Much like the gesture after a big shot in a rowdy environment, the message is simple: Shhh.
You may have not believed in this Pacers team, which has just six players back from last season, but they believed.
So on Friday night, after the Pacers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time this season, no additional text was needed for Myles Turner on Instagram. Just one emoji.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcd0ms8ndW0/
To whom was it directed? Turner chuckled.
“That’s just in general, man. I’m just very excited about this team and a lot of people didn’t have that same feeling I had coming out of training camp.”
This isn’t new. They were just as confident in training camp with numerous guys talking about how they were blocking out the outside noise and thought they would surprise people.
Their nearly instant chemistry has been remarkable, and it’s what has helped them to a 15-11 start and two wins over the Cavaliers, the reigning Eastern Conference Champions.
Their scoring total is up to 108.3 (seventh), and their pace ranks ninth, up from 18th a season ago.
“My teammates are phenomenal people,” said Oladipo, who once again make clear that this is his house. “Not just basketball players, but they’re phenomenal people. When you surround yourself with great people, and people who sincerely care about you and the team, the chemistry just comes naturally. You can’t really teach that.”
Turner added: “It’s the best [locker room] I’ve had so far. The energy is just incredible. There’s never really an off day, somebody is bringing the energy every day.”
The Pacers are 3-0 with three more home games remaining — Denver, Oklahoma City, and Detroit — as part of their longest homestand since the 2006-07 season.
[Photo: Frank McGrath/PS&E]