1999–2000 Indiana Pacers season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Indiana Pacers 2000 yes yes 56 26 Central 1 1 Larry Bird Donnie Walsh Donnie Walsh Herbert Simon Melvin Simon Fox Sports Net Midwest, WTTV WIBC Conseco Fieldhouse NBA Finals(lost to Lakers 2–4) IND The 1999–2000 Indiana Pacers season was the 24th season for the Indiana Pacers in the National Basketball Association, and their 33rd season as a franchise. Indiana Pacers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/IND/ August 7, 2026 Season summary Off-season This was the Pacers' first season playing at their new arena, the Conseco Fieldhouse. Associated Press N.B.A.: Roundup: Indiana Opens Its New Home with Another Defeat of Boston The New York Times November 7, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/07/sports/nba-roundup-indiana-opens-its-new-home-with-another-defeat-of-boston.html November 16, 2022 During the off-season, the team acquired rookie small forward, first-round draft pick and high school basketball star Jonathan Bender from the Toronto Raptors, and acquired rookie center, and first-round draft pick Jeff Foster out of Texas State University from the Golden State Warriors. Associated Press Pacers, Raptors Finalize Trade CBS News August 1, 1999 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pacers-raptors-finalize-trade/ July 19, 2021 Gardner Kris Antonio Davis to Raptors The Houston Roundball Review August 1, 1999 https://www.thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/'99-'00season/'99off-season/0801Davis-Bender.html November 30, 2022 Wise Mike 1999–2000 N.B.A. Preview: The West Is Still the Best The New York Times October 31, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/31/sports/1999-2000-nba-preview-the-west-is-still-the-best.html January 13, 2022 Regular season The Pacers played around .500 in winning percentage with a 7–7 start to the regular season, but then won 15 of their next 17 games, which included a seven-game winning streak between December and January, and later on held a 32–16 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 10, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=10&year=2000 July 22, 2022 The team won 11 of their 13 games in February, and won nine of their final eleven games of the season. The Pacers finished in first place in the Central Division with a 56–26 record, which earned them the first seed in the Eastern Conference in the NBA playoffs, and guaranteed home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time in franchise history. 1999–2000 Indiana Pacers Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/IND/2000_games.html June 21, 2021 The team also posted a franchise-best 25-game winning streak at home at the Conseco Fieldhouse during the regular season. Associated Press N.B.A.: Roundup: Jackson Helps the Pacers Keep Home Streak Alive The New York Times March 10, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/10/sports/nba-roundup-jackson-helps-the-pacers-keep-home-streak-alive.html October 15, 2021 Jalen Rose, who played the previous three seasons off the Pacers' bench, became the team's starting small forward replacing Chris Mullin in the starting lineup, averaging 18.2 points and 4.0 assists per game, and was named the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year. Associated Press Rose Named Most Improved CBS News May 24, 2000 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rose-named-most-improved/ March 15, 2024 Heisler Mark As Rose Blossoms, the Accolades Come Los Angeles Times May 25, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-25-sp-34012-story.html March 15, 2024 NBA & ABA Most Improved Player Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/mip.html November 29, 2022 In addition, Reggie Miller averaged 18.1 points per game, and led the Pacers with 165 three-point field goals, while Rik Smits provided the team with 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, Dale Davis contributed 10.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, and Mark Jackson provided with 8.1 points and 8.0 assists per game. Off the bench, Austin Croshere played an increased role as the team's sixth man, averaging 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while Travis Best contributed 8.9 points and 3.3 assists per game, Sam Perkins averaged 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, and second-year forward Al Harrington provided with 6.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. 1999–2000 Indiana Pacers Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/IND/2000.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at The Arena in Oakland in Oakland, California, Miller and Davis were both selected for the 2000 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Eastern Conference All-Star team; it was Miller's fifth and final All-Star appearance, and the first and only All-Star appearance for Davis. NBA All-Star 2000 Deseret News February 13, 2000 https://www.deseret.com/2000/2/13/19490723/nba-all-star-2000 January 9, 2023 NBA.com Staff 2000 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2000 May 15, 2023 2000 NBA All-Star Game: West 137, East 126 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2000.html October 15, 2021 Rose and Miller both finished tied in 13th place in Most Valuable Player voting, 1999–2000 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2000.html January 2, 2022 while Croshere finished in fourth place in Most Improved Player voting. The Pacers finished tenth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 752,145 at the Conseco Fieldhouse during the regular season. 1999–2000 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2000.html January 23, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 2000 NBA playoffs, and for the second consecutive year, the Pacers faced off against the 8th–seeded Milwaukee Bucks, who were led by the trio of All-Star guard Ray Allen, All-Star forward Glenn Robinson, and Sam Cassell. The Pacers took a 2–1 series lead before losing Game 4 to the Bucks on the road, 100–87 at the Bradley Center. Ledger Wire Services  Bucks Blast Pacers Again to Tie Series  The Ledger  May 1, 2000  C3  https://books.google.com/books?id=d58sAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA47&dq=2000+Milwaukee+Bucks+Indiana+Pacers+100-87&article_id=6890,398753&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVxO3q_P-UAxVY6ckDHTJmGH8Q6AF6BAgLEAM#v=onepage&q=2000%20Milwaukee%20Bucks%20Indiana%20Pacers%20100-87&f=false June 11, 2026 Associated Press  Pacers Can't Close Out Bucks, Return Home Tied  The Sentinel  May 2, 2000  7  https://books.google.com/books?id=BPxWAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA7&dq=2000+Milwaukee+Bucks+Indiana+Pacers+100-87&article_id=3517,79135&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVxO3q_P-UAxVY6ckDHTJmGH8Q6AF6BAgOEAM#v=onepage&q=2000%20Milwaukee%20Bucks%20Indiana%20Pacers%20100-87&f=false June 11, 2026 2000 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 4: Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Box Score, May 1, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200005010MIL.html June 11, 2026 With the series tied at 2–2, the Pacers won Game 5 over the Bucks at home, 96–95 at the Conseco Fieldhouse, in which Miller scored 41 points, as the Pacers defeated the Bucks in a hard-fought five-game series. Associated Press N.B.A.: Roundup: Miller's 41 Propel Pacers The New York Times May 5, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/05/sports/nba-roundup-miller-s-41-propel-pacers.html May 5, 2022 Carney Brian With 41, Miller Sets the Pace The Washington Post May 5, 2000 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/05/05/with-41-miller-sets-the-pace/cc38cab2-436f-4286-a149-c85ef03a51fd/ June 3, 2022 2000 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Bucks vs. Pacers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bucks-vs-pacers.html February 14, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, and also for the second consecutive year, the team faced off against the 5th–seeded Philadelphia 76ers, a team that featured All-Star guard Allen Iverson, Tyrone Hill, and defensive shot-blocker Theo Ratliff. The Pacers took a 3–0 series lead, but then lost the next two games to the 76ers, which included a Game 5 home loss at the Conseco Fieldhouse, 107–86; Miller was suspended for Game 5 due to his altercation with 76ers center Matt Geiger in Game 4. Associated Press  Miller, Geiger Are Suspended  CBS News  May 14, 2000  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/miller-geiger-are-suspended/ June 11, 2026 Miller, Geiger Suspended  United Press International  May 14, 2000  https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/05/14/Miller-Geiger-suspended/4982958276800/ June 11, 2026 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5: Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers Box Score, May 15, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200005150IND.html June 11, 2026 However, the Pacers won Game 6 over the 76ers on the road, 106–90 at the First Union Center to win the series in six games. Brown Clifton The Return of Miller Forces Out the 76ers The New York Times May 20, 2000 https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/sports/basketball/052000bkn-pacers.html June 26, 2021 Associated Press Pacers and Miller Apply Clincher Los Angeles Times May 20, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-20-sp-32221-story.html November 26, 2022 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: 76ers vs. Pacers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-76ers-vs-pacers.html February 14, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers then faced off against their arch-rivals, the 3rd–seeded New York Knicks, who were led by All-Star guard Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell and Patrick Ewing; it was the third consecutive year, and the sixth time in the last eight years that the Pacers played against the Knicks during the NBA playoffs. The Pacers won the first two games over the Knicks at the Conseco Fieldhouse, before losing the next two games on the road, as the Knicks won Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, 91–89 to even the series at 2–2. 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 4: Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks Box Score, May 29, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200005290NYK.html June 11, 2026 However, the Pacers managed to win the next two games, including a Game 6 win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, 93–80 to win the series in six games, and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Robbins Liz Pro Basketball: For 2 Pacers, 13 Years of Dues Pay Off with First Trip to Finals The New York Times June 3, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/03/sports/pro-basketball-for-2-pacers-13-years-of-dues-pay-off-with-first-trip-to-finals.html May 4, 2022 Wyche Steve Giddy Pacers Achieve Dream The Washington Post June 4, 2000 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/06/04/giddy-pacers-achieve-dream/adfdfeb2-fdc5-42e1-9314-5240a91b95be/ May 29, 2022 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Knicks vs. Pacers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-eastern-conference-finals-knicks-vs-pacers.html February 14, 2023 In the 2000 NBA Finals, the Pacers faced off against the top–seeded Los Angeles Lakers, who were led by the trio of All-Star center, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Shaquille O'Neal, All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, and Glen Rice. The Pacers lost the first two games on the road at the Staples Center, as the Lakers took a 2–0 series lead. However, the Pacers managed to win Game 3 at home, 100–91 at the Conseco Fieldhouse, 2000 NBA Finals Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers Box Score, June 11, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006110IND.html June 11, 2026 but then lost Game 4 at home to the Lakers in overtime, 120–118. Plaschke Bill  That Was No Dream, That Was Kobe  Los Angeles Times  June 15, 2000  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-sp-41173-story.html June 11, 2026 L.A. Lakers 120, Indiana 118  United Press International  June 15, 2000  https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/06/15/LA-Lakers-120-Indiana-118/7295961041600/ June 11, 2026 2000 NBA Finals Game 4: Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers Box Score, June 14, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006140IND.html June 11, 2026 The Pacers won Game 5 at the Conseco Fieldhouse, 120–87, 2000 NBA Finals Game 5: Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers Box Score, June 16, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200006160IND.html June 11, 2026 but then lost Game 6 to the Lakers at the Staples Center, 116–111, thus losing the series in six games. Wise Mike O'Neal and Lakers Win a Title for Tinseltown The New York Times June 20, 2000 https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/sports/basketball/062000bkn-finals.html May 4, 2022 Kawakami Tim With Shaq and Kobe in the Starring Roles, Lakers Win First Championship in a Dozen Years Los Angeles Times June 20, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-20-sp-42872-story.html May 29, 2022 2000 NBA Finals: Pacers vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-finals-pacers-vs-lakers.html February 14, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Larry Bird resigned as head coach after three seasons with the Pacers. Robbins Liz Pro Basketball: Notebook: The Night's Big Upset: That Smile on Bird's Face The New York Times June 3, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/03/sports/pro-basketball-notebook-the-night-s-big-upset-that-smile-on-bird-s-face.html October 15, 2021 Meanwhile, Davis was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, Gardner Kris Davis to Blazers, O'Neal to Pacers The Houston Roundball Review August 31, 2000 https://www.thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/'00-'01/2000_off-season/083100Davis_O'Neal.html November 30, 2022 Associated Press Trade-Happy Trail Blazers Get Davis from Pacers for O'Neal Los Angeles Times September 1, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-01-sp-13781-story.html December 16, 2021 Blazers Trade for Pacers' Davis SFGate September 1, 2000 https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/BLAZERS-TRADE-FOR-PACERS-DAVIS-2741173.php July 16, 2022 Mullin was released and later re-signed as a free agent with his former team, the Golden State Warriors, Weinstein Brad Warriors Bring Mullin Back as Vet Mentor SFGate September 29, 2000 https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Warriors-Bring-Mullin-Back-As-Vet-Mentor-3238911.php October 19, 2022 Jackson signed with the Toronto Raptors, Associated Press Pacers Expected to Lose Jackson to Raptors Los Angeles Times August 11, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-aug-11-sp-2806-story.html November 23, 2024 Associated Press Raptors to Sign Jackson Deseret News August 11, 2000 https://www.deseret.com/2000/8/11/19523231/raptors-to-sign-jackson October 17, 2022 Associated Press Plus: Pro Basketball: The Raptors Sign Jackson The New York Times August 12, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/12/sports/plus-pro-basketball-the-raptors-sign-jackson.html November 24, 2021 and Smits retired after twelve seasons in the NBA with the Pacers. Herman Steve Pacers Center Rik Smits Retires Associated Press September 27, 2000 https://apnews.com/article/1f0e84844f584e8def5bd197864af6d1 July 19, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20230614141640/https://apnews.com/article/1f0e84844f584e8def5bd197864af6d1 June 14, 2023 dead Wise Mike Pro Basketball: West Side Story, the Sequel The New York Times October 30, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/30/sports/pro-basketball-west-side-story-the-sequel.html July 16, 2022 The Pacers would not return to the NBA Finals again until the 2024–25 season, where they lost in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. Offseason NBA draft 1999 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 26 Vonteego Cummings PG United States Pittsburgh Roster Indiana Pacers 1999–2000 #1D1E4B #FFFFFF #FFD300 #1D1E4B 24 Jonathan Bender SF 6 11 202 1981–01–30 Picayune Memorial HS (MS) 4 Travis Best PG 5 11 182 1972–07–12 Georgia Tech 44 Austin Croshere PF 6 9 235 1975–05–01 Providence 32 Dale Davis basketball PF 6 11 230 1969–03–25 Clemson 10 Jeff Foster basketball C 6 11 250 1977–01–16 Texas State 3 Al Harrington PF 6 9 230 1980–02–17 St. Patrick HS (NJ) 13 Mark Jackson basketball PG 6 1 180 1965–04–01 St. John's 9 Derrick McKey SF 6 9 205 1966–10–10 Alabama 31 Reggie Miller SG 6 7 185 1965–08–24 UCLA 17 Chris Mullin basketball SG 6 6 200 1963–07–30 St. John's 14 Sam Perkins PF 6 9 235 1961–06–14 North Carolina 5 Jalen Rose SF 6 8 210 1973–01–30 Michigan 45 Rik Smits C 7 4 250 1966–08–23 Marist 55 Žan Tabak C 7 0 245 1970–06–15 Croatia Larry Bird Rick Carlisle Dick Harter https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/IND/2000.html 1999-10-31 Regular season The Pacers began a new era by moving into Conseco Fieldhouse after 25 years at Market Square Arena. They would start the season with a 7-7 record but finished with a 56-26 record, good enough to win their 2nd straight division title. The Pacers even won 25 straight games at their new arena.http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/indiana/pacers.html Indiana Pacers (1967-Present) May 20, 2008 September 20, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100920044120/http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/indiana/pacers.html dead Season standings IND IND Game log Indiana Pacers #1D1E4B #FFD300 2000 Total: 56–26 (home: 36–5; road: 20–21) Indiana Pacers November yes #FFD300 #1D1E4B 4 2 4 5 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | November 2 | @ New Jersey | 19991102 NJN 119 112 | Reggie Miller (27) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (5) | Continental Airlines Arena13,051 | 1–0 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | November 4 | @ Charlotte | 19991104 CHH 89 98 | Reggie Miller (20) | Davis, Rose (7) | Mark Jackson (7) | Charlotte Coliseum15,762 | 1–1 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | November 6 | Boston | 19991106 IND 115 108 | Reggie Miller (29) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 2–1 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | November 9 | @ Miami | 19991109 MIA 101 113 | Jalen Rose (17) | Dale Davis (10) | Mark Jackson (4) | Miami Arena15,200 | 2–2 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | November 11 | Orlando | 19991111 IND 116 101 | Reggie Miller (21) | Jalen Rose (8) | Jalen Rose (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 3–2 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | November 13 | Washington | 19991113 IND 105 83 | Jalen Rose (16) | Dale Davis (8) | Best, Jackson (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 4–2 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | November 15 | @ Houston | 19991115 HOU 96 87 | Al Harrington (18) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (7) | Compaq Center14,866 | 5–2 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 8 | November 16 | @ San Antonio | 19991116 SAS 87 90 1 | Jalen Rose (28) | Dale Davis (10) | three players tied (4) | Alamodome15,905 | 5–3 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 9 | November 19 | Atlanta | 19991119 IND 99 105 | Miller, Smits (21) | Al Harrington (8) | Mark Jackson (12) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 5–4 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 10 | November 20 | @ Cleveland | 19991120 CLE 107 98 | Jalen Rose (22) | Austin Croshere (8) | Jackson, Rose (9) | Gund Arena13,806 | 6–4 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 11 | November 22 | @ Boston | 19991122 BOS 85 95 | Dale Davis (19) | Dale Davis (12) | Mark Jackson (8) | FleetCenter15,728 | 6–5 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 12 | November 25 | Detroit | 19991125 IND 99 107 | Rik Smits (23) | Dale Davis (8) | Mark Jackson (10) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 6–6 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 13 | November 26 | Vancouver | 19991126 IND 105 86 | Rik Smits (17) | Croshere, Smits (5) | Travis Best (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 7–6 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 14 | November 28 | @ Seattle | 19991128 SEA 91 102 | Dale Davis (19) | Dale Davis (15) | Travis Best (5) | Key Arena14,644 | 7–7 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 15 | November 29 | @ Portland | 19991129 POR 93 91 | Jalen Rose (22) | Dale Davis (12) | Mark Jackson (9) | Rose Garden20,049 | 8–7 Indiana Pacers December #FFD300 #1D1E4B 8 0 4 2 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 16 | December 1 | @ Vancouver | 19991201 VAN 96 89 | Reggie Miller (26) | Austin Croshere (9) | Mark Jackson (10) | General Motors Place11,683 | 9–7 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 17 | December 3 | @ Utah | 19991203 UTA 100 75 | Reggie Miller (31) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (9) | Delta Center19,084 | 10–7 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 18 | December 7 | San Antonio | 19991207 IND 83 77 | Reggie Miller (23) | Dale Davis (16) | Mark Jackson (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 11–7 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 19 | December 10 | Cleveland | 19991210 IND 136 88 | Rik Smits (25) | Dale Davis (20) | Reggie Miller (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 13–7 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 20 | December 11 | L.A. Clippers | 19991211 IND 108 90 | Reggie Miller (26) | Dale Davis (18) | Mark Jackson (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 14–7 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 21 | December 14 | @ Toronto | 19991214 TOR 97 105 | Jalen Rose (21) | Dale Davis (10) | Travis Best (7) | Air Canada Centre15,774 | 13–8 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 22 | December 15 | Chicago | 19991215 IND 102 91 | Austin Croshere (21) | Rik Smits (8) | Mark Jackson (5) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 14–8 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 23 | December 17 | Utah | 19991217 IND 89 74 | Reggie Miller (19) | Austin Croshere (11) | Mark Jackson (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 15–8 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 24 | December 18 | @ Milwaukee | 19991218 MIL 95 109 | Reggie Miller (21) | Dale Davis (15) | Mark Jackson (10) | Bradley Center15,236 | 15–9 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 25 | December 21 | Seattle | 19991221 IND 113 103 | Reggie Miller (31) | Dale Davis (9) | Jackson, Rose (11) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 16–9 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 26 | December 25 | New York | 19991225 IND 101 90 | Reggie Miller (26) | Austin Croshere (10) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 17–9 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 27 | December 27 | @ Chicago | 19991227 CHI 103 91 | Dale Davis (21) | Dale Davis (8) | Mark Jackson (13) | United Center22,169 | 18–9 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 28 | December 29 | @ Atlanta | 19991229 ATL 116 89 | Reggie Miller (25) | Dale Davis (12) | Mark Jackson (14) | Philips Arena16,117 | 19–9 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 29 | December 30 | Charlotte | 19991230 IND 109 99 | Reggie Miller (30) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (11) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 20–9 Indiana Pacers January #FFD300 #1D1E4B 6 0 2 6 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 30 | January 4 | New Jersey | 20000104 IND 116 111 | Reggie Miller (24) | Rik Smits (9) | Mark Jackson (15) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 21–9 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 31 | January 6 | @ Denver | 20000106 DEN 102 87 | Reggie Miller (20) | three players tied (7) | Mark Jackson (10) | Pepsi Center14,569 | 22–9 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 32 | January 8 | @ L.A. Clippers | 20000108 LAC 94 107 | Travis Best (20) | three players tied (6) | Mark Jackson (6) | Staples Center17,004 | 22–10 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 33 | January 9 | @ Sacramento | 20000109 SAC 113 116 | Austin Croshere (22) | Dale Davis (12) | Travis Best (8) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 22–11 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 34 | January 12 | Washington | 20000112 IND 117 102 | Jalen Rose (25) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (13) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 23–11 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 35 | January 14 | L.A. Lakers | 20000114 IND 111 102 | Reggie Miller (22) | Austin Croshere (12) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 24–11 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 36 | January 15 | @ Orlando | 20000115 ORL 96 89 | Austin Croshere (14) | Dale Davis (11) | Jalen Rose (6) | Orlando Arena14,456 | 25–11 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 37 | January 17 | @ Minnesota | 20000117 MIN 100 101 | Rik Smits (20) | Austin Croshere (13) | Mark Jackson (11) | Target Center16,731 | 25–12 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 38 | January 19 | Milwaukee | 20000119 IND 106 84 | Reggie Miller (29) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (12) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 26–12 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 39 | January 21 | @ Washington | 20000121 WAS 113 123 | Miller, Rose (21) | Dale Davis (9) | Mark Jackson (13) | MCI Center17,055 | 26–13 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 40 | January 22 | @ Philadelphia | 20000122 PHI 97 103 | Reggie Miller (28) | Dale Davis (15) | Mark Jackson (9) | First Union Center20,623 | 26–14 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 41 | January 24 | @ Chicago | 20000124 CHI 82 83 | Jalen Rose (18) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (12) | United Center21,911 | 26–15 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 42 | January 25 | Phoenix | 20000125 IND 93 87 | Reggie Miller (21) | Davis, Rose (9) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 27–15 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 43 | January 29 | Miami | 20000129 IND 94 84 | Reggie Miller (30) | Croshere, Davis (6) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 28–15 Indiana Pacers February #FFD300 #1D1E4B 8 0 3 2 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 44 | February 1 | Boston | 20000201 IND 99 96 | Rik Smits (26) | Dale Davis (14) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 29–15 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 45 | February 4 | Sacramento | 20000204 IND 104 94 | Jalen Rose (22) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (15) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 30–15 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 46 | February 5 | @ Orlando | 20000205 ORL 102 107 | Jalen Rose (25) | Dale Davis (14) | three players tied (4) | Orlando Arena15,421 | 30–16 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 47 | February 7 | Philadelphia | 20000207 IND 109 84 | Reggie Miller (32) | Jalen Rose (7) | McKey, Rose (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 31–16 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 48 | February 9 | @ Boston | 20000209 BOS 113 104 | Jalen Rose (23) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (9) | FleetCenter18,328 | 32–16 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 49 | February 16 | Toronto | 20000216 IND 109 101 | Jalen Rose (32) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (15) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 33–16 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 50 | February 17 | @ Milwaukee | 20000217 MIL 92 90 | Reggie Miller (23) | three players tied (9) | Mark Jackson (9) | Bradley Center14,376 | 34–16 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 51 | February 19 | @ New York | 20000219 NYK 73 87 | Reggie Miller (16) | Dale Davis (16) | Mark Jackson (6) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 34–17 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 52 | February 21 | Dallas | 20000221 IND 94 93 | Jalen Rose (28) | Davis, McKey (8) | Mark Jackson (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 35–17 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 53 | February 23 | @ Detroit | 20000223 DET 118 111 | Rik Smits (29) | Rik Smits (9) | Mark Jackson (14) | The Palace of Auburn Hills16,371 | 36–17 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 54 | February 24 | Chicago | 20000224 IND 100 83 | Jalen Rose (22) | Derrick McKey (10) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 37–17 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 55 | February 26 | Golden State | 20000226 IND 104 88 | Jalen Rose (29) | Sam Perkins (7) | Mark Jackson (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 38–17 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 56 | February 29 | Detroit | 20000229 IND 115 105 | Reggie Miller (24) | Rik Smits (12) | Mark Jackson (13) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 39–17 Indiana Pacers March #FFD300 #1D1E4B 6 3 3 4 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 57 | March 2 | @ Phoenix | 20000302 PHO 87 118 | Travis Best (20) | Croshere, Davis (9) | Mark Jackson (8) | America West Arena19,023 | 39–18 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 58 | March 3 | @ L.A. Lakers | 20000303 LAL 92 107 | Reggie Miller (22) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 39–19 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 59 | March 5 | @ Golden State | 20000305 GSW 114 95 | Austin Croshere (18) | Dale Davis (8) | Mark Jackson (8) | The Arena in Oakland15,283 | 40–19 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 60 | March 7 | Denver | 20000307 IND 90 89 | Jalen Rose (19) | Dale Davis (11) | Jalen Rose (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 41–19 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 61 | March 9 | Portland | 20000309 IND 127 119 1 | Mark Jackson (23) | Dale Davis (13) | Mark Jackson (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 42–19 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 62 | March 10 | @ Cleveland | 20000310 CLE 95 92 | Reggie Miller (28) | McKey, Smits (8) | Mark Jackson (9) | Gund Arena20,562 | 43–19 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 63 | March 12 | Miami | 20000312 IND 96 105 | Reggie Miller (26) | Dale Davis (8) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 43–20 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 64 | March 14 | @ Dallas | 20000314 DAL 90 111 | Travis Best (26) | Croshere, Rose (13) | Travis Best (5) | Reunion Arena15,761 | 43–21 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 65 | March 15 | @ Atlanta | 20000315 ATL 113 107 | Jalen Rose (32) | Austin Croshere (11) | Mark Jackson (10) | Philips Arena14,454 | 44–21 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 66 | March 17 | Houston | 20000317 IND 111 102 | Jalen Rose (35) | Austin Croshere (13) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 45–21 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 67 | March 18 | Charlotte | 20000318 IND 113 99 | Jalen Rose (22) | Rik Smits (12) | Mark Jackson (9) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 46–21 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 68 | March 21 | New York | 20000321 IND 95 91 | Jalen Rose (28) | Austin Croshere (8) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 47–21 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 69 | March 23 | Milwaukee | 20000323 IND 84 105 | Jalen Rose (22) | Austin Croshere (7) | Mark Jackson (5) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 47–22 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 70 | March 26 | Philadelphia | 20000326 IND 101 111 | Jalen Rose (19) | Rik Smits (7) | Best, Jackson (5) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 47–23 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 71 | March 28 | @ New Jersey | 20000328 NJN 106 111 | Jalen Rose (27) | Austin Croshere (10) | Mark Jackson (11) | Continental Airlines Arena17,676 | 47–24 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 72 | March 31 | Minnesota | 20000331 IND 109 85 | Travis Best (27) | Davis, Perkins (9) | Travis Best (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 48–24 Indiana Pacers April #FFD300 #1D1E4B 4 0 4 2 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 73 | April 2 | @ Toronto | 20000402 TOR 104 83 | Jalen Rose (23) | Davis, Perkins (7) | Mark Jackson (10) | Air Canada Centre19,800 | 49–24 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 74 | April 5 | New Jersey | 20000405 IND 105 101 | Rik Smits (25) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 50–24 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 75 | April 7 | Cleveland | 20000407 IND 95 94 | Jalen Rose (26) | Jalen Rose (13) | Mark Jackson (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 51–24 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 76 | April 9 | @ Charlotte | 20000409 CHH 80 96 | Jalen Rose (18) | Dale Davis (14) | Mark Jackson (8) | Charlotte Coliseum19,312 | 51–25 |- bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 77 | April 10 | @ New York | 20000410 NYK 81 83 | Mark Jackson (13) | Dale Davis (12) | Mark Jackson (5) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 51–26 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 78 | April 12 | Toronto | 20000412 IND 77 73 | Jalen Rose (24) | Dale Davis (14) | Jackson, Rose (4) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 52–26 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 79 | April 14 | @ Miami | 20000414 MIA 105 101 | Reggie Miller (26) | Dale Davis (7) | Mark Jackson (5) | American Airlines Arena19,821 | 53–26 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 80 | April 16 | @ Detroit | 20000416 DET 112 101 | Reggie Miller (21) | Dale Davis (15) | Mark Jackson (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills17,629 | 54–26 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 81 | April 17 | @ Philadelphia | 20000417 PHI 92 90 | Chris Mullin (21) | Rik Smits (10) | Jalen Rose (9) | First Union Center20,797 | 55–26 |- bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 82 | April 19 | Atlanta | 20000419 IND 111 92 | Jalen Rose (19) | Jeff Foster (13) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 56–26 IND 2000 Playoffs Indiana Pacers 2000 yes #1D1E4B #FFD300 Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference First Round no yes yes #FFD300 #1D1E4B 2 1 1 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 23 | Milwaukee | 20000423 IND 88 85 | Jalen Rose (26) | Dale Davis (17) | Mark Jackson (11) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 27 | Milwaukee | 20000427 IND 91 104 | Austin Croshere (16) | Dale Davis (12) | Mark Jackson (5) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 29 | @ Milwaukee | 20000429 MIL 109 96 | Reggie Miller (34) | Austin Croshere (11) | Miller, Rose (5) | Bradley Center18,717 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 1 | @ Milwaukee | 20000501 MIL 87 100 | Jalen Rose (17) | Dale Davis (10) | Mark Jackson (6) | Bradley Center18,072 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 4 | Milwaukee | 20000504 IND 96 95 | Reggie Miller (41) | Dale Davis (12) | Mark Jackson (8) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 3–2 |- Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Semifinals no yes #FFD300 #1D1E4B 2 1 2 1 |- |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 6 | Philadelphia | 20000506 IND 108 91 | Miller, Rose (40) | Austin Croshere (11) | Mark Jackson (10) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 8 | Philadelphia | 20000508 IND 103 97 | Jalen Rose (30) | Jalen Rose (7) | Mark Jackson (14) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 10 | @ Philadelphia | 20000510 PHI 97 89 | Reggie Miller (29) | Dale Davis (17) | Mark Jackson (8) | First Union Center20,823 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 13 | @ Philadelphia | 20000513 PHI 90 92 | Rik Smits (20) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (7) | First Union Center20,675 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 15 | Philadelphia | 20000515 IND 86 107 | Rik Smits (15) | Dale Davis (8) | Jackson, Rose (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | May 19 | @ Philadelphia | 20000519 PHI 106 90 | Reggie Miller (25) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (11) | First Union Center20,969 | 4–2 |- Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals no yes #FFD300 #1D1E4B 3 0 1 2 |- |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 23 | New York | 20000523 IND 102 88 | Austin Croshere (22) | Dale Davis (16) | Mark Jackson (13) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 25 | New York | 20000525 IND 88 84 | Jalen Rose (24) | Dale Davis (16) | Mark Jackson (5) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | May 27 | @ New York | 20000527 NYK 95 98 | Jalen Rose (26) | Dale Davis (16) | Jackson, Rose (6) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 29 | @ New York | 20000529 NYK 89 91 | Reggie Miller (24) | Dale Davis (11) | Mark Jackson (7) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 31 | New York | 20000531 IND 88 79 | Travis Best (24) | Derrick McKey (9) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | June 2 | @ New York | 20000602 NYK 93 80 | Reggie Miller (34) | Dale Davis (16) | Best, Jackson (4) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 4–2 |- Indiana Pacers NBA Finals no yes #FFD300 #1D1E4B 2 1 0 3 |- |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | June 7 | @ L.A. Lakers | 20000607 LAL 87 104 | Mark Jackson (18) | Dale Davis (8) | Mark Jackson (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | June 9 | @ L.A. Lakers | 20000609 LAL 104 111 | Jalen Rose (30) | Dale Davis (10) | Mark Jackson (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | June 11 | L.A. Lakers | 20000611 IND 100 91 | Reggie Miller (33) | Dale Davis (12) | Mark Jackson (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | June 14 | L.A. Lakers | 20000614 IND 118 120 1 | Reggie Miller (35) | Dale Davis (8) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 1–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | June 16 | L.A. Lakers | 20000616 IND 120 87 | Jalen Rose (32) | Austin Croshere (9) | Mark Jackson (7) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | June 19 | @ L.A. Lakers | 20000619 LAL 111 116 | Jalen Rose (29) | Dale Davis (14) | Mark Jackson (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–4 |- IND 2000 yes Player statistics Regular season Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameTravis BestPG82 0 1,691 142 272 76 5 733 20.6 1.7 3.3 .9 .1 8.9Reggie MillerSG 81 81 2,987 239 187 85 25 1,470 36.9 3.0 2.3 1.0 .3 18.1Mark JacksonPG 81 81 2,190 296 650 76 10 660 27.0 3.7 8.0 .9 .1 8.1Austin CrosherePF 81 14 1,885 516 89 44 60 835 23.3 6.4 1.1 .5 .7 10.3Sam PerkinsPF 81 0 1,620 289 68 31 33 537 20.0 3.6 .8 .4 .4 6.6Jalen RoseSF 80 80 2,978 387 320 84 49 1,457 37.2 4.8 4.0 1.1 .6 18.2Rik SmitsC 79 79 1,852 401 85 20 100 1,018 23.4 5.1 1.1 .3 1.3 12.9Dale Davis basketballPF 74 72 2,127 729 64 52 94 743 28.7 9.9 .9 .7 1.3 10.0Al HarringtonPF 50 0 854 159 38 25 9 328 17.1 3.2 .8 .5 .2 6.6Chris MullinSG 47 2 582 76 37 28 9 242 12.4 1.6 .8 .6 .2 5.1Derrick McKeySF 32 0 634 135 35 29 13 139 19.8 4.2 1.1 .9 .4 4.3Jonathan BenderSF 24 1 130 21 3 1 5 64 5.4 .9 .1 .0 .2 2.7Jeff Foster basketballC 19 0 86 32 5 5 1 43 4.5 1.7 .3 .3 .1 2.3Žan TabakC 18 0 114 32 4 3 9 37 6.3 1.8 .2 .2 .5 2.1 Playoffs Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameJalen RoseSF23 23 964 101 78 16 11 479 41.9 4.4 3.4 .7 .5 20.8Dale Davis basketballC23 23 714 263 17 11 31 190 31.0 11.4 .7 .5 1.3 8.3Mark JacksonPG23 23 634 86 178 19 2 187 27.6 3.7 7.7 .8 .1 8.1Austin CrosherePF23 2 490 109 19 9 16 216 21.3 4.7 .8 .4 .7 9.4Travis BestPG23 0 463 57 66 19 4 204 20.1 2.5 2.9 .8 .2 8.9Sam PerkinsPF23 0 417 73 10 4 6 110 18.1 3.2 .4 .2 .3 4.8Derrick McKeySF23 0 352 79 14 7 4 47 15.3 3.4 .6 .3 .2 2.0Reggie MillerSG 22 22 892 53 60 23 10 527 40.5 2.4 2.7 1.0 .5 24.0Rik SmitsC 22 21 461 78 21 10 20 241 21.0 3.5 1.0 .5 .9 11.0Žan TabakC 10 0 47 16 0 0 2 12 4.7 1.6 .0 .0 .2 1.2Chris MullinSG 9 1 90 14 5 6 1 31 10.0 1.6 .6 .7 .1 3.4Jonathan BenderSF 9 0 21 3 0 1 0 12 2.3 .3 .0 .1 .0 1.3 NBA Finals Lakers' backup center John Salley became the first player in NBA history to play on three different championship-winning franchises, as he won titles in 1989 and '90 with the Detroit Pistons and 1996 with the Chicago Bulls. This was the Lakers first NBA Finals in the new Staples Center. After closing out game 6, fans rioted outside Staples Center by making bonfires, tipping cars, breaking windows of cars and buildings, and vandalizing businesses around the area. Overall, they caused $1 million in damages. In Lakers' championship run the following year, the LAPD came out in bigger force after the Lakers won and prevented the same thing from happening again. Staples Center, which was a first-year building in 2000, had a very tricky shooting background and opposing teams often had difficulty shooting there. Pacers coach Larry Bird wanted to have a shoot-around in the arena the day before Game 6 to help his team shoot more consistently because they shot very poorly in Games 1 and 2. However, the Pacers couldn't practice in the building because of an Arena Football game. Bird was very upset about this, and his team had to go down to the Lakers practice facility in El Segundo. The two arenas in this series, Conseco Fieldhouse and Staples Center, were both first-year arenas. Summary The following scoring summary is written in a line score format, except that the quarter numbers are replaced by game numbers. TeamGame 1Game 2Game 3Game 4*Game 5Game 6WinsLos Angeles (West)10411191120871164Indiana (East)871041001181201112https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2000.html 2000 NBA Playoffs Summary | Basketball-Reference.com basketball-reference.com 2014-12-13 Aspects Although the Lakers were one of the more talented teams in the NBA the previous year, they failed to win a single game against the San Antonio Spurs in the 1999 NBA Playoffs. Twenty-four days after being swept by the eventual league champion, the Lakers signed Phil Jackson as head coach. Jackson, famous for coaching Michael Jordan and the six-time champion Chicago Bulls, would build his triangle offense around Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. general manager Jerry West surrounded O'Neal and Bryant with effective role players such as Glen Rice, Ron Harper (who had experience with Jackson's triangle offense as part of the '96–'98 Bulls), The Obtuse Triangle https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/sports/basketball/phil-jackson-knicks-triangle-offense-nba.html The New York Times 2015-06-23 2016-01-30 0362-4331 Nicholas Dawidoff and A.C. Green (member of the last two Lakers championship teams). NBA Ironman Proud to Be a Virgin Until 38 https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=125643&page=1 ABC News 2006-01-06 2016-01-30 Along with these starters, the Lakers also possessed a strong bench. Robert Horry not only had championship experience with the Houston Rockets but also was a threat on the perimeter and a defensive star. Robert Horry is a Hall of Famer. This should not even be a debate. http://www.thedreamshake.com/2013/9/17/4740592/robert-horry-is-a-hall-of-famer-this-should-not-even-be-a-debate The Dream Shake 17 September 2013 2016-01-30 2016-09-17 Derek Fisher was a defensively minded point-guard with the ability to shoot well from long range. Rick Fox, acquired after being released by the Boston Celtics, Fox Hunt Finally Over for Lakers https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-27-sp-26383-story.html Los Angeles Times 1997-08-27 2016-01-30 0458-3035 en-US Scott Howard-Cooper was the Lakers' sixth man. With a healthy O'Neal, the Lakers dominated the regular season, with winning streaks of 11, 16, and 19 en route to a 67–15 record, tying the 1992 Chicago Bulls and 1986 Boston Celtics as the fifth best record in NBA regular season history. Although many expected the Lakers to reach the Finals, the road would be a rocky one. In the first round, the Lakers won the first two games against the Sacramento Kings, only to drop the next two games in Sacramento. All the Kings' Men http://grantland.com/features/2002-western-conference-oral-history-los-angeles-lakers-sacramento-kings/ Grantland 2016-01-30 en-US Jonathan Abrams 2014-05-07 The Lakers then defeated Sacramento in Game 5, 113–86, to face the Phoenix Suns in the conference semi-finals. 2000 NBA Western Conference First Round Basketball-Reference.com https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-western-conference-first-round-kings-vs-lakers.html Basketball-Reference.com 2016-01-30 The Lakers clobbered the Suns, winning the series 4–1 (with their only loss coming in Game 4). Suns torch Lakers' broom https://www.baltimoresun.com/2000/05/15/suns-torch-lakers-broom/ The Baltimore Sun 2016-01-30 2000-05-15 2000 NBA Western Conference Semi-finals Basketball-Reference.com https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-western-conference-semifinals-suns-vs-lakers.html Basketball-Reference.com 2016-01-30 In Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, Rasheed Wallace earned two technical fouls and was ejected; the Lakers took advantage of Wallace's absence and secured victory. Blazers Turn the Tables in Game 2 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/23/sports/pro-basketball-blazers-turn-the-tables-in-game-2.html The New York Times 2000-05-23 2016-01-30 0362-4331 Tom Spousta The Trail Blazers stormed back in the next game, giving the Lakers their worst home loss of the season in a 106–77 shellacking. Blazers tied in West http://www.sptimes.com/News/052300/Sports/Blazers_tied_in_West.shtml St. Petersburg Times 2016-01-30 2000-05-23 This setback did not affect Los Angeles, as they assembled a 3–1 series lead by winning the next two games in Portland. Lakers have Blazers singing a different tune https://www.baltimoresun.com/2000/05/31/lakers-have-blazers-singing-a-different-tune-oneal-los-angeles-find-range-3-1-lead/ The Baltimore Sun 31 May 2000 2016-01-30 2000-05-31 The Lakers underestimated the Trail Blazers, however. Led by former Jackson linchpin Scottie Pippen, Portland won back-to-back elimination games and forced a series-deciding Game 7. Phil Vs. Scottie As Entertaining As Blazers Vs. Lakers https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/06/01/phil-vs-scottie-as-entertaining-as-blazers-vs-lakers/ The Chicago Tribune 2016-01-30 Smith Sam 2000-06-01 2000 NBA Western Conference finals Basketball-Reference.com https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-western-conference-finals-trail-blazers-vs-lakers.html Basketball-Reference.com 2016-01-30 Amid several controversial foul calls by referee Dick Bavetta against members of the Trail Blazers, Excerpts From The Book The NBA Doesn't Want You To Read http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read Deadspin 2016-01-30 en-US Tommy Craggs 2009-10-28 Portland relinquished a 75–60 fourth quarter lead. Lakers Rally Past Blazers http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lakers-rally-past-blazers/ CBS News 2016-01-30 2000-06-05 Rallying back with a 25–4 run, the Lakers won the game and secured a berth in the NBA Finals. Top 10 Lakers playoffs moments: Kobe-to-Shaq cements Game 7 comeback against Portland https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/7507/top-10-lakers-playoffs-moments-kobe-to-shaq-cements-game-7-comeback-against-portland ESPN.com 2016-01-30 2010-05-27 All Things Lakers - 1999-2000 Season http://projects.latimes.com/lakers/season/1999-2000/ Los Angeles Times 2016-01-30 In the 1997–1998 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls narrowly defeated the Pacers, 4 games to 3, in the Eastern Conference finals. Bulls' run not done Chicago rebounds to knock out Pacers in Game 7, 88-83 https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/06/01/bulls-run-not-done-chicago-rebounds-to-knock-out-pacers-in-game-7-88-83finals-a-repeat-vs-jazz-jordan-pippen-earn-shot-for-sixth-crown/ The Baltimore Sun 2016-01-30 1998-06-01 The 1998–1999 NBA season began with a lockout but saw Indiana return to the Eastern Conference finals, where they fell to the New York Knicks. 1998–99 Indiana Pacers https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/IND/1999_games.html Basketball-Reference.com 2016-01-30 The 1999–2000 NBA season brought several major changes to the Pacers. It was their first season at Conseco Fieldhouse, 15 years ago: Pacers' first game in Conseco Fieldhouse http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2014/11/06/indiana-pacers-first-game-in-conseco-field-house-15-years-ago/18589959/ Indianapolis Star 2016-01-30 2014-11-06 Dana Benbow as well as their first since 1993 without center Antonio Davis, who was traded for the rights to the No. 5 overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. Pacers, Raptors Finalize Trade http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pacers-raptors-finalize-trade/ CBS News 2016-01-30 1999-08-01 Jalen Rose replaced Chris Mullin in the starting line up, winning the NBA Most Improved Player award, 'Most Improved' Rose Could Improve Bulls https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/05/25/most-improved-rose-could-improve-bulls/ The Chicago Tribune 2016-01-30 2016-05-25 while Austin Croshere replaced him as the sixth man. The Pacers started the season 7–7 but eventually finished with an Eastern Conference best 56–26 record, including a franchise-best 25 game win streak at home. 1999-00 Indiana Pacers https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/IND/2000_games.html Basketball-Reference.com 2016-01-30 The Pacers, like the Lakers, struggled in the playoffs. They needed a clutch Travis Best three-pointer to dispatch the Milwaukee Bucks in five games. Best's 3, Miller's 41 Rescue Pacers https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/05/05/bests-3-millers-41-rescue-pacers/ Chicago Tribune 2016-01-30 Smith Sam 2000-05-05 Indiana faced the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round and took the series in six games, earning a trip to the Eastern Conference finals. 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Semi-finals Basketball-Reference.com https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-76ers-vs-pacers.html Basketball-Reference.com 2016-01-30 The Pacers would face their rival Knicks, NBA playoffs preview: Knicks vs. Pacers https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-may-04-la-sp-knicks-pacers-20130505-story.html Los Angeles Times 2013-05-04 2016-01-30 0458-3035 en-US Ben Bolch winning a memorable six-game series in a reversal of fortunes from years past. 2000 NBA Eastern Conference finals Basketball-Reference.com https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-eastern-conference-finals-knicks-vs-pacers.html Basketball-Reference.com 2016-01-30 With the victory, Indiana advanced to the first NBA Finals in franchise history, becoming the second former ABA team to do so. Game 1 Wednesday, June 7, 2000, 9:00 at the Staples Center. The Lakers dominated from the start. The Lakers shot 15-for-20 (75%) in the first period while the Pacers shot only 7-for-20 (35%). Miller would miss all of his shots in the first quarter to give the Lakers a 15-point lead. Croshere came off the bench to keep the Pacers alive in the 2nd quarter, scoring 9 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in the quarter. Although the Pacers attempted a comeback in the 2nd quarter, they were still down by 12. In the 3rd quarter, it would be Jackson who led the Pacers to a comeback, cutting the Lakers lead by 2. Miller also hit his first field goal in the 3rd quarter, though it would be his last. The Lakers handled the Pacers in the final quarter, with a 13–2 run winning by 17 points. O'Neal scored 43 points and grabbed 19 rebounds. Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalIndiana1825281687Los Angeles33222227104 Game 2 Friday, June 9, 2000, 9:00 at the Staples Center. Los Angeles and Indiana were evenly matched for the first quarter, both scoring 28. However, Los Angeles suffered a major setback when Kobe Bryant left the game in the 2nd quarter due to a sprained ankle and did not return. Jalen Rose later admitted that he intentionally stuck out his foot when Kobe shot a jumpshot in order to trip him when he landed.Bresnahan Mike Kobe Bryant sprains left ankle in Lakers loss, out indefinitely March 14, 2013 Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313,0,4756531.story https://web.archive.org/web/20130314210424/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kobe-bryant-sprains-ankle-20130313,0,4756531.story 2013-03-14 live 2016-07-20 Ryan Chris Jalen Rose on That Time He Intentionally Tried to Injure Kobe Bryant March 14, 2013 grantland.com http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/54156/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant https://web.archive.org/web/20130317102308/http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/54156/jalen-rose-on-that-time-he-intentionally-tried-to-injure-kobe-bryant March 17, 2013 live Grantland Channel Jalen Rose on Kobe Bryant and Karma YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0T08-gJVcc#! 18 September 2012 Ron Harper went in for Bryant and scored 21 points for the game. Desperate to try to gain the lead, Larry Bird resorted to the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy. Shaq shot 39 free throws, making only 18, an NBA record for most free throws attempted. Despite this low percentage, Shaq made 9 of 16 in the 4th quarter to keep a Lakers lead. The Pacers cut the lead to 99–96 and were looking to foul Shaq, but when Shaq got the ball he passed to Robert Horry who converted not only the layup, but the foul shot as well giving them a 102–96 lead en route to a 111–104 Lakers victory. Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalIndiana28212035104Los Angeles28242138111 Game 3 Sunday, June 11, 2000, 7:30 at the Conseco Fieldhouse. Taking advantage of Kobe Bryant's ankle injury, Indiana restored a semblance of parity to the proceedings. Kobe's absence was felt as the Pacers had an 11–2 run in the first quarter to take an 8-point lead. Austin Croshere once again had another huge 2nd quarter, scoring 8 points as the Pacers shot 61% from the field. The Lakers tried to make a run to get back into the game, but upon doings so, Indiana answered with 12 straight points and led by 17. The Lakers were desperate and attempted another run to get within 3 points, but Reggie Miller nailed all his free throws at the end of the game to give Indiana a 9-point win. Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalLos Angeles1527222591Indiana23302621100 Game 4 Wednesday, June 14, 2000, 9:00 at the Conseco Fieldhouse. The Pacers took a quick 9–2 lead due to Rik Smits hitting his first four shots. Kobe Bryant attempted to play with his sore ankle but only managed to score 6 points in the first half. Even though Bryant and O'Neal were in foul trouble in the first half (each picking up his third with 5 minutes remaining in the second quarter), Indiana could not take advantage and did not extend their lead. This would be a problem as Kobe Bryant scored 10 points and the Lakers took a 62–60 lead due to a Glen Rice three-pointer. The game remained close going into the fourth quarter, when O'Neal and Reggie Miller scored 14 and 13 points respectively, sending the game into overtime. Midway through overtime, O'Neal committed his sixth foul but 21-year-old Bryant delivered three clutch shots, as the Lakers were able to overcome back-up center John Salley's inability to effectively defend Smits. Smits and Miller scored all 14 of Indiana's OT points, but it was not enough to overcome as Miller missed a last-second three-pointer, and L.A. was able to pull one out in Indianapolis. Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.OTTotalLos Angeles2328292416120Indiana3321232714118 Game 5 Friday, June 16, 2000, 9:00 at the Conseco Fieldhouse. Reggie Miller and the Pacers dominated the game from the start in what would be Larry Bird's last game as a coach in the state of Indiana. Reggie Miller came out and made 5 straight shots including a 4-point play. The Pacers hit their first 6 three-point shots in the game. The Pacers would have a 20-point lead in the 2nd quarter, and eventually won by 33 – it was the worst Lakers NBA Finals loss since the 148–114 loss to Boston in the 1985 NBA Finals, known as the "Memorial Day Massacre." With their loss in Game 5, the Lakers record in close-out games dropped to 3–6 in the 2000 NBA Playoffs (the other losses coming in Games 3 and 4 in the first round against Sacramento, Game 4 in the series against Phoenix, and Games 5 and 6 versus Portland). As a result, the series returned to California. Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalLos Angeles2817222087Indiana39252234120 Game 6 Monday, June 19, 2000, 9:00 at the Staples Center. After the two teams traded blows in the first quarter, Mark Jackson concluded the period with a turn-around half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Pacers a 26–24 advantage. They would not relinquish their lead until the fourth quarter. In the first half, the Pacers would lead by as many as twelve points. However, the Lakers chipped away and entered intermission trailing 56–53. Indiana, however, added two more points to their lead, and entered the final period in a position to force a decisive seventh game. In the fourth quarter, the momentum shifted. The Lakers got four timely three-pointers from Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, and Rick Fox. The turning point occurred on a play where Brian Shaw stole the ball from Jalen Rose, leading to a fast break where Shaquille O'Neal hit an off-balance shot to give the Lakers the lead. The Pacers never led after that point. The Lakers would build a seven-point lead, but the Pacers fought back to tie the score at 103. After a timeout, the Lakers scored six unanswered points to regain control. The Pacers made one final valiant effort, but it fell short and the Lakers clinched their first championship in twelve years. Shaquille O'Neal led all scorers with 41 points and also pulled down 12 rebounds. He was awarded the Finals MVP. That time when Shaquille O'Neal turned in the most dominant NBA Finals performance ever https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2015/06/13/that-time-when-shaquille-oneal-turned-in-the-most-dominant-nba-finals-performance-ever/ The Washington Post 2015-06-13 2016-01-30 0190-8286 en-US Kent Babb Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalIndiana26302827111Los Angeles24292637116 Awards, records, and honors Jalen Rose, NBA Most Improved Player Award Reggie Miller, NBA All-Star Game Dale Davis, NBA All-Star Game References Pacers on Basketball Reference Category:Indiana Pacers seasons Category:Eastern Conference (NBA) championship seasons Indiana Pace Pace