The Indiana Pacers are in a familiar position: fighting to prove they belong among the Eastern Conference’s true contenders. After a Conference Finals run in 2024, expectations rose for the young, run-and-gun team. However, the start of the 2024-25 season was anything but. Through their first 25 games, the supposedly high-octane offense stumbled to a disappointing 10-15 record, leaving fans wondering if their recent playoff boom was just a fluke.
The early struggles were glaring. Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s All-Star point guard and emotional leader, got off to a lukewarm start. His numbers dipped across the board, and the Pacers’ once-dominant offense—ranked first in the league in the season prior—fell to 11th in points per game and 17th in offensive rating through 25 games. The energy and momentum from their Cinderella postseason mere months ago seemed like a distant memory.
But as the calendar turned to mid-December, something clicked. Since December 14th, the Pacers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA, posting a strong 24-10 record (fourth-best in that stretch). Extracting the numbers, they are fifth in points per game and net rating, second in field goal percentage, and second in assists per game beginning on the said date.
The win over the LA Clippers last February 7th was symbolic of the turnaround:
Several factors have fueled this resurgence. First and foremost is Pascal Siakam, who has maintained his All-Star level of play. The versatile forward has been the steadying force the Pacers needed, earning another well-deserved All-Star selection with his consistent scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Siakam’s ability to create mismatches, make shots, and be plugged in different situations has been a game-changer for Indiana.
The Pacers’ team-oriented offense has also returned to form. Ball movement and unselfish play have become hallmarks of their game, with the team ranking among the league leaders in assists. This approach has unlocked the potential of their deep and talented roster. Myles Turner continues to anchor the defense while providing spacing on offense, and the supporting cast—TJ McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith—has stepped up in critical moments. Each player has embraced their role, creating a balanced and dangerous rotation.
Perhaps most importantly, Tyrese Haliburton has found his rhythm. Since December 14th, he’s been averaging 19.0 points, 9.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, reminding everyone why he’s one of the league’s brightest young stars. His ability to control the pace, create for others, and hit clutch shots has been instrumental in Indy’s slow-but-steady return to form,
As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Pacers are building momentum at the perfect time. Their recent surge has vaulted them back into the playoff picture, and they’re playing with the confidence of a team that knows it can compete with anyone. While the East is as competitive as ever, Indiana’s depth, chemistry, and improved play make them a team no one will want to face in the postseason.
What the group has shown is they’re capable of battling adversity and flipping the switch. With their offense humming, their stars shining, and their role players stepping up, another deep playoff run isn’t far-fetched. Being offensively sound and having depth is huge in today’s insane pace, and this team has a good supply of both.
