The Indiana Pacers achieved a milestone by completing the 2024-25 NBA season with their first 50-win record in over a decade and returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Under the guidance of seasoned coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers secured the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in five games and the Cleveland Cavaliers in another five before edging the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

In the Finals, they faced the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder, who boasted a league-best 68 wins. Indiana managed to steal Game 1 on the road, but the series proved challenging. Backup point guard T.J. McConnell stepped up in Game 7, contributing 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, although the Pacers ultimately lost 103-91. McConnell's emotional moment post-game, where he was consoled by the Pacers' vice president of player relations, Karen Atkeson, resonated with fans, highlighting the strong familial bond the team developed throughout the season.