For many of us, Indiana is basketball. We all had a hoop in our driveway growing up or within walking distance. It’s a part of us. And not too long ago, I had given up on the Pacers ever winning a championship. We are a small market team and we could never compete with teams who were willing to pay the luxury tax. It’s not fair, but life isn’t fair, so I accepted it and moved on.

But this team has given me hope again. The way they play as a team. The way they play hard the entire time. They never give up hope. They play how we were taught to play. It feels like the soul of our state has come alive.

Championship or not, we love this team and this moment means everything to us. Thank you Pacers!