INDIANA PACERS
Indiana Pacers

Ritual of unity: The hand slap that defines the Pacers

Before every practice, the Indiana Pacers repeat a simple yet powerful gesture: walking across the court to slap hands with every teammate.

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam changes his shoes before practice...
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam changes his shoes before practice following a news conference.LAPRESSE

Starters, bench players, and coaching staff all take part. It's a ritual that symbolizes unity, commitment, and focus-values the team sees as essential this postseason.

Siakam leads with intensity and focus

Pascal Siakam, one of the team's key figures, stands out not only for his game but also for his pre-practice routine: tapping the ball lightly with his fingers as he walks toward center court. It's a moment of personal focus that marks his mentalshift into competition mode. His body language reflects calm and determination.

Defense, transition, and precision: keys for Game 2

During Friday's practice, coach Rick Carlisle emphasized defensive transition-one of the areas most exploited by Oklahoma City in Game 1. Ball movement was also a focal point, aiming to create better perimeter shooting opportunities.

A response mentality

Down 0-1 in the series, the Pacers know there's no room for error. Preparation goes beyond the physical-it's mental, emotional, and collective. This second game isn't just a chance to even the series; it's a statement of character. And in Indianapolis, everyone knows it.

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