Day 8: Indiana Pacers – From Underdogs to NBA Finals
The Pacers finished the 2024–25 regular season with a 50–32 record, taking 4th in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Central Division - earning their first 50‑win season since 2013‑14 and heading into a surprising journey to the Finals.
Team Identity & Coaching
Coach Rick Carlisle guided Indiana with a disciplined, ball-movement style. The team ranked 7th in scoring (117.4 PPG), 9th in offensive rating (116.5), and 13th in defensive rating (114.3), resulting in a net rating of +2.2.
Key Contributors
- Tyrese Haliburton: Orchestrated the offense with 8.6 APG and clutch playoff heroics before suffering an Achilles tear in Game 7 of the Finals.
- Pascal Siakam: Delivered consistent scoring and interior defense after re-signing in the offseason.
- Aaron Nesmith: Sparked the Eastern Conference Finals with six clutch threes to force OT in Game 1.
Season & Playoff Highlights
Indiana swept Milwaukee in Round 1, upset top-seeded Cleveland in five games, and defeated New York in six to reach their second-ever NBA Finals. Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury in Game 7 ended their title hopes in a 103–91 loss to Oklahoma City.
Our Analysis
Despite late-series injury issues and a thin bench, they showcased poise and execution under pressure, a credit to Carlisle’s system.
Recent Trade & Roster Updates
With Myles Turner departing in free agency, Indiana acquired center Jay Huff from the Grizzlies in exchange for second-round picks, aiming to fortify frontcourt depth. They also acquired rights to rookie guard Kam Jones, adding backcourt flexibility. The team had targeted DeAndre Ayton before missing out in free agency.
Fan & Front Office Perspective
Pacers fans embraced the unexpected Finals run with pride. GM Kevin Pritchard emphasized keeping the core together and focusing on depth additions this offseason.
Looking Ahead
- Can Haliburton fully recover and lead again?
- Will Siakam continue anchoring the frontcourt?
- Can new additions like Huff and Jones step into meaningful roles?
Final Thoughts
Indiana’s season was one of the most inspiring in recent memory. Despite a painful end, their trajectory is clear: team-first focus, smart roster decisions, and continued belief in their system—even on the small-market blueprint.