Rick Carlisle has been here before.
The head coach of the Indiana Pacers is two wins away from bringing the franchise that once cast him off its first NBA championship.
Carlisle is on the brink of historyGettyThis isn’t Carlisle’s first run in Indiana.
He was the head coach of the Pacers for four seasons from 2004-2007.
Carlisle advanced to the postseason three out of the four years, but was ultimately fired by Larry Bird.
Yes, that Larry Bird.
The Hall of Famer was Indiana’s president of basketball operations at the time, after an unsuccessful stint as head coach.
Bird relieved Carlisle of his head coaching duties, but offered him a front office role to keep him within the organization.
Instead, Carlisle took a year off from coaching before accepting the same position with the Dallas Mavericks.
That is why Carlisle is comfortable in these Finals.
He was once a huge underdog to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in 2011.
The result?
Carlisle is a Dallas legend for bringing the organization its first and only championshipGetty Carlisle is trying to win his second career NBA championshipGettyCarlisle, Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs disposed of James and the Heat in six games, bringing Dallas its first title in franchise history.
It is highly regarded as James’ most disappointing postseason loss and biggest stain on his Hall of Fame resume.
14 years later and he is trying to slay another giant on the sport’s biggest stage.
The vaunted Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished the regular season at 68-14, have had one of the best seasons of all-time.
NBA's Greatest
Greatest NBA players in the world right now – from Luka Doncic to Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama
Best players in NBA history to never win a championship – James Harden and Carmelo Anthony to Allen Iverson and Karl Malone
10 richest owners in the NBA – family empires, media moguls and investment gurus
Michael Jordan’s top 10 scoring games – counting down MJ’s most extraordinary totals
They entered the Finals as overwhelming favorites, but Carlisle wasn’t just going to roll over. He had other plans.
The series is tied up 2-2 with Game 5 in Oklahoma City on Monday night.
Carlisle will be going for the jugular on Friday evening in front of a raucous crowd.
And it could very well decide the series.
After all, he’s been here before.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( I’m famous Pacer fired by Larry Bird who recovered to break LeBron’s heart and lead Indiana to edge of NBA championship )
Also on site :