The Indiana Pacers have emerged as one of the NBA’s most intriguing teams this postseason, propelling themselves to an NBA Finals berth on the back of Tyrese Haliburton.
After dispatching tough opponents in the earlier rounds including the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Milwaukee Bucks, one-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers' deep run and performance has drawn comparisons to a team that defied monumental odds—the 2011 Dallas Mavericks.
Just as the Mavericks upset heavy favorites—defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in six, sweeping the defending champion Lakers in the semifinals, and dispatching the Thunder in five games in the Western Conference Finals—the Pacers have defied expectations at every playoff stage.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam shoots the ball while Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James defends.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam shoots the ball while Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James defends.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Former NBA champion with that 2011 Mavericks squad, Brendan Haywood, recently drew an especially striking parallel between these two teams.
“This [Pacers] team has EERILY similarities of that 2011 Mavericks team,” Haywood commented, highlighting the structural resemblance between Indiana’s balanced scoring attack and defensive rigor and the Mavericks’ championship blueprint.
Back in 2011, the Mavericks captured the championship by blending veterans, including Brendan Haywood, with a measured offensive attack that revolved around Dirk Nowitzki’s brilliance.
Nowitzki averaged 26.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the Finals, and the Mavericks’ disciplined approach, efficient shooting and formidable defensive schemes helped them overcome the Lebron James-led Miami Heat.
Fast forward to 2025, the current Indiana Pacers are carving out their own identity on the court much like the 2011 Dallas Mavericks did on their championship run, replicating their underdog magic by dispatching higher-ranked teams in the playoffs.
During the 2024–25 playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton has averaged 18.6 points and 9.3 assists per game—numbers that not only underscored his ability to orchestrate the offense with precision but also proved critical as he guided his team through unexpected victories. His steady play, reminiscent of Dirk Nowitzki’s calm efficiency in 2011, has helped Indiana overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.