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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Scott’s shot

1994 Eastern Conference first round, game 1

This was the actual first moment of the Indiana Pacers’ silver age, chronologically speaking.

For four straight years, the Reggie Miller Pacers made the playoffs and only stayed around for one round. In 1994 things were becoming tense. If the Pacers didn’t have tangible success in their fifth attempt, a significant change was likely on the horizon. The Pacers were the fifth-seed and their draw was tough, the young and aggressive Orlando Magic fronted by a rookie Penny Hardaway and a second-year superstar: Shaquille O’Neal.

The Magic were in control for the majority of game one, they led by 12 at the half, by 8 after three.

In the fourth, the Pacers made their run. The lead was all but gone when Indiana got the ball in the game’s waning seconds, trailing by two. Reggie Miller was given the ball, which seemed obvious to everyone, Orlando included. The Magic directed their entire defense to not giving Miller an open three. But as you well know, when you dedicate four defenders to stopping one player that means someone has to be open. In this case, it was the new Pacer, Byron Scott, the December signee, lurking on the right wing.

Scott’s shot delivered victory to Indiana, and it propelled the Pacers to their first playoff series win since 1975. After sweeping the other Eastern upstart (Orlando) out of the first round, the Pacers took down Atlanta in six, then moved on the New York Knicks in the Conference Finals, which we talked about in the previous slide. Maybe that successful postseason would’ve been possible with or without Scott, but Byron Scott did deliver confidence and set the tone for a half-decade of nearly steady contention.

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