2000 NBA Finals Game 4 vs Indiana Pacers
Lakers reclaim glory, O'Neal dominates Finals.
The 2000 NBA Finals was the championship series of the NBA's 1999–2000 season, featuring the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers in six games. This was the Lakers' first NBA championship since 1988 and their twelfth overall, and it marked Indiana's first NBA Finals appearance.
Quick Facts
- Date
- June 10, 2000
- Location
- Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
- Key performer
- Shaquille O'Neal (40 points, 24 rebounds)
- Series status
- Lakers lead 3-1 heading into Game 5
Lore & Background
The Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant under coach Phil Jackson, finished the regular season with a 67–15 record. The Pacers, coached by Larry Bird, finished with a 56–26 record. The series was played under a 2–3–2 site format, with the Lakers holding home court advantage. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA Finals MVP, averaging 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.
Reader's Guide
Game 1: Lakers won by 17 points. Shaquille O'Neal scored 43 points and grabbed 19 rebounds. Game 2: Lakers won 111–104. O'Neal 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 absence.
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 awards in the same year (2000).
- The Lakers' 67–15 record tied the 1992 Chicago Bulls and 1986 Boston Celtics as the fifth best record in NBA regular season history.
- This was the Lakers' inaugural season at Staples Center and the Pacers' first season at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the Lakers in scoring during this overtime victory?
Shaquille O'Neal was the standout performer with 40 points and 24 rebounds. His forty-point marathon forced overtime and kept the first title alive for Los Angeles.
How did this game affect the series standing between the teams?
This victory gave the Lakers a commanding 3-1 lead heading into Game 5. It shifted momentum significantly toward the eventual champions before they closed out in Game 6.
Where was this pivotal matchup played?
The contest took place at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was an away game for the Lakers against the gritty Pacers defense.
Did the Lakers win the championship immediately after this specific game?
While this win secured a series lead, the championship was finalized two games later. The Lakers won the title in Game 6 with a final series score of 4-2.
More in Iconic Games & Moments
Elsewhere in Los Angeles Lakers
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced