This past spring, the Indiana Pacers went on an inspiring playoff run, beating the odds and making it all the way to game seven of the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. The Pacers’ success majorly impacted the North Central staff and student body.
The high of this record-breaking playoff run led many Pacers fans, including those at North Central, into deep disappointment when star point guard Tyrese Haliburton got injured and the Pacers lost a heartbreaking game seven.
Many students and staff are still feeling the effects of loss months later.
“It was the saddest moment when Tyrese hurt himself,” ENL coach Kellie Mchale said.
Students also share this belief.
“We were robbed [of a finals victory,” junior Samson Cunningham said.
Freshman Liam Hudson agreed.
“I left the room and went to the bathroom because I knew it was over,” freshman Liam Hudson said.
But many fans choose not to dwell on what could have been. Instead, they look back on what was an inspiring and riveting playoff run.
The Pacers’ postseason captivated the hearts of Indianapolis natives and people around the world, no matter if they liked basketball before.
“[The Finals run] got me more interested in basketball and excited for the future,” Hudson said.
Hudson became a huge Pacers player over the course of the playoffs and even attended game six of the Knicks series, the game that sent the Pacers to the NBA finals.
McHale, a Pacers super fan, was amazed by the finals run. She went to game six of the finals and watched every playoff game—even from Spain.
“I was up in the middle of the night in Spain watching games on my phone,” McHale said.
Hudson and Cunningham, while they did stay in Indianapolis, similarly watched every game with either friends or family.
“My favorite memory was watching game seven with my parents,” Hudson said.
Cunningham enjoyed watching his favorite player TJ McConnell play.
“[TJ McConnell] brought the energy to the team,” Cunningham said.
From teachers to students here at North Central, the Indiana Pacers historic playoff run truly grabbed hold of hearts and led the community through excitement, despair, and reflection.
