The 2001–02 NBA season was Indiana's 26th season in the NBA and 35th season as a franchise. The Pacers got off to a good start winning six of their first eight games, but struggled around .500 for most of the first half of the season. At midseason, they traded Jalen Rose along with Travis Best to the Chicago Bulls for Ron Artest, Brad Miller and Ron Mercer. The Pacers would win their final five games of the season, and sneak into the playoffs by finishing fourth in the Central Division with a 42–40. Jermaine O'Neal was named Most Improved Player of the season leading the team with 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. He was also selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. Rookie Jamaal Tinsley was selected to the All-Rookie Second Team. In the first round of the playoffs, the Pacers would lose in five games to the New Jersey Nets.

(1) New Jersey Nets vs. (8) Indiana Pacers Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series); met in the 1972 ABA Finals where the Pacers won 4-2.

Although the Nets won the series in five games, it would be most remarkable for more playoff heroics by Reggie Miller. Miller banked in a 40-footer at the buzzer to force overtime, and then flew in for a dunk over three Net defenders with 3.1 seconds left in the extra session to force the second overtime.

(NJN-IND)

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