I have to give a big round of applause to Indiana Pacers’ president Larry Bird and head coach Frank Vogel. It has been impressive what the Pacers have accomplished this season and how much they have turned this thing around.

The Pacers were 37-45 last season and just barely squeaked into the playoffs and now they are 37-22 this season and have clinched a playoff spot. The Pacers are just the 5th team in the NBA to clinch a playoff spot. The other four teams are Chicago, Miami, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio.

The last time that the Pacers finished a season with an above .500 record was 2004-05 when they finished with a 44-38 record. Jermaine O’neal was still with that team!

Indiana is currently in 3rd in the Eastern Conference behind Chicago and Miami. The Pacers have just seven games left on their schedule. It’s pretty staggering that the Pacers only trail 2nd place Miami by 4 1/2 games in the Eastern Conference.

I’ve talked about the Pacers a few times recently in blog posts but as a fan I am just excited to have Pacers basketball back!

I really hope they make a run in the playoffs and I believe they will!

Follow me on twitter: @sportsguycaleb

–Caleb Martin