The photo that cursed the Pacers, Revisited

February 25, 2014 — The day it was revealed that the Pacers’ starting lineup had posed for a steely-eyed fashion spread in GQ magazine, and a promising season took a negative turn.

Starting out 42-13 and leading the league in defensive efficiency (94.5) before the infamous photo became the source material for internet mockery, the Pacers surrendered 102.4 points per 100 possessions and stumbled to a 14-13 record thereafter.

And many of the losses weren’t just losses, they were shellackings.

Take for instance the 19-point drubbing dealt to them by the Hawks when they scored a grand total of 23 points in the first half and recorded one assist on seven made field goals while committing nine turnovers.