The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Pacers were founded in 1967, originally as members of the American Basketball Association, where they were crowned league champions three times and made the playoffs in all of the nine seasons they participated in the league.[1] The Pacers were led during the ABA days by two-time MVP Mel Daniels and by head coach Bobby Leonard.
The 1976–77 season marked the first season of NBA play for the Pacers and the team struggled early, compared to their ABA success. The Pacers only made it to the NBA playoffs three times in their first 13 seasons.[1] The Pacers would not win their first playoff series until the 1993–94 season, which came against the Orlando Magic. It was during this time that the Pacers were led by 1987 draft pick, Reggie Miller, who entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.[2] Miller would play for the Pacers until the 2005 season and with his help, the Pacers would go on to win one Eastern Conference championship, four Central Division championships, and make 15 playoff appearances.[3]
Over the Pacers' 53 seasons of play they have made the playoffs 36 times (27 in the NBA and 9 in the ABA). The Pacers have appeared in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals eight times (1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2013, 2014) [4] The Pacers are one of 11 franchises to have never won an NBA championship and the only Central Division team without at least one title.
Table key
ASG MVP | All-Star Game Most Valuable Player |
COY | Coach of the Year |
Finish | Final position in league or division standings |
GB | Games behind first-place team in division[a] |
Losses | Number of regular season losses |
EOY | Executive of the Year |
JWKC | J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship |
MVP | Most Valuable Player |
ROY | Rookie of the Year |
SMOY | Sixth Man of the Year |
Wins | Number of regular season wins |
Win% | Winning percentage |
Seasons
ABA champions | NBA champions | Conference champions | Division champions | Playoff berth |
Season | League | Conference | Finish[b] | Division | Finish[b] | W[c] | L[c] | Win% | GB | Playoffs | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1967–68 | ABA | — | — | Eastern | 3rd | 38 | 40 | .487 | 16 | Lost Division Semifinals (Pipers) 3–0[5] | |
1968–69 | ABA | — | — | Eastern | 1st | 44 | 34 | .564 | — | Won Division Semifinals (Colonels) 4–3 Won Division Finals (Floridians) 4–1 Lost ABA Finals (Oaks) 4–1[6] |
Mel Daniels (MVP)[7] |
1969–70 | ABA | — | — | Eastern | 1st | 59 | 25 | .702 | — | Won Division Semifinals (Cougars) 4–0 Won Division Finals (Colonels) 4–1 Won ABA Finals (Stars) 4–2[8] |
Roger Brown (PMVP)[9] |
1970–71 | ABA | — | — | Western | 1st | 58 | 26 | .690 | — | Won Division Semifinals (Pros) 4–0 Lost Division Finals (Stars) 4–3[10] |
Mel Daniels (MVP, ASG MVP)[7][11] |
1971–72 | ABA | — | — | Western | 2nd | 47 | 37 | .560 | 13 | Won Division Semifinals (Rockets) 4–3 Won Division Finals (Stars) 4–3 Won ABA Finals (Nets) 4–2[12] |
Freddie Lewis (PMVP)[13] |
1972–73 | ABA | — | — | Western | 2nd | 51 | 33 | .607 | 4 | Won Division Semifinals (Rockets) 4–1 Won Division Finals (Stars) 4–2 Won ABA Finals (Colonels) 4–3[14] |
George McGinnis (PMVP)[15] |
1973–74 | ABA | — | — | Western | 2nd | 46 | 38 | .548 | 5 | Won Division Semifinals (Spurs) 4–3 Lost Division Finals (Stars) 4–3[16] |
|
1974–75 | ABA | — | — | Western | 3rd | 45 | 39 | .536 | 20 | Won Division Semifinals (Spurs) 4–2 Won Division Finals (Nuggets) 4–3 Lost ABA Finals (Colonels) 4–1[17] |
George McGinnis (MVP)[7] |
1975–76 | ABA | — | — | —[d] | 5th | 39 | 45 | .464 | 21 | Lost First Round (Colonels) 2–1[18] | |
1976–77[e] | NBA | Western | 9th | Midwest | 5th | 36 | 46 | .439 | 14 | — | |
1977–78 | NBA | Western | 10th | Midwest | 5th | 31 | 51 | .378 | 17 | — | |
1978–79 | NBA | Western | 8th | Midwest | 3rd | 38 | 44 | .463 | 10 | — | |
1979–80 | NBA | Eastern | 8th | Central | 4th | 37 | 45 | .451 | 13 | — | |
1980–81 | NBA | Eastern | 6th | Central | 3rd | 44 | 38 | .537 | 16 | Lost First Round (76ers) 2–0[19] | Jack McKinney (COY)[20] |
1981–82 | NBA | Eastern | 8th | Central | 4th | 35 | 47 | .427 | 20 | — | |
1982–83 | NBA | Eastern | 11th | Central | 6th | 20 | 62 | .244 | 31 | — | |
1983–84 | NBA | Eastern | 11th | Central | 6th | 26 | 56 | .317 | 24 | — | |
1984–85 | NBA | Eastern | 11th | Central | 6th | 22 | 60 | .268 | 37 | — | |
1985–86 | NBA | Eastern | 10th | Central | 6th | 26 | 56 | .317 | 31 | — | |
1986–87 | NBA | Eastern | 7th | Central | 4th | 41 | 41 | .500 | 16 | Lost First Round (Hawks) 3–1[21] | Chuck Person (ROY)[22] |
1987–88 | NBA | Eastern | 9th | Central | 6th | 38 | 44 | .463 | 16 | — | |
1988–89 | NBA | Eastern | 10th | Central | 6th | 28 | 54 | .341 | 35 | — | |
1989–90 | NBA | Eastern | 8th | Central | 4th | 42 | 40 | .512 | 17 | Lost First Round (Pistons) 3–0[23] | |
1990–91 | NBA | Eastern | 7th | Central | 5th | 41 | 41 | .500 | 20 | Lost First Round (Celtics) 3–2[24] | Detlef Schrempf (SMOY)[25] |
1991–92 | NBA | Eastern | 7th | Central | 4th | 40 | 42 | .488 | 27 | Lost First Round (Celtics) 3–0[26] | Detlef Schrempf (SMOY)[25] |
1992–93 | NBA | Eastern | 8th | Central | 5th | 41 | 41 | .500 | 16 | Lost First Round (Knicks) 3–1[27] | |
1993–94 | NBA | Eastern | 5th | Central | 3rd | 47 | 35 | .573 | 10 | Won First Round (Magic) 3–0 Won Conference Semifinals (Hawks) 4–2 Lost Conference Finals (Knicks) 4–3[28] |
|
1994–95 | NBA | Eastern | 2nd | Central | 1st | 52 | 30 | .634 | — | Won First Round (Hawks) 3–0 Won Conference Semifinals (Knicks) 4–3 Lost Conference Finals (Magic) 4–3[29] |
|
1995–96 | NBA | Eastern | 3rd | Central | 2nd | 52 | 30 | .634 | 20 | Lost First Round (Hawks) 3–2[30] | |
1996–97 | NBA | Eastern | 10th | Central | 6th | 39 | 43 | .476 | 30 | — | |
1997–98 | NBA | Eastern | 3rd | Central | 2nd | 58 | 24 | .707 | 4 | Won First Round (Cavaliers) 3–1 Won Conference Semifinals (Knicks) 4–1 Lost Conference Finals (Bulls) 4–3[31] |
Larry Bird (COY)[20] |
1998–99[f] | NBA | Eastern | 2nd | Central | 1st | 33 | 17 | .660 | — | Won First Round (Bucks) 3–0 Won Conference Semifinals (76ers) 4–0 Lost Conference Finals (Knicks) 4–2[32] |
|
1999–00 | NBA | Eastern | 1st | Central | 1st | 56 | 26 | .683 | — | Won First Round (Bucks) 3–2 Won Conference Semifinals (76ers) 4–2 Won Conference Finals (Knicks) 4–2 Lost NBA Finals (Lakers) 4–2[33] |
Jalen Rose (MIP)[34] |
2000–01 | NBA | Eastern | 8th | Central | 4th | 41 | 41 | .500 | 11 | Lost First Round (76ers) 3–1[35] | |
2001–02 | NBA | Eastern | 8th | Central | 4th | 42 | 40 | .512 | 8 | Lost First Round (Nets) 3–2[36] | Jermaine O'Neal (MIP)[37] |
2002–03 | NBA | Eastern | 3rd | Central | 2nd | 48 | 34 | .585 | 2 | Lost First Round (Celtics) 4–2[38] | |
2003–04 | NBA | Eastern | 1st | Central | 1st | 61 | 21 | .744 | — | Won First Round (Celtics) 4–0 Won Conference Semifinals (Heat) 4–2 Lost Conference Finals (Pistons) 4–2[39] |
Ron Artest (DPOY)[40] Reggie Miller (JWKC)[41] |
2004–05 | NBA | Eastern | 6th | Central | 3rd | 44 | 38 | .537 | 10 | Won First Round (Celtics) 4–3 Lost Conference Semifinals (Pistons) 4–2[42] |
|
2005–06 | NBA | Eastern | 6th | Central | 4th | 41 | 41 | .500 | 23 | Lost First Round (Nets) 4–2[43] | |
2006–07 | NBA | Eastern | 10th | Central | 4th | 35 | 47 | .427 | 18 | — | |
2007–08 | NBA | Eastern | 9th | Central | 3rd | 36 | 46 | .439 | 23 | — | |
2008–09 | NBA | Eastern | 9th | Central | 4th | 36 | 46 | .439 | 30 | — | Danny Granger (MIP)[44] |
2009–10 | NBA | Eastern | 10th | Central | 4th | 32 | 50 | .390 | 29 | — | |
2010–11 | NBA | Eastern | 8th | Central | 2nd | 37 | 45 | .451 | 25 | Lost First Round (Bulls) 4–1[45] | |
2011–12[g] | NBA | Eastern | 3rd | Central | 2nd | 42 | 24 | .636 | 8 | Won First Round (Magic) 4–1 Lost Conference Semifinals (Heat) 4–2[46] |
Larry Bird (EOY)[47] |
2012–13 | NBA | Eastern | 3rd | Central | 1st | 49 | 32 | .605 | — | Won First Round (Hawks) 4–2 Won Conference Semifinals (Knicks) 4–2 Lost Conference Finals (Heat) 4–3[48] |
Paul George (MIP)[49] |
2013–14 | NBA | Eastern | 1st | Central | 1st | 56 | 26 | .683 | — | Won First Round (Hawks) 4–3 Won Conference Semifinals (Wizards) 4–2 Lost Conference Finals (Heat) 4–2 |
|
2014–15 | NBA | Eastern | 9th | Central | 4th | 38 | 44 | .463 | 15 | — | |
2015–16 | NBA | Eastern | 7th | Central | 2nd | 45 | 37 | .549 | 12 | Lost First Round (Raptors) 4–3 | |
2016–17 | NBA | Eastern | 7th | Central | 3rd | 42 | 40 | .512 | 9 | Lost First Round (Cavaliers) 4–0 | |
2017–18 | NBA | Eastern | 5th | Central | 2nd | 48 | 34 | .585 | 2 | Lost First Round (Cavaliers) 4–3 | Victor Oladipo (MIP)[50] |
2018–19 | NBA | Eastern | 5th | Central | 2nd | 48 | 34 | .585 | 12 | Lost First Round (Celtics) 4–0 | |
2019–20 | NBA | Eastern | 4th | Central | 2nd | 45 | 28 | .616 | 11 | Lost First Round (Heat) 4–0 | |
2020–21 | NBA | Eastern | 9th | Central | 2nd | 34 | 38 | .472 | 12 | — |
All-time records
Statistic | Wins | Losses | Win% |
---|---|---|---|
Indiana Pacers ABA regular season record (1967–1976) | 427 | 317 | .574 |
Indiana Pacers NBA regular season record (1976–present) | 1,789 | 1,761 | .504 |
Indiana Pacers regular season record (1967–present) | 2,255 | 2,116 | .516 |
Indiana Pacers ABA post-season record (1967–1976) | 69 | 50 | .580 |
Indiana Pacers NBA post-season record (1976–present) | 112 | 114 | .496 |
Indiana Pacers post-season record (1967–present) | 181 | 164 | .525 |
All-time regular and post-season record | 2,341 | 2,275 | .507 |
Notes
- ^ The formula is as follows:
- ^ a b The Finish column lists regular season results and excludes postseason play.
- ^ a b The Wins and Losses columns list regular season results and exclude any postseason play. Regular and postseason records are combined only below the table.
- ^ The league abolished division play during the season.
- ^ The franchise joined the National Basketball Association in the ABA–NBA merger.
- ^ Due to a lockout, the season did not start until February 5, 1999, and all 29 teams played a shortened 50 game regular season schedule.
- ^ Due to a lockout, the season did not start until December 25, 2011 and all 30 teams played a shortened 66 game regular season schedule.
References
- ^ a b "Indiana Pacers Franchise Index". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "Reggie Miller, Don Nelson top Hall of Fame list". USA Today. April 2, 2012. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "Year by Year with the Pacers". Pacers.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1999-2000 NBA season". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1967–68 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1968–69 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ a b c "NBA & ABA Most Valuable Player Award Winners". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1969–70 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "Roger Brown". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1970–71 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "NBA & ABA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award Winners". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1971–72 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "Freddie Lewis". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1972–73 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "George McGinnis". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1973–74 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1974–75 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1975–76 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1980–81 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ a b "NBA Coach of the Year Award Winners". NBA History. NBA.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1986–87 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winners". NBA History. NBA.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1989–90 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1990–91 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ a b "NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award Winners". NBA History. NBA.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
- ^ "1991–92 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1992–93 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1993–94 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1994–95 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1995–96 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1997–98 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1998–99 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "1999–00 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "NBA & ABA Most Improved Player Award Winners". Basketball Reference. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ "2000–01 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "2001–02 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "O'Neal voted most improved". USA Today. April 25, 2002. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ "2002–03 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "2003–04 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "Pacers' forward beats two-time champ Wallace". ESPN. April 19, 2004. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ "Indiana's Miller Wins Citizenship Award". NBA. April 17, 2004. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ "2004–05 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "2005–06 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "Danny Granger of Indiana Pacers wins NBA Most Improved Player Award". ESPN. May 12, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ "2010–11 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
- ^ "2011–12 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ^ "Indiana Pacers' Larry Bird named executive of year". ESPN. May 17, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
- ^ "2012–13 Indiana Pacers". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
- ^ "Paul George of Indiana Pacers is NBA's Most Improved Player". ESPN. April 23, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2013.
- ^ "Victor Oladipo is fifth Pacer to win Most Improved Player award". The Indianapolis Star. June 25, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2018.