The Pacers are only two victories of the title. And if Tyrese Haliburton And his teammates recover the Larry O'Brien trophy, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest “upsets” in history …
Because Indiana was only favorite in the first round against the Bucks. Faced with the riders in the conference semi-final, the Knicks in the conference final and the Thunder in the finals, they are in the shoes of Outsiders. A role they love, when they seem perpetually able to surprise their adversaries.
Constant adaptations
Ben Taylor, of Thinking Basketball, once again very well detailed how the Pacers had found some small openings in front of this defense of Oklahoma City which nevertheless seems without weak point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LF2SD1JTXQ
But by changing the areas of use of Pascal Siakam, using several screens to allow Tyrese Haliburton to attack other players and taking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander much higher, To prevent it from going up the ball And forcing him to make different readings on the two, the Pacers have disturbed the Thunder, which is more rooted in his habits and his strengths.
This ability to adapt is one of the great forces of this Indianapolis team but also of its coach who, with his staff, always seems to activate the right buttons in this playoff campaign.
“One thing you can say about Rick is that he directs the talent he has in his hands”explains Haralabos Voulgaris, former director of “quantitative research and development” of the Mavericks between 2018 and 2021. “His system is to maximize the talent he has. He understands that the game has changed and that it must also change, learn, adapt and evolve. Few coaches have this mentality, especially those who were successful. »»
Former player then assistant since the late 1980s, Rick Carlisle was however an “old-fashioned” coach when he became “Head Coach”, in Detroit (2001-03), Indiana (2003-07) then Dallas. It was he who called almost all systems, until he gave the keys to the attack to Jason Kidd in 2011.
Let go
Since then, he has learned to let go, even if it depends on the confidence he has in his conductor …
“The first year of Rick here (in 2021/22), we had a match where he did this, he stopped everything and he called a system on each possession” remembers Myles Turner. “But in the current NBA environment, especially in playoffs, these kinds of things no longer work. »»
Things changed with the arrival of Tyrese Haliburton. As with Jason Kidd Or Luka DonicRick Carlisle quickly understood that it was necessary to leave the direction of the game to its leader.
“When he gave me this freedom, it was the brand of ultimate respect. The ultimate mark of trust because it has such high tactical intelligence. He has known so many great leaders, great players. That he gave me this confidence, it really gave my career to a higher level ” confirms the old King.
It was during the “training camp” of the 2022/23 season and, since then, the two men never stopped surprising. Armed with this confidence, Tyrese Haliburton multiplies decisive shoots. In the shadows, Rick Carlisle and his staff left aside possession by possession by possession but destabilize all their opponents.
Among UPSET specialists among coaches
“Everyone in this league, from players to coaches to leaders, evolves” Recalls Chad Buchanan, the GM des Pacers, In the columns of Espn. “Rick has evolved, like everyone else. He knows that Tyrese is part of this category of players. He has a joyful and communicative personality that detects on everyone. The kind of guy around which we can build a culture. »»
As for Rick Carlisle, it is only up to two victories to become the fourth coach to be titled with two franchises, after Alex Hannum (St. Louis Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers), Pat Riley (Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat) and Phil Jackson (Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers). As with the Mavs in 2011, in the role of Outsider?
By studying the odds of bookmakers since 1990, Owen Phillips determined the coaches who have produced the most surprises in Playoffs. With 56 series won when he was only favorite in 49 of them, Phil Jackson arrives in first position, with +7.0 series won over what could be expected. Erik Spoelstra (+4.0) is second, while Rudy Tomjanovich (+3.8) is third, ahead Rick Carlisle (+3.4). But the latter could take second place in the event of a final victory …
