Indiana Pacers Playoff History Over The Past 30 Years

New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers - Game Three — Source: Andy Lyons / Getty

Indiana Pacers Playoff History Over The Past 30 Years

The Indiana Pacers‘ playoff history is a testament to the franchise’s resilience and competitiveness.

Over the past three decades, the team has consistently showcased its ability to compete with the best in the league, leaving fans with unforgettable moments.

One of the Pacers’ most iconic achievements came in 2000, when they reached the NBA Finals. Led by Reggie Miller and a talented supporting cast, they pushed the Los Angeles Lakers hard but ultimately fell short.

This marked the Pacers’ only appearance on basketball’s biggest stage, solidifying their place as one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders at the time.

The late 1990s were a golden era for the Pacers, with frequent trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. Battles against powerhouse teams like the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks defined this period, with the Pacers narrowly missing out on getting over the championship hump.

The intensity and heart the team displayed during this era left a lasting legacy.

The early-to-mid 2010s also brought renewed hope to Indiana.

Back-to-back trips to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014, largely driven by Paul George’s brilliance, showed the team’s ability to compete in a new era.

The gritty battles against LeBron James’ Miami Heat were filled with drama and excitement and reminded fans of Indiana’s never-quit mentality.

Most recently, the 2024 season produced another deep playoff run for the Pacers, reigniting the flames of hope for their loyal fanbase.

Behind a young and determined squad, they stormed past the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks before being halted in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Boston Celtics.

This run highlighted the team’s ability to rebuild and compete, even in the modern, high-paced version of the game.

Throughout these 30 years, the Pacers have shown a knack for staying competitive and thrilling fans with moments of brilliance.

Their playoff history is not just a story of challenges but one of perseverance, passion, and an unyielding drive to bring a championship to Indiana.

Take a look below the Indiana Pacers Playoff History Over The Past 30 Years.

2024: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals (defeated Bucks 4-2, defeated Knicks 4-3, lost to Celtics 0-4)
2023: Missed playoffs
2022: Missed playoffs
2021: Missed playoffs (lost in Play-In Tournament)
2020: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (0-4 to Heat)
2019: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (0-4 to Celtics)
2018: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (3-4 to Cavaliers)
2017: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (0-4 to Cavaliers)
2016: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (3-4 to Raptors)
2015: Missed playoffs
2014: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals (defeated Hawks 4-3, defeated Wizards 4-2, lost to Heat 2-4)
2013: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals (defeated Hawks 4-2, defeated Knicks 4-2, lost to Heat 3-4)
2012: Lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals (defeated Magic 4-1, lost to Heat 2-4)
2011: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (1-4 to Bulls)
2010: Missed playoffs
2009: Missed playoffs
2008: Missed playoffs
2007: Missed playoffs
2006: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (2-4 to Nets)
2005: Lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals (defeated Celtics 4-3, lost to Pistons 2-4)
2004: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals (defeated Celtics 4-0, defeated Heat 4-2, lost to Pistons 2-4)
2003: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (2-4 to Celtics)
2002: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (2-3 to Nets)
2001: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (1-3 to 76ers)
2000: Lost in NBA Finals (defeated Bucks 3-2, defeated 76ers 4-2, defeated Knicks 4-2, lost to Lakers 2-4)
1999: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals (defeated Bucks 3-0, defeated 76ers 4-0, lost to Knicks 2-4)
1998: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals (defeated Cavaliers 3-1, defeated Knicks 4-1, lost to Bulls 3-4)
1997: Missed playoffs
1996: Lost in Eastern Conference First Round (2-3 to Hawks)
1995: Lost in Eastern Conference Finals (defeated Hawks 3-0, defeated Knicks 4-3, lost to Magic 3-4)