The past two games for the Pacers illustrated the inconsistent nature of the defense this year which relies more on a strong perimeter defensive effort than in years past when funneling players toward a strong rim protector worked well. Sustaining the type of effort and communication needed on the perimeter is more difficult from game-to-game and the Pistons exposed all of the gaps on Saturday night, when seven different players combined to make 13 three-balls and frustrate the Pacers who were unable to keep pace.
Life doesn't get easier for the Pacers as the Toronto Raptors visit the Fieldhouse on Monday.