Here's Why the Indiana Pacers Are My Bar Prep Spirit Team

Last night, the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 125 to 108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals at home in front of a roaring crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With that win, the Pacers punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. They now face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be a fast-paced, high-energy Finals.

I live and work in Dayton, Ohio, which might lead you to assume I’m a Cleveland Cavaliers fan. But I’m not. My son and I root for the Indiana Pacers. And honestly, I think you should too—even if you’ve never watched a full NBA game.

Why the Pacers? Because they embody the same traits it takes to get through bar prep:

✅ Resilience in the face of setbacks,

✅ A team-first mindset,

✅ Smart decision-making under pressure, and

✅ A commitment to building progress over time.

This isn’t just a basketball team. It's a blueprint for how to survive and succeed on the bar exam.

Here are six reasons why bar exam takers everywhere should be rooting for the Pacers:

1. Obi Toppin: A Flyer in the NBA Finals

Let’s start local. Pacers forward Obi Toppin isn’t just a fan favorite—he’s a Dayton legend. As a University of Dayton Flyer, he led the team to a historic 29-2 season and earned the Wooden Award as the best college basketball player in the country. In Game 6 against the Knicks, Toppin came off the bench and scored 18 points, playing a crucial role in closing out the series.

For students at the University of Dayton and those from the Dayton area, this isn’t just about NBA basketball. It’s about seeing one of our own show up on the biggest stage and perform when it counts. His story is a reminder that excellence doesn’t require a spotlight—just commitment, consistency, and the courage to seize your moment. If Obi can rise to the occasion, so can you.

2. Myles Turner: Star Wars, LEGOs, and Staying True to Yourself

The Pacers’ veteran center Myles Turner is known for his love of LEGOs and Star Wars—two of my favorite things. He’s even built a life-sized LEGO sculpture of himself as Darth Vader. Off the court, Turner stays grounded through hobbies that fuel his creativity and bring him joy. On the court, he brings the same discipline and focus.

Bar prep can be overwhelming. But like Turner, you need outlets that help you recharge. Whether it’s LEGO builds, running, journaling, or catching up on Star Wars, don’t lose your sense of self during this process. Turner reminds us that balance fuels performance. Staying grounded in what you love will help you stay sharp in what you’re striving to achieve.

3. Underdogs Who Keep Showing Up

The Pacers weren’t supposed to be here. They began the season 10-15 and entered the playoffs as a 6 seed. They faced the league’s top defenses and battled through injuries and doubt. Yet, they kept showing up, working as a unit, and steadily improving.

Bar prep can feel the same way. You might not have started strong. Maybe your practice scores aren’t where you want them to be. But as the Pacers prove, it’s not how you start—it’s how you keep showing up. Consistency and grit win championships. And they pass bar exams too. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep moving forward.

4. They Win with Depth—Just Like You Have To

Indiana’s Game 6 victory wasn’t just about one player. Pascal Siakam scored 31, Tyrese Haliburton added 21 and 13 assists, and Toppin poured in 18 off the bench. Even role players contributed meaningfully. The Pacers succeed because they don’t rely on a single superstar—they rely on everyone.

Bar takers need depth too. You can’t rely on just being good at Evidence or Contracts. Every subject matters. Every rule counts. Like the Pacers, your success depends on your ability to call on your entire roster of knowledge and skills. Build a well-rounded study plan, and don’t neglect the lesser-tested topics—they might be what carries you over the top.

5. Smart, Fast, and Focused Under Pressure

The Pacers thrive in fast-break situations, outscoring the Knicks 106-48 in transition points over the series. But they don’t play reckless basketball. They play smart, fast, and with purpose. They anticipate, adapt, and act decisively.

That’s bar prep. On test day, you can’t afford to freeze. You have to manage your time, make good decisions quickly, and trust your instincts. You’re not aiming for perfection—you’re aiming for control and efficiency. Training your brain to think clearly under time constraints is what leads to success, just like the Pacers on a fast break.

6. Momentum Over Perfection

In Game 6, the Pacers shot an incredible 54.1% from the field and 51.5% from beyond the arc. Not because every shot was perfect, but because they found a rhythm and built momentum. They played with confidence, which created more opportunities and better outcomes.

Same goes for you. You don’t need to be perfect on every practice question or essay. You need to build momentum. Gain confidence. Let your preparation carry you forward. The key is progress over perfection—getting a little sharper, a little faster, a little more confident each day. That’s how you win in bar prep—and in basketball.

The Pacers are heading to the NBA Finals, and whether you're a basketball fan or not, they're worth your attention. Because they represent what bar prep success looks like: show up consistently, bring your whole team, stay composed under pressure, and don’t let a rough start define your finish.

Let's go Pacers. Let's go bar takers. And go Obi—Dayton is proud of you!