Braden Smith Shines in First NBA Start

Indiana Pacers rookie point guard Braden Smith delivered a standout performance in his first NBA start on Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks, according to Sports Illustrated. Despite the Pacers being without 11 players, Smith played 42 minutes, recording 19 points on 8-13 shooting, 10 assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

Sports Illustrated reports that Smith's playmaking was a focal point of the game; his 10 assists generated 25 points, and he recorded 22 potential assists. The rookie faced perimeter defenders Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels, the latter of whom stole the ball on Smith's first possession.

Coach Carlisle praised Smith's competitiveness and physical conditioning, noting that Smith had previously outlasted the rest of the team during a pre-training camp drill. Carlisle described Smith's performance as "tremendous" and noted that his defensive play was solid despite a four-point loss.

Smith, who was traded to the Pacers on the second night of the NBA Draft, addressed early criticisms regarding his size and his relationship with general manager Chad Buchanan. Speaking on his transition from Purdue to the professional level, Smith told Sports Illustrated that he viewed the process of working his way up as a necessary experience. He also contrasted the structured nature of the game against the Hawks with the "hack-a-Shaq" style of play he encountered during the Summer League in Las Vegas.