Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

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By: Blue Wire

Setting The Pace is a Pacers Podcast with Alex Golden and Mike Facci. Brought to you by the Blue Wire Podcast Network.

Crossover Podcast: Our FINAL NBA Finals Preview with The Uncontested Podcast
#1181
Today at 2:30 AM

Alex Golden and Facci are joined by Jacob Kniffen and Justin Peabody of The Uncontested Podcast to preview the upcoming NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. With both podcasts covering these teams on a game-to-game basis, they know the ins-and-outs of their team better than anyone. This episode dives into what OKC's weaknesses are, what their strengths are and how Indiana can attack them, they also dive into what Indiana's weaknesses are, what theirs strengths are and how they can attack them. The guys give their predictions at the end of the podcast to...


A Deep Dive on the Pacers-Thunder Matchup with Keith Smith + Did Pacers get Thibs Fired?
#1180
Yesterday at 3:55 AM

On today's show, Alex and Facci kick off the show discussing their upcoming conversation with Keith Smith of Spotrac, and then discuss how the Knicks fired Coach Thibs after losing to Indiana in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Then, Keith Smith joins the show for a deep dive on the upcoming NBA Finals matchup between two similar, yet different teams. Keith shares his thoughts on how Indiana can make this a difficult series for the Thunder, but also how the Thunder can make this a difficult series for Indiana.

The guys dive into specific matchups that...


Bob Kravitz Previews the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder
#1179
Last Tuesday at 3:00 AM

On today's show, Alex Golden is joined by Bob Kravitz to discuss the Pacers run to the NBA Finals, what the keys are to taking down this giant of a Thunder team and so much more. Bob also reflects on the life of the late great, Jim Irsay, as he attended his private ceremony for him today. 


Chad Buchanan Talks Indiana Pacers NBA Finals Run
#1178
Last Monday at 3:05 AM

On today's episode of Setting The Pace, fresh off seeing his team conquer the Eastern Conference Championship, Pacers GM, Chad Buchanan joins Alex and Facci for an in-depth conversation about this Indiana Pacers' run to their first NBA Finals in 25 years. Chad praises the efforts of so many, highlights how special this group is and more.

Feelings in the moment after last night's winHow much Coach Carlisle has meant to this groupPascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton trades that got them the talent to get hereHappiness for Myles Turner and TJ McConnellJarace Walker injury updateBennedict Mathurin's first playoff run...


Bonus Episode: Pacers Fans React to Indiana making the NBA Finals
#1177
Last Monday at 2:44 AM

Bonus Episode: Alex and Facci share what this moment of making the NBA Finals means to them, and then they share videos/audio clips from fans on what this Pacers run to the NBA Finals means to them!


The Indiana Pacers Are Heading to the NBA Finals!
#1176
Last Sunday at 6:30 AM

Alex Golden, LIVE at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is joined by Facci to recap one of the greatest moments in Indiana sports history. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton lead the Indiana Pacers back to the NBA Finals for the 1st time in 25 years, by defeating the Knicks 125-108 in Game 6. The guys discuss what reaching the NBA Finals means to them and they recap the game!


Will Pacers Close Out Series at Home? (Game 6 Preview)
#1175
Last Saturday at 3:45 AM

On today's show, Alex Golden is joined by Pacers Fan, Kami, to discuss his trip to Indiana from Atlanta this week, what he thought of the city, his food review on Culver's and Long's Bakery and what the atmosphere was like in Gainbridge for Games 3 + 4 and the Game 5 Watch Party.

Shortly after, Kami and Alex discuss what the Pacers need to do in Game 6 to come out successfully with a win, discuss what players have struggled this series and why, how they can overcome their struggles and impact this series and MORE! The guys conclude the show...


Pacers get Kicked by the Knicks in Blowout Loss (Game Recap)
#1174
Last Friday at 4:30 AM

After a dominating performance in Game 4, Tyrese Haliburton follows up a great performance with a horrific one in Game 5. Alex Golden and Facci breakdown the game, explain what the Pacers did so poorly in Game 5 and Facci has a bold take for the middle (to end) of the show.

Please feel free to leave us a 5 star rating and review, as it will help the podcast grow more. For those who like being online (or offline) during the playoffs, I highly recommend downloading the Chat BCC app and partaking in a fun Pacers conversation with Facci and...


Crossover Podcast: Pacers vs. Knicks Game Preview with KFTV
#1173
05/29/2025

Alex Golden was a guest on Knicks Fan TV, joining "Evil" Alex. The guys discuss what adjustments the Knicks can make, why the KAT/Brunson minutes have not worked, what starting lineup changes the Knicks could make, and whether or not New York should dabble back into their 7 man rotation with the season on the brink. The guys also discuss what the Pacers did well in Game 4, how their pace is dictating the outcome of the game, and how special Haliburton has been. 


The Ceiling of Tyrese Haliburton and has this East Finals Elevated Him Over Jalen Brunson?
#1172
05/29/2025

Alex Golden is joined by Stephen Holder of ESPN to discuss the Indiana Pacers current postseason run. Alex and Stephen look at how Tyrese has ascended into a superstar level player, and they discuss if he could be in the MVP conversations in future seasons. They also discuss whether or not Haliburton has elevated past Jalen Brunson in terms of best point guard in the Eastern Conference. 

In addition to this, the guys dive into what makes Pascal Siakam work so well with this team, what player has stood out the most in terms of growth, how R...


Haliburton's Historic Triple-Double Lifts Pacers to 3-1 East Finals Lead Over Knicks! (Game Recap)
#1171
05/28/2025

Alex Golden and Mike Facci open up the show hitting the big talking points from this game and then share player awards. Then, Es Baraheni from The Athletic joins Facci for a deep dive on what went down in this Game 4 matchup between the Pacers and Knicks. The guys dive into Haliburton's historic night, Siakam doing so many things well and at the right time, Aaron Nesmith being able to play through his ankle injury and delivery at a high level, Benn Mathurin having a breakout performance and the best moment of his NBA Playoff career as well as...


Game 4 Preview: Will Aaron Nesmith Play? Mathurin's Potential Opportunity + Key Adjustments
#1170
05/27/2025

Alex Golden is joined by David Cole and Carson Stafford from the Group Chat to discuss the Pacers mistakes in Game 3, what adjustments they want to see in Game 4 and whether or not this a must win game. The guys also discuss whether or not Aaron Nesmith will play, as he is questionable with the ankle injury and deemed to be a game-time-decision. If Nesmith doesn't play, who should and will start? The case for both Mathurin and Sheppard are made and the guys talk through them, as well as Mathurin's struggles since being tossed against Cleveland in Game 4. 


Pacers Suffer Devastating Loss After a 4th Quarter Collapse (IND Leads Series 2-1)
#1169
05/26/2025

Alex Golden and Mike Facci recap the Pacers 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks. The guys discuss why the Pacers lost this game, what the Knicks did well to pull out the come from behind victory, how Indiana recovers from this loss on Tuesday in Game 4 and more! The guys also emphasize how the Pacers have been on the right side of these close games every time in the playoffs, so they were destined to lose one at some point...in addition to that, New York had 12 minutes to save their postseason hopes from being down 3-0 to...


How does Mitchell Robinson being put into the starting 5 impact New York? Thoughts on what to expect in Game 3
#1168
05/25/2025

Alex Golden is joined by Gentry Hudson to discuss what is next for Indiana as they prepare for the Knicks in Game 3. With the Knicks inserting Mitchell Robinson into the starting 5, the Pacers will have to find ways containing him on the glass to ensure that Indiana can pull off another game victory. 

 

Join in on ALL the fun over at ChatBCC!


Siakam Silences Knicks in The Garden! Pacers Lead ECF 2-0! (Game Recap)
#1167
05/24/2025

Alex and Facci recap the Pacers incredible Game 2 victory over the New York Knicks! Pascal Siakam was sensational in the victory, Myles Turner showed up much in the clutch and the role players of Ben Sheppard and Tony Bradley played significant roles in Indiana's win. The guys share a ton of stats after this game, discuss how incredible this feeling is, what is so special about this team and read some tweets from former players and other podcasters about the Indiana Pacers! 

Celebrate the fun with us and leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple or S...


Facci's Memorable Night in MSG + Previewing Game 2
#1166
05/23/2025

On today's episode, Alex Golden is reunited with Facci to discuss the magical moment that Facci witnessed in MSG. 

Then, the guys dive into what they want to see differently in Game 2 from Indiana: challenging Brunson more on defense, consider man-to-man defensive assignments with Myles and find ways to get Pascal going on a more consistent rate. 


Pacers Silence The Garden with EPIC 4th Quarter Comeback + Ding Dong the Curse is DEAD!
#1165
05/22/2025

On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Facci attended the MSG Masterpiece and snapped a 17 game losing streak! In addition to that, he had a message for the fans after Indiana's 138-135 victory! Then, Alex Golden was joined by the Pacers Pod Father, Dave Searle, to recap what happened in MSG, how the Pacer were able to pull THIS off...AGAIN...and give out player awards at the end! 

 

Join the fun over on the Setting The Pace Group Chat, on your FAVORITE app Chat BCC!


Bobby Marks Previews Pacers-Knicks + How the Pacers Perfectly Built Their Team
#1164
05/21/2025

On today's show, Bobby Marks of ESPN joins Alex Golden and Mike Facci to preview the upcoming series against New York. Bobby shares why he thinks the Pacers will win this series, what problems the Knicks will give Indiana, how Andrew Nembhard will be the X-Factor for the Pacers, Turner's terrific postseason play, how KAT and Brunson are targets for Indiana's offense to attack, the way the Pacers built their roster perfectly in the new CBA and what a championship would do for the perception of the Pacers.

Join the Setting The Pace Group Chat over on...


Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Knicks Perspective with Knicks Film School
#1163
05/20/2025

Alex and Facci are joined by Andrew Claudio of Knicks Film School for  a New York Knicks perspective on the upcoming series. The guys discuss the additions of KAT and Bridges, how teams have guarded the Knicks and what the Pacers might do, strengths and weaknesses of both teams and a ton more! Andrew shares his series predictions at the end of the episode. 

 

If you enjoyed this show, please leave us a 5 star rating and review! We also want you to join us for some Pacers conversation on the Chat BCC Group Chat! Click the...


Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Pacers Perspective with Dustin Dopirak
#1162
05/19/2025

On today's show, Facci shares BREAKING NEWS with Alex to start the show off, then, the guys dive into their series predictions for Pacers-Knicks. After that, Dustin Dopirak, from The Indy Star, joins the show to preview the Pacers series against the Knicks. The guys discuss how Indiana can win this series, what the Knicks do well, what the Pacers do well, how the clash of philosophies could impact both teams and what the Pacers need to do to win this series. 

Join the Pacers fun in the GROUP CHAT! 


The Good, the Great, and the Underwhelming: Ranking the Pacers’ Playoff Rotation
#1161
05/17/2025

Alex Golden is joined by the guys from the Group Chat, David, Lincoln, and Carson, and they dive into a ton of stuff. To start out the show, the guys discuss the previous series between Indiana and Cleveland. Then, Alex asks the guys how this team compares to the 2012-2013 team with Paul George, Roy Hibbert and David West, and what the guys like about this team's chances to get to the NBA Finals versus the chance that era of the Pacers had. 

Then, for the majority of the show, we go through the 11 man rotation and r...


How the Pacers can Attack & Defend the Knicks; Matching up with a Tatumless Celtics
#1160
05/16/2025

Alex Golden opens up the show with a quick word and Bob Schmidt joins the show to share his parody song about the Pacers beating his beloved Cavaliers. Then, Bryce Simon from the Pistons Pulse and The Game Theory Podcast with Sam Vecenie joins to discuss how Detroit was able to have success against New York and what Indiana can do to attack/defend them. The guys also discuss what Indiana has done well this postseason, look further into the potential of a Knicks-Pacers series, briefly touch on how the Celtics matchup without Tatum and Bryce shares some of...


What is Different About This Year's Pacers Team and Can They REALLY Make the NBA Finals?
#1159
05/15/2025

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Derek Schultz to discuss a handful of topics:

-Biggest Takeaways from Pacers/Cavaliers

-MVP for Pacers in Cleveland Series

-MVP for Pacers in first 2 rounds of playoffs

-Why can't the Indiana Pacers make it to the NBA Finals?

-Which Opponent is more rewarding to beat: Knicks or Celtics?

-What is different about this year's Pacers team compared to last year's?

-How important has Rick Carlisle been for this team?

-Lack of Respect from the National...


The Indiana Pacers are Headed BACK to the Eastern Conference Finals!
#1158
05/14/2025

On today's show, Alex Golden and Mike Facci recap the Pacers BEATDOWN of the Cleveland Cavaliers, defeating the Cavs 4-1 in the Eastern Semifinals. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with a sensational 31 point, 8 assist effort, Siakam and Nembhard helped shoulder the offensive load, Myles hit the dagger three and Aaron Nesmith continued his terrific play on both ends of the floor. The Pacers erased a 19 point deficit to win by 9. A 28-point turnaround spearheaded by the starters and closed out by the starters. Terrific game and a terrific opportunity for this team to continue building off this great momentum...


Pacers Alternate Governor, Steve Simon, joins Setting The Pace!
#1157
05/13/2025

On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Indiana Pacers alternate Governor, Steve Simon, joins Alex Golden for a solo podcast. Here were the topics discussed on the episode:

-How the Indiana Pacers overcame a 10-15 record early in the season

-Why the Pacers can win a Championship this year

-Myles Turner's 10 years with the Pacers, his upcoming free agency and his letter in the Players Tribune

-How Indiana turned Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard into two cornerstones

-What acquiring Pascal Siakam meant for this team

-Remembering when...


The Pacers SMOKE the Cavaliers and lead series 3-1!
#1156
05/12/2025

On today's show Alex and Facci dive into what went right for the Pacers, how Siakam's 2nd quarter was a huge lift, playing with more force and hitting your open looks from three. The guys also discuss Facci's jersey curse, give out player awards and so forth. For our main segment, we have Chris Denari joining us. He breaks down what he sees, discusses Tyrese's words on his absence from media after Game 3 and Game 4 and more!


Pacers Get Pummeled by Cavaliers in Game 3: Haliburton Held to Playoff Career Low (Game Recap)
#1155
05/10/2025

The Pacers returned home to take a 3-0 series lead over the Cavaliers, but the Cavaliers had other plans. With Hunter, Mobley and Garland returning to action, on top of being down 2 games to 0 in the series, the Cavaliers were hungry, desperate and ready to get back on their feet and make this a series. Indiana struggled to find ways to beat the Cavaliers zone, Tyrese Haliburton scored a playoff career low 4-points, and they got abused on the offensive glass. Alex Golden and Mike Facci break it all down in today's episode!


A BIG Opportunity for the Pacers in Game 3 (Preview) + Revisiting 8 Points, 9 Seconds on the 30th Anniversary
#1154
05/09/2025

Alex Golden is joined by Ryan Loyd, a long time Pacers/NBA to discuss a lot on today's show. The guys revisit Reggie Miller's 8 points in 9 seconds on the 30th anniversary of the historic moment, discuss how Haliburton's moment against Cleveland will be as memorable as 8.9, what to make of Cleveland with the uncertainty of their roster's health, how Indiana can attack the Cavs even more than in the previous two games, the importance of getting Siakam established on the offense early on, and how Rick Carlisle has fared against Kenny Atkinson. 


One's Joy is Another One's Misery: Revisiting Games 1 & 2 with Fear The Fro Pod and Looking Ahead to Game 3
#1153
05/08/2025

On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Facci is joined by Bob Schmidt of Fear The Fro Podcast to discuss what in the world led to the Pacers being up 2-0 on Bob's Cavaliers. They dive into everything that has happened, what is next for both teams in this series and potentially adjustments Cleveland could make. Lastly, the guys also touch on Indiana's depth and pace!

 

Join the Pacers Group Chat on Chat BCC by clicking THIS link! Winner of the Free Tickets to Game 3 will be announced on @AlexGoldenNBA's Twitter account, as well as @_F...


Tyrese Haliburton Does it AGAIN! Pacers Lead Cavaliers 2-0!
#1152
05/07/2025

Tyrese Haliburton DOES IT AGAIN! Alex Golden and Mike Facci are BACK to recap the Pacers incredible come from behind victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, spearheaded by an incredible 4th quarter effort. Never doubt this team! Facci and I relive this game, share our thoughts on the good and the bad, how the Pacers were able to overcome some of their mishaps early in the game and how so many players contributed to this miracle comeback win!

 


Health Questions for Key Cavaliers Players in Game 2: Can Indy Take Advantage?
#1151
05/06/2025

On today's show, Alex Golden is once again joined by the guys from the Group Chat to discuss what happened in Game 1 and what the Pacers can do to really take hold of this series in Game 2. Injuries are piling up for the Cavaliers, and there is serious concern if they will be without 3 of their Top 6 guys. If so, Indiana not taking advantage could be problematic for the future of this series. In addition to the injuries, the guys dive into what they have liked from the Pacers this playoff run, what stood out in Game 1 and what...


Now THAT was IMPRESSIVE! Pacers STUN Cavaliers in Game 1 with 121-112 Victory!
#1150
05/05/2025

The Indiana Pacers shock the Cleveland Cavaliers with a decisive Game 1 Victory! Alex Golden and Mike Facci break it ALL down on today's episode recap! The guys also give out player awards, talk about what stood out the most from certain players/lineups and how special this Pacers team truly is. 


Game 1 Preview! Biggest Things to Watch for in Game 1 and the Series!
#1149
05/04/2025

On today's episode, Alex Golden is joined by Es Baraheni from The Athletic to get his thoughts on Game 1 between the Pacers and Cavs, what he likes from both teams and what questions he has from both teams. To closeout the show, Es shares his prediction for the series and discusses why he likes said team over the other. 

Myles in space on pick and roll defensive coverageMake Evan Mobley beat you?Siakam vs. Mobely matchup the keyNembhard and Nesmith making the Cavs guards defend oftenTyrese attacking Strus, getting attacked on defenseWhere Es sees Benn Mathurin fitting in d...


Playoff Series Preview: How the Indiana Pacers can defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers + Series Predictions!
#1148
05/03/2025

Today on Setting The Pace, Alex Golden and Facci are joined by Derek Schultz to discuss the Pacers upcoming playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Derek discusses how Indiana can win this series, what he is looking to see from Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, how Bennedict Mathurin can impact this series, what Obi Toppin could do, how Andrew Nembhard needs to be effective on both ends of the floor, three point shooting, assists/turnover ratio, rebounding and more!

Join in on the fun with the BEST APP on planet Earth! Talk Pacers basketball everyday with the...


Turning the Page to the Cavaliers: Pacers-Cavs Preview from a Cleveland Perspective
#1147
05/02/2025

On today's show, our good friend, Bob Schmidt joins Alex Golden and Facci to breakdown what makes the Cavaliers so good, how they matchup against the Pacers, what he thinks Cleveland will do to defeat Indiana, discusses the Siakam-Mobley matchup, why the front court matchup is the most intriguing, Darius Garland and Ty Jerome's impact and his prediction of the series. 

 

Join in on the fun by becoming a member of the Setting The Pace group chat on Chat BCC!


One Final Discussion on the Pacers 4-1 Series Victory over the Bucks + a Glance at Cleveland
#1146
05/01/2025

On today's show, Alex Golden is joined by Kevin Bowen from 107.5 The Fan to put a bow on the Pacers-Bucks series, digesting everything we saw and who stood out in that series. Then, the guys briefly touch on the upcoming Cavaliers series and why this Pacers team is a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. 


Game. Series. Haliburton. Pacers STUN Bucks in Game 5 Classic at the Fieldhouse
#1145
04/30/2025

On today's show Alex Golden and Mike Facci recap the Pacers game winner by Tyrese Haliburton to overcome a dog fight of a game with the Milwaukee Bucks. The guys praise the team for sticking together during rough stretches, using their depth to help propel them at the end and discuss how each player performed in the game. The guys also discuss the unfortunate after the game stuff that went down between Giannis and John Haliburton. At the end of the show, the guys give out player awards and more!


Pacers Look to Closeout Series vs. Bucks (Game 5 Preview)
#1144
04/29/2025

On today's episode, Alex Golden is joined by David Cole, Lincoln Anderson and Carson Stafford to dive into what the Pacers did well in Game 4, what they're looking forward to seeing from the Pacers in Game 5. The guys also discuss the importance of winning Tuesday night and how allowing Milwaukee a chance to extend this series would be a horrific outcome. 


Ain't It Fun Being Up 3-1? Myles Turner Leads Pacers Past Bucks in Game 4
#1143
04/28/2025

On today's episode, Alex and Facci dive into the Indiana Pacers 129-103 victory in Game 4 over the Milwaukee Bucks. The guys discuss the incredible play from Myles, Tyrese's insane stat line, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith making strong contributions again, a solid showing from the Pacers bench, a quieter night from Siakam and injuries to two key guards, Benn Mathurin and Damian Lillard. 


Game 4 Preview: Pacers Push for Control of Series in Milwaukee!
#1142
04/27/2025

On today's episode, Alex Golden discusses Game 3 and Game 4 of Pacers-Bucks, with Brian Sampson, the man behind Bucks Film Room and writer for Forbes. The guys dive into all that Milwaukee did well, how Rick Carlisle's coaching staff can counter what the Bucks showed in Game 3, how Indiana needs to get more from their role players in Game 4, looking at defensive matchups for the Pacers that they can change for Game 4, defending Giannis and allowing for other shooters to get wide open looks, and what makes Pascal Siakam so hard to guard and what ways Indiana can utilize him...