The 2003-04 Indiana Pacers enjoyed a historic and dominant season, finishing with a franchise-best 61-21 record to secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Under first-year head coach Rick Carlisle, the team excelled behind the leadership of Jermaine O'Neal, who earned All-NBA Second Team honors and finished third in MVP voting, and Ron Artest, who was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The Pacers showcased their championship potential by sweeping the Boston Celtics and defeating the Miami Heat in the playoffs, ultimately reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth time in eleven years. In addition to their team success, the season was highlighted by Fred Jones winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and the continued veteran presence of legendary sharpshooter Reggie Miller. The 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, Ron Artest was a premier perimeter defender who averaged 16.5 points per game and led the franchise to a league-best 61 wins during his dominant tenure.