New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers, 1995 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals
Source: Manny Millan / Getty
From buzzer-beaters to unforgettable playoff battles, the Indiana Pacers have delivered some of the most thrilling moments in NBA history.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the blue and gold, these legendary highlights prove that basketball in Indiana is more than just a game—it’s a legacy.
🏀 1. Reggie Miller’s 8 Points in 9 Seconds (1995)
Possibly the most iconic Pacers moment ever. In Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, Reggie Miller scored 8 points in just 9 seconds to steal the win at Madison Square Garden. It was jaw-dropping, it was petty (hello, Spike Lee taunts), and it was classic Reggie.
🏀 2. The 2000 NBA Finals Run
Led by Miller, Jalen Rose, and head coach Larry Bird, the Pacers made their first and only NBA Finals appearance in 2000. Though they fell to the Lakers, that playoff run marked the peak of Indiana’s dominance in the East and cemented their place in the national spotlight.
🏀 3. Malice at the Palace (2004)
It’s infamous—but undeniably iconic. The brawl between the Pacers and Pistons in Detroit became one of the darkest and most talked-about nights in NBA history. It led to massive suspensions and changed the league’s security policies forever. For better or worse, it’s a moment that still defines the franchise’s narrative.
🏀 4. Roy Hibbert’s Block on Carmelo Anthony (2013)
During the 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Roy Hibbert had a game-changing block on Carmelo Anthony that sealed the win and the series for Indiana. That single defensive play captured the grit-and-grind identity of the Paul George-era Pacers.
🏀 5. Paul George’s Emergence (2014 Playoffs)
Going head-to-head with LeBron James and the Miami Heat, Paul George announced himself as a superstar. His thunderous dunk over Birdman Chris Andersen and clutch performances in the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals showed the Pacers could hang with the league’s best.
🏀 6. Tyrese Haliburton’s All-Star Breakout (2024)
In 2024, Tyrese Haliburton became the face of a new era for Indiana. His All-Star Game appearance—and role in leading the Pacers to one of the league’s top offenses—signaled a rebirth of hope in Indy. He’s not just the future; he’s now.
🏀 7. Lance Stephenson Blows in LeBron’s Ear (2014)
During Game 5 of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals, Pacers guard Lance Stephenson made headlines when he was caught blowing in the ear of LeBron James. The bizarre attempt to get under LeBron’s skin became an instant viral moment. It sparked controversy and mockery across the sports world, and Stephenson later admitted he’d avoid similar antics in the future. Still, it’s one of the most talked-about moments in Pacers playoff history.
🏀 8. Heading to the 2025 NBA Finals
Let’s Go Pacers!!!
The Most Iconic Indiana Pacers Moments of All Time was originally published on b1057.com
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