"Unexpected, exhilarating, fun — what Indiana did was all of that… I’m going to miss that Pacers squad this spring … unless it surprises us all over again." – Steve Aschburner
"The Luka Dončic trade and OKC’s championship may be 2025’s defining moments, but my favorite memory came from the 2025 runner-up – the Indiana Pacers. " – Brian Martin
"The run was memorable for Tyrese Haliburton’s four game-winning or game-tying shots, along with Aaron Nesmith’s 3-point flurry in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. But it was also special because of the style of the Pacers’ offense. They didn’t rely on matchup hunting or one-on-one play. Instead, they wore opponents down with relentless ball and player movement that made them a pain in the *** to guard over 48 minutes. Combine that with their pressure defense, and they’ve already inspired some change around the league." – John Schuhmann
In Tony East's podcast earlier, he mentioned that one of his favorite moments was sitting in the media box at MSG with other NBA writers during Game 1, and watching them go crazy watching that Pacers comeback. He loved watching them transform into excited fans again.
The Pacers made alot of older basketball fans come back to the NBA… the Haliban also brought alot of younger fans into it too (based on tiktok).
"Nobody remembers the runner-up" is true most of the time, but this is not applicable to the 2025 Indiana Pacers.
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Me too, NBA writers. Me too.