As the NBA season begins, Pacers fans are excited to see how the season progresses.

Last season, the team fell in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference, ranked 11 out of 15 other teams. This year, fans are surprised to see the big difference as the season moves forward. 

The Pacers are currently third in the conference, proving the abilities of the team’s players and the work they have put into their training thus far. 

“They are definitely exceeding expectations and have been really entertaining to watch,” senior Paxton Rowley said. 

This year, the preseason predictions were relatively high compared to other seasons. With team chemistry visible and working well, along with rookies and other players rising to their potentials, fans anticipate seeing how the season goes. 

“Tyrese Haliburton especially stands out. It’s clear how much he’s bringing to the rest of the team,” Rowley said. 

Haliburton was traded to the Pacers last season, which has been a blessing for Indiana fans. He has been nominated for the Eastern Conference player of the week award for the second week in a row. 

Only eight games into the season, Haliburton has averaged 23.6 points, 11.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds. 

Yesterday, the Pacers faced the Milwaukee Bucks. Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 54 points – an NBA season high. But, with Haliburton’s last three-pointer with just over a minute left in the game, the Pacers overcame the Bucks, winning 126-124. 

A shock to NBA fans nationwide, the Pacers are now on everyone’s radar. 

On Wednesday, the Pacers played a back-and-forth game against the Utah Jazz, before finding their rhythm in the last quarter and winning 134-118. With fans from both sides on the edge of their seats, Indiana’s superb offense and defense locked in, the fourth quarter proved the team’s abilities. 

The team is currently leading the NBA in assists right now. As the season advances, basketball fans are excited to see what more will come.