1. Can the Pacers recover?
If Indiana hadn’t scored those six straight points to tie the game in the closing moments, didn’t force a turnover on James, and weren’t able to put the ball in Dipo’s hands with a chance to go up 3-2 in the series, this wouldn’t be a concern. The Pacers have come to play nearly every night this year, and having their backs against the wall here wouldn’t have fazed them.
But to lose like this? After blowing a Game 4 when they were up in the fourth quarter and couldn’t close it out at home? It’s easily their biggest challenge of the season.
They’ll need way more from some key pieces if they want to extend their season. Darren Collison has reminded everyone during the playoffs that he is nothing more than a stopgap option running the point. He has averaged only 8.2 points in this series after a season where he put up 12.4 a game. Despite leading the league in 3-point percentage, he continues to look hesitant from downtown, taking only one shot from long range on Wednesday and missing it. Cory Joseph and Lance Stephenson continue to outplay him.
Then there is Myles Turner, who took only four shots in Game 5. He ceded playing time to Domantas Sabonis, who responded with his best game of the series. Indiana will need both of its big men to show up if it wants to keep playing.
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No one will think less of the Pacers if they lose a hard-fought game at home on Friday night. That being said, this has felt like a seven-game series from the opening tip. Let’s see if the little engine that could can make it happen one more time.