1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 vs Chicago Bulls

Lore & Background

The Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conference finals after eliminating the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks 4–2 in the second round. This was the first playoff series victory for the Pacers in their 18-year NBA existence, as they swept the Orlando Magic in the first round.

In Their Own Story

The lights hummed over Market Square Arena as the final minutes ticked away. Reggie Miller wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on the rim. Across the hardwood, Scottie Pippen shadowed him like a man possessed—arms wide, jaw set, every step a calculated threat. The crowd was a living thing, a wall of blue-and-gold noise that shook the rafters, every scream a plea for their rookie coach, Larry Bird, who paced the sideline with hands clasped behind his back, his face a mask of calm that betrayed nothing. This wasn't just a game; it was a declaration that Indiana belonged among the giants, that they could bleed the Bulls dry possession by possession, even without Jordan in the building.

Reader's Guide

The Pacers lost Games 6 and 7 of the Eastern Conference finals to the New York Knicks, falling one game short of the NBA Finals.

Did You Know?

• The Pacers' head coach in 1994 was Larry Brown, not Larry Bird.
• This was the first time since the ABA–NBA merger that all former ABA teams (Pacers, Nuggets, Spurs, Nets) made the playoffs in the same year.
• The Knicks played a record 25 playoff games in 1994, the most postseason games an NBA team had played at that time.