The Indiana Pacers continue their run to their first NBA Finals victory

Did you know that the Indiana Pacers played their first NBA game on October 21, 1976? However, the history of the Indiana Pacers as a franchise began in 1967.

I have been to rural Indiana and can attest to the fact that the movie “Hoosiers” epitomizes the state’s love of the game of basketball. In fact, small farming towns have become legends in Indiana, defeating the powerhouses of Indianapolis. The Pacers played in the ABA from 1967 to 1976. Their team name indicates their goal to set the pace in the basketball industry. It also draws connotations from Indiana’s auto racing tradition, which includes the annual Indianapolis 500.

Later, the Pacers joined the NBA in the 1976-1977 season. Although the team finished the season with a 36-46 record, Don Buse led the NBA in both assists and steals. However, the Pacers made some big trades late in the season, including Buse and his other star, Billy Knight.

Throughout their NBA history, the Indiana Pacers have had particular success in the 1990s and 2000s. They have made the playoffs for 18 seasons, with 16 of those occurring during those two decades. Additionally, the Pacers won their division crown four times. While the team has never won an NBA Finals, it has played in six conference finals.

The 2000 appearance was particularly notable. In the 1999-2000 season, the Pacers won their second straight division title and finished the season with a commendable 56-26 record. In the playoffs, the Pacers topped the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5. The Pacers would later eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers (4-2). In their rematch from the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, the Pacers had sweet revenge (4-2). However, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Pacers in the NBA Finals (4-2).

The Indiana Pacers have retired the jersey numbers of four of their players:

Roger Brown – #35 (front) 1967-1975
Brown played eight years with the ABA Pacers. He became an ABA All-Star for three years and won three ABA championships.

Mel Daniels – #34 (Center) 1968-1974
As a player for the Pacers, Daniels led the team to three ABA championships. He participated in seven ABA All-Star games and holds ABA records for career rebounds (9,494) and career rebounding average (15.1 per game).

George McGinnis – #30 (Forward) 1971-1975, 1980-1982
McGinnis played on two ABA championship teams (1972, 1973) and was named to three NBA All-Star teams (1976, 1977, 1979)

Reggie Miller – #31 (Guard) 1987-2005
A long-range killer, Reggie Miller became famous for his 3-point shooting, and particularly on clutch sets. His accomplishments include:

o Five NBA All-Star teams
o All-time NBA leader in successful 3-point shots (2,560)
o All-time NBA leader in 4-point plays (24)

Ever since joining the NBA, the Indiana Pacers have been going. Even though they have been very successful in the playoffs, a championship ring remains elusive for them. Cheer on the Pacers as they race to the finish line for their first NBA championship.