Pacers' Rick Carlisle Channels Inner Will Ferrell With 'Semi-Pro' Reference

The Indiana Pacers are not known for their defensive intensity. Last season, their run-and-gun offense, which was easily the fastest in the league, got them all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their lack of defense drew criticism all season, and it looks like they will have a similar playstyle this season.

On Thursday night, the Pacers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in preseason action, 129-117. In the first half, however, the Pacers found themselves down 70-69, and their lack of defensive intensity was a big part of it.

In the first half, Indiana only forced six turnovers and had three steals. Perhaps the most damning part of the half was their eight total fouls, which was a big reason why the Cavaliers shot nearly 60 percent from the floor.

"We were playing defense like the Flint Michigan Tropics in the first half," said head coach Rich Carlisle. "Second half we picked up intensity and we did some better things. We were more physical at the point of attack...some good things were happening and so we just play with more force."

Being compared to the Jackie Moon-led Flint Tropics is hardly a compliment. The fictional Tropics, to their credit, defeated the Spurs in the final game of the film Semi-Pro, but they were not known for being a defensive-minded team.

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In the second half, the Pacers increased their intensity and held the Cavaliers to only 42 percent from the floor, allowing them to run away with a preseason victory. If the Pacers decide to keep their offensive mentality, they will likely have to turn the dial up on defense once the regular season starts.