The Indiana Pacers’ journey to the 2025 NBA Finals marks a massive milestone because it is the first time they have reached that stage in 25 years. Led by All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton and fortified by elite players like Pascal Siakam, the current Pacers have revitalized their legacy, reminiscent of the formidable 2000 team under Reggie Miller’s leadership.
The 2000 squad, with its defensive prowess and veteran acumen, set a high standard that the 2025 team aspires to match. Reggie Miller’s squad made the Finals and were matched up against the goliath Los Angeles Lakers led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, but they were certainly a talented roster with plenty of hard-nosed players.
Similarly to the 2000 Pacers, the 2025 Pacers are going up against another goliath: the Oklahoma City Thunder, which finished with a 68-14 record, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If we are to compare the 2025 Indiana Pacers against the 2000 squad, who would win in a seven-game series? Let’s find out.
2025 Indiana Pacers Starting Lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner
2000 Indiana Pacers Starting Lineup: Mark Jackson, Reggie Jackson, Jalen Rose, Dale Davis, Rik Smith
Tyrese Haliburton vs. Mark Jackson
Tyrese Haliburton has redefined the modern point guard role with his exceptional playmaking and efficiency. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game, ranking third in the league for assists. His ability to orchestrate the offense with quick decision-making and minimal turnovers has been pivotal in the Pacers’ success.
Mark Jackson, the floor general of the 2000 Pacers, was known for his leadership and court vision. He averaged 9.6 points and 8.0 assists per game during his career. While Jackson’s traditional style was effective in his era, Haliburton’s dynamic and efficient play would likely give him the edge in a head-to-head matchup.
Andrew Nembhard vs. Reggie Miller
Andrew Nembhard has emerged as a reliable guard for the 2025 Pacers, contributing 10.0 points and 5.0 assists per game. His defensive prowess and ability to facilitate the offense make him a valuable asset.
Reggie Miller, a Hall of Famer and the face of the 2000 Pacers, was a prolific scorer, averaging 18.1 points per game in the 1999-2000 season and elevating to 24.0 points per game in the playoffs. Miller’s clutch shooting and experience would present a significant challenge for Nembhard.
Aaron Nesmith vs. Jalen Rose
Aaron Nesmith has been a consistent contributor for the 2025 Pacers, averaging 12.0 points and shooting an impressive 50.7% from the field. His versatility on both ends of the court adds depth to the team’s lineup.
Jalen Rose was a key player for the 2000 Pacers, averaging 20.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during the playoffs. His scoring ability and playmaking skills would likely give him the upper hand in this matchup.
Pascal Siakam vs. Dale Davis
Pascal Siakam has brought a dynamic presence to the 2025 Pacers, averaging 20.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions adds a modern twist to the power forward role.
Dale Davis was a defensive anchor for the 2000 Pacers, known for his rebounding and physicality, as he posted 8.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. While Davis provided toughness in the paint, Siakam’s versatility and offensive skill set would likely give him the advantage in this matchup.
Myles Turner vs. Rik Smits
Myles Turner has been a consistent force for the 2025 Pacers, averaging 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. His shot-blocking ability and perimeter shooting make him a modern-day center.
Rik Smits, the “Dunking Dutchman,” was a reliable scorer for the 2000 Pacers, providing a strong post presence with an average of 12.9 points per game. While Smits excelled in his era, Turner’s defensive prowess and versatility would likely give him the edge in today’s game.
2025 Indiana Pacers Advantages
The 2025 Pacers boast a versatile and dynamic roster, with players like Haliburton and Siakam leading the charge. Their ability to adapt to various playstyles and execute in high-pressure situations has been a hallmark of their success.
Additionally, the team’s emphasis on ball movement and spacing creates opportunities for multiple players to contribute offensively. This collective approach makes them a formidable opponent in any series, and that includes the talented 2000 Pacers led by hard-nosed defenders and clutch players.
2000 Indiana Pacers Advantages
The 2000 Pacers were a seasoned and cohesive unit, with veteran leadership from players like Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson. Their experience and understanding of the game allowed them to execute effectively in critical moments.
Their physicality and defensive intensity set the tone for their play, often wearing down opponents over the course of a series. This grit and determination were key factors in their deep playoff run, and they will have to tap into those attributes to take out Tyrese Haliburton and company.
Who Wins A Best-Of-7 Series?
The 2025 Pacers set the tone early with their high-paced offense, capitalizing on transition opportunities and three-point shooting. Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the attack with 24 points and 11 assists, while Pascal Siakam contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds. Despite Reggie Miller’s 26-point effort for the 2000 squad, the modern Pacers’ versatility and depth proved decisive in the series opener.
Adjusting their strategy, the 2000 Pacers emphasized half-court sets and physical defense in Game 2. Mark Jackson controlled the tempo, dishing out 9 assists, while Jalen Rose added 20 points. The 2025 team struggled with the slowed pace, and despite Haliburton’s 18 points and 10 assists, they couldn’t overcome the veteran savvy of the 2000 squad, who evened the series.
Back on their home court in Game 3, the 2025 Pacers exploited mismatches with Siakam’s agility against Dale Davis, leading to 25 points and 9 rebounds. Haliburton continued his stellar play with 22 points and 12 assists. The 2000 team’s defense couldn’t contain the modern Pacers’ spacing and ball movement, giving the 2025 team a 2-1 series lead.
In Game 4, the 2025 squad showcased their offensive prowess, with Haliburton recording a triple-double: 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Siakam and Myles Turner combined for 40 points, stretching the floor and creating driving lanes. Reggie Miller’s 30 points kept the 2000 team competitive, but the modern Pacers’ depth secured a 3-1 series advantage.
Facing elimination in Game 5, the 2000 Pacers leaned on their experience and defense. Dale Davis dominated the paint with 14 rebounds, and Jalen Rose contributed 24 points. The 2025 team’s offense faltered under pressure, and despite Haliburton’s 19 points and 9 assists, the series extended to a sixth game.
Determined to close out the series in Game 6, the 2025 Pacers executed a balanced attack. Haliburton led with 26 points and 13 assists, while Siakam added 23 points and 7 rebounds. The 2000 team’s efforts, highlighted by Miller’s 28 points, fell short as the modern Pacers clinched the series 4-2.
Averaging 21.5 points, 11.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, Haliburton’s leadership and playmaking were instrumental in the 2025 Pacers’ victory, earning him the Finals MVP honors.
Results: 2025 Pacers vs. 2000 Pacers 4-2
Finals MVP: Tyrese Haliburton
