The Pacers are the only team that has no players scoring 20+ per game, the strength of the team

On May 8, in the fierce competition in the NBA playoffs, eight teams stood out, each showing different styles and strengths. However, the Indiana Pacers are particularly unique among these eight teams - they are the only team without players averaging more than 20 points per game. This phenomenon is not accidental, but a concentrated reflection of the Pacers team basketball philosophy. Their success does not rely on superstars to fight alone, but through the collaboration and sharing of the ball, they create a holistic team that is difficult to defeat. The Pacers' team basketball philosophy can be traced back to head coach Rick Carlisle's coaching philosophy. Carlisle is a team-first coach who knows that in the modern NBA, over-reliance on stars can lead to difficulties in the high-intensity playoff confrontation. Therefore, he is committed to building a team with balanced offense and defense and everyone is in power. This season, the Pacers' offensive efficiency is among the top in the league and the number of assists per game is also among the best, which is an intuitive reflection of their team's basketball. Although the team's core point guard Tyres Halliburton does not score outstanding in his personal score, his organizational ability is first-class, and he can average more than 10 assists per game, perfectly connecting the entire team's offense. Under his dispatch, the Pacers' offense was smooth and the players cooperated well.

From the data, the Pacers' scoring distribution is extremely balanced. Currently in the playoffs, six players on the team average double-digit points per game, but none of them average more than 20 points. This "multi-point blooming" offensive model makes it difficult for the opponent to guard against. For example, in the series against the Knicks, the Pacers often stand up with different players at critical moments, whether it is Miles Turner's inside attack, Andrew Nemhard's cold arrow from the outside, or Pascal Siakam's all-around performance, they all make the opponent unable to defend. This diversity makes the Pacers have little weakness on the offensive end, and their opponents cannot limit their scores through targeted defense. The advantages of team basketball are not only reflected in the offensive end, but also in the defensive end. The Pacers' defensive strategy emphasizes rotation and collaboration, and the replacement and assisting defense between players are very timely. Although they do not have top defensive players like Rudy Gobert, the team's defensive discipline and execution have allowed them to repeatedly limit their opponents' offense in the playoffs. For example, in the series against the Bucks, the Pacers successfully restricted Giannis Antetokounmpo's performance through team defense, and eventually advanced to the second round. This holistic defensive style is another important manifestation of team basketball.

The Pacers' team basketball philosophy is not achieved overnight, but is gradually formed through long-term running-in and adjustment. In the middle of the season, the team obtained Pascal Siakam through trade, which further strengthened the team's depth. Siakam's arrival not only provides stable scoring and rebounds, but more importantly, his all-round skills and team-first attitude are perfectly in line with the Pacers' culture. His rapid integration is a proof of the team's good chemistry. In addition, the growth of young players such as Benedict Mathering and Jaren Smith has also injected vitality into the team, and their energy and fighting spirit have become an important weapon for the Pacers in the playoffs.

Success stories of team basketball are not uncommon in NBA history. The Detroit Pistons in 2004 are the most classic examples. They defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, which have the "Four Heavenly Kings" with their balanced offense and selfless style and won the championship. The Pacers today are quite similar to the Pistons back then. They also have no superstars, but they have reached the center of the playoffs with the strength of the team. This model is particularly precious in today's league where stars gather together, and also gives other teams a new idea for building a team.

Of course, team basketball is not without challenges. At critical moments in the playoffs, teams often need stars to come forward and solve the problem, and the Pacers' lack of such a "trump card" may become a hidden danger to them. However, from the current game, the Pacers have made up for this shortfall through collective efforts. Their scores at critical moments are not inferior to other teams, which is the magic of team basketball. The success of the

Pacers has also triggered thoughts on the future development of the NBA. Today, when star culture is prevalent, does team basketball still have room for survival? The Pacers proved with their actual performance that basketball is ultimately a team sport. Although the stars are important, team collaboration and chemistry are also indispensable. Their performance may inspire more teams to pay attention to integrity rather than blindly pursue superstars.

As the playoffs deepen, the Pacers will continue to face stronger opponents. But anyway, they have proved the charm and value of team basketball. In this era of emphasizing personal heroism, the Pacers are like a clear stream, interpreting the essence of basketball in their way. Their stories tell us that basketball is not just about scoring and superstars, it is about team, trust and collaboration. Regardless of the end result, the Pacers have won respect, and their team basketball philosophy will also be a highlight in NBA history.