5 things the Indiana Pacers can do to call this season a success

The Indiana Pacers have been brilliant in the first half of the 2017-18 season, but they will need to do a lot more in the second half to call this season a success.

When this year began, most weren’t even sure if the Indiana Pacers would make it to the playoffs, but now, amidst a dominant run of victories in the toughest dog days of the NBA season, the Pacers are not only showing they can hang with just about anybody, they are doing it in style.

While they haven’t beaten the Houston Rockets or even played against the Golden State Warriors yet, you can be sure that unlike he did against the Phoenix Suns, Steve Kerr will not be passing his coaching duties to the players that evening.

Facts: The Pacers have racked up multiple wins against the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers this season, and also bagged wins against the likes of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors.

They have proven themselves as not only top of the middle of the pack, with wins against the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, but they are clearly knocking at the door of elite team status.

They’re not slowing down either, with an impressive nine wins over their last 12 contests.

So what’s the end game here?

Look: I’ve called the Pacers candidates for a Cinderella run multiple times this season. Something about this roster, from stars, to role players, to experience, right down to the Lance Stephenson effect, is special. Realistically though, not many Hoosiers are hitting their Vegas odds on the Pacers winning it all this year.

Heading into the second half, here are five things the Pacers can do to call the 2017-18 season a success.