"Pacing To The Finals"

What happens when a fifty win team doesn't get credit for being good 
enough to compete with anybody in their conference? A lot of pundits 
didn't utter them being four games from winning their first NBA Finals 
title. The Indiana Pacers have completed a tough road in pacing a 
magical run. Defeating heavy favorites in Cleveland and finishing off 
New York Saturday night in game six.

As the Pacers finished off a Knicks team with championship 
admirations, Indiana never flinched as they controlled a 125-108 
closeout game. Pascal Siakam was named the Larry Bird East Finals 
MVP. A player who's undervalued after being at this stage upon 2019 in 
Toronto. How did the Pacers manage to prove they belonged right now? 

After being swept by the Boston Celtics in 2024, it was a measuring 
stick in knowing what needed to be done. Surround superstar point 
guard Tyrese Haliburton with great role players. A brand of basketball 
which resonates old school and playing with pace is what the doctor 
ordered. Flying under the radar most of 2025, Indiana quietly stayed the 
course. Looking to keep their chances afloat after all-star break, Indy 
secured the four seed and knocked out the big dogs. 

This postseason run has been one to remember; as we witnessed in 
game one of their comeback win versus New York. Haliburton opened 
up wounds of Knicks fans with celebrating Reggie Miller's famous 
"choke" gesture. Winning both games in New York was tough; 
considering Indiana didn't flinch knowing they stole the souls of 
obnoxious Knicks fans. Game three was more of New York avoiding the 
sweep and Indiana paced themselves to win two of the next three 
games.

National sports media fails to give Indiana their flowers; refusing to say 
the Pacers have played better basketball than any team in a weak 
Eastern conference playoff bracket. Nobody wants to acknowledge 
Indiana's tough nosed press the court forty-eight minutes straight. Even 
with Haliburton being voted "most overrated player," he's been on a tear. 
Even the media not ready to call Hali a superstar player, he doesn't care 
because he understands this notion and highly criticized toxic sports 
media.

Head coach Rick Carlisle ran circles around Tom Thibodeau and made 
adjustments early in the series. Playing ten guys who can give Indiana 
anywhere from 15-20 points off the bench. Each player can score, 
defend and rebound. Nothing flashy, just knowing their role when called 
upon. Just like Aaron Nesmith who put on a three point clinic in game 
one; hitting clutch threes and showing no mercy. It's that kind of energy 
which ignites your team and contagious is an understatement. 

Indiana has earned their spot to be in the NBA Finals; no matter how
many people fail to accept it. They're a fun team to watch and enjoy
playing together. It's the "Indy 500" of basketball when this team takes
the floor. As the celebrations took over into Sunday morning, Pacer fans
have waited for this since 2000. The last time Indiana made it to the
Finals, a prime Shaquille O'Neal and young Kobe Bryant led the Lakers
into Indianapolis and stopped Reggie Miller from winning his first title.

This version of Indiana has been years in the making. Trading for
Haliburton was seen as a fleeced deal as Sacramento gave up on their
young player. Adding Siakam was a spark which bolted Indiana into
fringe title contender. If there's one thing about Indiana, basketball lives
here. Laugh at Hoosiers for our farm equipment, bonfires, country roads
filled with gravel, but one thing you can't refute is our love for the

Midwest. As a proud Hoosier native, it's a feel good moment for our
region.

As the Pacers prepare for game one heading into Oklahoma City
Thursday night, it's another challenge in forcing the Thunder in creating
a tough matchup. All the stars will have to show-up and play a bigger
role in winning this series. It won't be easy, but playing to their "pace"
will be the meat and potatoes of this exciting seven game series known
as the NBA Finals.