The 1999-00 Indiana Pacers season marked a historic campaign for the franchise as they reached the NBA Finals for the first time. Under the guidance of head coach Larry Bird, the Pacers finished with a 56-26 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The team was powered by veteran leadership, particularly Reggie Miller, who continued to be a clutch performer, and Jalen Rose, who emerged as the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
In the playoffs, the Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, overcame the Philadelphia 76ers in the semifinals, and edged past the New York Knicks in a grueling Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell in six games. Despite the loss, the season was a milestone for the Pacers, establishing them as a formidable force in the league.
- Regular Season Record: 56-26
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-2, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 2-4
Indiana Pacers Roster and Stats for 1999-00 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Jalen Rose | 80 | 18.2 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 39.3 | 23 | 20.8 | 4.4 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 42.9 |
| Reggie Miller | 81 | 18.1 | 3.0 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 40.8 | 22 | 24.0 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 39.5 |
| Rik Smits | 79 | 12.9 | 5.1 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 22 | 11.0 | 3.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Austin Croshere | 81 | 10.3 | 6.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 36.2 | 23 | 9.4 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 40.5 |
| Dale Davis | 74 | 10.0 | 9.9 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 23 | 8.3 | 11.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Travis Best | 82 | 8.9 | 1.7 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 37.6 | 23 | 8.9 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 43.3 |
| Mark Jackson | 81 | 8.1 | 3.7 | 8.0 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 40.3 | 23 | 8.1 | 3.7 | 7.7 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 31.3 |
| Sam Perkins | 81 | 6.6 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 40.8 | 23 | 4.8 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 34.8 |
| Al Harrington | 50 | 6.6 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 23.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chris Mullin | 47 | 5.1 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 40.9 | 9 | 3.4 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 25.0 |
| Derrick McKey | 32 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 43.5 | 23 | 2.0 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 16.7 |
| Jonathan Bender | 24 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 16.7 | 9 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Jeff Foster | 19 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Žan Tabak | 18 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 10 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
Indiana Pacers in the 2000 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Milwaukee Bucks
In the first round of the 2000 NBA Playoffs, the Indiana Pacers faced the Milwaukee Bucks in a tightly contested five-game series. The Pacers, led by Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose, demonstrated their resilience and experience, eventually clinching the series 3-2. Indiana's combination of veteran leadership and clutch performances set the tone for their deep playoff run, ultimately paving the way for their trip to the NBA Finals that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2000 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 88-85 | |
| Apr 27, 2000 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 104-91 | |
| Apr 29, 2000 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 109-96 | |
| May 01, 2000 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 100-87 | |
| May 04, 2000 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 96-95 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Philadelphia 76ers
In the 2000 NBA Playoffs, the Indiana Pacers showcased their resilience in the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers. Led by Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose, the Pacers emerged victorious in a hard-fought six-game series. Their experience and depth proved crucial as they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, continuing their pursuit of an NBA championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 06, 2000 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 108-91 | |
| May 08, 2000 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 103-97 | |
| May 10, 2000 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 97-89 | |
| May 13, 2000 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 92-90 | |
| May 15, 2000 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 107-86 | |
| May 19, 2000 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 106-90 |
2000 Conference Championship vs. New York Knicks
In the 2000 NBA Playoffs, the Indiana Pacers, led by Reggie Miller and coached by Larry Bird, reached the Eastern Conference Finals, facing off against the New York Knicks. The Pacers showcased their resilience and depth, winning the series in six games to advance to their first-ever NBA Finals. This victory was significant as it marked the culmination of years of strong performances in the '90s, finally breaking through to the championship stage.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2000 | vs. New York Knicks | W 102-88 | |
| May 25, 2000 | vs. New York Knicks | W 88-84 | |
| May 27, 2000 | @ New York Knicks | L 98-95 | |
| May 29, 2000 | @ New York Knicks | L 91-89 | |
| May 31, 2000 | vs. New York Knicks | W 88-79 | |
| Jun 02, 2000 | @ New York Knicks | W 93-80 |
2000 NBA Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Indiana Pacers made their first and only NBA Finals appearance in 2000, facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a strong performance led by Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose, the Pacers were ultimately outmatched by the Lakers' dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, losing the series in six games. The Pacers showcased resilience and skill, but the Lakers' dominance marked the beginning of their early 2000s dynasty.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 07, 2000 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 104-87 | |
| Jun 09, 2000 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 111-104 | |
| Jun 11, 2000 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 100-91 | |
| Jun 14, 2000 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 120-118 | |
| Jun 16, 2000 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 120-87 | |
| Jun 19, 2000 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 116-111 |
Indiana Pacers 1999-00 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1999-00 season for the Indiana Pacers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 02, 1999 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 119-112 | |
| Nov 04, 1999 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 98-89 | |
| Nov 06, 1999 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 115-108 | |
| Nov 09, 1999 | @ Miami Heat | L 113-101 | |
| Nov 11, 1999 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 116-101 | |
| Nov 13, 1999 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 105-83 | |
| Nov 15, 1999 | @ Houston Rockets | W 96-87 | |
| Nov 16, 1999 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 90-87 | |
| Nov 19, 1999 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 105-99 | |
| Nov 20, 1999 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 107-98 | |
| Nov 22, 1999 | @ Boston Celtics | L 95-85 | |
| Nov 25, 1999 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 107-99 | |
| Nov 26, 1999 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 105-86 | |
| Nov 28, 1999 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 102-91 | |
| Nov 29, 1999 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 93-91 | |
| Dec 01, 1999 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 96-89 | |
| Dec 03, 1999 | @ Utah Jazz | W 100-75 | |
| Dec 07, 1999 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 83-77 | |
| Dec 10, 1999 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 136-88 | |
| Dec 11, 1999 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 108-90 | |
| Dec 14, 1999 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 105-97 | |
| Dec 15, 1999 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 102-91 | |
| Dec 17, 1999 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 89-74 | |
| Dec 18, 1999 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 109-95 | |
| Dec 21, 1999 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 113-103 | |
| Dec 25, 1999 | vs. New York Knicks | W 101-90 | |
| Dec 27, 1999 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 103-91 | |
| Dec 29, 1999 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 116-89 | |
| Dec 30, 1999 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 109-99 | |
| Jan 04, 2000 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 116-111 | |
| Jan 06, 2000 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 102-87 | |
| Jan 08, 2000 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 107-94 | |
| Jan 09, 2000 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 116-113 | |
| Jan 12, 2000 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 117-102 | |
| Jan 14, 2000 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 111-102 | |
| Jan 15, 2000 | @ Orlando Magic | W 96-89 | |
| Jan 17, 2000 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 101-100 | |
| Jan 19, 2000 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 106-84 | |
| Jan 21, 2000 | @ Washington Wizards | L 123-113 | |
| Jan 22, 2000 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 103-97 | |
| Jan 24, 2000 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 83-82 | |
| Jan 25, 2000 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 93-87 | |
| Jan 29, 2000 | vs. Miami Heat | W 94-84 | |
| Feb 01, 2000 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 99-96 | |
| Feb 04, 2000 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 104-94 | |
| Feb 05, 2000 | @ Orlando Magic | L 107-102 | |
| Feb 07, 2000 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 109-84 | |
| Feb 09, 2000 | @ Boston Celtics | W 113-104 | |
| Feb 16, 2000 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 109-101 | |
| Feb 17, 2000 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 92-90 | |
| Feb 19, 2000 | @ New York Knicks | L 87-73 | |
| Feb 21, 2000 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 94-93 | |
| Feb 23, 2000 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 118-111 | |
| Feb 24, 2000 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 100-83 | |
| Feb 26, 2000 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 104-88 | |
| Feb 29, 2000 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 115-105 | |
| Mar 02, 2000 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 118-87 | |
| Mar 03, 2000 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 107-92 | |
| Mar 05, 2000 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 114-95 | |
| Mar 07, 2000 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 90-89 | |
| Mar 09, 2000 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 127-119 | |
| Mar 10, 2000 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 95-92 | |
| Mar 12, 2000 | vs. Miami Heat | L 105-96 | |
| Mar 14, 2000 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 111-90 | |
| Mar 15, 2000 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 113-107 | |
| Mar 17, 2000 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 111-102 | |
| Mar 18, 2000 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 113-99 | |
| Mar 21, 2000 | vs. New York Knicks | W 95-91 | |
| Mar 23, 2000 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 105-84 | |
| Mar 26, 2000 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 111-101 | |
| Mar 28, 2000 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 111-106 | |
| Mar 31, 2000 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 109-85 | |
| Apr 02, 2000 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 104-83 | |
| Apr 05, 2000 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 105-101 | |
| Apr 07, 2000 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 95-94 | |
| Apr 09, 2000 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 96-80 | |
| Apr 10, 2000 | @ New York Knicks | L 83-81 | |
| Apr 12, 2000 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 77-73 | |
| Apr 14, 2000 | @ Miami Heat | W 105-101 | |
| Apr 16, 2000 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 112-101 | |
| Apr 17, 2000 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 92-90 | |
| Apr 19, 2000 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 111-92 |