The Pacers won their first playoff series in 10 years with one of the NBA’s few women assistant coaches providing guidance from the bench.
Indiana took care of the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks in six games. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks await the Pacers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
New York wants to slow the pace and play a physical game. Indiana wants to push the tempo off every make and miss.
The contrast in play styles should create a chess match between Rick Carlisle and Tom Thibodeau’s coaching staffs. When you’re watching Carlisle’s staff, you might noticeassistant coach Jenny Boucek on the Pacers’ bench.
Get to know the former Virginia star and WNBA player-turned-coach, including how she has worked her way up the NBA coaching totem pole.
MORE: Pacers vs. Knicks preview: Can Indiana handle New York’s physicality?
Who is Jenny Boucek? Meet the Pacers’ woman assistant coach
Boucek, 50, has been an NBA assistant coach for seven seasons.
She started her career as an All-ACC caliber player at the University of Virginia from 1992-96. Boucek averaged 7.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals over her career, reaching three Elite Eights with the Cavaliers.
As a double major in sports medicine and sports management, Boucek never had plans to…
