Are the Pacers the New 'Showtime'? Haliburton's Offense Is Giving Us Lakers Vibes!

The Indiana Pacers: An Offensive Juggernaut Rivaling the 'Showtime' Lakers?

The Indiana Pacers have undeniably captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere during these NBA playoffs. With their thrilling comebacks, stunning game-winners, and high-octane offense, they've become the team everyone is watching. And now, on the cusp of an NBA Finals appearance, it's time to delve into what makes this team so special.

After their impressive run to the Conference Finals as a sixth seed in 2024, they've solidified their position as a legitimate title contender this year as a No. 4 seed. But this isn't just a flash in the pan; the Pacers are built to last.

At the heart of this success is their electrifying offense, led by the phenomenal Tyrese Haliburton. But is it hyperbole to compare them to the legendary 'Showtime' Lakers of the 1980s? Let's look at the numbers.

The 'Showtime' Lakers: A Gold Standard

The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s, with Magic Johnson at the helm, set the benchmark for offensive excellence. They led the NBA in offensive rating five times between 1979 and 1988, securing five NBA championships along the way. Their fast-paced, high-scoring style was revolutionary.

The Pacers' Postseason Prowess: Numbers Don't Lie

It might seem audacious to place the Pacers in the same conversation as those Lakers, but their recent playoff performances speak volumes. Over the last two postseasons, spanning 31 games, the Pacers have consistently delivered staggering offensive numbers.

• Postseason Scoring: The Pacers have averaged 116.0 points per game in the last two postseasons, the most by any team in a span of two postseasons (minimum 20 games) since the 1986-87 Lakers, who put up 118.3.
• 2025 Surge: This postseason, the Pacers are averaging an even more impressive 118.5 points per game. Only the 2017 Warriors and 1987 Lakers have achieved that feat in a single postseason (minimum 10 games) in recent history.

Their ability to score in bunches is undeniable. Remember Game 4 against the Cavaliers, where they dropped 80 points in the first half? Or Aaron Nesmith's six consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter of Game 1 against the Knicks, completing an improbable comeback?

Consider this: The Pacers have won three games this postseason when trailing by at least seven points in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime. Since play-by-play data was first tracked in 1998, all other teams combined have just one such win!

Historic Shooting Efficiency

The Pacers aren't just scoring a lot; they're doing it with incredible efficiency.

• Field Goal Percentage: The Pacers are shooting 50.4 percent from the field in the last two postseasons, the best rate by any team in a span of two postseasons (minimum 20 games) since the 1987-88 Lakers (50.9 percent).

This is particularly remarkable considering the Pacers' reliance on the three-pointer, which accounts for roughly 38% of their shot attempts. In contrast, three-pointers made up less than 8% of the shots taken by the 1987-88 Lakers.

Pace and Passing: The Keys to Success

The Pacers' offensive firepower isn't solely about individual brilliance; it's a product of their team-oriented approach.

• Assists: The Pacers are averaging 29.3 assists per game in the last two postseasons, the most by any team in a span of two postseasons (minimum 20 games) since the 'Showtime' Lakers from the 1987-88 season.
• Passing Prowess: Indiana boasts 16 games with 30+ assists in the last two postseasons. No other team has more than five in that span.
• Efficiency: They have seven games with 30+ assists and fewer than 10 turnovers. No other team can match that in their franchise history during the playoffs.

In fact, the Pacers have the highest offensive rating (119.6) by any team in a span of two postseasons since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77 (minimum 20 games).

Haliburton: A Modern-Day Magic?

It's hard not to draw parallels between Tyrese Haliburton and Magic Johnson. Haliburton's playmaking, clutch performances, and overall flair evoke memories of the Lakers legend.

Consider their stats in their first 29 career playoff games:

• Magic Johnson: 17.9 PPG, 9.3 APG, 49.6% FG
• Tyrese Haliburton: 19.0 PPG, 9.0 APG, 47.8% FG

The Road Ahead

While the Oklahoma City Thunder loom as a formidable opponent, the Pacers have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their offensive prowess could provide a compelling challenge to the Thunder's stifling defense.

Conclusion: A Championship Contender

No, the Pacers aren't the 'Showtime' Lakers, but their offensive firepower puts them in rarified air. They have the potential to emulate what those Lakers accomplished five times in the 1980s: win an NBA championship. This Pacers team is a joy to watch, and their journey is far from over.

Source: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/by-the-numbers-how-tyrese-haliburton-and-pacers-offense-stack-up-against-showtime-lakers-of-1980s/