INDIANAPOLIS -- The Thursday night, Game 6 Pacers win did more than just send the blue and gold to the second round of the NBA Playoffs - it tipped off a very special month of May in Indy.
"Pacers and racers, racers and Pacers," said Eddie White, the host of Pacers Overtime. "We’re getting that, it’s May.”
The Pacers 4-2 series win over the Milwaukee Bucks triggered a season the Circle City hasn't seen since 2014. That year, a Pacers team led by Paul George made it all the way to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
This time it’s a return to a classic matchup.
”It’s the old 'Hicks vs Knicks'," said White.
White remembers the iconic battles between Indiana and New York back in the Reggie Miller days. So does longtime Indy resident and IndyCar driver Ed Carpenter.
”I remember the Knicks-Pacers series from back in the 90s," Carpenter said. "Hoping we can recreate some of that passion."
Fellow Indy Car driver Graham Rahal said drivers love it when hoops are still happening in May.
"I think it really adds to the whole mystique and the feel of May to have the Pacers still playing and a part of this great city this time of year," Rahal said.
What Racers and Pacers has never had, though, is this much excitement around an Indiana Fever team.
”I think it's going to be really special and really fun," said new Fever superstar Caitlin Clark during media day on Wednesday. "The crowds are going to be great whether we're here or whether we're on the road."
With number one overall pick Caitlin Clark on board, the Fever are demanding national attention… and Indy is ready for it.
”I'm excited to get on the racetrack, but I certainly will be keeping an eye on the Pacers and the Fever," Rahal said.
The Fever kick off their 2024 campaign with a preseason game Friday night in Dallas, and the team is definitely happy for their male counterparts.
”Just wanted to say how proud we are of them and to go Pacers," said Fever Head Coach Christie Sides during Fever media day Wednesday.
When asked on Wednesday about the excitement around her own arrival to Indy, Clark pointed to the Pacers as a reason for all the basketball fanfare, as well.
”I think it just shows the excitement in this city for women's basketball and what I'm able to bring to this organization," Clark said. "Just the entire hype surrounding this team and what the pacers have been able to do this year."
A week from now could be one of the most Indiana weekends ever. The Fever play a home preseason game at Gainbridge Thursday, Pacers Game Three against the Knicks on Friday and then IndyCar Grand Prix at IMS on Saturday.