Indiana Pacers 15 greatest playoff moments

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 28: Reggie Miller #31 of the Indiana Pacers sits on the scorer's table during the game against the Boston Celtics in Game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse on April 28, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 99-76 to take a 2-1 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 28: Reggie Miller #31 of the Indiana Pacers sits on the scorer's table during the game against the Boston Celtics in Game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse on April 28, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 99-76 to take a 2-1 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Rajah’s 53 sets up first title

1970 ABA Finals, game 4

The Pacers defended home court to begin the 1970 ABA Finals, then the Los Angeles Stars began to do the same by claiming game 3. Game 4 was close at the half with Indiana leading 63-62. Sitting in the Pacers locker room was Roger Brown, a man known for both his immense talent, and lack of consistent fire. The Rajah was a thrilling player, but wasn’t candid about saving himself for playoff time, even with the vocal…encouragement…from Indiana’s leaders Mel Daniels and Freddie Lewis. It could be frustrating, but when things clicked for Brown there were few better.

Well, at halftime, things clicked for Roger Brown. He and the Pacers thrashed the Stars in the second half, outscoring Los Angeles by 21 powering the Pacers to a 142-120 win and giving control of the series to Indiana. Brown finished with 53 points in the game which laid the foundation for the Pacers first championship two games later. It was the Rajah’s peak, fulfilling his long acknowledged potential as a transcendent offensive player. He wasn’t done there either, Brown was excellent in game 6 back in Indianapolis too, scoring 45.

His performance in the 1970 ABA Finals was not an isolated experience. Brown always had it in him. The reason he didn’t star in college or the NBA had nothing to do with his God-given gifts. Brown is the example of how many unseemly factors could derail great athlete’s careers back in the 1960’s, add in his openly casual nature when it came to effort and Brown can become a confusing figure to categorize. But few were ever better when the lights were brightest.