Memorable moments of the Pacers season
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — I started covering the Pacers for ISL way back in February of 2014. I feel like I’ve seen it all in that time frame: One-seeds, deep playoff runs, early playoff exits, franchise-altering injuries, big trades, funny locker room moments, empty stadiums, full stadiums, coaching changes, a fan base full of pride, a fan base full of disappointment, and everything in between. As I wrap up my ninth season of this gig, I have to acknowledge that it wasn’t the year we all hoped for the Pacers… But I still feel a whole lot of gratitude for getting to do this, and I can’t wait to see what Season 10 brings.
Favorite Moments from this season:
•The Fieldhouse return of Lance Stephenson. Whether you love the guy or not, everyone was smiling with that electric performance.
•Lance pass, Oshae Dunk, Anderson reaction.
•Carlisle’s hilarious reaction.
Other highlights:
•Duarte/Jackson- The Pacers finally hit on a draft, and both players look like fixtures in the Pacers rotation for years to come.
•More chats with Whitfield after games- One of the best Pacer fans there is. Here’s his story- http://www.indysportslegends.com/2019/02/21/meet-whitfield-one-of-the-most-loyal-pacer-fans/
•The Steph Curry game- The building is always electric with Curry in the building, but on this night, he was trying to break the all-time 3-point record. He came up a little short, but it was quite a sight.
•Acquiring Tyrese Haliburton- I saved the best for last in this section. Haliburton is going to be a Pacer for a very long time, has All-Star potential, and is a great first piece to build around as the Pacers try and get this thing back on track.
Moments we’d like to forget:
•Herb Simon’s “little team” comment- That quote seemed to push the entire fan base over the edge. Thankfully, the Pacers played poorly enough after this quote to still choose the rebuild route.
•Fans making headlines for the wrong reasons- We may never know what fans actually said in the LeBron and Nurkic incidents. But it wasn’t a good look for the Pacers, especially happening twice in one season.
•”Weeks, not months.” Need I say more?
•Small crowds at the Fieldhouse- The Pacers remain dead last in the NBA in home attendance.
What I’m hoping next year brings:
•Locker room access- It’s just not the same without this. Podium interviews are better than nothing, but you miss the funny moments, the raw reactions after games, and the chance to build relationships with the players. MLB is allowing reporters in clubhouses this season. Hopefully, the NBA will do the same next season.
•A star-caliber player- I think the Pacers have one of these in Tyrese Haliburton. But he can’t do it alone. The Pacers need to hit on their top draft pick. Trade up if you have to. It has to be a hit.
•Playoff basketball- There’s nothing like playoff ball in this building. The Pacers have a lot of work to do if they want to get back to that point, especially in a continually improving Eastern Conference. But they have the assets to make some noise, and hopefully they have a big summer to give themselves a chance.
That’s a wrap for this season. We’ll have plenty of off-season coverage. As always, I’ve enjoyed talking with Pacer fans throughout the season, and trying to bring some perspective on Twitter. It’s always a joy sitting next to/chatting with Tony East, Scott Agness, James Boyd, and Tom Lewis at the games. Let’s do it all again in September.
Only 2 home games left! Get your tickets here, including Fan Appreciation Night.
