5 takeaways from the Indiana Pacers sweeping the Warriors

The Indiana Pacers handed the Golden State Warriors losses twice in the course of two weeks. It’s time the nation starts taking them seriously.

Even the most casual of sports fans knows about today’s Golden State Warriors. The combination of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson is about as recognizable as Paul, John, George and Ringo these days. And for good reason. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, this Warriors team is rewriting the record books on a weekly basis.

So beating them, of course, has become the goal for every NBA team. Whether a contender or bottom-feeder, the night in the schedule labeled “vs. GSW” is no doubt circled by every coach in the association. It’s an opportunity to make a statement on national television.

The Indiana Pacers are no different in that sense, but what sets them apart are two distinct things. First, they actually made those statements, cashing in on the first-ever season sweep by an opponent against the Steve Kerr-era Warriors. Second, something even teams that could merely steal one win from the Warriors this season could not boast about: They did it with zero national attention.

These Pacers are cooking, and it’s only a matter of time that even those who don’t call them a dark horse to take the East will realize they are more of a favorite than anything else one could label them. With the Boston Celtics looking banged up, the Toronto Raptors‘ historic disappearing act in the playoffs, and LeBron’s inexperienced Cleveland Cavaliers’ bumpy season, it’s shocking to say that the Indiana Pacers are looking like the healthiest team from a momentum standpoint entering the playoffs outside of the Philadelphia 76ers.

So in case you missed the two thrilling tilts in less than a two week span where the Pacers put the Dubs on blast, bust out the brooms. Here are the five big takeaways from their historic sweep.