NBA 2018-19: 3 talking points from Indiana Pacers' win over Philadelphia 76ers

#3 The Indiana Pacers' defense is the second best in the league and they showed why

Indiana Pacers

The way Embiid was making shots, it would've been a tall ask to snatch the game away from his team. But the Pacers produced some extraordinary defense, restricting the big man to just seven shots and four turnovers in the second half.

The adjustment was visible when they started using the guard at the top for Embiid, instead of doubling him low. That digging down upfront (often by Joseph) forced him to pick up his dribble, and the outcome was pivotal to the result of the game.

Even though they house only the 20th best offense, the Pacers' defensive rating (103.4), which is the second best in the league right now, is keeping them afloat.

"Our guys have done a good job of adjusting all season long," Pacers coach Nate McMillan said. "Teams are coming up with different defenses and gimmick defenses and it took us a half to figure it out, execute and attack it."

The Pacers scored 31 points in the 3rd quarter, while restricting the Sixers to just 18. The home team couldn't bounce back from that point on.

As a whole, the menacing Pacers defense caused Philly to commit 16 turnovers in the game, matching their season average, which is the 3rd worst in the league as of now.