The Indiana Pacers were a surprise to many in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Rick Carlisle's team marched through the Eastern Conference Playoffs without even needing a Game 7 at any point. There are lessons to be learned from the blueprint on display.
The Pacers took down the Milwaukee Bucks in five games, the Cleveland Cavaliers in five as well, and then the New York Knicks in six. One could argue the Eastern Conference being the weaker of the two, and it would be a valid talking point, but Indiana's success should not ignored because of that.
There are numerous ways in which the Lakers can study what the Pacers have done. Their depth, coaching, and other factors of the kind are worth paying attention to. However, one key area sticks out above the rest in the case of Los Angeles. That would be their 3-point shooting.
Pacers' 3-point barrage is a model Lakers can aspire to
Steve Nash and LeBron James recently hosted Luka Doncic on the Mind the Game podcast. One of the talking points that stood out was Nash highlighting Doncic's ability to kill defenses with the 'late pass.'
That conversation should have served as a necessary reminder for Rob Pelinka regarding the importance of surrounding Doncic with shooters this summer. The Slovenian superstar is far too good of a passer to be posting a career low 5.8 assists per game in his first playoff run in Los Angeles.
The Lakers took 49.2 percent of their shots from beyond the arc in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. They only hit 35.1 percent of the 38.8 3-point attempts per game.
Los Angeles also largely slowed down their offense in the postseason. Their pace of 92.00 ranked 14th out of the 16 playoff teams. That number dropped from 98.34 in the regular season.
The Pacers were gunning it by comparison. Indiana ranked 7th in the NBA during the regular season with a pace of 100.76. That number only came down slightly to 98.44 in the playoffs. It is worth noting that two of the top three teams in pace during the postseason are featured in the NBA Finals.
The Pacers only took 39.1 percent of their shots from beyond the arc, a much lower number than the Lakers. However, the efficiency at which they were connecting is much better.
Indiana has the best 3-point percentage in the postseason. They have connected on 40.1 percent of their 33.4 attempts a night.
The NBA Playoffs have always been said to be a place where the style of play is much slower. While that still remains true, the fastest teams are the ones competing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. One of those two has also proven just how hard it can be to keep up with a fully spaced-out floor.
For a team like the Lakers who are expected to feature Doncic and James as the leads of their two-headed offensive attack, it cannot be overstated how much quality shooting will elevate the offense. There are plenty of issues to address, but this area should not be overlooked in the process.
