Next up was the gauntlet.
The San Antonio Spurs came to Indiana. They were last year's champions, and the greatest power forward in history, Tim Duncan, was at the peak of his powers, his dominance off the charts. No one dared underestimate their strength. Some even thought they still had a chance to fight their way out of the West, even with the Lakers boasting their ultra-luxurious "Fab Four."
Rick Carlisle had barely slept the entire night in preparation for this game.
But when the game started, the Pacers discovered that wasn't the case at all.
The greatest power forward in history, Tim Duncan, was resting...
The anticipated clash of titans never materialized. Popovich barely even played his starters.
The Pacers had wound up for a powerful blow, only to punch a fistful of cotton.
They took the win with ease.
After the game, Popovich praised the Pacers, saying they were worthy of being the number one team in the regular season.
