1995–96 Indiana Pacers season

NBA professional basketball team season

NBA professional basketball team season

1995–96 Indiana Pacers season

Head coach| Larry Brown
General manager| Donnie Walsh
Owner(s)| Herbert Simon
Arena| Market Square Arena
Results
Record| 52-30 (.634)
Place| Division: 2nd (Central)
Conference: 3rd (Eastern)
Playoff finish| First round
(lost to Hawks 2–3)

* * *

Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
Television| WTTV
Prime Sports Midwest
Radio| WIBC
| < 1994–95  | 1996–97 >

|

The 1995–96 NBA season was the Pacers' 20th season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th season as a franchise.[1] During the off-season, the Pacers signed free agents Ricky Pierce and Eddie Johnson.[2][3][4] The team struggled with a 6–8 start to the season, as Rik Smits missed 19 games with an ankle injury.[5][6][7] The Pacers were also involved in a brawl in a 119–95 home loss to the Sacramento Kings on November 10, 1995, with a total of 16 players, eight from each team suspended.[8][9][10][11][12] However, the Pacers posted a 14–2 record in January, held a 31–16 record at the All-Star break,[13] and later on won eight of their final nine games of the season. The team finished second in the Central Division with a 52–30 record, which was the same record as the previous season.[14]

Reggie Miller led the Pacers in scoring averaging 21.1 points per game, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and selected for the 1996 NBA All-Star Game,[15][16][17][18] while Smits averaged 18.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. In addition, Derrick McKey provided the team with 11.7 points per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, while Dale Davis provided with 10.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, and Mark Jackson contributed 10.0 points and 7.8 assists per game. Off the bench, Pierce contributed 9.7 points per game, while sixth man Antonio Davis averaged 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, and Johnson contributed 7.7 points per game.[19] The Pacers were also the only team in the league to beat the Chicago Bulls twice during their historic 72–10 season, with a 103–97 home win on December 26, 1995,[20][21][22] and a 100–99 road win on April 20, 1996.[23][24][25] However, during the final month of the regular season, Miller suffered an eye socket injury.[26][27][28][29]

Without Miller, the Pacers struggled in the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs against the 6th-seeded Atlanta Hawks. Pierce, who usually plays a sixth man role off the bench, became the team's starting shooting guard in Miller's absence.[30][31] With the series tied at 2–2,[32][33][34] Miller would return to play in Game 5 scoring 29 points, while wearing protective eye goggles; however, the Pacers would lose to the Hawks at home, 89–87, thus losing the series in five games.[35][36][37][38]

Following the season, Jackson and Pierce were both traded to the Denver Nuggets.[39][40][41][42]

## Offseason[edit]

### Draft picks[edit]

Main article: 1995 NBA draft

Round  | Pick  | Player  | Position  | Nationality  | College

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1 | 23 | Travis Best | PG |  United States | Georgia Tech
2 | 52 | Fred Hoiberg | SG |  United States | Iowa State

## Roster[edit]

1995–96 Indiana Pacers roster

Players  | Coaches
| Pos. | No. | Name | Height | Weight | DOB | From

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G | 4 | Best, Travis | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)  | 182 lb (83 kg)  | 1972–07–12  | Georgia Tech
F | 50 | Caldwell, Adrian | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)  | 265 lb (120 kg)  | 1966–07–04  | Lamar
F | 33 | Davis, Antonio | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)  | 215 lb (98 kg)  | 1968–10–31  | UTEP
F | 32 | Davis, Dale | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)  | 230 lb (104 kg)  | 1969–03–25  | Clemson
F | 27 | Ferrell, Duane | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)  | 209 lb (95 kg)  | 1965–09–28  | Georgia Tech
G | 20 | Hoiberg, Fred | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 203 lb (92 kg)  | 1972–10–15  | Iowa State
G | 13 | Jackson, Mark | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)  | 180 lb (82 kg)  | 1965–04–01  | St. John's
F | 8 | Johnson, Eddie | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)  | 215 lb (98 kg)  | 1959–05–01  | Illinois
F | 9 | McKey, Derrick | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)  | 205 lb (93 kg)  | 1966–10–10  | Alabama
G | 31 | Miller, Reggie (C)  | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)  | 185 lb (84 kg)  | 1965–08–24  | UCLA
G | 22 | Pierce, Ricky | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 205 lb (93 kg)  | 1959–08–19  | Rice
C | 55 | Schintzius, Dwayne | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)  | 260 lb (118 kg)  | 1968–10–14  | Florida
C | 45 | Smits, Rik | 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)  | 250 lb (113 kg)  | 1966–08–23  | Marist
G | 3 | Workman, Haywoode | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)  | 180 lb (82 kg)  | 1966–01–23  | Oral Roberts

Head coach

* Larry Brown

Assistant coach(es)

* Herb Brown
* Gar Heard
* Billy King

* * *

Legend

* (C) Team captain
* (DP) Unsigned draft pick
* (FA) Free agent
* (S) Suspended
* Injured

* * *

Roster
Last transaction: {{{access-date}}}

## Regular season[edit]

### Season standings[edit]

Central Division| W| L| PCT| GB| Home| Road| Div| GP

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z – Chicago Bulls| 72| 10| .878| –| 39–2| 33–8| 24–4| 82
x – Indiana Pacers| 52| 30| .634| 20.0| 32–9| 20–21| 19–9| 82
x – Cleveland Cavaliers| 47| 35| .573| 25.0| 26–15| 21–20| 13–15| 82
x – Atlanta Hawks| 46| 36| .561| 26.0| 26–15| 20–21| 15–13| 82
x – Detroit Pistons| 46| 36| .561| 26.0| 30–11| 16–25| 15–13| 82
Charlotte Hornets| 41| 41| .500| 31.0| 25–16| 16–25| 13–15| 82
Milwaukee Bucks| 25| 57| .305| 47.0| 14–27| 11–30| 8–20| 82
Toronto Raptors| 21| 61| .256| 51.0| 15–26| 6–35| 5–23| 82
Eastern Conference

#| Team| W| L| PCT| GB| GP
1| z – Chicago Bulls| 72| 10| .878| –| 82
2| y – Orlando Magic| 60| 22| .732| 12.0| 82
3| x – Indiana Pacers| 52| 30| .634| 20.0| 82
4| x – Cleveland Cavaliers| 47| 35| .573| 25.0| 82
5| x – New York Knicks| 47| 35| .573| 25.0| 82
6| x – Atlanta Hawks| 46| 36| .561| 26.0| 82
7| x – Detroit Pistons| 46| 36| .561| 26.0| 82
8| x – Miami Heat| 42| 40| .512| 30.0| 82
9| Charlotte Hornets| 41| 41| .500| 31.0| 82
10| Washington Bullets| 39| 43| .476| 33.0| 82
11| Boston Celtics| 33| 49| .402| 39.0| 82
12| New Jersey Nets| 30| 52| .366| 42.0| 82
13| Milwaukee Bucks| 25| 57| .305| 47.0| 82
14| Toronto Raptors| 21| 61| .256| 51.0| 82
15| Philadelphia 76ers| 18| 64| .220| 54.0| 82

z – clinched division title
y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot

### Record vs. opponents[edit]

1995-96 NBA Records

Team  | ATL  | BOS  | CHA  | CHI  | CLE  | DAL  | DEN  | DET  | GSW  | HOU  | IND  | LAC  | LAL  | MIA  | MIL  | MIN  | NJN  | NYK  | ORL  | PHI  | PHO  | POR  | SAC  | SAS  | SEA  | TOR  | UTA  | VAN  | WAS
Atlanta | — | 4–0 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–1 | 2–2 | 2–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–3
Boston | 0–4 | — | 2–2 | 0–3 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2
Charlotte | 1–3 | 2–2 | — | 1–3 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–3 | 3–0 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1
Chicago | 4–0 | 3–0 | 3–1 | — | 4–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 3–0 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 4–0
Cleveland | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 0–4 | — | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 1–2 | 3–1 | 1–2 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–1
Dallas | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | — | 2–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 0–2
Denver | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | — | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1
Detroit | 2–2 | 1–2 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | — | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–2
Golden State | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 0–2 | — | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 1–1
Houston | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | — | 2–0 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 1–1
Indiana  | 3–1 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | — | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–0 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–0
L.A. Clippers | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 0–2 | — | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1
L.A. Lakers | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 4–0 | — | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 1–1
Miami | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | — | 3–0 | 1–1 | 5–0 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2
Milwaukee | 2–2 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–3 | — | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3
Minnesota | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 4–0 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | — | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2
New Jersey | 0–4 | 2–2 | 3–0 | 0–3 | 2–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–5 | 3–1 | 1–1 | — | 2–2 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–2
New York | 1–2 | 4–0 | 0–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | — | 1–3 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1
Orlando | 2–2 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 1–3 | 2–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 3–1 | — | 4–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 4–0
Philadelphia | 1–2 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | — | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3
Phoenix | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | — | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 2–0
Portland | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | — | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2
Sacramento | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–1 | — | 1–3 | 0–4 | 2–0 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 0–2
San Antonio | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | — | 2–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 1–1
Seattle | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 2–2 | — | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1
Toronto | 0–4 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 1–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | — | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1
Utah | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2–0 | — | 4–0 | 1–1
Vancouver | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–4 | — | 0–2
Washington | 3–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | —

## Game log[edit]

### Regular season[edit]

1995–96 game log
Total: 52–30 (home: 32–9; road: 20–21)

November: 6–6 (home: 2–3; road: 4–3)

| Game | Date | Team | Score | High points | High rebounds | High assists | Location
Attendance | Record

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1  | November 3, 1995  | @ Atlanta | W 111–106 |  |  |  | The Omni | 1–0
2  | November 4, 1995  | Toronto | W 97–89 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 2–0
3  | November 7, 1995  | @ Cleveland | W 104–101 |  |  |  | Gund Arena | 3–0
4  | November 9, 1995  | @ New York | L 95–103 |  |  |  | Madison Square Garden | 3–1
5  | November 10, 1995  | Sacramento | L 95–119 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 3–2
6  | November 15, 1995  | @ Miami | W 103–97 |  |  |  | Miami Arena | 4–2
7  | November 16, 1995  | @ Orlando | L 80–89 |  |  |  | Orlando Arena | 4–3
8  | November 18, 1995  | Seattle | W 118–104 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 5–3
9  | November 23, 1995  | Houston | L 108–115 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 5–4
10  | November 24, 1995  | Cleveland | L 93–100 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 5–5
11  | November 28, 1995  | @ Seattle | W 102–101 |  |  |  | KeyArena | 6–5
12  | November 30, 1995  | @ Sacramento | L 95–105 |  |  |  | ARCO Arena | 6–6

December: 9–6 (home: 8–0; road: 1–6)

| Game | Date | Team | Score | High points | High rebounds | High assists | Location
Attendance | Record

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13  | December 2, 1995  | @ Golden State | L 97–100 |  |  |  | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena | 6–7
14  | December 3, 1995  | @ L.A. Lakers | L 96–104 |  |  |  | Great Western Forum | 6–8
15  | December 5, 1995  | Philadelphia | W 108–91 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 7–8
16  | December 8, 1995  | @ New Jersey | L 89–91 |  |  |  | Brendan Byrne Arena | 7–9
17  | December 10, 1995  | L.A. Clippers | W 111–104 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 8–9
18  | December 12, 1995  | Denver | W 125–92 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 9–9
19  | December 14, 1995  | @ Toronto | W 102–100 |  |  |  | SkyDome | 10–9
20  | December 15, 1995  | Milwaukee | W 112–95 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 11–9
21  | December 17, 1995  | @ Milwaukee | L 80–84 |  |  |  | Bradley Center | 11–10
22  | December 20, 1995  | L.A. Lakers | W 109–98 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 12–10
23  | December 22, 1995  | Dallas | W 90–79 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 13–10
24  | December 23, 1995  | @ Cleveland | L 96–97 |  |  |  | Gund Arena | 13–11
25  | December 26, 1995  | Chicago | W 103–97 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 14–11
26  | December 28, 1995  | Miami | W 91–77 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 15–11
27  | December 29, 1995  | @ Chicago | L 93–120 |  |  |  | United Center | 15–12

January: 14–2 (home: 7–0; road: 7–2)

| Game | Date | Team | Score | High points | High rebounds | High assists | Location
Attendance | Record

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28  | January 2, 1996  | @ Denver | W 102–87 |  |  |  | McNichols Sports Arena | 16–12
29  | January 3, 1996  | @ L.A. Clippers | W 110–94 |  |  |  | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena | 17–12
30  | January 5, 1996  | @ San Antonio | W 105–92 |  |  |  | Alamodome | 18–12
31  | January 6, 1996  | @ Houston | L 87–99 |  |  |  | The Summit | 18–13
32  | January 9, 1996  | @ Dallas | W 91–84 |  |  |  | Reunion Arena | 19–13
33  | January 11, 1996  | Milwaukee | W 96–88 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 20–13
34  | January 13, 1996  | Minnesota | W 103–94 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 21–13
35  | January 16, 1996  | @ Toronto | W 110–102 |  |  |  | SkyDome | 22–13
36  | January 17, 1996  | @ Atlanta | L 93–102 |  |  |  | The Omni | 22–14
37  | January 19, 1996  | Detroit | W 89–81 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 23–14
38  | January 21, 1996  | Washington | W 106–96 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 24–14
39  | January 23, 1996  | Phoenix | W 117–102 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 25–14
40  | January 24, 1996  | @ Milwaukee | W 97–89 |  |  |  | Bradley Center | 26–14
41  | January 26, 1996  | @ Boston | W 107–90 |  |  |  | FleetCenter | 27–14
42  | January 27, 1996  | Orlando | W 102–79 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 28–14
43  | January 30, 1996  | Atlanta | W 107–90 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 29–14

February: 8–6 (home: 5–3; road: 3–3)

| Game | Date | Team | Score | High points | High rebounds | High assists | Location
Attendance | Record

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44  | February 1, 1996  | @ Detroit | L 70–87 |  |  |  | The Palace of Auburn Hills | 29–15
45  | February 2, 1996  | Boston | W 116–108 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 30–15
46  | February 4, 1996  | New York | W 90–83 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 31–15
47  | February 7, 1996  | @ Philadelphia | L 101–102 |  |  |  | CoreStates Spectrum | 31–16
All-Star Break
48  | February 13, 1996  | New Jersey | L 92–101 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 31–17
49  | February 14, 1996  | @ New Jersey | L 87–88 |  |  |  | Continental Airlines Arena | 31–18
50  | February 16, 1996  | @ Washington
(at Baltimore, MD) | W 95–94 |  |  |  | Baltimore Arena | 32–18
51  | February 18, 1996  | Chicago | L 102–110 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 32–19
52  | February 21, 1996  | Orlando | L 97–99 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 32–20
53  | February 23, 1996  | Philadelphia | W 102–95 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 33–20
54  | February 24, 1996  | @ Charlotte | W 104–90 |  |  |  | Charlotte Coliseum | 34–20
55  | February 26, 1996  | @ Boston | W 122–119 (OT) |  |  |  | FleetCenter | 35–20
56  | February 27, 1996  | Portland | W 101–87 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 36–20
57  | February 29, 1996  | Golden State | W 94–85 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 37–20

March: 7–8 (home: 5–2; road: 2–6)

| Game | Date | Team | Score | High points | High rebounds | High assists | Location
Attendance | Record

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58  | March 3, 1996  | Charlotte | W 103–100 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 38–20
59  | March 5, 1996  | @ Phoenix | L 95–108 |  |  |  | America West Arena | 38–21
60  | March 6, 1996  | @ Utah | L 94–101 |  |  |  | Delta Center | 38–22
61  | March 8, 1996  | @ Vancouver | W 94–80 |  |  |  | General Motors Place | 39–22
62  | March 10, 1996  | @ Portland | L 108–113 (2OT) |  |  |  | Rose Garden | 39–23
63  | March 15, 1996  | Utah | L 86–95 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 39–24
64  | March 17, 1996  | Toronto | W 105–96 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 40–24
65  | March 19, 1996  | @ Charlotte | L 94–102 |  |  |  | Charlotte Coliseum | 40–25
66  | March 20, 1996  | @ New York | L 99–102 |  |  |  | Madison Square Garden | 40–26
67  | March 22, 1996  | Vancouver | W 111–94 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 41–26
68  | March 24, 1996  | San Antonio | L 88–100 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 41–27
69  | March 26, 1996  | Boston | W 103–96 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 42–27
70  | March 27, 1996  | @ Washington | W 99–93 |  |  |  | USAir Arena | 43–27
71  | March 29, 1996  | @ Minnesota | L 91–93 |  |  |  | Target Center | 43–28
72  | March 31, 1996  | New Jersey | W 118–100 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 44–28

April: 8–2 (home: 5–1; road: 3–1)

| Game | Date | Team | Score | High points | High rebounds | High assists | Location
Attendance | Record

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73  | April 2, 1996  | New York | L 86–90 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 44–29
74  | April 3, 1996  | @ Philadelphia | W 102–87 |  |  |  | CoreStates Spectrum | 45–29
75  | April 6, 1996  | Miami | W 99–95 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 46–29
76  | April 8, 1996  | Atlanta | W 97–95 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 47–29
77  | April 12, 1996  | @ Orlando | W 111–101 |  |  |  | Orlando Arena | 48–29
78  | April 13, 1996  | Detroit | W 91–86 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 49–29
79  | April 15, 1996  | Charlotte | W 90–87 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 50–29
80  | April 17, 1996  | @ Detroit | L 93–102 |  |  |  | The Palace of Auburn Hills | 50–30
81  | April 20, 1996  | @ Chicago | W 100–99 |  |  |  | United Center | 51–30
82  | April 21, 1996  | Cleveland | W 89–88 |  |  |  | Market Square Arena | 52–30

1995–96 schedule

## Playoffs[edit]

1996 playoff game log

Eastern Conference First Round: 2–3 (home: 1–2; road: 1–1)

| Game | Date | Team | Score | High points | High rebounds | High assists | Location
Attendance | Series

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1  | April 25, 1996  | Atlanta | L 80–92 | Smits (19)  | D. Davis (12)  | Pierce (5)  | Market Square Arena
16,438  | 0–1
2  | April 27, 1996  | Atlanta | W 102–94 (OT) | Smits (29)  | D. Davis (12)  | Jackson (9)  | Market Square Arena
16,709  | 1–1
3  | April 29, 1996  | @ Atlanta | L 83–90 | McKey, Smits (13)  | D. Davis (10)  | Jackson (6)  | Omni Coliseum
11,290  | 1–2
4  | May 2, 1996  | @ Atlanta | W 83–75 | Smits (17)  | D. Davis, Smits (9)  | Jackson (5)  | Omni Coliseum
15,482  | 2–2
5  | May 5, 1996  | Atlanta | L 87–89 | Miller (29)  | D. Davis (13)  | Jackson (8)  | Market Square Arena
16,731  | 2–3

1996 schedule

## Player statistics[edit]

Legend  GP  | Games played  |  GS | Games started  |  MPG | Minutes per game

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FG% | Field-goal percentage  |  3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage  |  FT% | Free-throw percentage
RPG | Rebounds per game  |  APG | Assists per game  |  SPG | Steals per game
BPG | Blocks per game  |  PPG | Points per game  |  |

### Season[edit]

Player  | GP  | GS  | MPG  | FG%  | 3FG%  | FT%  | RPG  | APG  | SPG  | BPG  | PPG

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Reggie Miller | 76  | 76  | 34.5  | 47.3  | 41.0  | 86.3  | 2.8  | 3.3  | 1.0  | 0.2  | 21.1
Rik Smits | 63  | 63  | 30.2  | 52.1  | 20.0  | 78.8  | 6.9  | 1.7  | 0.3  | 0.7  | 18.5
Derrick McKey | 75  | 75  | 32.5  | 48.6  | 25.0  | 76.9  | 4.8  | 3.5  | 1.1  | 0.6  | 11.7
Dale Davis | 78  | 77  | 33.6  | 55.8  | 0.0  | 46.7  | 9.1  | 1.0  | 0.7  | 1.4  | 10.3
Mark Jackson | 81  | 81  | 32.6  | 47.3  | 43.0  | 78.5  | 3.8  | 7.8  | 1.2  | 0.1  | 10.0
Ricky Pierce | 76  | 2  | 18.5  | 44.7  | 33.7  | 84.9  | 1.8  | 1.3  | 0.8  | 0.1  | 9.7
Antonio Davis | 82  | 14  | 25.5  | 49.0  | 50.0  | 71.3  | 6.1  | 0.5  | 0.4  | 0.8  | 8.8
Eddie Johnson | 62  | 1  | 16.2  | 41.3  | 35.2  | 88.6  | 2.5  | 1.1  | 0.3  | 0.1  | 7.7
Duane Ferrell | 54  | 6  | 10.9  | 48.2  | 0.0  | 73.7  | 1.7  | 0.6  | 0.4  | 0.1  | 3.7
Travis Best | 59  | 1  | 9.7  | 42.3  | 32.0  | 83.3  | 0.7  | 1.6  | 0.3  | 0.1  | 3.7
Haywoode Workman | 77  | 4  | 15.1  | 39.0  | 32.4  | 74.0  | 1.6  | 2.8  | 0.8  | 0.1  | 3.6
Dwayne Schintzius | 33  | 8  | 9.0  | 44.5  | 0.0  | 61.9  | 2.4  | 0.4  | 0.3  | 0.4  | 3.4
Adrian Caldwell | 51  | 1  | 6.4  | 55.4  | 0.0  | 50.0  | 2.2  | 0.1  | 0.2  | 0.1  | 2.2
Fred Hoiberg | 15  | 1  | 5.7  | 42.1  | 33.3  | 83.3  | 0.6  | 0.5  | 0.4  | 0.1  | 2.1

### Playoffs[edit]

Player  | GP  | GS  | MPG  | FG%  | 3FG%  | FT%  | RPG  | APG  | SPG  | BPG  | PPG

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Reggie Miller | 1  | 1  | 31.0  | 41.2  | 33.3  | 86.7  | 1.0  | 1.0  | 1.0  | 0.0  | 29.0
Rik Smits | 5  | 5  | 33.2  | 54.5  | 0.0  | 78.6  | 7.4  | 1.6  | 0.4  | 0.4  | 19.0
Derrick McKey | 5  | 5  | 36.0  | 42.1  | 41.7  | 84.6  | 6.6  | 2.0  | 1.4  | 0.2  | 12.8
Mark Jackson | 5  | 5  | 37.2  | 35.3  | 22.2  | 76.5  | 5.0  | 6.0  | 1.2  | 0.0  | 10.6
Ricky Pierce | 5  | 4  | 26.6  | 34.0  | 25.0  | 85.0  | 0.8  | 3.0  | 1.6  | 0.2  | 10.2
Antonio Davis | 5  | 0  | 25.4  | 52.0  | 0.0  | 86.7  | 6.2  | 0.6  | 0.6  | 1.2  | 7.8
Dale Davis | 5  | 5  | 36.8  | 51.6  | 0.0  | 36.4  | 11.2  | 0.8  | 0.6  | 1.2  | 7.2
Travis Best | 5  | 0  | 16.8  | 50.0  | 16.7  | 85.7  | 2.2  | 1.8  | 1.2  | 0.0  | 5.8
Haywoode Workman | 5  | 0  | 10.6  | 43.8  | 60.0  | 100.0  | 0.6  | 0.4  | 0.4  | 0.0  | 3.8
Duane Ferrell | 5  | 0  | 13.8  | 36.8  | 0.0  | 50.0  | 1.8  | 0.6  | 0.8  | 0.0  | 3.6
Adrian Caldwell | 1  | 0  | 3.0  | 100.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 1.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 2.0
Eddie Johnson | 1  | 0  | 9.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 1.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0

Player Statistics Citation:[19]

## Awards and records[edit]

* Reggie Miller, NBA All-Star Game
* Reggie Miller, All-NBA Third Team
* Derrick McKey, NBA All-Defensive Second Team

## Transactions[edit]

### Overview[edit]

Players added

* * *

Via draft

* Travis Best
* Fred Hoiberg

Via trade

Via free agency

* Eddie Johnson
* Ricky Pierce
* Dwayne Schintzius
* Adrian Caldwell

| Players Lost

* * *

Via expansion draft

* Byron Scott

Via trade

Via free agency

* Vern Fleming
* Sam Mitchell
* LaSalle Thompson
* Greg Kite
* Mark Strickland

|

Additions

Player  | Date signed  | Former team
Adrian Caldwell | October 4, 1995  | Sioux Falls Skyforce (CBA)
Eddie Johnson | October 3, 1995  | Olympiacos (Greece)
Ricky Pierce | October 3, 1995  | Golden State Warriors
Dwayne Schintzius | October 18, 1995  | New Jersey Nets
Subtractions

Player  | Reason Left  | New team
Vern Fleming | Free Agency  | New Jersey Nets
Greg Kite | Free Agency  | Rapid City Thrillers (CBA)
Sam Mitchell | Free Agency  | Minnesota Timberwolves
Byron Scott | Expansion Draft  | Vancouver Grizzlies
Mark Strickland | Free Agency  | Unknown
LaSalle Thompson | Free Agency  | Philadelphia 76ers

Player Transactions Citation:[43]

## References[edit]

1. ^ 1995–96 Indiana Pacers
2. ^ "NBA Off-Season Transactions". United Press International. October 5, 1995. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
3. ^ Heisler, Mark (November 1, 1995). "Eastern Conference: Central Atlantic". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
4. ^ Smith, Sam (December 30, 1995). "Pacers' Johnson Burying Jumpers, Just Like Old Days". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
5. ^ "Smits Will Have Surgery, Out 3-4 Weeks". United Press International. October 31, 1995. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
6. ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Pacers' Smits Out 3 Weeks". The New York Times. November 1, 1995. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
7. ^ Baker, Chris (December 11, 1995). "Frustrations Rise as Clippers Fall: Pro Basketball: Williams Fouls Out for Second Consecutive Game and Team Loses Eighth in a Row, 111-104, to Pacers". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
8. ^ "Kings 119, Pacers 95". United Press International. November 11, 1995. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
9. ^ "Which Players Weren't Suspended?: Pro Basketball: NBA Punishes Eight Pacers, Eight Kings for Fighting. Penalties Will Have to Be Staggered". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. November 12, 1995. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
10. ^ "NBA Suspends 16 from Pacers, Kings for Fighting". The Seattle Times. Seattle Times News Services. November 12, 1995. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
11. ^ "Pacers, Kings Receive 16 Suspensions for Fight". Tampa Bay Times. November 12, 1995. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
12. ^ Diaz, George (November 12, 1995). "Brawl Puts Key Pacers Out of Magic Game". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
13. ^ "NBA Games Played on February 8, 1996". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
14. ^ "1995–96 Indiana Pacers Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
15. ^ Bembry, Jerry (January 31, 1996). "NBA Coaches Recognize Howard's Star Quality; Bullets' 2nd-Year Player Named Eastern Reserve". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
16. ^ Heisler, Mark (February 11, 1996). "NBA Has All-Stars in Its Eyes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
17. ^ "1996 NBA All-Star Recap". NBA.com. NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
18. ^ "1996 NBA All-Star Game: East 129, West 118". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
19. ^ a b "1995–96 Indiana Pacers Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
20. ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Smits and Pacers Deal Bulls Their Third Loss of the Season". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 27, 1995. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
21. ^ "Up by 24, Pacers Finally Cut Streaking Bulls Short". The Washington Post. December 27, 1995. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
22. ^ "Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers Box Score, December 26, 1995". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
23. ^ Nadel, Mike (April 20, 1996). "Pacers 100, Bulls 99". Associated Press. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
24. ^ "Down to the Wire: Pacers 100, Bulls 99". Chicago Tribune. April 21, 1996. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
25. ^ "Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 20, 1996". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
26. ^ "Miller Out 2-3 Weeks with Fractured Eye Socket". Associated Press. April 14, 1996. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
27. ^ "Miller to Undergo Surgery; Out 2-3 Weeks". United Press International. April 14, 1996. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
28. ^ "Miller Out at Least 3 Weeks". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 15, 1996. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
29. ^ "Injury to Sideline Pacers' Miller for Three Weeks". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. April 15, 1996. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
30. ^ "Ricky Pierce to Start in Place of Reggie Miller". Associated Press. April 24, 1996. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
31. ^ "N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Smits Steps In, in Overtime, to Defeat Fumbling Hawks". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 28, 1996. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
32. ^ "Pacers 83, Hawks 75". United Press International. May 2, 1996. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
33. ^ "NBA PLAYOFFS; Pacers to Head Home for Decisive Game 5". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 3, 1996. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
34. ^ "Pacers, Hawks Face Do-or-Die 5th Game". Deseret News. Associated Press. May 4, 1996. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
35. ^ Armour, Nancy (May 5, 1996). "Hawks 89, Pacers 87". Associated Press. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
36. ^ "NBA PLAYOFFS; Miller, in Surprise Return, Just Misses Ousting Hawks". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 6, 1996. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
37. ^ "Hawks Escape Pacers". The Washington Post. May 6, 1996. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
38. ^ "1996 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Hawks vs. Pacers". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
39. ^ "Pacers Trade Jackson, Pierce to Denver". United Press International. June 13, 1996. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
40. ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Nuggets Trade Abdul-Rauf, Acquire Pacers' Jackson". The New York Times. Associated Press. June 14, 1996. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
41. ^ "In One of Two Deals, Abdul-Rauf Is Traded". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. June 14, 1996. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
42. ^ "Rose, Abdul-Rauf Traded". The Spokesman-Review. Wire Reports. June 14, 1996. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
43. ^ "1995–96 Indiana Pacers Transactions". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 3, 2021.

## See also[edit]

* 1995–96 NBA season

* v
* t
* e

1995–96 NBA season by team

* 1995 NBA expansion draft
* 1995 NBA draft
* All-Star Game
* Playoffs
* Finals
* Transactions

Eastern|

| Atlantic|

* Boston
* Miami
* New Jersey
* New York
* Orlando
* Philadelphia
* Washington

|

Central|

* Atlanta
* Charlotte
* Chicago
* Cleveland
* Detroit
* Indiana
* Milwaukee
* Toronto

Western|

| Midwest|

* Dallas
* Denver
* Houston
* Minnesota
* San Antonio
* Utah
* Vancouver

|

Pacific|

* Golden State
* L.A. Clippers
* L.A. Lakers
* Phoenix
* Portland
* Sacramento
* Seattle

* v
* t
* e

Indiana Pacers

* Founded in 1967
* Based in Indianapolis, Indiana

Franchise|

* History
* ABA–NBA merger
* All-time roster
* Draft history
* Head coaches
* Seasons
* Current season

Arenas|

* Indiana State Fair Coliseum
* Market Square Arena
* Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Personnel|

Owner(s)
Herbert Simon
President
Kevin Pritchard
General manager
Chad Buchanan
Head coach
Rick Carlisle

G League affiliate|

* Indiana Mad Ants

Retired numbers

* 30
* 31
* 34
* 35
* 529

ABA championships|

* 1970
* 1972
* 1973

Rivalries|

* Miami Heat
* New York Knicks

Culture and lore|

* Broadcasters
* Boomer
* Dancing Harry
* Team Bikeshare
* The Knick-Killer
* The Dunking Dutchman
* Malice at the Palace
* Reb Porter

* v
* t
* e

Indiana Pacers seasons

* Franchise
* History
* Seasons

1960s|

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  1967–68 |  1968–69

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1970s|

|  1969–70 |  1970–71 |  1971–72 |  1972–73 |  1973–74 |  1974–75 |  1975–76 |  1976–77 |  1977–78 |  1978–79

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1980s|

|  1979–80 |  1980–81 |  1981–82 |  1982–83 |  1983–84 |  1984–85 |  1985–86 |  1986–87 |  1987–88 |  1988–89

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1990s|

|  1989–90 |  1990–91 |  1991–92 |  1992–93 |  1993–94 |  1994–95 |  1995–96 |  1996–97 |  1997–98 |  1998–99

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2000s|

|  1999–00 |  2000–01 |  2001–02 |  2002–03 |  2003–04 |  2004–05 |  2005–06 |  2006–07 |  2007–08 |  2008–09

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2010s|

|  2009–10 |  2010–11 |  2011–12 |  2012–13 |  2013–14 |  2014–15 |  2015–16 |  2016–17 |  2017–18 |  2018–19

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2020s|

|  2019–20 |  2020–21 |  2021–22 |  2022–23 |  2023–24 |  |  |  |  |

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Bold indicates ABA Championship victory
*[Pos.]: Position
*[No.]: Number
*[W]: Games won
*[L]: Games lost
*[PCT]: Winning percentage
*[GB]: Games behind
*[Home]: Home record
*[Road]: Road record
*[Div]: Division record
*[GP]: Games played
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template