Rick Carlisle's 1,000th win milestone: 'So happy for our players'
January 8, 2026, 11:07 p.m. ET
In a thrilling turn of events, 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 Pacers, leaving the team and fans elated. Carlisle, with a look of stunned relief on his face, gracefully accepted the hugs of his players as they congratulated him on this momentous occasion, which had kept him waiting for a month.
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. Despite the team's current struggles, holding the NBA's worst record at 7-31, Carlisle's focus remained on the players' resilience and determination.
"I'm so happy for our players," Carlisle expressed in his postgame comments, broadcast on the Fan Duel Sports Network. "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."
When asked about his reflections on reaching the 1,000-win milestone and the company he'd be keeping, Carlisle admitted to a moment of introspection. He acknowledged the influence of the 10 coaches who had achieved this feat before him, all of whom he held in high regard.
"I'm pretty sure all the guys on the list are guys I know well," Carlisle remarked. "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."
After the game, Carlisle received calls from owner Herb Simon and one of his sons, who shared the challenges of the recent stretch. However, Carlisle maintained a balanced perspective, emphasizing that the milestone win was not just about him but about the entire organization and franchise.
"This whole thing has never been about me and getting a milestone win," Carlisle stated. "It's about our organization and our franchise. As it's gotten tougher, I've been focusing more on gratitude for the things we have. We have incredible people and terrific players."
This achievement marks Carlisle as the 11th coach in NBA history to reach this significant milestone, and his journey continues to inspire both his team and fans alike.
