Head coach Isiah Thomas Arena Conseco Fieldhouse | General manager Donnie Walsh Record 48–34 (.585) | |
Place Division: 2nd (Central)
Conference: 3rd (Eastern) Playoff finish Lost to Boston Celtics in East First Round (2-4) | ||
The 2002–03 NBA season was Indiana's 27th season in the NBA and 36th season as a franchise. The Pacers finished second in the Central Division with a 48–34 record. Head coach Isiah Thomas, Jermaine O'Neal and Brad Miller represented the Eastern Conference during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game. That game was perhaps known as a storybook ending for Michael Jordan, but O'Neal ruined the moment, fouling Western Conference All-Star Kobe Bryant, who attempted a 3-pointer. Bryant hit 2 of 3 free throws to send the game into overtime. The West won 155–145. Late in the season, the Pacers signed All-Star point guard Tim Hardaway, who would appear in ten games. In the first round of the playoffs, they lost in six games to the 6th-seeded Boston Celtics.
Contents
After the season, it was announced that Thomas would not be returning as head coach, replacing him with Rick Carlisle for the next season. Thomas would later return to coach the New York Knicks in 2006. Also following the season, Miller was traded to the Sacramento Kings, Ron Mercer was sent to the San Antonio Spurs and Hardaway retired.
Note
Bold = All-Star selection
z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spotEast First Round
(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Boston Celtics Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Eastern Conference First Round (Boston won 3-0)
*Required overtime.