency. “Pascal had a great night and had the three ball going. When he’s got the three going and his driving game, he’s very difficult to deal with,” Carlisle said.
He singled out Jay Huff’s defensive impact late in the game. “In the last 16 minutes, Jay had a lot of impact around the rim. Made it hard on Bam a couple times. Blocked two or three shots from their guards and rebounded the ball… Those were big plays,” he said.
Carlisle also highlighted bench performances. “Toss Ethan Thompson in there and he hits a contested three at the end of the clock. You throw Potter in the game, makes five threes in eight minutes in the first half. And our crowd had a lot to do with it,” he said.
Offensively, Carlisle credited the team’s ball movement and aggressive paint attacks. “We played with good tempo. The ball moved. When we got threes, they were in rhythm off of aggressive paint attacks. When you’re able to play downhill and get the ball into the paint, your three-point shots have a lot better chance to go in,” he said.
Kobe Brown’s development was another highlight. “Seven for 11 from the field, three for six from three, made one free throw. He rebounded, had no turnovers. From a process standpoint, he understood guarding great attackers and helped our team get into good offensive situations,” Carlisle said.
Micah Potter and TJ McConnell energized Indiana early. “We didn’t get a great start, but Micah hit three or four threes and TJ always gets the crowd fired up. They were really key,” Carlisle added.
Carlisle reflected on ending the team’s home losing streak. “Nothing can be taken for granted. Winning is a privilege. The opportunity to play in an environment like this with fans who care unconditionally is special,” he said.
The Pacers improved to 17-58, tying for the fewest wins in the NBA this season, while Miami fell to 39-36, losing seven of its last eight games. Indiana will visit Chicago on Wednesday to start a three-game road trip, while the Heat open a homestand against Philadelphia on Monday.
