2000 NBA Finals vs Lakers

Lore & Background

The 2000 NBA Finals were the culmination of a Pacers team built around Reggie Miller's clutch shooting and a disciplined, defensive-minded roster assembled by coach Larry Bird. After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks in the playoffs, the Pacers entered the Finals as underdogs against the Lakers' dominant duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. The series was competitive, with the Pacers winning Games 2 and 4, but the Lakers' size and star power ultimately prevailed. The series highlighted the Pacers' resilience and established them as a legitimate contender, though they never returned to the Finals. The loss underscored the challenge of overcoming a dynasty led by one of the game's most dominant centers.

In Their Own Story

The air in Conseco Fieldhouse was thick with hope. Game 4, and the Pacers had just stolen a win in LA. Now, back home, the crowd was a wall of gold and navy. Reggie Miller, the eternal flame, had already hit a three that sent the game to overtime. In the huddle, Larry Bird's voice was calm, a whisper of strategy over the roar. Jalen Rose drove, Rik Smits set a screen, and the ball found Miller again. The shot clock ticked down. The Lakers' defense collapsed. Miller pump-faked, stepped through, and laid it in. The arena exploded. For one night, the Pacers were kings. But the Lakers had Shaq, and the next game, the dream would begin to fade.

Reader's Guide

The 2000 NBA Finals represent the peak of the Pacers' 'Miller Era,' a period defined by Reggie Miller's heroics and a roster of savvy veterans. This series was the franchise's first and only NBA Finals appearance, cementing its place in Pacers lore as both a triumph and a heartbreak. The Pacers' journey through the Eastern Conference playoffs—beating the Knicks in a classic six-game series—showcased their grit. The Finals themselves were a clash of styles: the Pacers' disciplined, team-oriented offense against the Lakers' superstar-driven attack. Though they lost, the Pacers proved they could compete with a dynasty, and the series remains a touchstone for fans. It matters because it defined an era of sustained success, with the Pacers winning 58 games in the regular season and reaching the conference finals multiple times. The 2000 Finals are a bittersweet memory, a 'what if' that still resonates in Indiana basketball culture.

Did You Know?

• Reggie Miller scored 25 points in Game 4, including a crucial three-pointer to force overtime.
• Shaquille O'Neal averaged 38 points and 16.7 rebounds in the series, earning Finals MVP.
• Larry Bird coached the Pacers in the 2000 Finals, his third season as head coach.
• Rik Smits scored 25 points in Game 5, but the Lakers' 10-point fourth-quarter run sealed the win.