The
1980–81 NBA season was Indiana's fifth season in the
NBA and their 14th season as a franchise. The Pacers had their first NBA winning season and made their first NBA playoff appearance, which was quickly scuttled by a 2–0 sweep from the
Philadelphia 76ers. The Pacers wouldn't return to the playoffs again until
1987
Events January
* January 1 – Bolivia reintroduces the Boliviano currency.
* January 2 – Chadian–Libyan conflict – Battle of Fada: The Military of Chad, Chadian army destroys a Libyan armoured brigade.
* January 3 – Afghan leader ...
.
Jack McKinney was named NBA Coach of the Year for leading the Pacers to the playoffs. McKinney began
the previous season as coach of the
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. The Lakers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division (NBA), Pacific Division of the Western Conference (NBA ...
, but suffered a near-fatal bicycling accident in November 1979 after only 13 games. The Lakers went on to win the
championship
In sport, a championship is a competition in which the aim is to decide which individual or team is the champion.
Championship systems
Various forms of competition can be referred to by the term championship.
Title match system
In this sys ...
under
Paul Westhead, and McKinney was forced to step aside by Lakers owner
Jerry Buss, who helped him land the Indiana job.
Offseason
NBA draft
Roster
Regular season
Notes
* z, y – division champions
* x – clinched playoff spot
Record vs. opponents
Game log
Regular season
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 1
,
, @
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
W 110–91,
,
,
,
Rutgers Athletic Center
, 1–0
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 2
,
,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
W 100–87,
Davis (22)
,
Edwards (16)
,
Davis (11)
,
Market Square Arena
, 2–0
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 3
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
L 97–108,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena6,909
, 2–1
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 4
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
W 103–99,
Edwards (18)
,
McGinnis (11)
,
Bantom (6)
,
Market Square Arena11,713
, 3–1
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 5
,
, @
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
W 121–116,
,
,
,
The Omni
, 4–1
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 6
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
L 105–119,
Bantom (20)
,
G. Johnson (14)
,
Bantom (6)
,
Market Square Arena7,138
, 4–2
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 7
,
,
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
W 104–97,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 5–2
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 8
,
, @
Cleveland
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
L 100–118,
,
,
,
Richfield Coliseum
, 5–3
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 9
,
,
New York
W 102–95,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 6–3
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 10
,
8:35p.m.
EST
, @
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
W 121–114,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(22)
,
C. Johnson (7)
,
Davis (10)
,
Chicago Stadium5,127
, 7–3
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 11
,
,
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
W 113–100,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 8–3
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 12
,
8:30p.m.
EST
, @
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
L 121–135,
Edwards (23)
,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(7)
,
Bradley,
Davis,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(5)
,
MECCA Arena10,980
, 8–4
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 13
,
9:35p.m.
EST
, @
Phoenix
L 108–109,
Bantom (18)
,
Edwards,
C. Johnson (9)
,
Bradley (5)
,
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum12,018
, 8–5
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 14
,
, @
Golden State
L 111–118,
,
,
,
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
, 8–6
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 15
,
, @
Utah
Utah is a landlocked state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is one of the Four Corners states, sharing a border with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. It also borders Wyoming to the northea ...
L 106–108,
,
,
,
Salt Palace Acord Arena
, 8–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 16
,
8:30p.m.
EST
, @
San Antonio
San Antonio ( ; Spanish for " Saint Anthony") is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in Greater San Antonio. San Antonio is the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest metropolitan area in the ...
W 119–113,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(52)
,
Edwards (6)
,
Bradley (10)
,
HemisFair Arena11,282
, 9–7
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 17
,
8:00p.m.
EST
,
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 103–130,
Orr (20)
,
G. Johnson (10)
,
Bradley (6)
,
Market Square Arena11,421
, 9–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 18
,
,
Washington
W 118–108,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 10–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 18
,
, @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
W 102–97,
,
,
,
Pontiac Silverdome
The Pontiac Silverdome (also known as the Silverdome) was a stadium in Pontiac, Michigan. It opened in 1975 and sat on 199 acres (51 ha) of land. When the stadium opened, it featured a fiberglass fabric roof held up by air pressure, the fi ...
, 11–8
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 20
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
L 91–103,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(27)
,
G. Johnson,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(11)
,
Davis (7)
,
Market Square Arena10,815
, 11–9
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 21
,
8:05p.m.
EST
, @
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 88–97,
G. Johnson (19)
,
G. Johnson (16)
,
Davis (7)
,
The Spectrum8,237
, 11–10
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 22
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Houston
Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...
W 129–120,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(22)
,
C. Johnson (11)
,
Davis (10)
,
Market Square Arena7,357
, 12–10
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 23
,
,
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
W 110–89,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 13–10
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 24
,
, @
Washington
L 108–123,
,
,
,
Capital Centre
, 13–11
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 25
,
,
Cleveland
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
W 117–101,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 14–11
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 26
,
, @
New York
W 113–96,
,
,
,
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh and Eighth Avenue (Manhattan), Eig ...
, 15–11
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 27
,
,
Washington
W 128–115,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 16–11
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 28
,
9:00p.m.
EST
, @
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
L 100–102,
Bantom (25)
,
Bantom (12)
,
Bantom (8)
,
MECCA Arena11,052
, 16–12
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 29
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Kansas City
W 107–88,
Davis (20)
,
Edwards (10)
,
Davis (6)
,
Market Square Arena7,099
, 17–12
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 30
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Phoenix
W 102–90,
Edwards (17)
,
Edwards (10)
,
Davis (7)
,
Market Square Arena9,140
, 18–12
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 31
,
, @
Cleveland
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
W 103–100,
,
,
,
Richfield Coliseum
, 19–12
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 32
,
, @
Washington
L 105–114,
,
,
,
Capital Centre
, 19–13
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 33
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 107–109,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(24)
,
McGinnia (16)
,
Davis (5)
,
Market Square Arena12,539
, 19–14
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 34
,
, @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
L 106–109,
,
,
,
Pontiac Silverdome
The Pontiac Silverdome (also known as the Silverdome) was a stadium in Pontiac, Michigan. It opened in 1975 and sat on 199 acres (51 ha) of land. When the stadium opened, it featured a fiberglass fabric roof held up by air pressure, the fi ...
, 19–15
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 35
,
8:35p.m.
EST
, @
Kansas City
W 107–103,
Davis (19)
,
McGinnis (15)
,
McGinnis (6)
,
Kemper Arena
Hy-Vee Arena, previously known as Kemper Arena, is an indoor arena located in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to conversion to a youth sports and community gymnasium facility, Kemper Arena was previously a 19,500-seat professional sports arena. It ...
5,910
, 20–15
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 36
,
,
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
W 125–109,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 21–15
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 37
,
, @
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...
L 115–116,
,
,
,
The Forum
, 21–16
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 38
,
, @
San Diego
San Diego ( , ) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the List of United States cities by population, eighth-most populous city in t ...
L 109–121,
,
,
,
San Diego Sports Arena
, 21–17
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 39
,
, @
Denver
Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...
L 110–127,
,
,
,
McNichols Sports Arena
, 21–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 40
,
, @
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
W 109–106,
,
,
,
The Omni
, 22–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 41
,
,
San Diego
San Diego ( , ) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the List of United States cities by population, eighth-most populous city in t ...
W 128–104,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 23–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 42
,
, @
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
W 113–104,
,
,
,
Rutgers Athletic Center
, 24–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 43
,
,
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
W 112–103,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 25–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 44
,
, @
New York
W 117–116 (OT),
,
,
,
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh and Eighth Avenue (Manhattan), Eig ...
, 26–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 45
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
W 106–102,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(21)
,
McGinnis (16)
,
Buse (6)
,
Market Square Arena14,505
, 27–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 46
,
,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
W 101–99,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 28–18
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 47
,
,
Seattle
Seattle ( ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. With a population of 780,995 in 2024, it is the 18th-most populous city in the United States. The city is the cou ...
L 94–95,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 28–19
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 48
,
,
Utah
Utah is a landlocked state in the Mountain states, Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is one of the Four Corners states, sharing a border with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. It also borders Wyoming to the northea ...
W 110–89,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 29–19
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 49
,
8:35p.m.
EST
, @
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
L 105–121,
Bantom (25)
,
C Johnson (9)
,
Edwards (7)
,
Chicago Stadium5,519
, 29–20
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 50
,
8:05p.m.
EST
, @
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 104–118,
McGinnis (25)
,
Edwards (8)
,
Bradley,
Davis,
McGinnis (4)
,
The Spectrum9,752
, 29–21
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 51
,
7:30p.m.
EST
, @
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
L 103–104,
Edwards (19)
,
McGinnis (9)
,
Bantom (5)
,
Boston Garden15,320
, 29–22
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 52
,
,
Dallas
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
W 107–89,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 30–22
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 53
,
, @
Cleveland
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
L 109–114,
,
,
,
Richfield Coliseum
, 30–23
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 54
,
,
Golden State
W 108–102,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 31–23
, - align="center"
, colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff",
All-Star Break
, - style="background:#cfc;"
, - bgcolor="#bbffbb"
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 55
,
8:30p.m.
EST
, @
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
W 108–99,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(24)
,
Orr (11)
,
Bantom,
Davis (9)
,
MECCA Arena11,052
, 32–23
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 56
,
,
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...
L 96–102,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 32–24
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 57
,
7:30p.m.
EST
, @
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
L 98–111,
Bantom (24)
,
Orr (7)
,
McGinnis (7)
,
Boston Garden15,320
, 32–25
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 58
,
,
Cleveland
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
W 99–96,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 33–25
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 59
,
, @
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
W 124–101,
,
,
,
Pontiac Silverdome
The Pontiac Silverdome (also known as the Silverdome) was a stadium in Pontiac, Michigan. It opened in 1975 and sat on 199 acres (51 ha) of land. When the stadium opened, it featured a fiberglass fabric roof held up by air pressure, the fi ...
, 34–25
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 60
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...
L 101–107,
Orr (21)
,
Orr (11)
,
Davis (7)
,
Market Square Arena11,817
, 34–26
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 61
,
, @
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
L 100–103,
,
,
,
Rutgers Athletic Center
, 34–27
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 62
,
4:05p.m.
EST
,
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
W 113–107,
McGinnis (27)
,
Bantom (11)
,
Davis (6)
,
Market Square Arena10,513
, 35–27
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 63
,
,
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
L 96–99,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 35–28
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 64
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
San Antonio
San Antonio ( ; Spanish for " Saint Anthony") is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in Greater San Antonio. San Antonio is the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest metropolitan area in the ...
W 109–106,
McGinnis (24)
,
McGinnis (12)
,
Davis (8)
,
Market Square Arena10,419
, 36–28
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 65
,
,
Portland
L 109–113 (OT),
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 36–29
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 66
,
9:00p.m.
EST
, @
Houston
Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...
L 100–101,
Edwards (25)
,
Edwards (11)
,
Davis (12)
,
The Summit13,121
, 36–30
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 67
,
, @
Dallas
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
W 118–111,
,
,
,
Reunion Arena
, 37–30
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 68
,
, @
Portland
L 112–117,
,
,
,
Memorial Coliseum
, 37–31
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 69
,
, @
Seattle
Seattle ( ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. With a population of 780,995 in 2024, it is the 18th-most populous city in the United States. The city is the cou ...
L 93–105,
,
,
,
Kingdome
, 37–32
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 70
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
W 110–104,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(32)
,
Bantom (6)
,
Davis (6)
,
Market Square Arena17,032
, 38–32
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 71
,
,
Denver
Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...
W 129–119,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 39–32
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 72
,
7:35p.m.
EST
,
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 102–103,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(22)
,
Edwards,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(8)
,
Davis (11)
,
Market Square Arena17,032
, 39–33
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 73
,
, @
Washington
W 114–107,
,
,
,
Capital Centre
, 40–33
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 74
,
7:30p.m.
EST
, @
Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...
W 101–94,
Davis (24)
,
C. Johnson (17)
,
Davis (9)
,
Hartford Civic Center15,622
, 41–33
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 75
,
,
Detroit
Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...
L 94–101,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 41–34
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 76
,
, @
New York
L 89–114,
,
,
,
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh and Eighth Avenue (Manhattan), Eig ...
, 41–35
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 77
,
8:05p.m.
EST
, @
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 95–107,
McGinnis (22)
,
Edwards,
McGinnis (9)
,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(4)
,
The Spectrum12,756
, 41–36
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 78
,
,
New York
L 107–110,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 41–37
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 79
,
,
Cleveland
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
W 107–101,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 42–37
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 80
,
, @
Atlanta
Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
W 115–107,
,
,
,
The Omni
, 43–37
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
, 81
,
,
Washington
W 122–107,
,
,
,
Market Square Arena
, 44–37
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 82
,
1:05p.m.
EST
,
Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
L 97–101,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(25)
,
Edwards (9)
,
Davis (12)
,
Market Square Arena16,663
, 44–38
Playoffs
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 1
,
8:05p.m.
EST
, @
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 108–124,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(25)
,
C. Johnson,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(7)
,
Davis (8)
,
The Spectrum7,288
, 0–1
, - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
, 2
,
8:05p.m.
EST
,
Philadelphia
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
L 85–96,
Davis (21)
,
C. Johnson (13)
,
Knight
A knight is a person granted an honorary title of a knighthood by a head of state (including the pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church, or the country, especially in a military capacity.
The concept of a knighthood ...
(4)
,
Market Square Arena8,921
, 0–2
, -
Starting Lineups
Pre season
Regular season
Playoffs
Game officials
Pre season
Regular season
Playoffs
Player statistics
Ragular season
Playoffs
Player totals
Season
Playoffs
Awards and records
*
Jack McKinney,
NBA Coach of the Year Award
*
Dudley Bradley,
NBA All-Defensive Second Team
The NBA All-Defensive Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) honor given since the 1968–69 NBA season to the best defensive players during the regular season. The All-Defensive Team is generally composed of ten players in two ...
Transactions
Free agents
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:1980-81 Indiana Pacers Season
Indiana Pacers seasons
In
Indiana
Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...
Indiana
Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the s ...