For die hard Indi fans only "We might as well be blunt about it: The Indiana Pacers missed a golden opportunity in 2003-04. They should have knocked off the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, and they would have destroyed the Lakers in the Finals. For six dominating months, everything worked well for the Pacers. Every play was executed to perfection, every defensive read made with little error. Then it all came unglued over the course of three weeks in May. ..." Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/bask...cers/index.html
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PupMelo:</div><div class="quote_post">For die hard Indi fans only "We might as well be blunt about it: The Indiana Pacers missed a golden opportunity in 2003-04. They should have knocked off the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, and they would have destroyed the Lakers in the Finals. For six dominating months, everything worked well for the Pacers. Every play was executed to perfection, every defensive read made with little error. Then it all came unglued over the course of three weeks in May. ..." Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/bask...cers/index.html</div> Are u serious??
To think about what might have been if Jermaine O'neal didn't hyperextend his knee during the playoffs.......it sucks. This year they are coming back somewhat stronger than before and I can see them making it to the ECF once more. Past the Pistons? I don't know
The Pacers will once again contend, and might as well come away with the best regular season record again. I can see them getting past Shaq and the Heat, but the Pistons requires team defense and offense, something that the Pacers whose offense is focused around O'Neal, can't do.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">To think about what might have been if Jermaine O'neal didn't hyperextend his knee during the playoffs.......it sucks.</div> Holy crap is this the Kings forum?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheNextJordan8:</div><div class="quote_post">Are u serious?? </div> Yes the article is serious. The Pacers would have been champs if Reggie had just dunked the ball. The Lakers were sitch blapped by the Pistons. The Pacers at least held their own against the Pistons. This year I don't see the Pacers making the finals because of the heat, but I don't see the lakers making the playoffs with an adulterate clown as the leader.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllBoutDaPacers:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes the article is serious. The Pacers would have been champs if Reggie had just dunked the ball. The Lakers were sitch blapped by the Pistons. The Pacers at least held their own against the Pistons. This year I don't see the Pacers making the finals because of the heat, but I don't see the lakers making the playoffs with an adulterate clown as the leader.</div> The Pacers weren't the Pistons... besides Artest and J. O'Neal they didn't have many players who're aggressive on the defensive end. Ron may have been able to lock down Kobe, but I doubt he could be as effective as Tayshaun was because he was the 2nd scoring option for last year's team while Tay was maybe the third or even fourth. I am not saying the Pacers couldn't have beaten the Lakers... but the article assumed too much.
