The defense wasn’t expected to carry the Indiana Pacers this season but as the Pacers go into the 50th game of the season, the defense is 15th in the NBA in defensive rating.
After a good start to the season, the defense leveled off and even dipped into the bottom third at times in November and December. But in January, they’re ranked 5th in the NBA.
When asked what might be the catalyst for Indiana’s improvement, Pacers guard Cory Joseph posited that a mix of renewed effort and studying their own mistakes were the reason.