Indiana Pacers’ Unique Path to Championship Contention
The Athletic offers live updates on the Thunder vs. Pacers Game 4 during the 2025 NBA Finals.
The Indiana Pacers are on the verge of winning their first NBA title, challenging the way we traditionally evaluate basketball teams. Historically, championship teams relied on a roster with at least one superstar and several key players capable of making impactful plays. Even championship teams like the 2011 Dallas Mavericks had standout individuals like Dirk Nowitzki, whose playoff performance is considered iconic.
If the Pacers capitalize on their current 2-1 NBA Finals lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they may offer a fresh model for success, akin to the 2004 Detroit Pistons. That Pistons team boasted notable stars, while the current Pacers roster is strengthened by depth, versatility, and shooting skills, not just superstar talent. With a remarkable coach orchestrating their performance, the Pacers are proving that a well-rounded team can excel in high-stakes games.
Regardless of the outcome, this Pacers run represents a shift in team construction, emphasizing dynamic depth over star-heavy lineups. The current landscape of the NBA shifts towards teams that effectively utilize their entire roster rather than leaning heavily on a couple of superstars, as demonstrated by the Pacers, Thunder, and even last season’s Boston Celtics.
Despite the narrative framing them as underdogs and “plucky” challengers, it’s crucial to recognize both the Pacers and Thunder as formidable forces in the league. With the Thunder’s impressive regular-season record and playoff success, we should view this series as a clash between two elite teams rather than a classic David vs. Goliath scenario.
While it may take time to adjust to this identity change, particularly given the Pacers’ slow start to the season, their impressive turnaround cannot be overlooked. With a record of 54-22 since their initial struggles, they have proven themselves as a dominant playoff team. Key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are performing at an All-Star level, positioning the Pacers as serious contenders.
The Pacers have assembled a roster that includes essential components such as strong defenders and versatile players, allowing them to compete at a high level. Their ability to create pace, generate open shots, and maintain defensive strength has led them to be on the brink of an NBA title, and whether they achieve it or not, they deserve recognition not as underdogs but as a powerful and cohesive unit in the NBA landscape.
