Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

11 Guys OUT, 6 Guys IN...Shorthanded Pacers lose 108-104 in GRITTY Effort...Alex Golden hits you with the QUICK RECAP!

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SIX PLAYERS. ELEVEN GUYS OUT. ONE HECK OF AN EFFORT.

The Indiana Pacers fell 108-104 to the Atlanta Hawks, but this was anything but your typical loss.

Mike Facci is joined by Isaac Riley of Pacers Beyond The Buzzer to recap one of the most unusual and inspiring performances we've seen from Indiana in quite some time.

With ELEVEN players unavailable, the Pacers were forced to play just SIX guys — three on standard NBA contracts and three on two-way deals.

And somehow, they nearly pulled off the upset!

BRADEN SMITH STEALS THE SHOW!

The hometown kid from Westfield, Indiana, and Purdue University made his FIRST EVER NBA START, and the 5-foot-10 point guard made the most of his opportunity.

Facci and Isaac discuss Smith's impressive performance, the confidence he displayed and why his effort was such an exciting moment for Pacers fans who followed his career at Purdue.

What stood out most about his game? What did he show in his first opportunity to start at the NBA level? And could this performance lead to a bigger role moving forward?

SIX PLAYERS. SIX DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORERS.

Every available Pacer scored in double figures as Indiana's end-of-the-bench players and two-way contributors stepped up in a major way.

The guys break down how this unlikely group stayed competitive against Atlanta despite having virtually no rotation flexibility.

WHERE HAS THIS LEVEL OF COMPETITIVENESS BEEN?!

Perhaps the biggest takeaway wasn't an individual performance, but the collective effort.

Indiana played with tremendous energy, urgency and determination, displaying one of its highest levels of competitiveness in recent memory.

Facci and Isaac discuss what made this performance so different, why these players seemed so eager to prove themselves and what the rest of the roster can learn from their effort.

The Pacers didn't get the win, but they gave fans plenty to be excited about.

Braden Smith's first NBA start. Six players giving everything they had. And a four-point loss that felt a whole lot different than the others.

All that and more on today's Setting The Pace!

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The Indiana Pacers' offensive struggles continued Sunday night as they fell 98-90 to the Brooklyn Nets, and Alex Golden and Mike Facci have plenty to discuss following another frustrating loss.

Despite keeping Brooklyn under 100 points, Indiana couldn't generate enough offense to come away with the victory.

THE BACKUP CENTER PROBLEM

Alex and Facci begin by taking a closer look at the lack of production from the Pacers' backup center position.

Why has Indiana struggled to get consistent contributions from that spot? How much is the lack of production hurting the team? And what needs to change moving forward?

The guys discuss the importance of getting more from the second unit, particularly with the Pacers already dealing with so many injuries.

WHERE HAS THE PACERS OFFENSE GONE?

Indiana managed just 90 points, and the lack of transition opportunities and ball movement played a significant role.

Alex and Facci break down the Pacers' low fast-break scoring, limited assists and why this offense looks so different when it can't generate easy baskets or create opportunities for teammates.

WHY DIDN'T KELLY OUBRE JR. PLAY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER?

One of the more interesting decisions from the loss was Kelly Oubre Jr. not seeing the floor during the final period.

The guys examine that decision, discuss what might have factored into it and whether Oubre could have helped Indiana's offense down the stretch.

AN HONEST CONVERSATION ABOUT AARON NESMITH

To close the show, Alex and Facci turn their attention to Aaron Nesmith.

The guys have a candid discussion about his play, expectations and what Indiana needs from him as the season moves forward.

A disappointing loss, serious questions about the rotation and an offense searching for answers.

All that and more on today's Setting The Pace!

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Alex Golden gives you a quick recap of tonight's game with a breakdown of what happened and shares individual stats from both squads.

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GOOD MORNING, INDIANA! ☀️🏀

Welcome back to Good Morning Indiana, your new Saturday tradition for Indiana Pacers basketball, Noblesville Boom coverage, behind-the-scenes access and stories from the fans who make basketball in Indiana so special!

Alex Golden is back with another jam-packed episode featuring familiar faces, special guests and some awesome moments from around Gainbridge Fieldhouse!

🏟️ INSIDE GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE — ALEX GOLDEN

Alex kicks things off by taking you inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse following the Pacers' nationally televised loss to LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Get a look at the atmosphere inside the arena before Alex hands things over to Brad and Ryan!

📰 THREE HEADLINES — THE PACERS POST UP

Brad and Ryan from The Pacers Post Up return to discuss THREE headlines from the second week of the NBA season!

The guys highlight two important Pacers storylines and one NBA headline, sharing their perspectives on the latest happenings around Indiana and the league.

💥 NOBLESVILLE BOOM SPOTLIGHT — RIENK MAST

Former Nebraska Cornhusker Rienk Mast joins Alex for an awesome conversation about his basketball journey and his upcoming season with the Noblesville Boom!

The two discuss:

• His path from the Netherlands to college basketball in America
• Playing in NBA Summer League and participating in Pacers training camp
• His connections to the Pacers organization before arriving in Indiana
• Stories from his childhood, including the unique game that brought his parents together
• Playing alongside Braden Smith
• His expectations for the Noblesville Boom this season

It's a fantastic opportunity to get to know one of the newest faces in the Boom organization!

🎙️ CARLISLE QUOTE OF THE WEEK — ERNIE JOHNSON

Alex takes you behind the scenes of Gainbridge Fieldhouse as he exits the arena before sharing this week's Rick Carlisle quote.

Coach Carlisle reflects on the remarkable career of longtime Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson and the impact he's made on the game.

🎤 STREET INTERVIEWS — JAKE RILEY

Jake Riley of Pacers Beyond The Buzzer is back with another entertaining round of street interviews!

This week, Jake catches up with Pacers and LeBron James fans outside the arena for two minutes of fun, spontaneous interactions and unique perspectives from basketball fans.

💙💛 FAN OF THE WEEK — GARRETT

Alex welcomes Garrett to the show to discuss his Pacers fandom, his trip to Indiana for the season opener and what makes supporting this team so special.

Another great opportunity to highlight the people who make the Pacers community one of the best in basketball!

🎬 A SPECIAL GOODBYE + CHRIS DENARI & QUINN BUCKNER

To close out Episode 2, Alex is joined by his son Fletcher for a special goodbye!

Then, Chris Denari and Quinn Buckner take us home with a fun moment involving our friends Grace and Michael, along with a special shoutout from Denari to Alex Golden and Michael Facci!

From Pacers headlines to Boom basketball, fan stories and behind-the-scenes moments, Good Morning Indiana has a little something for everyone!

Subscribe and join us every Saturday for a brand-new episode of GOOD MORNING INDIANA!

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Alex Golden is joined by Amir Motameni to recap Indiana's frustrating 145-125 loss to the Miami Heat, a game that started with plenty of promise before quickly getting away from the Pacers.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT FIRST QUARTER?!

Indiana came out firing, scoring 42 points in the opening period and taking a 42-36 lead into the second quarter.

Unfortunately, the Pacers couldn't maintain that momentum, as Miami took control of the game and Indiana struggled to find answers on either end of the floor.

Alex and Amir discuss what went wrong after the strong start, the defensive issues that allowed the Heat to score 145 points and why the Pacers couldn't keep pace despite their offensive production.

NEMBHARD & JACKSON DELIVER!

While it was a difficult night for much of the roster, Andrew Nembhard and Quenton Jackson provided two of Indiana's brightest spots.

The guys break down their strong performances, what stood out about their play and how important their contributions are with the Pacers dealing with so many injuries.

THE HEAT PERSPECTIVE

Amir provides insight into Miami's performance, the areas where the Heat took advantage of Indiana and what this game revealed about their team.

The conversation also expands beyond the final score as Alex and Amir examine the bigger picture for both franchises.

Where do the Pacers go from here with their growing injury problems? What can Indiana realistically improve while shorthanded? And what should Heat fans take away from Miami's offensive explosion?

A 145-125 defeat, a couple of encouraging individual performances and plenty of questions moving forward.

All that and more on today's Setting The Pace!

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Quick Recap: Pacers Start Off HOT but Catch a COLD the Remainder of the Game...Pacers fall 145-125.

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The Indiana Pacers are running out of healthy bodies, and it might be time to look outside the organization for some help!

Alex Golden is joined by Jack Brown of All Pacers (the best Pacers Instagram account on the planet!) to discuss SIX potential free agent targets who could help Indiana navigate its growing injury problems.

With Tyrese Haliburton expected to miss multiple weeks, T.J. McConnell still sidelined, Ben Sheppard out for months and injuries creating questions throughout the roster, the Pacers suddenly have some important decisions to make.

SHOULD THE PACERS ADD ANOTHER POINT GUARD?

Alex and Jack each examine three potential point guard options who could provide some much-needed depth and playmaking while Indiana waits for its injured guards to return.

Some names will be VERY familiar to Pacers fans, while others might be players you haven't thought about in quite some time!

WHAT ABOUT THE CENTER POSITION?

With Ivica Zubac also dealing with an injury, the guys turn their attention to available big men who could provide additional insurance in the frontcourt.

Which free agents make the most sense for Indiana? Who could fit Rick Carlisle's system? And would any of these players be worth adding to the roster?

Alex and Jack discuss the potential positives and negatives of each option, what they could bring to the Pacers and whether Indiana should make a move or trust its current depth.

Six free agent targets. Two positions of need. One injury-riddled Pacers roster.

Who would YOU like to see the Pacers sign?

All that and more on today's Setting The Pace!

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The Indiana Pacers can't catch a break.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to recap Indiana's 114-109 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but the biggest story surrounding this team goes well beyond another frustrating defeat.

THE INJURY NEWS JUST KEEPS GETTING WORSE.

After making his long-awaited return to the court this season, Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks with a mild left hamstring strain.

Meanwhile, T.J. McConnell continues to work his way back from his own hamstring injury, with his return potentially still another week away.

And the most devastating long-term news involves Ben Sheppard, who underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus and is expected to miss several months.

Alex and Facci spend an extended portion of today's episode discussing these injuries, what they mean for Indiana's depth and how Rick Carlisle can navigate a roster that's already being pushed to its limits.

WHO IS GOING TO STEP UP?

With Haliburton sidelined and McConnell still unavailable, the Pacers need other players to take on greater responsibilities. The guys examine the importance of Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam and the supporting cast as Indiana attempts to stay competitive.

Then, it's time to break down the loss to Philadelphia.

Despite being severely shorthanded, the Pacers battled back from a double-digit halftime deficit and put together an impressive third quarter before ultimately falling short.

Alex and Facci discuss what went right, what went wrong and why the team's effort provided some encouraging signs despite the disappointing result.

How concerned should Pacers fans be about the injuries? Can Indiana stay afloat without Haliburton? And which players have the biggest opportunities to step up?

All that and more on today's Setting The Pace!

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Pacers Lose Heartbreaker to 76ers after 4th Quarter Collapse (Quick Recap)

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Four games down, 78 to go!

Alex Golden is flying solo on today's episode of Setting The Pace to take a closer look at the Indiana Pacers' first week of the 2026-27 NBA season!

After splitting their first four games, the Pacers sit at 2-2, with plenty of reasons for optimism, some frustrating performances and an injury report that just keeps getting longer.

It's time for THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY!

THE GOOD 🟢

Tyrese Haliburton is back, Pascal Siakam continues to deliver, and Indiana has already shown flashes of the exciting basketball that Pacers fans have come to expect.

From a thrilling opening-night victory over New Orleans to a 27-point blowout of Brooklyn, Alex examines the biggest positives from Week 1 and which early performances have been the most encouraging.

THE BAD 🟡

The Pacers have also shown several areas that desperately need improvement.

From inconsistent three-point shooting and rebounding struggles to some disappointing stretches on both ends of the floor, Alex looks at the early-season trends that could become bigger problems if Indiana doesn't clean them up.

THE UGLY 🔴

INJURIES, INJURIES AND MORE INJURIES!

Indiana's depth is already being tested, with several key rotation players missing time and the team struggling to keep a healthy lineup together.

Add in poor free-throw shooting, too many second-chance points allowed and some underwhelming early contributions from the team's newest additions, and there's plenty to discuss.

So what should Pacers fans actually take away from a 2-2 start?

Is Indiana showing encouraging signs despite the injuries? Which struggles are temporary, and which could become legitimate concerns?

Alex breaks it all down in this comprehensive Week 1 review!

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Pacers basketball — on today's Setting The Pace!

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Despite a strong first half, Indiana struggled to maintain its offensive rhythm after the break. The Pacers repeatedly tried to make runs and reclaim momentum, but every time they got close, Milwaukee had an answer.

The fourth quarter was particularly brutal, as Indiana couldn't generate enough offense to complete the comeback.

AND OF COURSE… MYLES TURNER.

The former Pacers center remains undefeated against Indiana in regular-season matchups since leaving, and he made his presence felt when it mattered most.

Turner delivered timely blocks, important defensive plays and—yes, believe it or not—some huge rebounds down the stretch to help Milwaukee secure its first victory of the season.

THE BIGGER CONCERNS

How much did fatigue contribute to Indiana's struggles? How badly is the team missing its injured players? And just how concerning is the lack of available point guard depth?

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The Pacers Let This One SLIP AWAY Against Milwaukee (Quick Recap)

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TYRESE HALIBURTON IS BACK!

Alex Golden is joined by Ben Gibson of iPacers.com to recap Indiana's dominant 136-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, improving the Pacers to 2-1 on the season!

After a disappointing performance against Dallas, Indiana bounced back in a BIG way, and Tyrese Haliburton looked more like the All-NBA point guard Pacers fans have been waiting to see!

Haliburton finished with 24 points and 10 assists, knocking down four triples and putting on a show in the second half. Alex and Ben discuss his impressive performance, the confidence he displayed and what stood out most about his night.

And with the Pacers facing Milwaukee on Monday, Haliburton made it clear that he intends to play on the second night of the back-to-back!

The guys also dive into Indiana's offensive explosion, as the Pacers connected on 21 three-pointers and finally found the rhythm that was missing in their first two games.

But the victory didn't come without some bad news.

Ivica Zubac exited in the first quarter with a left ankle injury, forcing Indiana to adjust its rotation. Jay Huff stepped up in a big way, and the guys examine what Zubac's injury could mean for the Pacers moving forward.

They also highlight Pascal Siakam's continued strong play, the contributions from Indiana's supporting cast and the biggest takeaways from a much-needed bounce-back performance.

Don't miss this Pacers-Nets recap with Alex Golden and Ben Gibson on Setting The Pace!

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The Indiana Pacers win in blowout fashion, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 136-109. Alex Golden hits you with a quick recap of the game with soundbites from Chris Denari and Rick Carlisle. Haliburton is back!

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GOOD MORNING, INDIANA! ☀️🏀

Welcome to the FIRST EVER episode of Good Morning Indiana, a brand-new Saturday show coming to your YouTube and podcast feeds!

Every Saturday, we're bringing together different voices from around the Indiana Pacers community for a fun, unique look at Pacers basketball, the Noblesville Boom and the fans who make basketball in Indiana so special.

We've got an awesome lineup for Episode 1!

🏟️ INSIDE GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE — ALEX GOLDEN

Alex kicks off the show by taking you inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse following the Pacers' disappointing home-opening loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

He also shares a special video of Tyrese Haliburton being introduced to the home crowd and greeting Pacers fans in an emotional moment that reminds everyone just how much he means to this franchise.

🏀 THREE PACERS TAKEAWAYS — BRAD & RYAN

Brad and Ryan from The Pacers Post Up take over to share three things that have stood out to them through Indiana's first two games.

What has impressed them? What needs improvement? And what should Pacers fans be watching as the season progresses?

💥 NOBLESVILLE BOOM SPOTLIGHT — CHRIS TAYLOR

Next, Alex welcomes Noblesville Boom General Manager Chris Taylor for our Boom segment of the week!

With the NBA G League Draft just hours away at the time of recording, Chris joins the show to discuss preparations for the upcoming season and what's happening behind the scenes as the Boom get ready for another exciting year.

🎤 PACERS FAN STREET INTERVIEWS — JAKE RILEY

Jake Riley of Pacers Beyond The Buzzer hits the streets to talk with a Pacers fan!

This week's interview offers a quick preview of a fun new segment that will bring even more fan voices to Good Morning Indiana in future episodes.

💙💛 FAN OF THE WEEK — ERIC BOND

We close out Episode 1 with Alex welcoming Eric Bond, who traveled to New Orleans for the Pacers' season-opening victory over the Pelicans!

Eric shares what it was like to experience the win in person, including witnessing an emotional Tyrese Haliburton in tears following Indiana's hard-fought victory.

Eric also discusses his book, But This Is Indiana, and what makes being a Pacers fan so special.

From inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to the streets of Indiana and all the way to New Orleans, this show is about celebrating the team, the community and the people who love Pacers basketball.

Welcome to Good Morning Indiana! New episodes every Saturday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms!

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Well...that was ugly.

Alex Golden is joined by Sherm to break down the Indiana Pacers' incredibly disappointing 121-105 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in their 2026-27 home opener.

After an exciting opening-night victory in New Orleans, the Pacers returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with plenty of momentum and an emotional atmosphere surrounding Tyrese Haliburton's return to the home crowd.

Unfortunately, Indiana's performance didn't come close to matching the occasion.

The Pacers were downright awful in the first half, delivering a performance that was more disappointing than the Grinch stealing Christmas!

Alex and Sherm dive into everything that went wrong for Indiana, including the team's lackluster start, offensive struggles and inability to match the energy and execution of the Mavericks.

But this episode isn't just about one bad game.

Through the first two contests of the season, what trends are beginning to emerge for the Pacers? Which areas should concern fans, what needs to improve and how much should we read into Indiana's early-season struggles?

The guys discuss the biggest takeaways from the loss, where the Pacers need to be better and what adjustments could help them get back on track.

And while Indiana deserves criticism for its performance, credit where credit is due to Dallas!

The Mavericks came ready to play, competed hard and received impressive performances from Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington.

Alex and Sherm give Dallas its flowers while examining how the Mavericks took advantage of Indiana's struggles.

A frustrating home opener, plenty of early-season concerns and a whole lot to unpack on today's Setting The Pace!

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Quick Game Recap: Pacers fall 121-105 to Mavericks in Hali's Homecoming

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Alex Golden is back for another episode of Setting The Pace as the Indiana Pacers prepare for their home opener against the Dallas Mavericks!

In the opening segment, Alex goes solo to discuss the latest Pacers-Mavericks injury report and share his thoughts on what this game means for Tyrese Haliburton and the fans inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

After everything Haliburton has been through, his return to meaningful basketball in front of the home crowd is sure to be a special moment. Alex discusses the significance of the occasion and what Pacers fans have been waiting so long to experience.

Then, in segment two, Kevin Gray Jr. of DLLS joins the show for an in-depth preview of Indiana's matchup with Dallas!

The guys dive into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the key matchups to watch and why Ivica Zubac could present major problems for the Mavericks.

They also discuss Rick Carlisle facing his former team, the Dusty May hiring and the current state of the Mavericks franchise.

What's the latest on Kyrie Irving's health and future in Dallas? How special is Cooper Flagg, and who should Indiana assign to defend the young star?

Alex and Kevin also discuss what makes Haliburton such a special player, the depth of both rosters and the biggest factors that could determine the outcome.

From an emotional homecoming to an intriguing matchup featuring some of the NBA's most exciting talent, there's plenty to break down!

Get ready for Pacers vs. Mavericks with Alex Golden and Kevin Gray Jr. on today's Setting The Pace!

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Alex Golden gives a quick game recap of the Pacers 123-120 victory over the Pelicans.

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