Indiana Pacers history thread. ( 2025 NBA CHAMPION)

[stadus]

The Indiana Pacers now have a real shot at winning their first NBA title.

This franchise has only made it to the NBA Finals twice: back in 2000, and now in 2025. With the Pacers leading the Finals series 1-0 - thanks to Haliburton’s clutch, game-winning shot. I think they deserve a thread here, just in case they actually make history.

This thread is also for those who believe in the Pacers, even though they’re big underdogs. Some of us aren’t afraid to take the risk, hoping it pays off especially with the odds being what they are. If things go our way, the payout could be massive.

I know it’s only Game 1 and it’s way too early to say, but I have a feeling the Pacers could really win it all this year.

[Ziskinberg]

Good luck to them.. they’ve already made history, but the real story will be if they can actually win the championship.

As for Haliburton, even though he isn’t the most explosive player out there, he’s already earned his place in history because of his clutch plays and his willingness to take the last shot. I just watched his highlights from those game-winning moments in the playoffs. First against the Bucks, then the Cavaliers, Knicks, and now OKC - he’s delivered a game-winner against every opponent they’ve faced. Haliburton alone is making history, but it would be even better if the whole team pulls it off. As for Hali winning MVP, that’s still up in the air. But if you ask me, I’d love to see him get it.

[dwyane36]

The Indiana Pacers now have a real shot at winning their first NBA title.

This franchise has only made it to the NBA Finals twice: back in 2000, and now in 2025. With the Pacers leading the Finals series 1-0 - thanks to Haliburton’s clutch, game-winning shot. I think they deserve a thread here, just in case they actually make history.

This thread is also for those who believe in the Pacers, even though they’re big underdogs. Some of us aren’t afraid to take the risk, hoping it pays off especially with the odds being what they are. If things go our way, the payout could be massive.

I know it’s only Game 1 and it’s way too early to say, but I have a feeling the Pacers could really win it all this year.

Well, it's really too early to say that the Pacers will win the title because the situation may change in favor of both the Pacers and Thunder in the upcoming two games. But objectively, both teams deserve the title, given their excellent results this season.
Personally, I would also prefer it if the team that was initially considered the underdog won the title.

[btc_angela]

As for Haliburton, even though he isn’t the most explosive player out there, he’s already earned his place in history because of his clutch plays and his willingness to take the last shot. I just watched his highlights from those game-winning moments in the playoffs. First against the Bucks, then the Cavaliers, Knicks, and now OKC - he’s delivered a game-winner against every opponent they’ve faced. Haliburton alone is making history, but it would be even better if the whole team pulls it off. As for Hali winning MVP, that’s still up in the air. But if you ask me, I’d love to see him get it.

And when we said that he should have won the ECF MVP, it looks like he is not bothered by it as Pascal took home that award. What's important is that he brings the underdog Pacers to the finals and then they winning the NBA for the first time in their franchise.

Haliburton has all the tools, and he is very unconventional though and that's what makes him very difficult to guard and probably he is next to Steph with his very jab step and then hitting big shots after big shots throughout this playoff.

[yahoo62278]

The Indiana Pacers now have a real shot at winning their first NBA title.

This franchise has only made it to the NBA Finals twice: back in 2000, and now in 2025. With the Pacers leading the Finals series 1-0 - thanks to Haliburton’s clutch, game-winning shot. I think they deserve a thread here, just in case they actually make history.

This thread is also for those who believe in the Pacers, even though they’re big underdogs. Some of us aren’t afraid to take the risk, hoping it pays off especially with the odds being what they are. If things go our way, the payout could be massive.

I know it’s only Game 1 and it’s way too early to say, but I have a feeling the Pacers could really win it all this year.

The Pacers actually have 3 championships but they were in the ABA. I don't think they are as big of underdogs as people believe in this series. Yes OKC has some good defense, in fact #1 in the NBA I believe, but the Pacers have defied the odds throughout the whole playoffs so far and many players are contributing. Bench players playing with passion and the starters seem to take turns getting hot game after game. I honestly think they're gonna win it all this year.

[Russlenat]

The Pacers actually have 3 championships but they were in the ABA. I don't think they are as big of underdogs as people believe in this series. Yes OKC has some good defense, in fact #1 in the NBA I believe, but the Pacers have defied the odds throughout the whole playoffs so far and many players are contributing. Bench players playing with passion and the starters seem to take turns getting hot game after game. I honestly think they're gonna win it all this year.

ABA was basically the old rival league to the NBA, right? Based on what I found, the ABA (American Basketball Association) existed from 1967 to 1976. After that, it merged with the NBA. I’m curious how many teams there were back then, because honestly, I’m not that old the NBA is what’s popular and relevant in my generation.

So for me, the ABA isn’t really that important. What matters is the NBA, and as far as I know, the Pacers still haven’t won a championship in the NBA.

[Beparanf]

I know it’s only Game 1 and it’s way too early to say, but I have a feeling the Pacers could really win it all this year.

I think they really have a good shot on this championship considering how consistent they are on being lethal on 4th quarter. Their 4th quarter magic is their main arsenal that’s why any huge score advantage against them can easily erased by just a barrage of 3 point shot that so hard to guard if the enemy team is already tired.

They can beat OKC if they can maintain this kind of mentality. Unless OKC find their way to tighten their defense on 4th quarter they can win this series.

[yahoo62278]

Pacers played like trash tonight. Haliburton had 5 points I think going into the 4th quarter where he finally started putting together some offense, but it was too little too late. We just shot terribly the whole game and were near 20 down from the 2nd quarter on. Can't have our stars not able to bring it if we expect to win a championship. I expected OKC to come strong tonight though, they played very well after a loss all year.

Now the series is going to shift to Indiana for 2 games. We have won games 1 and 2 the whole playoffs so far and lost game 3 everytime. Now we lost game 2, time to win a game 3 in front of the home crowd.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

1994   47-35   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
1995   52-30   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
1998   58-24   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
1999   33-17   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2004   61-21   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2013   49-32   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2014   56-26   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2024   47-35   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)

These are the conference finals of Indiana which they did not complete the run to  enter the NBA Finals.
Lebron KING James was the wall for Pacers in their Play-offs run!

[dimonstration]

1994   47-35   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
1995   52-30   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
1998   58-24   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
1999   33-17   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2004   61-21   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2013   49-32   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2014   56-26   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)
2024   47-35   Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Won 2 Rounds)

These are the conference finals of Indiana which they did not complete the run to  enter the NBA Finals.
Lebron KING James was the wall for Pacers in their Play-offs run!

They are also very lucky this year since most of the strong team has injured players.

Cavs - Garland
Bucks - Dame
Knicks - Limping KAT

Although is truly a good team overall they have easy Finals road this year compared to previous year.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

They are also very lucky this year since most of the strong team has injured players.

Cavs - Garland
Bucks - Dame
Knicks - Limping KAT

Although is truly a good team overall they have easy Finals road this year compared to previous year.

True that. They got lucky with some injuries but I still wouldn't call this an easy path. The path for Boston last year was easier if you ask me. Anyway, I think the story ends in the finals though, without an happy end. If Indiana would actually win this would be maybe an as big upset as the Mavericks's win 2011 against Miami.
I mean the odds for them to win the chip are around 5:1 at the moment, that's how big of an underdog they are, even with a win at OKC in the bag. They have home court advantage but odds wise that means nothing for Vegas. And since Vegas is rarely wrong I think the chance for Indiana are so small, it's not worth even betting on it, unless you believe in miracles.

I mean Dallas did it against Miami, so everything is possible. Or isn't it?

[Mr. Magkaisa]

Indiana Pacers is ready and for the OKC for their GAME 3!
The  City is a live and happy after more than 20 years of playing Final games on their Court!
The CIty is done and what I am hoping now is that the home crowd will continue the support and have a nice color shirt and towel on the game 3 and 4.
Tomorrow we will witness the 2-1 series lead!

[yahoo62278]

Indiana Pacers is ready and for the OKC for their GAME 3!
The  City is a live and happy after more than 20 years of playing Final games on their Court!
The CIty is done and what I am hoping now is that the home crowd will continue the support and have a nice color shirt and towel on the game 3 and 4.
Tomorrow we will witness the 2-1 series lead!

I also think this will be the 1st game 3 the Pacers have won in this years playoffs. Haliburton needs to come out strong though cause if he plays like he has in the 1st 2 games, Pacers are going to need help. Can't come out with 5 points through 3 quarters and expect that to get it done.

[Yaunfitda]

I also think this will be the 1st game 3 the Pacers have won in this years playoffs. Haliburton needs to come out strong though cause if he plays like he has in the 1st 2 games, Pacers are going to need help. Can't come out with 5 points through 3 quarters and expect that to get it done.

He had this kind of performance against the Knicks if I'm not mistaken, with scoring with just 7 points. And then he made a comeback in the next game scoring in double digits to lead the Pacers on that win. So I expect Haliburton to come back strong in game 3 at their homecourt. And I thought that the game will be tonight, but when I check the time, it will be tomorrow so I guess we will have to wait. So let's see if history can be made by the Indiana Pacers in their modern basketball era. The strongest Pacers we have seen is in the Reggie Miller lead team in the 2000 but they feel short to Shaq and Kobe's prime.

[freedomgo]

The kind of support Indiana is giving their team is just remarkable. You can really tell they understand the weight of making it to the finals, it's not just another playoff run, it's a shot at making history.

Game 3 is absolutely crucial. The Pacers need to take this one if they want to swing the momentum back in their favor and keep their hopes alive in the series.

I can’t wait to watch it, though I’ll be traveling tomorrow, I’ll still be checking the scores whenever I can.
And yeah, I’m locking in my bet tonight. Better early than rushed.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

Indiana Pacers is ready and for the OKC for their GAME 3!
The  City is a live and happy after more than 20 years of playing Final games on their Court!
The CIty is done and what I am hoping now is that the home crowd will continue the support and have a nice color shirt and towel on the game 3 and 4.
Tomorrow we will witness the 2-1 series lead!

I also think this will be the 1st game 3 the Pacers have won in this years playoffs. Haliburton needs to come out strong though cause if he plays like he has in the 1st 2 games, Pacers are going to need help. Can't come out with 5 points through 3 quarters and expect that to get it done.

Game 3 with home court advantage W in first round.
Thu, 4/24/25   @ Memphis Grizzlies   Win 114 - 108


Second round and ECF (away)
Fri, 5/9/25   @ Denver Nuggets   Loss 104 - 113   OT   
Sat, 5/24/25@ Minnesota Timberwolves   Loss 101 - 143


I hope Pacers will  take this game 3! Both team deserves the title,they are not my favorite team.
its just that if Pacers take the Chamipons, its a different story of an underdog.

[dimonstration]

I mean Dallas did it against Miami, so everything is possible. Or isn't it?

Now that you pointed this out I think you made a good comparison on the current NBA finals. Indiana is doing the same good run made by the Mavs back then led by Nowitzki.

But to be fair on OKC side they are not a dynasty or full of all star. I think they almost have same story building from scratch, OKC is just ahead to Indiana when it comes to development but they are already getting there if they keep their current roster long term.

[stadus]

Looks like this thread is making more sense now. The Indiana Pacers winning the championship is starting to look real, with them already leading the series 2-1. Now we’re about to witness Game 4 in a few hours. If the Pacers win again, I’d say there’s a 90% chance they’ll finish the job.

[Japinat]

Looks like this thread is making more sense now. The Indiana Pacers winning the championship is starting to look real, with them already leading the series 2-1. Now we’re about to witness Game 4 in a few hours. If the Pacers win again, I’d say there’s a 90% chance they’ll finish the job.

And now we’re back to reality, with the series tied at 2-2. The Pacers were leading for most of the game, but they collapsed in the fourth quarter, which allowed OKC to even the series. I think we might be heading for a Game.  OKC could win the next game, then in Game 6, the Pacers might even things up again. It’s still possible for the Pacers to win the championship, but after that loss, their odds have definitely dropped.

[ajanwalker]

Looks like this thread is making more sense now. The Indiana Pacers winning the championship is starting to look real, with them already leading the series 2-1. Now we’re about to witness Game 4 in a few hours. If the Pacers win again, I’d say there’s a 90% chance they’ll finish the job.

The series is currently 2-2, so by your logic, is it ridiculous to open a thread?

Even if Indiana leads the series 3-0, it wouldn't be right to say they are the champions. The series ends with 4 wins.

There could be more to this series. Indiana has made great comebacks this year. They are currently 2-2, but Indiana can win the next game. They have the drive and belief to do it.
Indiana is very good as a team. If Haliburton does something miraculous again, Indiana will win again.
I think the series will go to a Game 7.