The Pacers lost Wednesday night in Memphis, ending their season earlier than they wanted. The team was playing for their lives the last few weeks. Their passion and love for the game, particularly during this stretch, was both enjoyable and refreshing to watch. Paul George returned to game action, lifting everyone’s spirits, and the buzz was back at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
At the end of the regular season, the Pacers (38-42) were one win short and thus are now on summer vacation.
As the team traveled home from Memphis early Thursday, many players shared their thoughts and thanked fans on social media. (Just don’t expect to hear from Rodney Stuckey. He’s not on social media.) Read what the players had to say below:
Paul George: “Thank you Memphis and all my fans!! It’s been my toughest year by far but looking forward to my greatest summer ahead! I’ve grown so much this year and learned a lot.. And I WILL grow again!”
David West: “For everyone who supported this team this year….Thank You…Ups and downs…Good times and Bad…We are grateful”
C.J. Miles: “I just wanted to say thank you to Indiana as a whole .. The people/fans and the organization for the love and support shown to myself and my teammates and most of all I am thankful for the Opportunity and trust given to me to be part of this special place and team.. I promise to continue to leave it all out there on that floor I love this game and I love to compete .. I hate to be done this early but I’m excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to get back at it .. And will be working until we do…THANK YOU #StayStrapped ”
C.J. Watson: “Sucks not to be out there with fellas tonight but they fought hard. Tough year with all the injuries but no excuses just have to come back even stronger next year. Thanks to all the pacer fans that stuck with us through it all.”
Ian Mahinmi: “Thank you guys for the love & support throughout this season… disappointing ending but once again THANKS… I love y’all!”
Damjan Rudež: “To say that I am proud of being a part of this team would be a big understatement. Very excited about our future! Thanks to ALL our fans!!!”
Donald Sloan: “I wanna thk the @Pacers, pacernation & the great state of Indiana for having me we fell short of our goal but the future is bright…..IM UP”
George Hill: “Want to take the time to give a Special thanks to Pacers Nation and all who supported us this season. This year has been full of ups and downs and we faced more adversity than anyone could have expected. I am so proud for the effort and passion that all the guys on my team gave this year. You couldn’t ask for a more terrific group of teammates, coaches, trainers and front office staff. For me, when I fall short of my goals it leaves a burning desire for me to work even harder during the summer to come back a better player and to make sure I never feel this feeling again. Each day is a blessing and a lesson and I am excited for next season. All of us who wear the blue and gold will work hard this offseason and we will be back better than ever! Thanks Pacers Nation, you are the best fans in the NBA!!!!! #PACERNATION #BLUEANDGOLD #HOMETOWN”