The Pacers disappointed in Game 5. I wish I could say, "I didn't see it coming." I even wish I could say, "seeing it coming came down to my uncanny predictive abilities." No, Game 5 was exactly what anyone who followed the '23-'24 Pacers would have expected. The Pacers felt comfortable, therefore they lost.

The current team is immature in a competitive sense (by all accounts they're wise beyond their years off the court). They do not know how to create or sustain a sense of urgency when they don't feel their backs against the wall. It's frustrating as a fan but it's also very normal for young teams.

This is the group's (and the group's leader's) first foray into the post-season. The hard lessons learned this year – like failing to close out a demoralized opponent when you have the chance – will hopefully be the building blocks of future success. Growing pains hurt in the moment, but it's part of maturing. That's why I refuse to dwell on the missed opportunities and choose to focus on what lies ahead.

Immediately, what lies ahead is another shot for that same immature team to notch a playoff series win onto its belt. If they like pressure, well they're in luck. Tonight's game is as close to a must-win as a non-elimination game can be. First, the Sword of Damocles is hanging over the Pacers' head in the form of another Greek hero's return to the court from injury. Going to Game 7 dramatically increases the chance they'll have to battle one of the best players on Earth in a winner-take-all matchup.

But forget Giannis. Going to Game 7 is going to force the Pacers to look longer and harder in the mirror than they – or we as fans – care to. This isn't a single elimination tournament where upsets are bound to happen. In a best of seven format, the better team wins.

The Pacers may be more talented than the Bucks, but talent is only one part of what makes a team good. Coaching, chemistry, effort, and execution, also factor into the equation. As embarrassing as losing to the shorthanded Bucks would be, maybe that's what it takes for the Pacers to realize that every game requires their full energy and focus.

Of course, they could just as easily bounce back tonight like they've done all year. The Pacers are back on their home turf and the crowd is going to be electric. I expect them to be galvanized by the emotion of playing in front of their fans and for their shots to fall like they did in Game 4. Let's hope my uncanny predictive abilities are better than I gave them credit for in the opener.

Injuries

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 6:30 PM ET.

TV: TNT, Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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