The Indiana Pacers may not be at the top of the title contenders list for most people, but they at least deserve recognition. Even after a slow start to the season where it looked like the Pacers were on track of missing the playoffs and being a Play-In team at best, they have turned things around drastically.
With only a few weeks left in the regular season, the Pacers are in a three-team race for the No. 4 seed in the East and are in a great position to follow up on their conference finals appearance from last year with another deep playoff run. It is fair to put the Pacers a level or two below the top title contenders like the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Oklahoma City Thunder, but they still deserve their flowers.
Recently, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle perfectly explained what makes the Pacers stand out and why they must be considered title contenders.
Rick Carlisle knows the Pacers are resilient
As they made completely evident during their surprising playoff run in 2024, the Pacers made a name as one of the most resilient teams in the league. They never back down or give up regardless of the situation, and they always rise to the occasion. The Pacers are one of the most feared opponents for the top teams in the league for this reason.
After the Pacers' victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, Carlisle credited their resiliency for their clutch win.
"It shows a level of resilience," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "And a level of resourcefulness."
This is a great way to describe the Pacers' current status in the league. They are always fighting until the last second, which is what helps them compete with all the top teams in the NBA. Furthermore, they have developed a reputation as one of the most clutch teams in the league as well, which can be attributed to their resiliency.
Especially in the month of March, the Pacers have been cutting it very close in games. They are putting themselves in positions they do not need to and even winning close games that should not be close. However, Pacers fans should at least feel at ease knowing they can win games in this manner instead of imploding under pressure like they did last year.
The Pacers have a good opportunity to make another deep playoff run this year. Only time will tell if they can replicate last year's success, but because of their resiliency, they will always have a chance until it is officially over.