Indiana Pacers
From ABA dynasty to NBA contender, the Pacers carry Indiana's racing heritage.
The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The team was founded in 1967 as an original member of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and became a member of the NBA in 1976 as a result of the ABA–NBA merger. They play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The team is named after the state of Indiana's history with the Indianapolis 500's pace cars and with the harness racing industry.
Quick Facts
- Character
- Intense Physical Rivalry
- Affiliation
- NBA Central Division (Historical)
- First appears
- Late 1980s
- Status
- Legendary Historical Feud
- Key eras
- Bad Boys Era, Larry Bird vs. Isiah Thomas Clash
- Notable players
- Isiah Thomas
- Rick Mahorn
- Reggie Miller
- Mark Jackson
Lore & Background
The Pacers have won three championships, in 1970, 1972, and 1973, all in the ABA. They also reached the ABA Finals in 1969 and 1975, and have also appeared in the NBA Finals in 2000. The team has also won nine division titles. Six Hall of Fame players – Reggie Miller, Alex English, Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, George McGinnis, and Chris Mullin – played with the Pacers for multiple seasons. The franchise has multiple Hall of Fame coaches in Bobby 'Slick' Leonard, Jack Ramsay, and Larry Brown. Furthermore, former Pacers inducted into international Halls of Fame include Miller and Detlef Schrempf in the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Reader's Guide
The Pacers were one of four ABA teams that joined the NBA in the ABA–NBA merger in the 1976–77 season, along with the Denver Nuggets, New York Nets, and San Antonio Spurs. The league charged a $3.2 million entry fee for each former ABA team. The Pacers finished their inaugural NBA season with a record of 36–46. Billy Knight and Don Buse represented Indiana in the NBA All-Star Game. During their first 13 years in the NBA, they had only two non-losing seasons and only two playoff appearances. Reggie Miller from UCLA was drafted by the Pacers in 1987. The Pacers missed the playoffs in 1987–88, drafted Rik Smits in the 1988 NBA draft, and suffered through a disastrous 1988–89 season. From 1989 to 1993, the Pacers would play at or near .500 and qualify for the playoffs. Larry Brown was brought aboard as Pacers' coach for the 1993–94 season, and the Pacers won their last eight games of the season to finish with an NBA-era franchise-high 47 wins. They stormed past Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic in a first-round sweep to earn their first NBA playoff series win, and pulled off an upset by defeating the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the conference semifinals.
Did You Know?
- The Pacers' first playoff win in NBA franchise history was earned in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks in 1987.
- Reggie Miller became the first Pacer to play in the All-Star Game since 1976 on the strength of his 24.6 points-per-game average in the 1989–90 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Indiana Pacers in relation to Detroit?
The Indiana Pacers served as the Pistons' primary historical divisional rival during the NBA's Central Division era. Their team identity mirrored Detroit’s physical culture, fueling a legendary feud defined by grit and aggression.
What characterizes the conflict between these teams?
This rivalry is defined by extreme defensive intensity and a hard-nosed Midwest style that often escalated into violent confrontations. Playoff series were frequently decided by who could endure more punishment rather than just superior scoring.
Which stars drove this intense competition?
Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson led the Pacers against Detroit’s Isiah Thomas and Rick Mahorn during the Bad Boys era. Their personal clashes became iconic moments that heightened the emotional stakes of every meeting.
When did this rivalry first emerge?
The conflict originated in the late 1980s as both franchises established dominance within their division. It reached its peak intensity throughout the early 1990s before settling into a respected historical legacy.
Why does this feud matter to Pistons history?
This rivalry encapsulates the Bad Boys philosophy where winning required a willingness to play with dangerous aggression. It remains one of the most storied feuds in franchise lore, symbolizing an era of uncompromising basketball.
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