Fans Energized as Pacers Reach NBA Finals After 25-Year Wait
INDIANAPOLIS – Fans filled the streets outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse after the Pacers beat the Knicks 125 to 108, locking in their first trip to the NBA Finals in 25 years.
Some remembered the heartbreak from 2000, when Indiana came up short. But this time feels different, they said. This team plays for each other and mirrors the grit of the city.
“I’m just super excited,” said Anthony. “Indianapolis is always the underdog. We don’t get our props, but we got them tonight.”
David and Gina were newly married the last time the Pacers made the Finals. They stood outside the arena Sunday night soaking it in.
“We were just talking about the last time they were in the Finals,” Gina said. “We had just gotten married and moved into our new house and watched the Finals in our living room.”
“It was agony watching how the refs called Rick Smits against Shaq,” David added.
Inside the arena, fans said the energy never let up. But when the final buzzer sounded, many struggled to put into words what they felt.
“Coming into the year, my goal was top four seed and 50 wins,” said a season ticket holder. “It’s going to be a really tough Final, but you can’t count us out. The energy is crazy. This is great for the city.”
The Pacers took the series 4-2 and now head to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. Game 1 is Thursday.
