Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers were founded in 1967 as a charter member of the ABA, where they became the league's most successful franchise with three championships (1970, 1972, 1973). After joining the NBA in 1976, the Pacers built competitive teams that became perennial Eastern Conference contenders. The Reggie Miller era defined Pacers basketball — his legendary clutch performances, including the "8 Points in 8.9 Seconds" against the Knicks and his fierce rivalry with Spike Lee, made him an NBA icon. The Pacers reached the 2000 NBA Finals and remained competitive through the mid-2000s with Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest. Under Tyrese Haliburton's leadership, the Pacers reached the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, signaling a return to contention rooted in Indiana's deep basketball heritage.