The Indiana Pacers have defied the odds to make it all the way to the NBA Finals in 2025. A whole host of individuals deserve credit for this run, but a big chunk of it goes to star guard Tyrese Haliburton and head coach Rick Carlisle.
Haliburton has averaged 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game during these playoffs. The two-time All-Star has also delivered in clutch situations time and again to get the Pacers to this stage.
As for Carlisle, he has done a phenomenal coaching job this postseason. While many coaches tend to shorten the rotation come playoffs, he has gotten the most out of his starters and reserves.
Indiana Pacers' Rick Carlisle speaks to Tyrese Haliburton during a game against the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana Pacers' guard Tyrese Haliburton will chase his first NBA Champonship under head coach Rick Carlisle.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
This will be the first time Haliburton plays in the NBA Finals, but it isn't the first time Carlisle is coaching on this stage. He took the Dallas Mavericks to the Finals in 2011, where they faced a Miami Heat team led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
The Heat were the overwhelming favorites coming into that series, but Carlisle masterminded a stunning upset. The Mavericks triumphed in six games, and it was his finest hour in the NBA.
While Carlisle would have been thrilled at the time, Haliburton was not. He was recently asked to share his first memory of the Finals, and it just so happened to be 2011.
"2011, hated coach Carlisle for beating the Heat," Haliburton said, via the NBA.
James was Haliburton's favorite player growing up, and he hated Carlisle for denying him his first NBA title. He would finally break through and win it all in 2012, and Haliburton would be hoping to do the same 13 years later.
Game 1 between the Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder will be played at Paycom Center on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET.