The Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Rivalry: A Timeline of Epic Battles

The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers have been locked in an intense rivalry for decades, characterized by heated battles, memorable victories, and a mutual respect between two storied franchises. This timeline chronicles the key moments that have shaped this captivating rivalry:

The Early Years (1970s-1980s)

• 1972: The Celtics sweep the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
• 1974: The Celtics eliminate the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
• 1981: The Pacers upset the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, snapping their run of four consecutive championships.
• 1985: The Celtics bounce back to defeat the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, en route to their NBA championship triumph.

The Larry Bird Era (1980s-1990s)

• 1984-1987: The Celtics and Pacers meet in the Eastern Conference Finals for four consecutive years, with the Celtics winning three of the series.
• 1987: Celtics legend Larry Bird drops 47 points on the Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, leading his team to victory.
• 1991: The Pacers upset the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, ending Boston's run of 32 consecutive playoff series victories.

The Reggie Miller Era (1990s-2000s)

• 1994: Pacers star Reggie Miller scores 25 points in the fourth quarter to upset the Celtics in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs.
• 1998: The Pacers sweep the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, advancing to their first NBA Finals appearance.
• 2000: The Celtics defeat the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, led by Paul Pierce's 25.3 points per game.

The Paul George Era (2010s)

• 2013: The Pacers upset the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, led by Paul George's 22.2 points per game.
• 2014: The Pacers beat the Celtics in a thrilling seven-game Eastern Conference Finals series, with George averaging 22.6 points per game.

Recent Years (2020s)

• 2020: The Celtics defeat the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, winning the series 4-0.
• 2023: The Celtics and Pacers are set to meet in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Key Players and Moments

Over the years, several iconic players have contributed to this rivalry's legacy:

• Boston Celtics: Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jayson Tatum
• Indiana Pacers: Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Mark Jackson, Paul George

Some of the most memorable moments in the Celtics-Pacers rivalry include:

• Miller's "Eight Points in Nine Seconds" Game 5 performance in 1994
• Bird's 47-point outburst in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals
• George's Game 2 buzzer-beater in the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals

Why the Rivalry Matters

The Celtics vs. Pacers rivalry transcends basketball. It represents a clash of two proud cities, a battle for Eastern Conference supremacy, and a testament to the passion and intensity of the NBA.

Benefits of the Rivalry

The Celtics-Pacers rivalry has benefits for both franchises and the league as a whole:

• Intensified Play: The rivalry pushes both teams to play at their highest level.
• Increased Fan Engagement: The rivalry generates excitement and interest among fans, drawing large crowds and high television ratings.
• Revenue Generation: The rivalry attracts sponsorships and ticket sales, providing financial benefits for both teams and the NBA.

Tips and Tricks for Fans

Here are some tips and tricks for fans attending Celtics-Pacers games:

• Arrive Early: Games are often sold out, so arrive early to secure your seat.
• Wear Your Team Colors: Show your support by wearing your Celtics or Pacers gear.
• Be Respectful: Respect the opposition's fans, even during heated moments.
• Enjoy the Atmosphere: The rivalry creates an electric atmosphere, so soak it up and have fun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid any potential issues, fans should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Don't Engage in Taunting: Taunting or provoking the opposition's fans can lead to confrontations.
• Don't Throw Objects: Throwing objects onto the court is prohibited and can result in ejection.
• Respect the Players: Refrain from heckling or harassing players, both from the Celtics and Pacers.

Call to Action

Whether you're a Celtics fan, a Pacers fan, or simply appreciate great basketball, tune in to the next Celtics-Pacers game. Witness the intensity, passion, and history that make this rivalry one of the most compelling in the NBA.

Additional Resources

Celtics vs. Pacers Rivalry
NBA History: Celtics vs. Pacers
The 10 Most Memorable Celtics-Pacers Moments

Tables