Indiana Pacers Backcourt Reveals Defensive Challenges Offered by Cleveland Cavaliers
The Indiana Pacers will have their hands full on both ends of the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While the Indiana Pacers and their fans should have plenty of reasons to be confident against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the reality is that the Cavs are the one seed for a reason, and, on paper at least, are a significantly better team.
In the first round, the Pacers dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks, who boasted the best player in the series. However, the Cavs not only have the best player in the series in Donovan Mitchell, but they also boast just as much (if not more) depth than Indiana.
Between Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Pacers’ backcourt of Andrew Nembhard and Tyrese Haliburton will have their hands full, trying to minimize the point of attack.
“Dynamic duo. Both people really score the ball,” said Nembhard. “Garland can facilitate really well and present different matchups in terms of their tendencies, but a tough guard. At this point in the year, you’re not going to get an easy matchup. It’s tough.”
Haliburton is a less accomplished defender than Nembhard, and he aims to stop second-chance points. Between Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Cleveland has two of the better rebounders in the league, and Haliburton wants the Cavs to only get one look at the basket per possession.
“I think we understand the biggest point of this series is we’re going to have to be able to rebound,” added Haliburton. “These guys crash way harder than Milwaukee did in the last series, so we’re going to have to be prepared to match that energy for 48 minutes. They do everything at such a high level.”
Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00PM EST, and the game will be broadcast on TNT, streaming on Max.
