2000 NBA Finals vs Lakers

Lore & Background

The Pacers reached the Finals after finishing the regular season with an Eastern Conference best 56–26 record, including a franchise-best 25-game win streak at home. They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks in the playoffs. The Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, posted a 67–15 record and overcame the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers. Shaquille O'Neal was named Finals MVP, averaging 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.

Reader's Guide

The series was played under a best-of-seven format with a 2–3–2 site format. The Lakers held home court advantage. Game 1: Lakers won by 17 points; Shaq scored 43 points and 19 rebounds. Game 2: Lakers won 111–104; Shaq had 40 points and 24 rebounds; Kobe Bryant left in the first quarter with a sprained ankle and scored only 2 points. Game 3: The Pacers took advantage of Bryant's injury. The series concluded with the Lakers winning in six games.

Did You Know?

• Shaquille O'Neal is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, NBA All-Star Game MVP, and NBA Finals MVP in the same year (2000).
• Both teams played in newly built arenas: the Lakers' Staples Center and the Pacers' Conseco Fieldhouse.
• Jalen Rose admitted he intentionally stuck out his foot to trip Kobe Bryant in Game 2.