Pacers 'Punked' by Grizzlies?

Given the Indiana Pacers' six DNPs, the rest of the roster needed to compensate for the lack of depth with sheer strength and intelligent basketball. After the Memphis Grizzlies' 120-116 victory over the shorthanded Pacers, Carlisle spoke his mind. However, despite a valiant 15-3 run in the fourth quarter, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle perceived the game as a Zach Edey class of physicality and will.

Carlisle said the Grizzlies, specifically Edey, "punked" the Pacers starting lineup.

Edey finished with 23 points and nine rebounds. Although he capitalized on the starting line matchup with Myles Turner, he absolutely got the better of reserve center James Wiseman. Edey's soft touch, particularly the hook shot, put the Pacers on punishment.

Five of Edey's converted looks came on hook shots. According to Carlisle, "history will show that Edey was picked low" in the 2024 NBA Draft. Conversely, Indiana didn't offer much resistance. Edey had his best preseason outing vs the Pacers.

Heading into preseason, Carlisle talked about how the Pacers must improve their defense to become a legitimate championship contender. Last season, they finished 24th in defensive rating, and with performances such as the one vs. the Grizzlies, it's plausible for the Pacers to finish outside of the top 15.

Memphis grabbed more offensive rebounds, with 17 compared to Indiana's seven. Although the Grizzlies didn't dominate the overall rebound battle, they held the 47-40 advantage.

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With the Charlotte Hornets coming into the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday, perhaps Carlisle's words will motivate a better defensive effort from the Pacers.