The NBA Finals are gaining momentum! The Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder have already produced some thrilling moments in Games 1 and 2. Tyrese Haliburton stole the show in Game 1 at the Paycom Center, hitting the game-winning shot with just 0.3 seconds on the clock. Meanwhile, OKC and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed their class in Game 2, as they brought the series back to level terms. There are a slew of possibilities why Indiana couldn’t bring home a 2-0 advantage. Maybe they just couldn’t wait to play in front of their own crowd.
If that’s the reason, you cannot really blame them, especially after seeing the finals fever that has taken over the city. It’s been over two and a half decades since the city of Indianapolis witnessed an NBA Final. So, it’s only logical that with the series shifting to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the next two games, the city brings out its ‘A’ game. They’ve done exactly that! Wait, they might have even outdone their own expectations, one can say. The franchise revealed its preparations ahead of a crucial Finals Game 3 against the Thunder.
The Pacers have painted the city Gold! The entire Gainbridge Fieldhouse entry has been covered with a huge banner with their players on it, including a YES’CERS word play on it. However, it isn’t even the best gesture. Yes, you heard us. Indiana decided to temporarily rename the streets surrounding their home court. To show that the city’s support is behind its team, they’ve renamed their streets to names such as Haliburton Road,Bryant Boulevard, Toppin Ave, and Turner Lane.
This gesture garnered significant appreciation from the city’s residents, including the girlfriend of their point guard, Jade Jones. Tyrese Haliburton’s lady luck expressed her admiration on Instagram, and was so taken by the Pacers’ strategy that she found it difficult to articulate her emotions. Jones re-shared the franchise’s post, which highlighted the street named in honor of the 25-year-old Indiana Pacers superstar. Although this was a moment to celebrate for Jade Jones and the rest of the city, it drew considerable criticism from fans in New York.
New York fans accuse Indiana of copying their strategy before Game 3
The city of Indianapolis is currently in NBA Finals mode, preparing for two pivotal games that could determine their fate regarding the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Although their initiative to rename streets received enthusiastic support from the local residents, it is evident that the New Yorkers were not pleased with this development. You may wonder why this is the case. Could it be related to the fact that Tyrese Haliburton and his team eliminated them from the playoffs?
One could argue that this may have played a role. Nevertheless, there is an additional reason for the discontent among Knicks fans. They feel that the Pacers have imitated a trend that originated with them, and notably, this occurred against Indiana itself!
For those who may not be aware, it was the New York Knicks who initially renamed their streets to pay tribute to their players. This gesture was prominently displayed during their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Pacers, where every Knicks player had a street named in their honor, similar to what the Pacers have now done.
While the Knicks fans are right in accusing Indiana of copying their style, you have to take into account the timing. New York decided to do that after winning just two playoff series. Meanwhile, the Pacers are hosting their first finals in over 25 years, that too, against the first-seeded OKC team. So, they need all the support they can get.
One could even argue that this gesture from Indiana would’ve been more fitting had they won the finals. But, nonetheless, it seems like a cool way to extend their support for their team. And if Knicks’ supporters can do the same before the Conference Finals, surely we can cut Indiana some slack?
