Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake
Here’s a timeline of significant moments in the head-to-head history between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers:
1990s: Early Encounters
- 1991-1992 NBA Season:
- Eastern Conference Semifinals: The Celtics defeated the Pacers 4-3. This series was notable for its competitiveness and the strong performances from the Celtics’ lineup led by Larry Bird.
2000s: Key Matchups
- 2002-2003 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers had several notable games. The Celtics, led by Paul Pierce, faced the Pacers, who were a strong team with Reggie Miller and Jermaine O’Neal. The games were competitive, reflecting the high level of play from both teams. It was the first time the Celtics hadn’t won a game during a playoff series since 1998-99 when they lost 3 in a row against a strong Pistons team.
- 2003-2004 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers continued their matchups with both teams being strong contenders in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers, led by Miller and O’Neal, were a formidable opponent for the Celtics.
- 2004-2005 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers had competitive games as both teams aimed for playoff success. The Pacers, with their strong roster, were a challenging opponent for the Celtics. Paul Pierce and Gary Payton put in strong performances but it wasn’t enough. Despite Antoine Walker’s 20 points in game 7, it wasn’t enough to win. Tony Allen started this series as a starter and finished it coming off the bench, perhaps due to the coach wanting more scoring in the starting unit. Delonte West replaced Tony Allen in game 7 in the starting unit, with West finishing the game with 4 points as the starting shooting guard.
2000s: Playoff Encounters
- 2004 Eastern Conference Semifinals:
- Celtics vs. Pacers: The Pacers defeated the Celtics 4-2. The series was marked by strong performances from the Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, and highlighted the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference.
2010s: Renewed Rivalry
- 2008-2009 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics, led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, faced the Pacers, who were in a rebuilding phase. The games were competitive with the Celtics being strong contenders in the East.
- 2009-2010 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers faced off with both teams featuring key players. The games were notable for their intensity and the Pacers’ competitive play.
- 2010-2011 NBA Season:
- Eastern Conference First Round: The Celtics defeated the Pacers 4-0. The Celtics, with their strong roster, were dominant in this series and advanced to the next round of the playoffs.
2010s: Playoff Encounters
- 2011-2012 NBA Season:
- Eastern Conference Semifinals: The Celtics defeated the Pacers 4-3 in a highly competitive series. The games were marked by strong performances from both teams and showcased the Pacers’ growth and competitiveness.
2020s: Modern Matchups
- 2019-2020 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, faced the Pacers, who were led by Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. The games were notable for their high level of play and implications for the playoff race.
- 2020-2021 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers continued their matchups with the Celtics being strong playoff contenders and the Pacers focusing on their development. The games were competitive and reflected the teams’ different stages of growth.
- 2021-2022 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers faced off with both teams in different phases of their development. The Celtics, with their strong roster, and the Pacers, continuing their rebuilding efforts, had notable games.
- 2022-2023 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers continued their rivalry with competitive matchups. The Celtics, led by Tatum and Brown, were strong contenders, while the Pacers were focusing on their young talent and development.
- 2023-2024 NBA Season:
- Regular Season: The Celtics and Pacers continue to face off with the Celtics being a top team in the Eastern Conference and the Pacers continuing their efforts to build a competitive team. The games are marked by high-level play and significant playoff implications.
The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers has featured several key moments, particularly in the 2000s with their playoff encounters and competitive regular-season games. Key players like Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jayson Tatum have made their matchups significant in NBA history.