Celtics vs. Pacers: A Timeline of Rivalry and Legacy
The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers is one of the most storied in NBA history. The two teams have met in the playoffs 11 times, with the Celtics holding a 7-4 advantage. The teams have also played some of the most memorable games in NBA history, including the 1984 Eastern Conference Finals and the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Early Years
The rivalry between the Celtics and Pacers began in the 1970s. The Celtics were one of the most dominant teams in the NBA at the time, while the Pacers were a rising team. The two teams met in the playoffs in 1974, and the Celtics won in four games. The Pacers would not return to the playoffs until 1981.
In the 1980s, the rivalry between the Celtics and Pacers intensified. The two teams met in the playoffs in 1984, and the Pacers pushed the Celtics to seven games before losing. The Celtics would win the NBA championship that year.
The 1990s
The 1990s were a decade of dominance for the Celtics. The team won three NBA championships in the decade, and they also reached the NBA Finals twice. The Pacers were a good team during the 1990s, but they were not able to match the success of the Celtics.
The two teams met in the playoffs in 1991, 1992, and 1994. The Celtics won all three series.
The 2000s
The 2000s were a decade of change for the Celtics and Pacers. The Celtics began the decade as a dominant team, but they struggled in the latter half of the decade. The Pacers, meanwhile, emerged as a contender for the NBA championship in the early 2000s.
The two teams met in the playoffs in 2000, 2003, and 2004. The Celtics won the first two series, but the Pacers won the 2004 series in six games.
The 2010s
The 2010s were a decade of resurgence for the Celtics. The team won the NBA championship in 2008, and they also reached the NBA Finals in 2010 and 2012. The Pacers were a good team during the 2010s, but they were not able to match the success of the Celtics.
The two teams met in the playoffs in 2013 and 2014. The Celtics won both series.
The 2020s
The 2020s have been a decade of change for both the Celtics and Pacers. The Celtics have struggled in recent years, while the Pacers have emerged as a contender for the NBA championship.
The two teams met in the playoffs in 2021. The Pacers won the series in four games.
The Legacy
The rivalry between the Celtics and Pacers is one of the most storied in NBA history. The two teams have met in the playoffs 11 times, and they have played some of the most memorable games in NBA history. The Celtics hold a 7-4 advantage in the playoffs, but the Pacers have always been a tough opponent.
The rivalry between the Celtics and Pacers is likely to continue for many years to come. The two teams are located in close proximity to each other, and they have a long history of competing against each other. The Celtics and Pacers are two of the most storied franchises in NBA history, and their rivalry is one of the most intense.
Tables
Celtics vs. Pacers Playoff Series
| Year |
Series |
Winner |
| 1974 |
Eastern Conference Semifinals |
Celtics |
| 1981 |
Eastern Conference First Round |
Celtics |
| 1984 |
Eastern Conference Finals |
Celtics |
| 1991 |
Eastern Conference First Round |
Celtics |
| 1992 |
Eastern Conference First Round |
Celtics |
| 1994 |
Eastern Conference Semifinals |
Celtics |
| 2000 |
Eastern Conference Semifinals |
Celtics |
| 2003 |
Eastern Conference First Round |
Celtics |
| 2004 |
Eastern Conference Semifinals |
Pacers |
| 2013 |
Eastern Conference First Round |
Celtics |
| 2014 |
Eastern Conference First Round |
Celtics |
| 2021 |
Eastern Conference First Round |
Pacers |
Celtics vs. Pacers Playoff Records
| Team |
Wins |
Losses |
Winning Percentage |
| Celtics |
7 |
4 |
.636 |
| Pacers |
4 |
7 |
.364 |
Celtics vs. Pacers Regular Season Records
| Season |
Celtics |
Pacers |
| 1970-71 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1971-72 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1972-73 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1973-74 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1974-75 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1975-76 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1976-77 |
2-2 |
2-2 |
| 1977-78 |
2-2 |
2-2 |
| 1978-79 |
2-2 |
2-2 |
| 1979-80 |
2-2 |
2-2 |
| 1980-81 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1981-82 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1982-83 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1983-84 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1984-85 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1985-86 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1986-87 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1987-88 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1988-89 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1989-90 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1990-91 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1991-92 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1992-93 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1993-94 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 1994-95 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1995-96 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1996-97 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1997-98 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1998-99 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 1999-00 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 2000-01 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2001-02 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2002-03 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 2003-04 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 2004-05 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2005-06 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2006-07 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2007-08 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2008-09 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2009-10 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2010-11 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2011-12 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
| 2012-13 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 2013-14 |
4-0 |
0-4 |
| 2014-15 |
3-1 |
1-3 |
