Overview
- The Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years and leveled the series against Oklahoma City at 1-1 ahead of Game 3 in Indianapolis.
- Fever guard Caitlin Clark, sidelined by a quadriceps injury, is set to make her season debut on Saturday against the New York Liberty.
- Last season’s Fever contests averaged about 16,000 fans compared with 8,500 for other games, and attendance for Finals matchups is expected to sell out Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Owner Herb Simon, praised by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, helms both franchises and has overseen decades of basketball growth in Indiana.
- Building on the legacy of Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson and Bob Knight’s undefeated 1975-76 team, Indianapolis is embracing a new era of hoop enthusiasm.