Four Observations: Pacers' defense and Jarace Walker shine in win in Summer League opener

LAS VEGAS -- The Pacers won their NBA Summer League opener, 91-83 over Washington, here's why.

With roster advantages, Pacers were strong on defense

The Pacers are not alone in getting Summer League minutes for players heading into their second and even third seasons in the NBA. However, not many teams are using two second-year players who finished in the top three on their team in total minutes and not many also have a third player who spent most of last season in the rotation.

That's what the Pacers have on the roster in Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Isaiah Jackson, so having those three on the floor does a lot to explain why the Pacers defended so well against a Wizards Summer League squad that didn't have nearly as much game experience. So Saturday night's performance is, of course, no reason to suggest that the Pacers will be drastically better on defense than the squad that finished 29th in the NBA in points allowed last season.

Still, the Pacers looked really good on that end, particularly in the second quarter when they held the Wizards to just 10 points on 3 of 18 shooting. They were tough on the ball, their rotations were solid, and in particular, they got excellent rim protection from forwards Jackson, Jarace Walker and Kendall Brown, who combined for 11 of the Pacers' 13 blocked shots.

"I feel like it was our communication more than anything," Walker said. "Just putting guys in the right spots. Talking, rotating, blocking shots. But also getting out and running to guys. I thought we had a pretty complete game on defense.

The Wizards responded well in the second half after making just 12 of 43 first-half shots (27.9%), scoring 32 points in the third quarter outscoring the Pacers 54-40 in the second half. Still, they finished 31 of 87 from the floor (35.6%) and 4 of 17 from 3-point range.

Pacers Summer League coach Jannero Pargo was less than thrilled with the dip in the second half.

"I think it was just our attitude," Pargo said. "We kinda let up. We had a big lead at halftime so we thought it would be easy. Credit to those guys, they came out there and put their head down and drove the basketball and got it to the rim and got a lot of second shots. It's a learning lesson for us. We gotta always be prepared and be ready."

Jarace Walker struggled to score, but was excellent on defense

Summer League openers always put a particular amount of pressure on first-round picks, particularly those taken in the lottery as it seems they have to justify their selection. The pressure seemed to get the most of San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama on Friday while others handled it better. The Pacers' Jarace Walker, the No. 8 pick, had some struggles on the offensive end, but defense was the reason he was taken so high and he showed out on that end.

On one of the game's first possessions, he picked the pocket of Washington's Bilal Coulibaly, who the Wizards traded picks for so they'd be able to take him at No. 7. It was his first of three steals in the game, as he again proved his ability to keep smaller players in front of him on the perimeter.

He was also excellent around the rim with three blocks, pairing with Jackson to swarm shot attempts. And Walker was at his best when the ball came off the glass, as he finished with 13 rebounds, including 11 on the defensive end.

His shooting wasn't quite as strong, as he finished 3 of 13 from the field for eight points. However, Walker showed shooting range with a 3-pointer and also excellent awareness when he missed his own free throw but dunked the miss as no one else on the floor realized he'd already taken the first of two free throws before a commercial break. He also added five assists, showing off the unselfishness and feel for the game he's known for.

"I felt like I got more comfortable as the game went on," Walker said. "I didn't shoot the ball well, but I felt like I defended pretty well, rebounded the ball pretty well. Got a couple assists, found my teammates. It was good to get one under my belt."

Isaiah Jackson making most of Summer League Year 3

Summer League means Jackson doesn't have to worry about a logjam behind Myles Turner at the center position and he apparently plans on making the most of the opportunity. Jackson was active and showing off his athleticism from the start, sticking to his strengths as a rim runner, lob finisher, shot blocker and rebounder.

Jackson finished with 21 points on 10 of 12 shooting with almost every attempt coming at the rim. He grabbed 14 rebounds and also blocked three shots.

Of course Jackson also took advantage of the rule that does not permit foul outs. He finished with eight fouls.

"He has to foul less," Pargo said. "That's something I think he's getting better at. But he's so athletic and so gifted whether he's attacking the ball or blocking the shot. We don't want to take away his aggressiveness, but he does have to foul a little less."

Bennedict Mathurin gets buckets

Mathurin was the only player on the Summer League roster who averaged double figures last season, and it was pretty apparent from the get-go that he was going to get his buckets.

As usual, Mathurin attacked the rim off the bounce and had excellent finishes around the rim, and he also knocked down a couple outside shots as well. He finished with 27 points on 9 of 21 shooting including 3 of 10 from 3-point range.

It was a good start for Mathurin, who has seemed particularly locked in during summer workouts. With the Summer League roster in particular he's been more vocal as a player who's further along in understanding his responsibilities than other players on the team.

"I've been working so hard the past three months to be a better version of myself," Mathurin said. "A better player and also a better teammate. I feel like I've improved. There's such big room for improvement that I'm still missing. I still have a lot of time before the beginning of the season."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers vs. Wizards: Pacers win Summer League opener