8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Indiana Pacers 15 greatest playoff moments

By Jonathan Matthes

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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(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The shot

1998 Eastern Conference finals, game 4

The toughest part about this list was how to rate actual championships against moments such as these next two that provoked universal acclaim.

Generally, I awarded the titles as higher than the significant moments that did not directly lead to a championship. But these next two felt different.

The 1998 Chicago Bulls were the two-time defending champions and appeared unstoppable, but this was the final Michael Jordan Bulls team and the attrition of seven years of dominance was wearing on the Bulls. The New Jersey Nets played Chicago closely in round one but were still swept. It took five games to swat the Charlotte Hornets, while a refurbished Indiana Pacers stormed through their side of the bracket (including the Knicks) on a collision course with mighty Chicago.

The series was close, with both teams defending their home court, but Chicago was in a position to take firm control of the series in Market Square Arena during game four.

The Bulls led 94-93 late, very late, 2.9 seconds left in the game late. It was the exact moment, that Reggie Miller was famed to rise too. On an inbound, Miller started from the baseline, sprinted straight toward midcourt somewhat around a Rik Smits screen, then shoved the bejeezus out of Jordan, wrapped around the arch caught and shot.

Larry Bird’s reaction was the best.

And, even though Jordan had a shot that rimmed out to steal the win, it was enough to propel the Pacers into a game 7. The Pacers had a great chance in that final game but the Bulls were too much, winning the game and the series 88-83. But the shot by Miller cemented two legacies.

First was Miller’s as one of the all-time great clutch performers.

Second was the Pacers as a team, never-say-die, never out of a game, attitude that has defined the franchise for the better part of a quarter century. It was a highlight that was more than a highlight, it was a statement and confirmation of the threat the Pacers can be and typically are.

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