2004 Eastern Conference First Round Game 7 vs Boston Celtics
A seven-game war of attrition where willpower and grit decided the fate of two franchises, leaving one standing and the other shattered.
The 2004 Eastern Conference First Round Game 7 between the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics is often hailed as the most intense playoff series ever played—a war of attrition that left both teams battered, bloody, and empty. Occurring on April 25, 2004, at the FleetCenter in Boston, this wasn't just a game for advancement; it was a collision of two franchises fueled by a deep-seated hatred and sheer exhaustion. The contest is legendary for its suffocating defense, emotional volatility, and the raw willpower that pushed both sides to the brink of collapse.
Quick Facts
- Date
- April 25, 2004
- Location
- FleetCenter, Boston, Massachusetts
- Series result
- Pacers win series 4-3
- Key incident
- Paul Pierce's ejection and the subsequent brawl
- Deciding factor
- Reggie Miller's clutch performance in overtime
- Atmosphere
- Hostile, physically aggressive
- Historical significance
- Culmination of a violent 7-game series
Lore & Background
The climax of the series is etched in memory not just for the final score, but for the sheer physical toll it exacted. In overtime, with the game hanging in the balance, Paul Pierce was ejected after shoving Ron Artest, sparking a chaotic scene that required security intervention to restore order. Yet, through the mayhem, Reggie Miller delivered one of his final great playoff performances, drilling crucial shots and drawing fouls that kept Indiana alive. The victory sent the Pacers to the second round against the Detroit Pistons, while the Celtics were left reeling from their collapse despite holding home-court advantage.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was a winner-take-all Game 7 in one of the NBA's most heated rivalries. The Pacers entered Boston as underdogs following a grueling seven-game series defined by physical play and suspensions. What happened was a display of extreme fatigue and emotion. The game went into overtime after a tightly contested regulation. In the extra period, tensions boiled over when Paul Pierce shoved Ron Artest, resulting in Pierce's ejection and a brief melee. Despite the chaos, Reggie Miller scored 12 points in overtime, including critical free throws, to secure a 93-86 victory for Indiana. The Pacers overcame a hostile environment, injuries, and emotional outbursts to advance. It remains a benchmark for playoff intensity, illustrating how will can overcome talent when the stakes are highest.
Did You Know?
- This was Reggie Miller's final playoff series appearance before his retirement.
- The game featured one of the most intense physical battles in NBA history, with multiple ejections and suspensions preceding it.
- Indiana became the first team to force a Game 7 at Boston since the 1980s.
More in Iconic Matches & Moments
Elsewhere in Indiana Pacers
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced