The Indiana Pacers are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year, showing how far they’ve come — and how well the Pascal Siakam trade has worked. After beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, many were shocked by how dominant the Pacers looked.
Cleveland was the No. 1 seed in the East and looked nearly unbeatable at times during the regular season. They blew out teams thanks to their strong core and how well their role players fit into Kenny Atkinson’s offense. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley make up the Cavaliers’ core. After a 60-win season, it felt like only injuries could derail their title hopes.
While injuries did play a part, the Pacers simply outplayed them. Indiana won with defense, ball movement, and smart execution. And its social media team wasn’t shy about letting people know.
Indiana Pacers’ Social Media Goes Viral After Calling Out ESPN Analysts
After clinching a return trip to the Conference Finals, the Pacers took a victory lap — and called out the ESPN analysts who doubted them.
it was always 'Cers in 5. pic.twitter.com/OFWqjKLxWy
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers)
All 11 ESPN analysts picked the Cavaliers to win the series. Some had Cleveland winning in seven, but most expected the Cavs to take it in six.
But the Pacers came in as underdogs and made a statement. They broke down Cleveland’s defense, shut down their stars, and left no doubt.
Can the Pacers Make the NBA Finals?
Now the Pacers are one step away from the Finals. If they make it, it’ll be a big milestone for Tyrese Haliburton, who could add an NBA Finals appearance to his resume just a year after his first trip to the Conference Finals.
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Their next opponent could be the New York Knicks in a rematch of last year’s second-round series. The Knicks are stronger this time around, but if the Boston Celtics somehow pull off a comeback, they’ll have to do it without star forward Jayson Tatum.
If it ends up being Pacers vs. Knicks, who punches their ticket to the Finals?
