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Indiana Pacers Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Fandom
From the dominant days of the ABA to the legendary "Miller Time" era and the modern-day resurgence led by Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers remain one of the most storied franchises in professional basketball. Do you have what it takes to be called a die-hard fan?
1. How many ABA Championships did the Indiana Pacers win before joining the NBA?
Answer: C) 3
The Story Behind the Stat: The Pacers were the gold standard of the ABA, winning titles in 1970, 1972, and 1973. Led by Hall of Famers like Mel Daniels and Roger Brown, they were the most successful franchise in the league's history before the 1976 merger.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Pacers were the gold standard of the ABA, winning titles in 1970, 1972, and 1973. Led by Hall of Famers like Mel Daniels and Roger Brown, they were the most successful franchise in the league's history before the 1976 merger.
2. Against which team did Reggie Miller famously score 8 points in 9 seconds during the 1995 playoffs?
Answer: B) New York Knicks
The Story Behind the Stat: This is perhaps the most iconic moment in franchise history. In Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Miller hit two three-pointers and two free throws in a matter of seconds to stun the Madison Square Garden crowd.
The Story Behind the Stat: This is perhaps the most iconic moment in franchise history. In Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Miller hit two three-pointers and two free throws in a matter of seconds to stun the Madison Square Garden crowd.
3. Who was the head coach of the Pacers during their only NBA Finals appearance in 2000?
Answer: C) Larry Bird
The Story Behind the Stat: After a legendary playing career with the Celtics, "Larry Legend" returned to his home state to coach the Pacers. He led them to the Finals in 2000, where they took the Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers to six grueling games.
The Story Behind the Stat: After a legendary playing career with the Celtics, "Larry Legend" returned to his home state to coach the Pacers. He led them to the Finals in 2000, where they took the Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers to six grueling games.
4. The name "Pacers" was chosen to honor Indiana's history with what?
Answer: A) The pace car of the Indy 500 and harness racing
The Story Behind the Stat: The name was a collaborative decision by the original investors. It reflects Indiana's rich heritage in auto racing (the Indianapolis 500) and the state's history with harness racing pacers.
The Story Behind the Stat: The name was a collaborative decision by the original investors. It reflects Indiana's rich heritage in auto racing (the Indianapolis 500) and the state's history with harness racing pacers.
5. Which Pacer won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2004?
Answer: B) Ron Artest
The Story Behind the Stat: In 2004, Artest's lockdown defense helped the Pacers secure the best record in the league. He remains the only player in franchise history to win the DPOY trophy.
The Story Behind the Stat: In 2004, Artest's lockdown defense helped the Pacers secure the best record in the league. He remains the only player in franchise history to win the DPOY trophy.
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Shop Pacers Gear on Amazon6. Who is the Pacers' all-time leader in career assists?
Answer: C) Reggie Miller
The Story Behind the Stat: While known as a pure shooter, Miller’s longevity allowed him to amass 4,141 assists over 18 seasons. However, with Tyrese Haliburton's record-breaking pace, this record may finally be under threat in the coming years.
The Story Behind the Stat: While known as a pure shooter, Miller’s longevity allowed him to amass 4,141 assists over 18 seasons. However, with Tyrese Haliburton's record-breaking pace, this record may finally be under threat in the coming years.
7. Before moving to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where did the Pacers play their home games?
Answer: B) Market Square Arena
The Story Behind the Stat: Market Square Arena was the Pacers' home from 1974 to 1999. It was the site of many "Miller Time" miracles and famously hosted Elvis Presley’s final concert in 1977.
The Story Behind the Stat: Market Square Arena was the Pacers' home from 1974 to 1999. It was the site of many "Miller Time" miracles and famously hosted Elvis Presley’s final concert in 1977.
8. Which legendary Pacer was the first player ever signed by the franchise in 1967?
Answer: B) Roger Brown
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as "The Rajah," Brown was a playground legend from Brooklyn who found a home in Indiana. He was a four-time ABA All-Star and was eventually inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as "The Rajah," Brown was a playground legend from Brooklyn who found a home in Indiana. He was a four-time ABA All-Star and was eventually inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
9. In 2013, which Pacer was named the NBA's Most Improved Player?
Answer: B) Paul George
The Story Behind the Stat: Paul George exploded onto the scene in 2013, leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals. His transition from a defensive specialist to an elite two-way superstar earned him the MIP honors.
The Story Behind the Stat: Paul George exploded onto the scene in 2013, leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals. His transition from a defensive specialist to an elite two-way superstar earned him the MIP honors.
10. Who holds the record for the most coaching wins in Pacers franchise history?
Answer: D) Slick Leonard
The Story Behind the Stat: Bobby "Slick" Leonard won 529 games as the Pacers' head coach. He was the heart and soul of the franchise for decades, famously shouting "Boom, Baby!" during radio broadcasts after big shots.
The Story Behind the Stat: Bobby "Slick" Leonard won 529 games as the Pacers' head coach. He was the heart and soul of the franchise for decades, famously shouting "Boom, Baby!" during radio broadcasts after big shots.
11. Which Pacer center was affectionately known as "The Dunking Dutchman"?
Answer: A) Rik Smits
The Story Behind the Stat: Standing 7'4", the Dutch-born Smits spent his entire 12-year career with the Pacers. He was a soft-touched giant who became a fan favorite and a 1998 NBA All-Star.
The Story Behind the Stat: Standing 7'4", the Dutch-born Smits spent his entire 12-year career with the Pacers. He was a soft-touched giant who became a fan favorite and a 1998 NBA All-Star.
12. The Pacers pushed which legendary dynasty to seven games in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals?
Answer: C) The Michael Jordan-led Bulls
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1998 ECF is considered one of the greatest playoff series ever. The Pacers were the only team to push the "Last Dance" Bulls to a Game 7, nearly ending Chicago's second three-peat.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1998 ECF is considered one of the greatest playoff series ever. The Pacers were the only team to push the "Last Dance" Bulls to a Game 7, nearly ending Chicago's second three-peat.
13. Which Pacer shared the ABA MVP award with Julius Erving in 1975?
Answer: B) George McGinnis
The Story Behind the Stat: McGinnis was a physical force who averaged nearly 30 points and 15 rebounds in 1975. He shared the MVP honors with "Dr. J," marking one of the few times a major MVP award was split.
The Story Behind the Stat: McGinnis was a physical force who averaged nearly 30 points and 15 rebounds in 1975. He shared the MVP honors with "Dr. J," marking one of the few times a major MVP award was split.
14. What jersey number did Reggie Miller wear throughout his entire 18-season career?
Answer: C) 31
The Story Behind the Stat: Miller's #31 is retired and hangs in the rafters of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He is widely considered the greatest Pacer of all time, having played his entire career in Indiana.
The Story Behind the Stat: Miller's #31 is retired and hangs in the rafters of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He is widely considered the greatest Pacer of all time, having played his entire career in Indiana.
15. In 2024, which Pacer became the first in franchise history to lead the NBA in assists per game?
Answer: B) Tyrese Haliburton
The Story Behind the Stat: Haliburton revolutionized the Pacers' offense in the 2023-24 season. By averaging 10.9 assists per game, he became the first Pacer to officially lead the league in that category.
The Story Behind the Stat: Haliburton revolutionized the Pacers' offense in the 2023-24 season. By averaging 10.9 assists per game, he became the first Pacer to officially lead the league in that category.
16. Which player was traded to the Pacers in 2000 in exchange for Dale Davis?
Answer: C) Jermaine O'Neal
The Story Behind the Stat: The trade for O'Neal is one of the best in franchise history. He went on to become the cornerstone of the early 2000s Pacers, making six consecutive All-Star teams.
The Story Behind the Stat: The trade for O'Neal is one of the best in franchise history. He went on to become the cornerstone of the early 2000s Pacers, making six consecutive All-Star teams.
17. What is the significance of the number 529 hanging in the rafters of the Pacers' arena?
Answer: A) Total wins by Slick Leonard
The Story Behind the Stat: The Pacers retired the number 529 to honor Slick Leonard’s coaching victories. It serves as a permanent tribute to the man who saved the franchise during its leanest years.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Pacers retired the number 529 to honor Slick Leonard’s coaching victories. It serves as a permanent tribute to the man who saved the franchise during its leanest years.
18. Which Pacer was known as "The Rifleman" for his long-range shooting?
Answer: A) Chuck Person
The Story Behind the Stat: Person was a fearless shooter who famously engaged in trash-talk battles with Larry Bird. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1987 and remains a beloved figure in Pacer lore.
The Story Behind the Stat: Person was a fearless shooter who famously engaged in trash-talk battles with Larry Bird. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1987 and remains a beloved figure in Pacer lore.
19. In the 2023-24 season, the Pacers reached the championship game of which inaugural event?
Answer: A) The NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament)
The Story Behind the Stat: The Pacers were the darlings of the first-ever In-Season Tournament in 2023. They defeated the Celtics and Bucks in the knockout rounds before falling to the Lakers in the final.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Pacers were the darlings of the first-ever In-Season Tournament in 2023. They defeated the Celtics and Bucks in the knockout rounds before falling to the Lakers in the final.
20. Who is the only Pacer to ever win the NBA Rookie of the Year award?
Answer: B) Chuck Person
The Story Behind the Stat: While the Pacers have had many great rookies, Person is the only one to take home the official NBA Rookie of the Year trophy. He averaged 18.8 points per game during his debut 1986-87 season.
The Story Behind the Stat: While the Pacers have had many great rookies, Person is the only one to take home the official NBA Rookie of the Year trophy. He averaged 18.8 points per game during his debut 1986-87 season.
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