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By Gordon Simpson

The Indiana Pacers may have imploded in the second half of last season, but this year under the steady hand of coach Rick Carlisle, the team is lighting up arenas around the country. They have assembled a squad laced with talent and impress more with every passing week. It is a trend that has led many to suggest (but remember to mention it quietly) that the Pacers could threaten the NBA Championship's long romance with the Western Conference.

Many top Western Conference teams have fallen at the hands of Eastern Conference front-runners, with the Lakers being the latest Western giant to feel the sting of the Pacers' game, one week ago being held to only 37% shooting. The reigning champions, San Antonio, playing more or less t full force, were also left slightly red-faced by Indiana when they suffered two defeats to them in a one-week span earlier in the season.

A surprising firing brought Carlisle to Indiana. The harsh dismissal of Rick Carlisle from the Detroit Pistons last year, following two impressive 50-32 seasons, only served to open up another excellent opportunity for the ex-assistant coach of the Pacers. It was an opportunity that Larry Bird, President of Basketball Operations at Indiana, was not passing up.

The 42-year old Carlisle began his coaching career in 1989 and spent five seasons as an assistant with the New Jersey Nets where he was tutored by Hall of Fame coaches Bill Fitch and Chuck Daly. Carlisle eventually found his way to the Pacers for the first time in the summer of 1997 and his impact, even as an assistant, was clear to see from the start, when, as offensive coordinator, the Pacers shot up to the near summit of the NBA's offenses as they enjoyed their best ever season. With the Pistons he had a .610 winning percentage and won two Central Division Championships and a Coach of the Year Award. Only Pat Riley has ever achieved two consecutive division titles and 50 or more wins in the first two years of being a head-coach in the NBA's storied history.

Pacers players are thriving under Carlisle. Jermaine O'Neal continues to flourish and is averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. Ron Artest keeps getting better, while getting less technicals. Reggie Miller is a wonderful player to have in any locker room and his vast NBA experience and still-effective outside shot are valuable assets to Carlisle. A rejuvenated Jamal Tinsley, who is averaging over five assists per game, and creates an even more cohesive offense when he is on the court, is helping as well.

Indiana are the clear favorites to bring a championship back to the Eastern conference.

Gordon Simpson is a 20-year-old aspiring sportswriter from the UK.