Last year, the Pacers’ Eastern Conference Finals run was discounted because of other teams’ injuries. No one took them as a legitimate playoff threat. This season, more of the same was heard from the masses. Even after finishing as the four-seed in the East, many commentators and NBA fans saw Indy as a non-threat past the first-round. After going up 2-0 on the Bucks, it is about time the team from Naptown got their respect.
Outside of last year, the Pacers have not been a serious playoff contender for a decade. Every year ended in a first-round exit or with missing the playoffs altogether. When things took a turn for the positive a season ago, no one was ready to admit that Indy may have something legitimate.
The 2024 playoffs offered valuable insight into a young Pacers team. It showed they had the potential to hold their own against some of the league’s best. This long-forgotten post-season success was undercut by opposing fans crying “but injuries!”. Granted, playing a team without their star player changes dynamics. However, Indy still showed up to win playoff games no matter the matchups, which deserves some recognition.
After an ECF appearance, the Pacers were still not on anyone’s radar for the 2024-25 season as a team to watch. It was clear that the NBA, media, and fans alike painted the 23-24 season as a fluke. Starting the current season slow did them no favors, taking them out of the conversation entirely. Thankfully, it is not about how a team starts, it is about how they finish.
Following the All-Star break, Indy completed one of the best records in the league. Finally, Naptown was receiving some recognition. The consensus was that the Pacers were going to be an issue for any team they matched up against in the first-round. Beyond that, Indy was still seen as not much of a competitor for the Cavs or Celtics.
As for the Bucks and their fans, they seemed pretty confident with the rematch despite last years result. Game 1 told a different story with the Blue and Gold starting strong and not slowing down for a statement win. Still, Milwaukee fans brushed this off, pointing to the absence of Damian Lillard as for why the Bucks fell short.
Enter Game 2. Damian Lillard is cleared to play and returns from his calf injury. The Bucks are now at full capacity. This is what everyone had been waiting for since last years matchup. Two healthy teams going head to head, no excuses. What happens? The Pacers keep on winning. Indiana proves, again, why they should be taken seriously.
It seems that no matter how successful the Pacers are, the goalposts are moved. A poll amongst players has even come out declaring Haliburton as the league’s most overrated player. When you lead the playoffs in assists, as number 0 does, while contributing in other aspects, it is hard to justify the title of most overrated. It is clear even fellow NBA players are not giving credit where it is due.
Game 3 on Friday will be a critical point in the conversation surrounding the Pacers. Should they win and go up 3-0, all excuses should go out the window. That is the point Indy proves beyond a doubt they deserve to be taken seriously. Should they lose and fall to 2-1, calls of illegitimacy will follow. More importantly, though, is who will end up victorious in the seven game series.
As it stands, the Pacers have a 92.6% chance to win the series after going up 2-0. How they finish is important. Sweeping the Bucks, or winning in five games, could show NBA fans they have a shot at upsetting the Cavs in the second-round. While winning in six or seven games will likely lead most to think Indy stands no chance. Regardless, if the they keep on winning, critics will be forced to acknowledge the success in Indy.
For the last ten years the Pacers have not had much success, especially in the postseason. Last year was a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Indy seems to have found their stride with a young core that continues to improve as seasons go on. The rest of the league wants to hold on to a less-successful version of the Hoosiers, while the Blue and Gold keep on winning. It is clear this team deserves more respect than they have been given.
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