5 reasons Indiana Pacers can win NBA Finals

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Apr 6, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Indiana Pacers were the last team to qualify for the 2016 Eastern Conference Playoffs, but here are five reasons they can win the 2016 NBA Finals.

The Indiana Pacers were able to completely reshape how they played basketball in 2015-16 and found themselves back in the Eastern Conference Playoffs after a year’s absence.

Yes, getting back All-Star small forward Paul George was a massive reason for the Pacers’ turnaround in 2015-16, but Indiana also changed the way it played. The Pacers went from a sluggish front court-dominating team to the next NBA club to go all-in on the small ball era.

It took some time, there were headaches along the way, but the Pacers now find themselves back where they belong in the playoff mix. Through 80 games, Indiana is 43-37, positioned to get either the No. 7 or No. 8 seed in the East, depending on whether it can finish the regular season above Central Division rival Detroit Pistons.

Though the Pacers will face a tough first-round matchup against either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the seeded Toronto Raptors, there are several ways that they can sneak through the Eastern Conference Finals to contend for an NBA Championship.

Here are the five biggest reasons the 2015-16 Pacers could win the 2016 NBA Finals in shocking upset fashion.

Next: 5. Monta Ellis