Indiana Pacers
A historic comeback run ending just short of the title after a decisive Game 7 loss to Oklahoma City.
The 2024–25 Indiana Pacers season marked the franchise's 58th year and its 49th in the NBA, headlined by Rick Carlisle's return for his eighth campaign. The team aimed to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999–2000 after re-signing Pascal Siakam to a massive four-year, $189.5 million deal. Despite losing key backups Jalen Smith and Oscar Tshiebwe in free agency and suffering season-ending Achilles ruptures to James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson, the Pacers secured the fourth seed with 50 wins for the first time since 2013–14.
- season_year
- 2024–25
- franchise_season_number
- 58
- nba_season_number
- 49
- head_coach
- Rick Carlisle (eighth season)
- final_seed
- 4
- regular_season_wins
- 50
- playoff_result
- Lost NBA Finals (7 games) to Oklahoma City Thunder
- key_acquisition
- Pascal Siakam (four-year, $189.5 million)
- key_losses_free_agent
- Jalen Smith (Chicago Bulls), Oscar Tshiebwe (Utah Jazz)
- key_injuries
- James Wiseman (Achilles), Isaiah Jackson (Achilles)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The season's narrative was defined by unexpected comebacks against elite competition, including both #1 seeds: the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers defeated Milwaukee in five games before eliminating Cleveland in another five-game series to reach their tenth conference finals appearance and second consecutive one since 2013–14. Facing the New York Knicks for the ninth time in history, Indiana won in six games to advance to the NBA Finals against the 68-win Thunder. The run featured three game-winners by star point guard Tyrese Haliburton against Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City, plus a crucial game-tying shot against New York.
In Their Own Story
The climax of the season arrived in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the first quarter, Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon, an injury expected to sideline him for all of the next season. This moment capped a series where the Pacers had already rallied from deficits in Game 1 against New York and Game 2 against Cleveland. The team's ability to overcome adversity against high-stakes opponents like Milwaukee and the Thunder solidified their run as one of the most improbable in NBA history, even though they ultimately fell short in seven games.
Reader's Guide
Fans should note the specific timeline of key victories: on April 1, the Pacers clinched a playoff berth after Portland defeated Atlanta. By April 10, a 114–112 win over Cleveland secured the fourth seed, followed by a 126–118 victory over the same opponent on April 13 to reach the 50-win mark. The roster changes were significant; while Siakam returned, the team lost Smith to Chicago and Tshiebwe to Utah. In the draft, Indiana acquired Johnny Furphy (35th pick) from San Antonio in a trade for Juan Núñez and selected Tristen Newton and Enrique Freeman as the 49th and 50th picks.
Did You Know?
- The Pacers secured their first 50-win season since the 2013–14 campaign on April 13, 2025.
- Tyrese Haliburton recorded three game-winning shots during the playoffs against Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City.
- This marked the second time in franchise history the Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals.
- The team suffered two season-ending Achilles ruptures to James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson before the playoffs began.
- Indiana defeated both top-seeded teams (Cleveland and Oklahoma City) on their way to the Finals.
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