Caitlin Cooper
@caitlinmaycooper.bsky.social
Creator of Basketball, She Wrote — A blog about the basketball played by the Indiana Pacers: patreon.com/basketballshewrote
Bennedict Mathurin isn't known as a passer, but he's assisting his teammates as a cutter
I wrote about how he's reshaping the defense as part of the offense, & not just bending the defense separate from the offense
No Paywall: www.patreon.com/posts/why-be...
I wrote about how he's reshaping the defense as part of the offense, & not just bending the defense separate from the offense
No Paywall: www.patreon.com/posts/why-be...
November 22, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Bennedict Mathurin isn't known as a passer, but he's assisting his teammates as a cutter
I wrote about how he's reshaping the defense as part of the offense, & not just bending the defense separate from the offense
No Paywall: www.patreon.com/posts/why-be...
I wrote about how he's reshaping the defense as part of the offense, & not just bending the defense separate from the offense
No Paywall: www.patreon.com/posts/why-be...
The Pacers have been through basketball hell.
So naturally, I wrote about all of the ways that Andrew Nembhard is navigating the (under)world of defenders ducking under: www.patreon.com/posts/143680...
So naturally, I wrote about all of the ways that Andrew Nembhard is navigating the (under)world of defenders ducking under: www.patreon.com/posts/143680...
November 16, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The Pacers have been through basketball hell.
So naturally, I wrote about all of the ways that Andrew Nembhard is navigating the (under)world of defenders ducking under: www.patreon.com/posts/143680...
So naturally, I wrote about all of the ways that Andrew Nembhard is navigating the (under)world of defenders ducking under: www.patreon.com/posts/143680...
Two years ago, just before IND traded for Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard had to guard Lauri Markkanen. Now, it was Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
On the non-stop down screens that had IND down bad, & what that match-up says about a healthier team that still isn't whole.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
On the non-stop down screens that had IND down bad, & what that match-up says about a healthier team that still isn't whole.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
November 12, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Two years ago, just before IND traded for Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard had to guard Lauri Markkanen. Now, it was Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
On the non-stop down screens that had IND down bad, & what that match-up says about a healthier team that still isn't whole.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
On the non-stop down screens that had IND down bad, & what that match-up says about a healthier team that still isn't whole.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
I wrote about Jarace Walker in his third season
On the areas where he's been his own best defender, where he needs to improve to be a better defender, & getting to play through mistakes while (hopefully) learning from them:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/opport...
On the areas where he's been his own best defender, where he needs to improve to be a better defender, & getting to play through mistakes while (hopefully) learning from them:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/opport...
November 11, 2025 at 12:33 AM
I wrote about Jarace Walker in his third season
On the areas where he's been his own best defender, where he needs to improve to be a better defender, & getting to play through mistakes while (hopefully) learning from them:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/opport...
On the areas where he's been his own best defender, where he needs to improve to be a better defender, & getting to play through mistakes while (hopefully) learning from them:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/opport...
Also, during the minutes with Valanciunas at five, Denver cross-matched Bruce Brown onto Jay Huff. So, going at Valanciunas meant involving Cody Martin as the screener.
November 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Also, during the minutes with Valanciunas at five, Denver cross-matched Bruce Brown onto Jay Huff. So, going at Valanciunas meant involving Cody Martin as the screener.
In case anyone was wondering why the Pacers didn't attack Jokic in PnR more last night, Denver went under A LOT against Nembhard and especially on screens involving Jokic.
Nembhard attempted 7 jumpers after two or more dribbles -- the most since Game 4 of the 2024 BOS-IND ECF.
Nembhard attempted 7 jumpers after two or more dribbles -- the most since Game 4 of the 2024 BOS-IND ECF.
November 9, 2025 at 4:22 PM
In case anyone was wondering why the Pacers didn't attack Jokic in PnR more last night, Denver went under A LOT against Nembhard and especially on screens involving Jokic.
Nembhard attempted 7 jumpers after two or more dribbles -- the most since Game 4 of the 2024 BOS-IND ECF.
Nembhard attempted 7 jumpers after two or more dribbles -- the most since Game 4 of the 2024 BOS-IND ECF.
This is the first time that Aaron Nesmith has ever attempted a pull-up three after dribbling off a double drag
On an injury-ravaged team that is constantly asking players to play outside their comfort zones, I wrote about a player who's starting to find his: IJax
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/isaiah...
On an injury-ravaged team that is constantly asking players to play outside their comfort zones, I wrote about a player who's starting to find his: IJax
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/isaiah...
November 4, 2025 at 8:48 PM
This is the first time that Aaron Nesmith has ever attempted a pull-up three after dribbling off a double drag
On an injury-ravaged team that is constantly asking players to play outside their comfort zones, I wrote about a player who's starting to find his: IJax
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/isaiah...
On an injury-ravaged team that is constantly asking players to play outside their comfort zones, I wrote about a player who's starting to find his: IJax
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/isaiah...
Also, looking forward to when Furphy starts playing with guards who can make any of these passes
November 2, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Also, looking forward to when Furphy starts playing with guards who can make any of these passes
Furphy prevented shots against Podz (counter move), Steph (isolation), Kuminga (transition), Buddy (drive + closeout in rotation), and Butler (scram + contain against baseline shimmy drive). He continues to have my attention.
November 2, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Furphy prevented shots against Podz (counter move), Steph (isolation), Kuminga (transition), Buddy (drive + closeout in rotation), and Butler (scram + contain against baseline shimmy drive). He continues to have my attention.
(Also, just wanted to give a brief shoutout to the Warriors for sagging off in this situation. There are 67 players in the NBA who have logged at least 45 drives. Among them, Indiana's 0.698 points per chance with Jarace Walker as the ball-handler ranks 67 of 67.)
November 2, 2025 at 2:03 PM
(Also, just wanted to give a brief shoutout to the Warriors for sagging off in this situation. There are 67 players in the NBA who have logged at least 45 drives. Among them, Indiana's 0.698 points per chance with Jarace Walker as the ball-handler ranks 67 of 67.)
Teams have been loading up and staying at the blocks and elbows when Pascal Siakam is at the top of the key.
In breaking down big, late-game shots from Nesmith, Quenton, & Siakam, on the improved process against that coverage that led to an improved result:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/how-pa...
In breaking down big, late-game shots from Nesmith, Quenton, & Siakam, on the improved process against that coverage that led to an improved result:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/how-pa...
November 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Teams have been loading up and staying at the blocks and elbows when Pascal Siakam is at the top of the key.
In breaking down big, late-game shots from Nesmith, Quenton, & Siakam, on the improved process against that coverage that led to an improved result:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/how-pa...
In breaking down big, late-game shots from Nesmith, Quenton, & Siakam, on the improved process against that coverage that led to an improved result:
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/how-pa...
It’s almost like something else happened during the ECF and Finals that might’ve led them to change their minds
October 30, 2025 at 9:53 PM
It’s almost like something else happened during the ECF and Finals that might’ve led them to change their minds
Pascal Siakam was doubled on 20.5% of his touches against the Mavs, marking a season high.
The Pacers scored two points off cuts.
For a depleted team, with reference to the COVID replacement season, on the importance of cutting to (circumvent) the chase.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
The Pacers scored two points off cuts.
For a depleted team, with reference to the COVID replacement season, on the importance of cutting to (circumvent) the chase.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
October 30, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Pascal Siakam was doubled on 20.5% of his touches against the Mavs, marking a season high.
The Pacers scored two points off cuts.
For a depleted team, with reference to the COVID replacement season, on the importance of cutting to (circumvent) the chase.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
The Pacers scored two points off cuts.
For a depleted team, with reference to the COVID replacement season, on the importance of cutting to (circumvent) the chase.
🔗 www.patreon.com/posts/pacers...
Ben Sheppard has been on ball for the Pacers 13.2% of the time compared to just 2.9% last season, while also playing as fast as ever and more minutes than ever.
For a player in overdrive at PG, on his improved driving that could make him better when the team gets better
Link ⬇️
For a player in overdrive at PG, on his improved driving that could make him better when the team gets better
Link ⬇️
October 29, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Ben Sheppard has been on ball for the Pacers 13.2% of the time compared to just 2.9% last season, while also playing as fast as ever and more minutes than ever.
For a player in overdrive at PG, on his improved driving that could make him better when the team gets better
Link ⬇️
For a player in overdrive at PG, on his improved driving that could make him better when the team gets better
Link ⬇️
Two players started this possession in the same corner.
Two players converged to screen for the ball.
And two players moved to the same block.
His feel for spacing is just ...
Two players converged to screen for the ball.
And two players moved to the same block.
His feel for spacing is just ...
October 26, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Two players started this possession in the same corner.
Two players converged to screen for the ball.
And two players moved to the same block.
His feel for spacing is just ...
Two players converged to screen for the ball.
And two players moved to the same block.
His feel for spacing is just ...
The Pacers scored 0.474 points per chance on 20 drives with Wiseman on the floor last night.
The Pacers scored 1.182 points per chance on 41 drives with Wiseman off the floor.
Until they can get their playmakers who can throw a lob back, the bigs need to be able to space, cut, or pass.
The Pacers scored 1.182 points per chance on 41 drives with Wiseman off the floor.
Until they can get their playmakers who can throw a lob back, the bigs need to be able to space, cut, or pass.
October 26, 2025 at 7:11 PM
The Pacers scored 0.474 points per chance on 20 drives with Wiseman on the floor last night.
The Pacers scored 1.182 points per chance on 41 drives with Wiseman off the floor.
Until they can get their playmakers who can throw a lob back, the bigs need to be able to space, cut, or pass.
The Pacers scored 1.182 points per chance on 41 drives with Wiseman off the floor.
Until they can get their playmakers who can throw a lob back, the bigs need to be able to space, cut, or pass.
The Pacers recorded the most isolations per 48 minutes in the season opener of any game in the Haliburton-era.
In a Finals rematch, on Mathurin and Siakam playing best vs best, & how IND erased and embraced certain aspects of Game 4 that were more familiar to OKC
🔗: www.patreon.com/posts/on-pac...
In a Finals rematch, on Mathurin and Siakam playing best vs best, & how IND erased and embraced certain aspects of Game 4 that were more familiar to OKC
🔗: www.patreon.com/posts/on-pac...
October 24, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The Pacers recorded the most isolations per 48 minutes in the season opener of any game in the Haliburton-era.
In a Finals rematch, on Mathurin and Siakam playing best vs best, & how IND erased and embraced certain aspects of Game 4 that were more familiar to OKC
🔗: www.patreon.com/posts/on-pac...
In a Finals rematch, on Mathurin and Siakam playing best vs best, & how IND erased and embraced certain aspects of Game 4 that were more familiar to OKC
🔗: www.patreon.com/posts/on-pac...
Breaking Popsicle News! Haha
October 23, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Breaking Popsicle News! Haha
Hey guys, like the Pacers, myself & @samsonfolk.bsky.social aren't taking a gap year!
- let's mailbag + film
- center(s) of decline?
- generating paint touches w/o TJM
- improvement areas from Benn/Nembhard/Walker
- league trends
- + 2028 Olympic rosters
our approach: youtu.be/cH-W8l0YNbM
- let's mailbag + film
- center(s) of decline?
- generating paint touches w/o TJM
- improvement areas from Benn/Nembhard/Walker
- league trends
- + 2028 Olympic rosters
our approach: youtu.be/cH-W8l0YNbM
October 20, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Hey guys, like the Pacers, myself & @samsonfolk.bsky.social aren't taking a gap year!
- let's mailbag + film
- center(s) of decline?
- generating paint touches w/o TJM
- improvement areas from Benn/Nembhard/Walker
- league trends
- + 2028 Olympic rosters
our approach: youtu.be/cH-W8l0YNbM
- let's mailbag + film
- center(s) of decline?
- generating paint touches w/o TJM
- improvement areas from Benn/Nembhard/Walker
- league trends
- + 2028 Olympic rosters
our approach: youtu.be/cH-W8l0YNbM
Since being traded, I've now seen Pascal Siakam, as a 6'8 PF, deployed to play every role of Spain PnR:
- C&S 3P as stack screener
- Pull-up 3P as PnR ball-handler
- Diving as the roll-man
- attacking cross-match/spotting-up dotting corners
Always adapting, always versatile
- C&S 3P as stack screener
- Pull-up 3P as PnR ball-handler
- Diving as the roll-man
- attacking cross-match/spotting-up dotting corners
Always adapting, always versatile
October 18, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Since being traded, I've now seen Pascal Siakam, as a 6'8 PF, deployed to play every role of Spain PnR:
- C&S 3P as stack screener
- Pull-up 3P as PnR ball-handler
- Diving as the roll-man
- attacking cross-match/spotting-up dotting corners
Always adapting, always versatile
- C&S 3P as stack screener
- Pull-up 3P as PnR ball-handler
- Diving as the roll-man
- attacking cross-match/spotting-up dotting corners
Always adapting, always versatile
The Pacers averaged 4.9 possessions with at least three offensive players crashing last season, which ranked 26th in the league.
In their preseason opener, they racked up 30.
I wrote about why, as tinkerers, the Pacers already look like the Pacers: www.patreon.com/posts/as-tin...
In their preseason opener, they racked up 30.
I wrote about why, as tinkerers, the Pacers already look like the Pacers: www.patreon.com/posts/as-tin...
October 10, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The Pacers averaged 4.9 possessions with at least three offensive players crashing last season, which ranked 26th in the league.
In their preseason opener, they racked up 30.
I wrote about why, as tinkerers, the Pacers already look like the Pacers: www.patreon.com/posts/as-tin...
In their preseason opener, they racked up 30.
I wrote about why, as tinkerers, the Pacers already look like the Pacers: www.patreon.com/posts/as-tin...
What I learned this summer is that anyone, regardless of age or level of experience going to back-to-back ECF, can be young & hungry.
So, this is the shirt to embrace your youth, as well as the youths of the 2025-26 Pacers: www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/8138...
So, this is the shirt to embrace your youth, as well as the youths of the 2025-26 Pacers: www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/8138...
October 7, 2025 at 2:12 PM
What I learned this summer is that anyone, regardless of age or level of experience going to back-to-back ECF, can be young & hungry.
So, this is the shirt to embrace your youth, as well as the youths of the 2025-26 Pacers: www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/8138...
So, this is the shirt to embrace your youth, as well as the youths of the 2025-26 Pacers: www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/8138...
Hey guys, look at my new quintessential Basketball, She Wrote shirt:
Them: Popsicle season is over
Me: Popsicle & basketball season is just getting started
For everyone who identifies as young & hungry,🧵
Them: Popsicle season is over
Me: Popsicle & basketball season is just getting started
For everyone who identifies as young & hungry,🧵
October 7, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Hey guys, look at my new quintessential Basketball, She Wrote shirt:
Them: Popsicle season is over
Me: Popsicle & basketball season is just getting started
For everyone who identifies as young & hungry,🧵
Them: Popsicle season is over
Me: Popsicle & basketball season is just getting started
For everyone who identifies as young & hungry,🧵
New Basketball, She Wrote shirt for the 2025-26 season drops tomorrow.
Hope you like what’s in store — coming soon, for everyone who identifies as young and perhaps hungry.
Hope you like what’s in store — coming soon, for everyone who identifies as young and perhaps hungry.
October 6, 2025 at 2:41 PM
New Basketball, She Wrote shirt for the 2025-26 season drops tomorrow.
Hope you like what’s in store — coming soon, for everyone who identifies as young and perhaps hungry.
Hope you like what’s in store — coming soon, for everyone who identifies as young and perhaps hungry.