Pacers Pay Tribute to 'Dunkin Dutchman'

The Indiana Pacers legend Rik "Dunkin Dutchman" Smits turned 58 last Friday. Smits played 12 seasons in the NBA, all with the Pacers. To celebrate the one-time All-Star's birthday, the Indiana franchise recalled a special playoff moment made by Smits on social media.

Smits was the No. 2 pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, out of Marist College, with the Netherlands native being the only NBA player to come out of the New York school. Smitz averaged 14.8 points in his 12 seasons with the Pacers.

Although Reggie Miller was the star, Smits was his dependable teammate, a security blanket in many respects. Typically, Miller played the hero, hitting game-winning shotd, and creating classic playoff moments. However, as the All-Star's support, Smits manifested a memorable sequence.

In what's known as the "Memorial Day Miracle", Smits hit the game-winning buzzer beater to defeat the Orlando Magic 94-93 in Game 4 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals.

Smits averaged 18 points in the seven-game series against the Shaquile O'Neal-led Magic. Ultimately, the Magic beat the Pacers to face the Western Conference champions and eventual winner of the NBA Finals, Houston Rockets.

Nonetheless, Smits became a fan-favorite in Indiana, as a no-nonsense, but down-to-earth 7-4 center for a franchise mostly known for its small-market underdog status, beating teams such as the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden during heated playoff matchups.

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The Pacers are known for postseason heroics despite haven't winning a chamopionship since the ABA merger. However, perhaps the 2024-25 Pacers can make history as it runs back the Eastern Conference Finals runner-up roster.