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.

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