The Indiana Pacers are back in the Finals after a 25-year gap. They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games back in 2000, but this time, they’re looking to claim their first NBA title with a strong roster. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam have dominated the playoffs so far. But one final hurdle remains — and the Pacers are aiming to leap into the league’s elite.
If you look at the Pacers’ history, you’ll see they started out in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Formed in 1967, the ABA was a rival to the NBA, with its own teams and rules. In 1976, the two leagues merged, and four teams joined the NBA: the Pacers, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Nets. Let’s look back at Indiana’s journey, from ABA glory to their shot at an NBA crown.
Exploring the Pacers’ Performances in the ABA, NBA Finals
The Pacers first reached the ABA Finals in 1968-69 when they went against the Oakland Oaks. Even though the iconic Roger Brown averaged 25.6 points, and Bob Netolicky put up another 26.4, the Pacers couldn’t match the Oaks with Warren Jabali firing on all cylinders. Jabali averaged 33.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists during those ABA Finals to give Oakland the ABA championship.
The Pacers reached their second ABA Finals in the 1969-70 season. Led by Brown, the Pacers icon averaged 32.7 points. Mel Daniels dominated the paint by grabbing 19.2 rebounds and 20.0 points. The Pacers faced the Los Angeles Stars in the title and won the series 4-2.
Likewise, they reached the ABA Finals in 1972 and defeated the Nets 4-2 to claim their second ABA title. George McGinnis was a rebounding master and grabbed 15.5 rebounds, propelling the Pacers to a sensational victory. The ABA created the 3-point line, and the Nets’ Rick Barry became a master at it. Barry averaged 31.5 points in the series but couldn’t come up with the victory.
After 1972, they won again in 1973 against the Kentucky Colonels, and the series went the distance with the Pacers winning 4-3. McGinnis won the playoffs MVP in 1973, averaging 22.3 points and 13.7 rebounds. He became a top-tier player on both offensive and defensive sides. Daniels continued his rebounding dominance by grabbing 13.3 boards in the series.
In 1975, Indiana made the Finals one last time before joining the NBA. McGinnis won league MVP, but the Colonels got revenge. Artis Gilmore dominated the series with 25.0 points and 21.0 rebounds per game. McGinnis still shined with 27.4 points and 14.0 boards, but it wasn’t enough. That marked the end of their ABA Finals runs.
The Pacers didn’t get another shot at a title until 2000, when Reggie Miller led them to the NBA Finals. But they ran into a buzzsaw in Shaquille O’Neal, who averaged 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. The Lakers won the series 4-2.
Now, in 2025, Indiana has reached the NBA Finals again — and they’re hoping to win it all. If you count their ABA record, the Pacers are 3-3 in Finals appearances, 0-1 in the NBA. A win this year would give them their first NBA championship and a place in league history.
