The 2024-25 Indiana Pacers had a season of highs and lows. Their remarkable Finals run, powered by a potent offense, young core, and improved defense, showcased their potential as a rising force in the NBA. However, injuries to key players like Haliburton, Wiseman, and Jackson, early-season offensive struggles, and the challenges of being a small-market team tempered their success. The loss in the Finals and uncertainty surrounding Haliburton’s recovery pose significant questions for the future, but the team’s youth and depth provide a foundation for optimism.
The Good
Historic Playoff Run:
The Pacers achieved a 50-32 regular-season record, finishing 4th in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Central Division. They clinched a playoff berth on April 1, 2025, and made an improbable run to the NBA Finals, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks (4-1), Cleveland Cavaliers (4-1), and New York Knicks (4-2) before losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder (3-4). This was a significant step forward from their 2023-24 Eastern Conference Finals appearance, showcasing their ability to compete with elite teams despite being heavy underdogs with +5,000 preseason title odds.
Their playoff success was described as one of the most surprising Finals runs in recent history, comparable to the 2020 Miami Heat and 2002 New Jersey Nets.
Offensive Prowess:
The Pacers boasted a top-tier offense, ranked as the #1 offense in the league during both the regular season and playoffs in 2023-24, a trend that likely continued given their Finals appearance. Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s engine, was a unique playmaker, driving their fast-paced, high-scoring style.
The team’s bench was considered the best in the NBA, providing depth and versatility, which was critical during their playoff push.
Young Core and Key Acquisitions:
At an average age of 25, the Pacers had one of the youngest rosters in the league, led by 25-year-old All-NBA star Tyrese Haliburton. His max contract extension ($260M over five years) signaled long-term commitment.Re-signing Pascal Siakam to a four-year, $189.5M contract was a major coup, retaining an All-NBA forward who complemented Haliburton. The team also added depth with centers Thomas Bryant, Jahlil Okafor, Tony Bradley, and Moses Brown to address frontcourt injuries.
Improved Defense:
The Pacers significantly improved defensively, moving from the 30th-rated defense in 2023-24 to 14th in 2024-25 with Siakam’s addition. They allowed 3.9 fewer points per 100 possessions, ranking as the eighth most-improved defensive team.
Their 12-2 record in 2025 and 18-5 in their last 23 games showed defensive consistency, especially after key players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith returned from injuries.
Resilience and Momentum:
Despite a slow 9-14 start due to injuries to Nembhard and Nesmith, the Pacers finished the regular season with a 41-18 record in their final 59 games, equivalent to a 57-win pace over a full season.
Their ability to upset a 64-win Cleveland team and the Knicks without home-court advantage highlighted their resilience and clutch performance.
The Bad
Devastating Injuries:
The season was heavily impacted by injuries, most notably Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tear in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, which ended his season and raised concerns about the team’s future.
The Pacers also lost centers James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson to season-ending Achilles ruptures, forcing the team to scramble for replacements. The loss of backup centers Jalen Smith and Oscar Tshiebwe in free agency further strained their frontcourt depth early in the season.
Offensive Struggles Early in the Season:
Despite their offensive reputation, the Pacers experienced uncharacteristic offensive struggles early in the season, described as “shockingly disjointed” with bizarre turnovers and poor rhythm in both half-court and transition play. This was partly due to Haliburton’s inconsistent play and the absence of key connectors like Nembhard, Nesmith, and Ben Sheppard.
Small-Market Challenges:
As a small-market team (Indianapolis is the 25th-largest media market), the Pacers faced lower merchandise and ticket revenue compared to larger markets like New York. This Finals matchup against another small-market team (Oklahoma City) was seen as a potential ratings disappointment for the NBA, impacting the league’s bottom line.
The team’s reliance on young players and lack of household names beyond Haliburton and Siakam made it harder to sustain national media attention.
Finals Loss and Uncertainty:
Despite their impressive run, the Pacers fell short in the NBA Finals, losing 4-3 to the Thunder. This loss, coupled with Haliburton’s injury, raised questions about their ability to replicate this success in 2025-26, especially without their star player.
Historical precedent suggests that surprising Finals runs, like those of the 2018-19 Trail Blazers and 2020-21 Hawks, often don’t lead to sustained success, posing a risk for Indiana.
Overlooked by the Media:
Despite their success, the Pacers were frequently overlooked by national media in preseason predictions, with some projecting a worse record (46-36) than their 2023-24 season (47-35). This lack of recognition may have added pressure to prove themselves.
