Indiana Pacers: Unexpected Champions Just Two Steps Away from Title

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INDIANAPOLIS — Few would have predicted before the season that the Indiana Pacers would be just two wins away from their first NBA title. Yet this team, built without megastars and with one of the league's lowest payrolls, stands on the brink of historic success.

In Wednesday's Game 3 of the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pacers showed exactly what they're known for: relentless energy, team spirit, and the ability to come alive in the most critical moments. Their 116-107 victory gave them a 2-1 series lead and brought them closer to the coveted championship.

A Star with an Awkward Shot and a Big Heart

Tyrese Haliburton may not have the most perfect shooting form in the NBA, but his determination and ability to decide games in clutch moments are undeniable. Critics can say what they want - the young point guard is approaching triple-double performances and leading his team where Indiana hasn't been for a quarter-century.

"I don't care about the commentary," Haliburton declared after Wednesday's victory. "We're two wins from an NBA championship. That's all that matters."

Beside him shine other unconventional heroes. T.J. McConnell, a veteran with an even less elegant shot, who surprisingly lasted ten years in the NBA. Myles Turner, playing sick but refusing to miss historic moments. All embody the Pacers spirit - never give up, fight for every ball.

Formula for Success: Pace, Depth, Determination

Coach Rick Carlisle has built a system in Indianapolis that many consider crazy. The Pacers play full throttle for 48 minutes, rotate ten players regardless of situation, and never slow down the pace. "Hard things are hard," he repeats to his players. "But when our system works, the results speak for themselves."

Statistics confirm this: The Pacers are undefeated in the playoffs when scoring 110 or more points (14-0), when shooting above 46 percent from the field (14-0), or when making at least 40 field goals (14-0). Their formula is simple but devastating for opponents.

On Wednesday, they showed their strength in full. Indiana's bench outscored Thunder's reserves 49-18, illustrating the team's incredible depth. Bennedict Mathurin, sidelined last year due to injury, exploded for 27 points off the bench. Pascal Siakam added 21 points, Turner dominated with five blocks.

Basketball City Finally Comes Alive

Gainbridge Fieldhouse experienced an atmosphere on Wednesday night it hadn't seen in a long time. Legends like Reggie Miller and Oscar Robertson watched from the front row as their successors wrote a new chapter in history. Women's basketball star Caitlin Clark was also in attendance.

"I've never heard the arena so loud," admitted Mathurin. "Indiana is about basketball and this was the first time I truly felt it. It's a dream, but I don't want to just enjoy the present. I want the dream to end well."

The noise was comparable to the atmosphere in the legendary RCA Dome, according to those who remember. Pat McAfee traditionally stirred the audience into ecstasy with his shouts, the arena seemed ready to explode.

Small Market, Big Heart

The Pacers represent the complete opposite of current NBA trends. No superstar trio assembled through free agency, no gigantic budget. They're the 22nd most expensive team in the league, having built their roster smartly and patiently. Their best player Haliburton faces criticism, their veterans may not be athletic, but they all have something immeasurable.

"What attracted me here was how they play basketball," explained Siakam. "Since I've been here, that's who we've been. We share the ball, we fight for each other."

The team has managed to turn around games from seemingly hopeless situations - whether it was a seven-point deficit against Milwaukee with 35 seconds left, a similar deficit against Cleveland with 44 seconds remaining, or a 14-point deficit against New York. In the Finals, they've already overcome a 15-point deficit against the Thunder.

Two Steps from Immortality

Coach Carlisle is clear: "We have to do it as a team and make it as hard as possible for them." His philosophy of two years of building is culminating. "It's like a Greek marriage - a lot of work, but when it works, the results are worth it."

The Pacers have been where they wanted to be for 12 days in June: two games away from the first NBA title in franchise history. Critics can doubt Haliburton's shooting, skeptics can question their defense. But this group has shown they have the heart of champions.

Indiana is returning to where it belongs - the center of the basketball world. And this time, it looks like they're staying there.

Thank you for the photo: Dylan Buell / Getty Images