Pacers Rout LaMelo Ball, Hornets in Play-in Game; Will Face Wizards-Celtics Loser
May 19, 2021
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 18: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the 2021 Play-In Tournament on May 18, 2021 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers are now one win away from clinching a postseason berth after defeating the visiting Charlotte Hornets 144-117 on Tuesday in Indianapolis' Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Indiana scored 40 first-quarter points and held a 24-point halftime lead in a dominant performance that featured eight Pacers in double figures.
All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis was one assist shy of a triple-double with 14 points, 21 rebounds and nine assists. Oshae Brissett's 23 points led the Pacers, who shot 55.2 percent from the field and out-rebounded Charlotte 54-36.
The Pacers excelled despite playing without Caris LeVert, who was declared out for Tuesday (health and safety protocols). LeVert had averaged 20.7 points in 35 games this year for the Pacers, who also played without defensive stalwart Myles Turner (turf toe).
Malcolm Brogdon (right hamstring) returned to the lineup after missing 10 games and added 16 points. Pacers forward Doug McDermott scored 14 of his 21 points in the first 4:52 of the game.
Hornets forward Miles Bridges led his team with 23 points and eight boards. LaMelo Ball scored 14 points.
Indiana will now travel to face the loser of the Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics play-in game, which tips off at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday.
The Wizards-C's winner will be the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed, and the loser will host Indiana for the right to be the No. 8 seed.
Notable Performances
Hornets F Miles Bridges: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Hornets G Terry Rozier: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
This was the Pacers' injury situation leading into the Hornets game:
Final injury report:
Brogdon - Available (right hamstring) A. Holiday - Available (right toe) Lamb - Out (left knee) LeVert - Out (health & safety protocols) Sabonis - Available (left quad) Sumner - Available (left knee) Turner - Out (right toe) Warren - Out (left foot)
The Pacers' leading scorer (Brogdon) was coming off injury. The second-leading scorer (LeVert) was out. The third-leading scorer (and All-Star and nightly triple-double threat) in Sabonis was hurt enough to be placed on the injury report.
A defensive superstar averaging 3.4 blocks per game (Turner) continued to be sidelined. Last year's leading scorer (T.J. Warren) has missed all but four games. Lastly, the team's second-best three-point shooter (Jeremy Lamb) was out as well.
It's been a trying season for the Pacers under first-year head coach Nate Bjorkgren, but this team showed a lot of heart and resiliency to overcome significant injuries and hurdles. They played so well that the game felt over after one quarter.
It was even hard to see the Hornets putting any sort of dent in the Pacers' lead after that effort. Over the first 7:36 of the game, McDermott had as many points (14) as the entire Hornets team. The Pacers matched McDermott's 14 points as well for an early 28-14 lead en route to a 40-24 first-quarter edge.
The Hornets' three-point defense let a lot to be desired on this night, with the Pacers making 16 of 35 three-pointers. But there were serious issues on the glass, where Sabonis simply crushed any Charlotte low-post presence that crossed his path.
These stats do not count for regular season or post-season numbers...but Sabonis has 3 20-rebound games in his regular season career.
Has 20 tonight in the 3rd quarter.
— Pat Boylan Fever/Pacers (@PatBoylanPacers) May 19, 2021
Otherwise, the Pacers did what they wanted against a Hornets team that looked a few steps too slow. Brogdon fired a quick pass to Justin Holiday for an easy two off an inbounds play:
Indiana ultimately delivered a first-round knockout on Tuesday as it kept its season alive.
Hornets' Regular-Season Skid Bleeds Into Play-in Round
The end of the regular season went about as poorly as possible for the Hornets, who lost five straight games and allowed 115.0 points per game along the way. The Hornets were in four of the five games until the fourth quarter, with the lone exception being a 113-90 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, that skid left Charlotte with absolutely no positive momentum going into the play-in round, where the Hornets needed to win two road games in two different locations over three nights just for the right to make the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.
Ultimately, the Hornets just fell apart at a very inopportune time, and their season is over with a six-game losing streak.
With the exception of Bridges, who shot 10-of-16 from the field, and Cody Zeller, who made all seven of his field goals for 17 points, it was not a banner day for the Hornets rotation.
Ball has been tremendous all season, and he should be this season's Rookie of the Year. Tuesday just wasn't his night, though, as he shot 4-of-14 and committed four turnovers. P.J. Washington went just 3-of-10, and Devonte' Graham missed 7-of-8 buckets.
And that's not counting the defensive effort, which was at times non-existent:
The Pacers arenāt significantly better than the Hornets. The Pacers are an NBA team, you play no 3pt defense, most NBA shooters will knock it down. This is pathetic effort from Charlotte. Iāve never been more disappointed in this team and I remember the 7 win season #AllFly#CHA
Better days await for the Hornets, especially with Ball running point. The season as a whole was a massive improvement over the past five years, which saw the Hornets miss out on the playoffs by significant margins.
However, this is still a rough way for Charlotte to end the season, especially considering that the game felt over as soon as McDermott began nailing buckets all over the court.
What's Next?
The Pacers will hit the road to face Boston or Washington on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. TNT will carry the broadcast.
The Hornets' season is over.
Caris LeVert Will Miss Pacers vs. Hornets Play-In Game Due to Health Protocols
May 18, 2021
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: Caris LeVert #22 of the Indiana Pacers brings the ball up the court in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers star Caris LeVert will miss Tuesday night's play-in tournament game against the Charlotte Hornets due to the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
The ninth-place Pacers and 10th-place Hornets are meeting in the first stage of the NBA's play-in tournament to determine the final two playoff teams. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported LeVert's availability would be in doubt should Indiana advance. He may be out for 10 to 14 days at a minimum, per Charania.
Following LeVert's midseason trade to the Pacers, his debut was delayed because of a small mass on his kidney that required surgery.
The 26-year-old averaged 20.7 points, 4.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 35 appearances for Indiana. The franchise went 18-18 following his March 13 debut against the Phoenix Suns.
The Pacers will sorely miss LeVert in the backcourt, and his absence exacerbates what was already a brutal situation in terms of injuries.
Injury Report:
Brogdon - Questionable (right hamstring) A. Holiday - Questionable (right toe) Lamb - Out (left knee) LeVert - Out (health & safety protocols) Sabonis - Questionable (left quad) Sumner - Questionable (left knee) Turner - Out (right toe) Warren - Out (left foot)
Under the play-in format, whichever team loses in the game between the Nos. 9 and 10 seeds is knocked out of the postseason race.
Given their injury situation, the Pacers' odds of claiming the eighth seed weren't great regardless. They're now without their second-leading scorer, and their scoring leader (Malcolm Brogdon, 21.2 points) is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Indiana's 2020-21 season is looking increasingly likely to come to an end Tuesday.
Anthony Davis, Lakers Beat Caris LeVert, Pacers in LeBron James' Return from Injury
May 15, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes up high to dunk the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
LeBron James returned to the court Saturday just in time to help the Los Angeles Lakers win their fourth in a row as the regular season nears its close.
James scored 24 points in 28 minutes to help Los Angeles earn a 122-115 road win over the Indiana Pacers. It was the superstar's first game back after missing six with a right ankle injury.
The Pacers appeared poised to complete a massive comeback with an 11-0 fourth-quarter run to cut their deficit to three, but LeBron came through with seven points in the next minute as the Lakers built their lead back to eight.
His three-pointer with 2:43 to play touched off the run and helped Los Angeles regain momentum and close out the win.
Anthony Davis added 28 points, and the Lakers (41-30) tied the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference to create an opening to avoid the play-in tournament.
The Pacers (33-38) were shorthanded with Domantas Sabonis out with a left quad injury as they jockey for seeding in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
LeBron James is the only person on earth that could play less than 6 minutes & immediately tilt his entire sport. Playoffs look wholly different if LeBron is tossing dimes & throwing down dunks like he did in his first shift.
Itās insane how much better the Lakersā offense looks with LeBron on the floor. The ball is swinging, guys are getting open 3-point looks, alley-oops. The Pacers arenāt exactly a defensive powerhouse, but the flow and decision-making within LAās offense is night and day.
It should be enough to strike fear in the rest of the Western Conference.
The injuries forced the Lakers to slide down the standings, which created a tougher road for them to get to the playoffs and with their potential opponents. But L.A. is still one of the most talented teams in the NBA.
Pacers Showcase Depth Despite Injuries
Playing without Sabonis was a challenge, but Indiana was also without Malcolm Brogdon, Aaron Holiday, Myles Turner, T.J. Warren and others.
The Pacers were competitive thanks to the remaining players, notably Caris LeVert.
It wasn't the most efficient game for the guard, who shot 11-of-23 from the field while tallying seven turnovers, but he showed as he did with the Brooklyn Nets that he can take over games.
LeVert was one of six players to reach double figures for Indiana, while T.J. McConnell fell just short with eight points.
JaKarr Sampson had his best game of the season with 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting.
Those roles players were thrust into bigger roles and responded well.
What's Next?
The Lakers will close the regular season Sunday with a road game against the New Orleans Pelicans. They will need a win and a Trail Blazers loss to clinch the sixth seed.
Indiana faces the Toronto Raptors on the road Sunday and could get the eighth seed in the East.
Pacers' Myles Turner 'Pissed off' He's Not Considered for DPOY, All-Defense Teams
May 13, 2021
Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) tries to gain control of a rebound while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, April 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is displeased that he's not among the candidates being considered for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year or All-Defensive Teams this season.
J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star provided Turner's remarks:
Turner on being recognized for DPOY and All-Defense: "Don't bullshit me. That's my message. I've been doing this year in and year out now. ... I understand defense isn't all about blocks.... My team needs me out there. When I'm not out there, the difference is glaring." #Pacers
More Turner on DPOY and All-Defense: "Quite frankly I'm pissed off I'm not even considered. My body of work speaks for itself. I've played in 70% of the games this year. Don't bullshit me." #Pacers
Turner: "I'm not going to sit here and beg and cry to be Defensive Player of Year or be on the All-defensive team. But I'm going to state my case." #Pacers
Turner has been spending his down time reading all the articles/predictions about who belongs on All-Defensive team and DPOY. He gets more colorful about what he thinks about it: "It's bullshit. it's disrespect. I'm f$#@!*G^ tired of it." #Pacers
Turner is currently out indefinitely with a "partial tear of his plantar plate in the great toe of his right foot," per an official Pacers statement on April 19.
The big man has missed 22 of Indiana's 69 games this year, and that is likely a factor in his being left out of current consideration for defensive awards and accolades.
There's no denying his defensive prowess, though. He's averaged 3.4 blocks per game this season and also ranks ninth in the NBA defensive real plus-minus, per ESPN.com.
The difference in the Pacers' defense with and without Turner on the court is noticeable too, with Basketball-Reference noting that opponents score 114.5 points per 100 possessions against Indiana without the ex-Texas star patrolling the post. With Turner, that number falls to 110.4 points per 100 possessions.
It also doesn't help that some of the game's top defensive stars this year (e.g. Gobert, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid) play for teams that will enter the playoffs as clear NBA title contenders. The 33-36 Pacers are slated to go to the play-in tournament and may not make the postseason.
As far as opinions on Turner's defensive prowess compared to his peers, he is notably fifth on Michael Kaskey-Blomain of CBS Sports' Defensive Player of the Year list. Steve Aschburner of NBA.com left Turner off his 10-person Defensive Player Ladder entirely.
The clear favorite is Gobert, whose 7.71 DRPM (per ESPN.com) tops the league. Atlanta Hawks big man Clint Capela is second (4.88 DRPM).
Ultimately, Turner doesn't need any accolades to prove how excellent he's been on the defensive end. He's unlikely to get official recognition this year, but Turner's defense certainly helped the Pacers stay afloat in the postseason conversation as opposed to nosediving out of the playoff picture entirely.
Pacers Clinch Spot in 2021 NBA Play-in Tournament; Can Earn Playoff Berth
May 12, 2021
Indiana Pacers' Caris LeVert (22) shoots over Philadelphia 76ers' George Hill (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Indiana Pacers are guaranteed a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament.
The Bulls were the only team who could jump into the top 10 of the Eastern Conference to knock the Pacers out of play-in contention.
The 29-40 Bulls can't catch the 33-36 Pacers now, though, as each team has just three regular-season games remaining.
Indiana is currently tied for eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. The top six in the East are guaranteed postseason berths, but the Pacers will have to play their way into the final eight-team playoff field.
Their best-case scenario is a 36-36 record, so they have no way to catch the 38-31 Miami Heat, who sit in sixth.
Indiana's best bet is finding its way into the Seven-Eight game, with the winner of that matchup guaranteed the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. Right now, the No. 7 Boston Celtics (35-34) sit ahead of the Pacers and Hornets, who have the same record.
If the Pacers can't finish top eight, they'll have to win the Nine-Ten game and then defeat the loser of the Seven-Eight contest to reach the playoffs.
Indiana is aiming to make the playoffs for the sixth straight season and 10th time in 11 years.
Inside the Turbulent Tenure of Indiana Pacers Coach Nate Bjorkgren
May 6, 2021
Indiana Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren directs his team behind Indiana Pacers forward Doug McDermott (20) during the second half of a basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, May 3, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
While injuries and challenges due to health and safety protocols have surely plagued the Indiana Pacers this season, NBA personnel have long been crediting the team's stumble to ninth in the Eastern Conference to a crumbling team chemistry at the hands of first-year head coach Nate Bjorkgren.Ā
As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported on Tuesday evening, it appears Bjorkgren's tenure in Indiana will likely come to an end after just one season. His struggles as a head coach could even put longtime Pacers executives Kevin Pritchard and Chad BuchananĀ in jeopardy as well, multiple league sources told Bleacher Report.
"He's just very different," said one league executive who has worked previously with Bjorkgren. "He's not a d--k; he's just completely out of his element as a leader."Ā
"He didn't come in relationship-building in an easy way from day one," said one Pacers voice. Ā Ā
Bjorkgren's communication style has been categorized as aggressive and abrasive with players and members of the Pacers staff, from his front-of-the-bench assistants down to trainers and equipment personnel. That behavior was cited as the cause for one assistant coach's resignation.
"Typically younger coaches bring a more positive, spirited, encouraging behavior, not an antagonistic approach," said an assistant general manager.Ā Ā
"Communication's an enormous part of this," Bjorkgren said Wednesday, before Indiana's 104-93 loss to Sacramento. "The management of personalities is bigger than the X's and O's part. That's where I gotta keep growing and gotta keep learning and gotta get better."Ā
Nate McMillan's success in Atlanta, after Indiana curiously fired him back in August just two weeks following a contract-extension agreement, has further muddied these waters. Multiple league sources with knowledge of the situation described McMillan's additional year as something more of a parting gift than an earnest extension.Ā
By the Orlando bubble when Miami swept Indiana in the first round of the playoffs, Pacers players had grown fatigued by McMillan's tough-minded approach, sources said. His slower-paced scheme, which diverged from modern trends of playing styleāIndiana finished 30th in the NBA in three-point attempts per game last seasonāwas also a source of consternation within the organization.Ā Ā
In turn, Pacers management set out to find a high-energy, new-age coach. Indiana initially cast a wide net, meeting with north of 20 candidates, sources said, including various profiles ranging from Spurs assistant Becky Hammon to former head coach Dave Joerger. And while Mike D'Antoni was long considered the favorite to fill Indiana's opening, the Pacers grew to specifically covet a "Nick Nurse-type," sources said.Ā
Pritchard is said to hold a longstanding relationship with Nurse, the inventive play caller who piloted Toronto to the 2019 championship in just his first year at the helm of the Raptors. Both men played overseas and later coached in the American minor leagues such as the ABA and USBL during the early 2000s. Nurse's analytics-minded offensive acumen, honed in the G League, plus his outside-the-box defensive tactics, such as mixing various zone looks to keep opponents off kilter, particularly intrigued Pritchard, sources said.Ā Ā
From there, it became clear to many involved in the coaching search that Indiana's opening was being whittled down to two options. There was Bjorkgren, Nurse's right hand in Toronto, and then-New Orleans assistant Chris Finch, who battled Nurse during their early coaching careers in England, preceded Nurse as the head coach of Rio Grande Valley from 2009-11, and later joined the Raptors staff as an assistant before being named Minnesota's head coach in February.Ā
By all accounts, Bjorkgren won over Indiana brass with an overwhelmingly positive energy during the interview process. Tune into any Bjorkgren press conference, and you'll glimpse the prowess he exhibits when speaking tactically about basketball.
"He is very meticulous in his presentation," said one Pacers source.Ā
While Bjorkgren rose through the G League head coaching ranks, pit stopping at Santa Cruz, Iowa and Bakersfield, he developed a reputation for improving his team's records and players' individual performances. The Pacers grew confident that Bjorkgren could help reinvent Indiana from the fourth seed in last year's Eastern Conference playoffs to a bona fide contenderājust as Nurse did north of the border. Domantas Sabonis is indeed averaging career highs in points and assists amid his second straight All-Star season.
But while the Pacers conducted a lengthy search, Bjorkgren seems to have emerged as the team's ultimate hire based primarily on his relationships with people in the front office, including Buchanan, the general manager.Ā
Bjorkgren and BuchananĀ are considered to be close friends dating back to their college days. Both men, like Nurse, hail from Iowa originally; both played for Division III teams in IowaāBjorkgren at Buena Vista and BuchananĀ at Simpson, where Bjorkgren's uncle is now the head coach.
Nurse was heavily consulted throughout the interview process, sources said, but Indiana brass never contacted Phoenix executives for insight on Bjorkgren's time as a Suns assistant from 2015-17.Ā Ā
Nor did they consult with last year's Orlando bubble breakout player T.J. Warrenāwho played under Bjorkgren in Phoenixāaccording to sources. There is a belief among several members of the Pacers organization that Warren requested a trade upon learning of Bjorkgren's hire and has no interest in playing for Bjorkgren.
Warren's season-ending surgery after suffering a foot injury in late December has provided a natural buffer between him and Bjorkgren, as Warren rehabilitates on schedule in North Carolina.Ā A source with knowledge of Warren's thinking told Bleacher Report that he is looking forward to rejoining the Pacers for the 2021-22 season.Ā
Sources tell B/R that Pacers starter T.J. Warren was not consulted on the Nate Bjorkgren hire, despite playing under Bjorkgren in Phoenix, and requested a trade when Bjorkgren's hiring became public.
"They didn't do their background on who [Bjorkgren] was or how he treated people," said one person close to the coaching search. "They just talked hoops with him."Ā
It seems that missing intel foreshadowed the very interpersonal issues that have since risen in Indiana.Ā
"When he was hired I was surprised, because he's not the easiest to work with just on anything," said one of Bjorkgren's former G League players. "He's kind of stubborn, won't listen, even though it might be good conversation. He's a micromanager and he's not for everyone."Ā
When a G League practice schedule ran a bit behind or a ball rack was out of place, Bjorkgren could erupt at players and staffers without a moment's notice. "The frustration level at little things going wrong didn't match up with the issues," said another former G League colleague.Ā
"He was really hard on his staff," added another NBA source who overlapped with Bjorkgren in the G League. "He expected a lot from them without giving a lot of ownership or trust back."Ā
In Phoenix, when Bjorkgren was elevated to an assistant under Earl Watson, he operated in an often clandestine fashion, sources told B/R, and sought ways for himself to channel daily communication from players and other coaches to Watson.Ā Ā
"He would get in early and kind of orchestrate the path for himself," said a Western Conference assistant general manager.Ā
That behavior seems to have continued in Toronto. One league source compared the dynamic to Bjorkgren acting like a politician's chief of staff, at points preventing other coaches and Toronto's players from holding conversations with Nurse that did not go through Bjorkgren first.
"He would do things like police the communication about the team schedule on a road trip and when other people got a hold of it, so he was in control," said the person with knowledge of the situation.Ā
"It's one thing if the head coach designates his lead assistant as a person to delegate communication, as a means to organize your business. It's another when that person seems to be doing it without the head coach's direction," said the aforementioned assistant general manager. Ā
The positive energy Bjorkgren brought to his interview process did seem to translate into Indiana's early training camp. Players initially responded well to Bjorkgren getting after them on defense and hounding guys for greater intensity, sources said. While some head coaches sit back during preseason practices and observe, Bjorkgren was front and center.
"He was directing it, yelling in a positive 'rah-rah' clapping way. He wasn't afraid to jump in a drill if he needed to," said another Indiana staffer. "Everyone was saying he was the most utmost positive person. It was infectious."
With the team's 6-2 start, all seemed to be going well. After a thrilling 108-107 win over Boston moved Indiana to 3-0 on the young season, Sabonis told reporters that Bjorkgren was "a genius. He knows the game, and trusts us." Added Malcolm Brogdon: "We've got a coach that motivates us, great with the X's and O's, stays calm. We feed off of him."
"You don't hear the same language anymore," said one Pacers figure. "Read into that what you will."Ā
Sabonis since felt compelled to approach Bjorkgren on one occasion, where he encouraged the coach to be kinder to Indiana's staff. Further, Bjorkgren's aggressive switching style on defense has forced Sabonis to cover far more room on the perimeter than he'd like, sources said. Sabonis now ranks first in the league in total distance traveled on defense per game, according to NBA.com.Ā
The creativity Pacers management once coveted has left Indiana players in curious predicaments such as trapping on the wing from a 2-3 zone, and has pushed ill-equipped personnel such as Doug McDermott and Justin Holiday to regularly switch onto bigger opponents with size and speed advantages.
"Nate is trying to coach a team that he doesn't have," said one Pacers staffer. "He's trying to fit the system to the players and not the other way around."Ā
Shortly after Christmas, word began to circulate that Bjorkgren was indeed prone to screaming at longtime Indiana staffers just as he'd done in the G League. His niceness and "infectious" positivity seen during his interview process and training camp began to come across to several Indiana staffers as insincere.
"That's how he is in general," added one Indiana staffer. "He's got like a Jekyll-and-Hyde thing."Ā
Multiple Pacers personnel contacted by B/R noted Bjorkgren's introductory, all-staff Zoom meeting as a prime example. After Pritchard and BuchananĀ opened the session, Bjorkgren began to introduce himself. Staffers separated by the pandemic were expecting Bjorkgren to speak more at length about his vision, philosophy and plans for the roster, but the coach provided very little tangible information. "He used buzzwords like 'disruption' and 'change,'" said the Pacers source.Ā
Bjorkgren didn't offer any background on himself or his family. After talking for not longer than 90 seconds, Bjorkgren concluded his spiel and the call ended.Ā
"He was pretty bubbly, to the point where it didn't seem genuine," said another Indiana voice. "It was strange." Indiana personnel then learned more about Bjorkgren's plans and thought process while watching his engaging press conference with the media.Ā
The short fuse Bjorkgren showcased in the G League began to emerge shortly thereafter. Before one team flight, sources said, the head coach became irate that the Pacers charter was behind its scheduled departure time.
"Coach," one staffer was at last able to reason with Bjorkgren, "we're de-icing."Ā
When players customarily warm up on a basket before practice, shooting around with their assigned assistant or player-development coach, Bjorkgren often migrates over and asks what they are working on, sources said. He is prone to call out an assistant during specific drills.
"He doesn't mind embarrassing his coaches," said one league executive.
Greg Foster, a veteran assistant coach heralded for his ability to develop big men, is said to have grown particularly agitated by Bjorkgren's belittling. Foster, of course, was the Pacers coach seen barking toward Goga Bitadze Wednesday evening, needing to be restrained by Myles Turner. On Thursday, ESPN reported Foster would be suspended a game.Ā
Longtime Pacers assistant coach Billy Bayno resigned in February. "That's pretty much unheard of," noted one team scout. And while Bayno's decision was announced to be a result of personal and health reasons, league sources said he departed Indiana because he was personally no longer able to work under Bjorkgren.Ā
At this juncture, Indiana is still slated to appear in the NBA's first-annual play-in tournament and the resolution of this situation remains undetermined. While Pritchard has been with the organization since 2011, and Indiana owner Herb Simon is considered loyal to his chief executive, the outcome of Indiana's coaching search could ultimately cost much more than Bjorkgren's reputation as a potential head coach.Ā
"You wonder how this will affect management going forward," said one scout.Ā
Should a change ultimately occur on the bench, Mike D'Antoni is once again considered the leader in the clubhouse to fill Indiana's opening, sources said. But could a few games and the play-in tournament be enough to prevent any turnover?
"It's been a tough year. There's a lot of challenges out there being a coach and being a head coach in this league," Bjorkgren said Wednesday. "I don't make excuses. I'm a young coach and I'm learning and I'm growing and I'm trying to be better."
Woj: Coach Greg Foster Suspended, Goga Bitadze Fined by Pacers for Altercation
May 6, 2021
Indiana Pacers center Goga Bitadze reacts after fouling Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in the first half during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Friday, April 16, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
After Indiana Pacers assistant coach Greg Foster and center Goga Bitadze had a verbal altercation on the sidelines during Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings, the team has reportedly disciplined both of them.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Foster has been suspended for one game and Bitadze will be fined for their exchange during the third quarter of Indiana's 104-93 loss.
After a timeout was called, Foster was seen yelling in the direction of Bitadze as the second-year center was walking toward the bench. Other Pacers players and coaches intervened to keep the two apart.
Goga Bitadze and Pacers assistant coach Greg Foster got into a heated discussion.
Myles Turner and multiple other players got involved to attempt to break up the confrontation. pic.twitter.com/9Xr96HmJg8
Leading up to the incident, Bitadze appeared to let Maurice Harkless drive by him for an easy basket.
Bitadze followed that up by making a three-pointer, but as he was coming back down the court to play defense, he turned to Foster and appeared to say something.
The situation comes during a frustrating two-month stretch for the Pacers. Wojnarowski reported Tuesday that first-year head coach Nate Bjorkgren's future with the organization is uncertain.
"Bjorkgren has significant work to do with his relationships among players throughout the team and with some members of the organization, but he has thus far shown a willingness to try to address those issues, sources said," wrote Wojnarowski.
Indiana has lost 19 of 34 games since a 15-14 start and is the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
Foster will miss Thursday's game against the Atlanta Hawks while serving his suspension.
Pacers' Bjorkgren on Heated Foster-Bitadze Exchange: 'We're in a Frustrating Stretch'
May 6, 2021
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 5: Head Coach Nate Bjorkgren of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on May 5, 2021 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Things are not going well in Indiana.
A day after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren had an "uncertain" future with the franchise and has "significant work to do with his relationships among players throughout the team and with some members of the organization," assistant coach Greg Foster and big man Goga Bitadze had a contentious back-and-forth during the team's 104-93 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
Goga Bitadze and Pacers assistant coach Greg Foster got into a heated discussion.
Myles Turner and multiple other players got involved to attempt to break up the confrontation. pic.twitter.com/9Xr96HmJg8
"We're in a frustrating stretch here," Bjorkgren told reporters after the game. "... The competitive juices are flowing. Things like that'll happen."
He added that he had individual conversations with both men about the incident and said he would further address it with the pair to understand how the confrontation boiled over.
J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star reported that the exchange started when Bitadze allowed Moe Harkless to get to the rim uncontested for a second-chance dunk, earning Foster's ire. Bitadze made a three on the other end and when he ran back on defense he appeared to turn to Indiana's bench and told Foster to "sit the f--k down."
At the next stoppage, Foster was heated to the point that coaches and a few players put themselves between him and the team huddle.
After watching it back several times, itās also clear Fosterās public eruption bothered Jeremy Lamb and Domantas Sabonis too. They didnāt like it. The masks hide whatever was said.
Some tough love is good, if warranted. But itās too late.
Pacers assistant coach Greg Foster going at one of his players. That can't be good. Looks like a team with some issues when something like that happens. Kings up 80-59.
The 30-35 Pacers have had an incredibly disappointing season and currently sit in the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference standings. If those standings hold, Indiana would need to win both of their play-in games to earn the No. 8 seed, all to face the top seed in the East (currently the Philadelphia 76ers).
The team's issues seem to have come to a head. A separate report from Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic on Wednesday noted that "Bjorkgrenās abrasive style has come as a surpriseāin interactions with players and his own coaching staff membersāand led to the kind of frustration that has caused significant concern."
That report added that "players throughout the roster have voiced their dissatisfaction with Bjorkgren and their general unhappiness amid a down season, including key star players in Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon. ... Sources say Bjorkgren has implemented an analytics style of coaching that players privately do not find suitable for the roster."
Wednesday's incident will do little to dispel the rumors that there is dysfunction brewing in the Pacers' locker room.
Indiana Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren directs his team behind Indiana Pacers forward Doug McDermott (20) during the second half of a basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, May 3, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Indiana Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren is in danger of his first year with the team becoming his only year with them.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Bjorkgren's status with the franchise is "uncertain" and he has "work to do on relationships with key players" in the locker room ahead of the season finale.
Bjorkgren has work to do on relationships with key players in his locker room, sources tell ESPN, and has thus far shown a willingness within the organization to try to address those issues. https://t.co/uNeOdHMlnQ
The news comes as the 30-34 Pacers remain in contention for the NBA's play-in tournament. Indiana remains as the No. 9 seed with a half-game lead on the Washington Wizards in the 10th and final spot. The Pacers are four games back of the No. 6 Miami Heat, which are clinging to the last automatic berth in the first round of the playoffs.
The Pacers fired head coach Nate McMillan last summer after four consecutive trips to the postseason ended in first-round losses. The resulting coaching search led Indiana to Bjorkgren, who spent 2018-2020 as an assistant under Nick Nurse with the Toronto Raptors, helping the club win the NBA title in 2019.
Before that, Bjorkgren was an assistant for three seasons with the Phoenix Suns.
The Pacers gave the Iowa native an opportunity to serve as a head coach in the NBA for the first time, though he lead the D-League's Bakersfield Jam to a championship in 2011.
That opportunity may be short-lived.
It's unclear which players Bjorkgren will need to win over, however stars like Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert are all under contract through 2023 and make up the club's core.
McMillan, meanwhile, is the interim head coach with the Atlanta Hawks, where he's compiled a 21-11 record and helped lead an emerging group to the verge of a postseason berth.
Wojnarowski noted Bjorkgren has shown a willingness to address his shortcomings and will look to improve his standing with both the coaching staff, the players and front office as he works to hold onto his job.
Pacers Dominate Thunder in Record 57-Point Win; Domantas Sabonis Triple-Double
May 2, 2021
Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (11) shouts after falling to the court in the second half during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Friday, April 16, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Pacers bested the Thunder 152-95 in Oklahoma City. The 57-point deficit is the largest regular-season road win in NBA history, according to Stat Perform.
Domantas Sabonis triple-doubled with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists.
What was more impressive about Sabonis' stat line is that he recorded the triple-double in the first half. The star had missed six consecutive games with a back injury heading into Saturday.
The game was never in reach for the Thunder, who trailed 82-46 at the break. And while the Pacers' domination was an NBA record, Oklahoma City didn't exactly put up much of a fight.
Thunder tonight: .342 FG%, .211 3FG%, .478 FT%.
3rd time in NBA history a team has been that bad in all three categories for an entire game.
Indiana shot 65.5 percent from the field and 63.6 from deep, leading by as much as 67 points.
Doug McDermott dropped 31 points to lead all scorers, shooting 11-of-14 from the field and hitting six of eight attempts from three. For the Thunder, Moses Brown scored 16 points.
The Pacers improved to 30-33 with the win, good to maintain the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Thunder, who snapped a 14-game losing streak with a win against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, have now dropped their last two games.
The Thunder are 21-43 and have already been eliminated from contention in the Western Conference.
