The Indiana Pacers have finally broken their 25-year hiatus from the NBA Finals, achieving what seemed unlikely at the start of the season. Beginning with a shaky 10-15 record, the Pacers didn’t initially appear to be serious contenders for the championship. Yet, they’ve managed to turn their season around and are now preparing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a bid to win their first NBA title.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Tyrese Haliburton expressed the significance of this moment for both the organization and its fans. “Twenty-five years ago, something special happened, and I wasn’t even six months old,” Haliburton remarked following their decisive victory over New York. “Many fans have never seen this level of success from our team, especially those my age who weren’t alive back then. It’s something truly special, and we’re focused on continuing to build a franchise people want to support.”
In Indiana, basketball is not just a sport but a cherished tradition. Championship teams are celebrated like royalty, with players and coaches becoming local icons. Despite the passion surrounding the sport in the state, the Pacers have often struggled to be a prime destination for NBA players due to a history marked by disappointment and missed opportunities.
Upon joining the NBA, the Pacers faced financial difficulties and required a telethon in July 1977 to remain afloat. During their first decade in the league, the team only managed one playoff appearance, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers. Fans even famously booed when the Pacers selected Reggie Miller in 1987 over Indiana favorite Steve Alford.
The 1990s presented formidable hurdles, with Michael Jordan’s Bulls and Patrick Ewing’s Knicks consistently blocking their path to success. This continued until the team finally made it to the NBA Finals in 2000, only to lose to the Lakers led by Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant. Despite Miller’s contributions, it took another quarter-century to return to the Finals.
This season’s path hasn’t been without challenges. The Pacers defeated the 2021 NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks and the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, ultimately conquering their conference rivals, the Knicks. Their Finals journey resumes on Thursday against Oklahoma City.
A comparison to 25 years ago shows how far the Pacers have come. Donnie Walsh, after the 1999-2000 season, revamped the roster, which briefly held the league’s best record in 2003-04 before losing to Detroit in the conference finals. However, the notorious Malice at the Palace incident in 2004 led to severe suspensions and disrupted their plans, marking the start of a rough period for the franchise.
The subsequent years saw injuries and trades stifle potential. Danny Granger’s promising career was halted by knee issues, and Paul George’s leg injury led to his trade to Oklahoma City. Later, Victor Oladipo’s injury also led to his departure. Myles Turner, witnessing many of these changes, found great satisfaction in celebrating their recent win with Indiana legends.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling of joy and vindication,” Turner shared. “Years of ups and downs, love and hate, all culminated in absolute excitement.”
A significant rebuild under Kevin Pritchard began in the 2021-22 season, focusing on forming the team’s competitive core. The acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton and subsequent strategic trades, including getting Pascal Siakam, were pivotal in creating a dynamic lineup for this season.
Skepticism surrounded the new-look team initially, yet they’ve excelled by blending fast-paced basketball reminiscent of their ABA roots with Indiana’s historic love for the sport, creating a thrilling brand of basketball. Siakam, familiar with the underdog role from his time in Toronto, stated, “Our style fits who I am. Being underestimated is part of my journey.”
Though seen as the underdogs against the Thunder, the Pacers have a unique chance to become the only team crowned champions in both the ABA and the NBA. Head Coach Rick Carlisle remains focused, advising, “Reaching the Finals is an achievement, but it’s not time to celebrate yet. It’s about setting the right mindset—it’s all or nothing now.”