Hoops Habit
Fansided

Every NBA Team’s Signature Season

By Duncan Smith

Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana Pacers, 2003-04
Record: 61-21
Lost in the Eastern Conference Finals

Very few good teams have had as much bad luck as the Indiana Pacers did in the early 2000s. The Pacers were seconds away from having a foot on the throat of the Detroit Pistons to go up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals in 2003-04, but were the victims of a legendary block by Tayshaun Prince that let the Pistons steal away the win and eventually the series.

The following season, the Pacers were struck by misfortune thanks to the involvement of several players in the Malice at the Palace, a brawl with Piston fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The suspensions to players like Metta World Peace (then known as Ron Artest), Jermaine O’Neal, Jamaal Tinsley and Steven Jackson essentially cost the Pacers the 2004-05 season.

As for 2003-04, Artest was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the All-Defensive First Team, and was named to the All-Star Game along with O’Neal.

Next: Houston Rockets