OKLAHOMA CITY — Indiana Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle crossed the practice court Sunday and smirked when he realized a line of video cameras and cellphones was tracking his every step. “There’s nothing exciting going on over here,” he said.

Heading back to Paycom Center for Game 5, the Oklahoma City Thunder must outperform an Indiana Pacers team who thrives in road environments.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle offered an impassioned and somewhat unprompted defense of referee Scott Foster, evidently aware of mountains of online criticism.

The Pacers started the season 10-15, but now they're two wins away from their first NBA championship. They've earned our respect.

Indiana Pacers' Finals Hero Might Be Remembered for Blunders Instead originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Pacers lost Game 4 of the NBA Finals, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder at home, 111-104.

Jun 13, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half during game four of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton drilled a game-winning jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. It put the finishing touches on a shocking comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder and handed the Pacers an early lead in their first championship series in a quarter of a century.

The New York Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.