2002–03 Indiana Pacers season

The 2002–03 NBA season was Indiana's 27th season in the NBA and 36th season as a franchise. The Pacers finished second in the Central Division with a 48–34 record. In the first round of the playoffs, they lost in six games to the 6th-seeded Boston Celtics. Head coach Isiah Thomas, Jermaine O'Neal and Brad Miller represented the Eastern Conference during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game. That game was perhaps known as a storybook ending for Michael Jordan, but O'Neal ruined the moment, fouling Western Conference All-Star Kobe Bryant, who attempted a 3-pointer. Bryant hit 2 of 3 free throws to send the game into overtime. The West won 155–145.

2002–03 Indiana Pacers season

The 2002–03 NBA season was Indiana's 27th season in the NBA and 36th season as a franchise. The Pacers finished second in the Central Division with a 48–34 record. In the first round of the playoffs, they lost in six games to the 6th-seeded Boston Celtics. Head coach Isiah Thomas, Jermaine O'Neal and Brad Miller represented the Eastern Conference during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game. That game was perhaps known as a storybook ending for Michael Jordan, but O'Neal ruined the moment, fouling Western Conference All-Star Kobe Bryant, who attempted a 3-pointer. Bryant hit 2 of 3 free throws to send the game into overtime. The West won 155–145.