As the Pacers prepare for their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, Darnell “Dr. Dunk” Hillman — a cornerstone of Indiana’s back-to-back American Basketball Association (ABA) championships (1972, 1973) — sees uncanny parallels between today’s team and the franchise’s golden era.
In an exclusive interview with the Indianapolis Recorder, the former forward detailed the championship ethos that propelled legends like George “Big Mac” McGinnis and Mel Daniels and why Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle’s squad has what it takes to conquer Oklahoma City.
Championship pedigree
Hillman, who battled Hall of Fame centers like Artis Gilmore during Indiana’s classic ABA rivalries, emphasized three non-negotiables from Hall of Fame coach Bobby “Slick” Leonard’s reign: pride, poise and perfection.
“Our team played like Mel Daniels played — serious, strong and expecting everyone to follow,” Hillman said. “Mel was our emotional engine, Freddie Lewis our captain, Roger Brown our spokesman. Zero jealousy, just family.”
That cohesion proved critical against rivals like the New York Nets in 1972.
Nets Rick Barry and New York fans dismissed Indiana as “farmers and hicks,” a false narrative that continues to plague Indy’s identity today.
Hillman chuckled: “We wanted to show that sophisticated city (New York) they didn’t own all the marbles.”
Modern parallels
Hillman spotlights Carlisle’s tactical genius mirroring Leonard’s adaptability.
“Slick played chess. He’d ride a hot hand — Billy Keller’s threes or a bench player’s hot streak — and adjust mid-game,” Hillman said. “Look how they pivoted to Tyrese Haliburton when needed, Aaron Nesmith in crucial moments, then let Pascal Siakam take control when needed. That’s poise.”
The 78-year-old particularly praised Nesmith’s breakout performance in the postseason.
“He turned him into Reggie Miller,” Hillman said. “Teammates recognized his groove and fed him. That’s the ‘alpha male’ mentality we had.”
A thunderous challenge
Hillman predicts a high-speed showdown against OKC.
“Both teams love the transition. Very little half-court offense,” Hillman said. “It’ll be a track meet.”
He warns that falling behind double digits could be fatal, stating: “These teams know how to bury you if they get ahead.”
Hillman believes the keys to the Pacers winning the 2025 NBA Finals include limiting OKC’s scoring and utilizing Siakam more.
By holding OKC to 9-10 points under their average, the Pacers may have a chance.
Hillman also feels that the team does not run enough plays for Siakam.
The Pacers legend saluted Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault but believes he will have a tough time with Carlisle.
“Opponents don’t realize how full their hands will be, Hillman told the Indianapolis Recorder. “Carlisle gets maximum effort from nearly the entire roster and out-tactics everyone.”
Legacy of the ABA Pacers
Half a century later, Hillman’s bond with teammates remains unbroken.
“Bob Netolicky called me yesterday. Freddie Lewis called last week. We talk monthly – that brotherhood never fades,” Hillman said.
Hillman believes today’s Pacers exhibit similar kinship: “When one guy has an off night, on or off of the floor, others lift him. That’s championship character.”
Hillman’s final advice mirrors Leonard’s championship ring inscription: “Pride in your city, poise under pressure, and chase perfection every night. This team’s got all three.”
The 2025 NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder begin June 5 in Oklahoma City.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more 2025 NBA Finals coverage, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
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