Less than a month before the NBA Playoffs start, the pressure in the Eastern Conference is settling in, and the Pacers are in the thick of it. The last time the Pacers made the NBA Finals was in 2000 when they fell to the Lakers 4-2. Since then, their playoff history has been nothing short of disappointing outside of last year’s run that ended in a sweep to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Although no team wants to end their season 0-4 in a series, the Pacers showed plenty of promise.

21st Century Playoff Blues

For 25 years, the Pacers have struggled to assemble a playoff run that resulted in a Finals appearance. The 03-04 season looked promising, but after the famed Malice in the Palace, the Pacers fell to the Pistons in six games. An eight-year ECF drought ensued. Just when the Pacers seemed to put a solid team behind Paul George, one man took his talents to South Beach. Lebron and the Miami Heat crushed the hopes of the Hoosiers for three straight years, and left the Pacers deflated afterward. Until last season, there have been no signs of hope.

End Of A NBA Finals Curse?

Last season was a pleasant surprise for Pacers fans. A young team who had yet to find their go-to guy showed they could win big-time games behind a collective effort. When one player is not expected to consistently drop 30+ points per game it opens up the offense for others to make an impact. Nine players averaged double-figures, and six of those nine are capable of contributing 30+ points on a given night. Couple this with the team’s pace and Haliburton’s 10+ assists per game and they become a force to be reckoned with.

Sights Set On The NBA Finals

Last season ended with four straight losses for the Pacers, but three of those four losses were decided by five points or less. This season, the blue and gold have displayed an ability to close out tight games. Haliburton’s three over Giannis and Toppin’s game-winner against the Timberwolves are the most notable. This is the edge the Pacers were missing in playoffs past. A young core, high pace, and now grit to win when it matters most could propel the Pacers past the ECF.

End of my Pacers Rant

Continued growth of a young core and building around Haliburton could be a recipe for success in years to come. For seeds four through six this season it is quite a tight race. It may be a long shot, but if the Pacers could snag the three-seed from the Knicks it could drastically improve their odds of a Finals appearance. Regardless of the outcome of the regular season, the Pacers have the potential to make the Finals for the first time in 25 years.