The Pacers are 8-8 after Friday's inspired and inspiring victory over Detroit, the very definition of mediocrity and, on the surface, a familiarly bland sight. Last season's team was 7-9 at the same point of the season, and had to win its final six games to get to 42 victories.
Thaddeus Young, one of just five players to survive the summer house-cleaning, sees a major difference with the current group, however, well beyond the slight improvement in the record.
"We're doing it by committee," Young said, echoing what might as well be this team's motto. "We're not depending on one or two people to get us over the top, we all play a vital part in what we do on the court.