NBA Fanatics: 3 ways to boost your NBA knowledge using results of the Round 1 Playoffs

Though the Indiana Pacers haven't been on many people's radars in past years, next time you talk about a team with potential you will now remember to put Victor Oladipo and the Pacers in the conversation. 

As a NU student specializing in sports journalism, I have found 2 articles on the Pacers' dynamic playoff performance which will interest you

The Cavaliers’ Game 7 win over the Pacers on ABC was the highest rated NBA first-round game since 2004

http://awfulannouncing.com/nba/the-cavs-game-7-win-over-the-pacers-was-the-highest-rated-nba-first-round-game-since-2004.html

By Alex Putterman (A NU alum!) 

The Pacers forced a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a win-and-advance match off in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Though the Indiana Pacers were ranked only one below the Cavs, they were unexpected to put up a fight against a team that has made it to the championship round three years in a row. Game 7, which aired on ABC, had a 5.4 ranking – an increase of 27% from a comparable game last season. Their ranking was the highest first round matchup since 2004.

http://awfulannouncing.com/

Photo source: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2018/01/cavs_overcome_lebrons_11_turnovers_to_beat_pacers_115_108

Impressive as it was, the Pacers’ Victor Oladipo isn’t satisfied with his breakout season

By Tim Bontemps: 

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/04/30/impressive-as-it-was-the-pacers-victor-oladipo-isnt-satisfied-with-his-breakout-season/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.37e4900c7a65

Victor Oladipo was the standout star of the first round match up between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was traded to the Pacers at the start of the season and wasn’t expected to fill the shoes Paul George had left behind. Instead had himself a breakout season that led the Pacers to almost eliminate LeBron James and the Cavs in the first round. Because of this, Oladipo demands respect from those who didn’t believe the Pacers would be a serious contender in the playoffs.

www.thewashingtonpost.com

Based on my review of the 2 articles and my studies at NU, I have created 3 points to remember when you think of undermining the Indiana Pacers next season.

1.     Pacers will come back better. After nearly beating the Cavaliers, the Pacers will head into next season better than ever.

2.    Game 7 = viewers. Basketball fans love ‘loser-goes-home’ games

3.    Pacers rise to the occaision. No one expected the Pacers or Oladipo to do this well in the playoffs.

Grace Choi is a senior sports journalism student at Northwestern University. She has covered Big Ten sports and Olympics sports. She is a lover of NBA basketball, particularly the Portland Trail Blazers since they represent her hometown, Portland, Oregon.