Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Reaches 1,000 Wins, Ends 13-Game Skid

Veteran coach achieves milestone as Pacers snap lengthy losing streak

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.Carlisle's 1,000th win milestone caps a rollercoaster season for the Pacers, as the veteran coach's steadfast leadership guides his team through a challenging stretch.Charlotte Today

In a thrilling turn of events, veteran Pacers coach Rick Carlisle achieved a career milestone, securing his 1,000th win against the Charlotte Hornets. This victory not only marked a significant personal achievement but also ended a franchise-record 13-game losing streak for the struggling Pacers, leaving the team and fans elated.

Why it matters

Carlisle's 1,000th win places him in elite company, as he becomes just the 11th coach in NBA history to reach that milestone. Despite the Pacers' current woes, with the team holding the league's worst record at 7-31, Carlisle's focus remained on the players' resilience and determination during a challenging stretch.

The details

The Pacers coach had initially tried to steer clear of the topic after Indiana's win over the Kings on December 8, 2025, but the significance of the moment became increasingly hard to ignore. Carlisle gracefully accepted the hugs of his players as they congratulated him on this momentous occasion, which had kept him waiting for a month.

  • On December 8, 2025, Carlisle's Pacers defeated the Kings, setting the stage for his 1,000th win.
  • On January 8, 2026, Carlisle secured his 1,000th career victory against the Charlotte Hornets.

The players

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers, who has now reached the 1,000-win milestone in his NBA coaching career.

Herb Simon

The owner of the Indiana Pacers, who called Carlisle to congratulate him on the achievement.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so happy for our players. The last month has been incredibly challenging in numerous ways, but we have an incredible group of guys who keep fighting through thick and thin. This whole period has been a rollercoaster. It's both exhilarating and disheartening to be ahead and then fall behind.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers

“I'm pretty sure all the guys on the list are guys I know well. I started as a head coach in 2001 when many of these guys were still coaching, and I coached against them for years. I have the utmost respect for all of them. These guys weren't just competitors; they became friends over the years, and I miss them. I'm truly blessed.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This achievement marks Carlisle as the 11th coach in NBA history to reach the 1,000-win milestone, and his journey continues to inspire both his team and fans alike. The Pacers' recent struggles have been challenging, but Carlisle's focus on the players' resilience and determination has kept the team united during this difficult stretch.