The Indiana Pacers made their only NBA Finals appearance in franchise history in 2000, facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers. Led by head coach Larry Bird, the Pacers finished the regular season with a 56-26 record, topping the Central Division and earning home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The 1999-2000 Pacers roster featured key names like Reggie Miller, Jalen Rose, Rik Smits, Mark Jackson, Dale Davis, and Chris Mullin. Jalen Rose emerged as a star, averaging.2 points per game and earning Most Improved Player honors, while Miller added.1 points per game and was the team’s leading three-point shooter.
In the Finals, the Pacers pushed the Lakers to six games but ultimately fell short, losing the series 4-2. Shaquille O’Neal’s dominant performance earned him Finals MVP, and the Pacers’ hopes of a championship faded despite strong efforts from Rose, Miller, and Davis.
Since then, Indiana has not returned to the NBA Finals and has yet to win an NBA championship, making the 2000 run a defining moment in franchise history.
