Charlotte, January 9, 2026
Rick Carlisle, the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, achieved a remarkable milestone of 1,000 career coaching victories in the NBA. This victory ended the Pacers’ franchise-record 13-game losing streak as they narrowly defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114-112. It marks a significant moment in Carlisle’s coaching career, recognizing his resilience and ability to guide his team through tough times. The victory not only highlights Carlisle’s status among elite NBA coaches but also provides a much-needed boost to the struggling Pacers team.
CHARLOTTE
Rick Carlisle Achieves 1,000th Career Win, Indiana Pacers Halt Losing Streak
In a significant moment for professional basketball, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle secured his 1,000th career National Basketball Association (NBA) coaching victory on Thursday night. The milestone was reached as the Pacers triumphed over the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 114-112. This pivotal win not only cemented Carlisle’s place among an elite group of NBA coaches but also brought an end to the Pacers’ challenging 13-game losing streak, which marked a franchise record.
A Hard-Fought Victory to End a Month-Long Wait
The long-awaited 1,000th win came after a month of anticipation for Carlisle and the Pacers. His 999th victory had been recorded exactly one month prior, on December 8, 2025, against the Sacramento Kings. The recent period proved difficult for the team, which had been grappling with a series of defeats. The victory against the Hornets, therefore, carried a dual significance, offering a much-needed morale boost alongside the individual coaching achievement.
The game itself was a tightly contested affair. In the final minute, the Pacers managed to score five crucial points to clinch the win. A key play involved Pascal Siakam, who executed a driving layup with 11.5 seconds remaining on the clock. Following this, T.J. McConnell made a critical steal on the ensuing inbounds pass, helping secure the narrow two-point lead. The Hornets had an opportunity to tie or win in the closing seconds, but a jumper attempt by Collin Sexton was unsuccessful.
Carlisle’s Reaction and the Team’s Resilience
For Coach Carlisle, the prevailing emotion after the game was one of immense relief and happiness for his team. He acknowledged the arduous nature of the past month, commending his players for their continued fight through adversity. The win underscored the resilience of the team, especially after facing numerous close losses and fourth-quarter collapses during their prolonged losing streak. The ability of Carlisle’s teams to find answers in challenging situations has been a hallmark of his coaching career.
A Place Among NBA Coaching Legends
By achieving 1,000 career wins, Rick Carlisle becomes only the 11th head coach in NBA history to reach this esteemed milestone. This places him in an exclusive club of basketball luminaries. The list of coaches with 1,000 wins includes legends such as Gregg Popovich, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley, George Karl, Doc Rivers, Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, and Rick Adelman. Notably, Doc Rivers is currently the only other active coach among this distinguished group.
Carlisle’s Enduring Coaching Journey
Carlisle’s extensive coaching career spans more than two decades, marked by tenures with three different NBA franchises. His journey began with the Detroit Pistons from 2001 to 2003, where he earned the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2002. He then had his first stint with the Indiana Pacers from 2003 to 2007. His longest and arguably most defining period was with the Dallas Mavericks, whom he coached from 2008 to 2021. During his time in Dallas, Carlisle led the Mavericks to their first-ever NBA championship in 2011, a tactically celebrated playoff run. He returned for his second tenure with the Indiana Pacers in 2021, where he remains as head coach.
Throughout his career, Carlisle has been recognized for his ability to adapt his coaching principles to evolving NBA trends while maintaining a consistent expectation of competitive excellence. His commitment to playing the “right way” and his focus on fundamental team play have been constants, even as the league has shifted towards a faster-paced, three-point heavy offense. This adaptability and unwavering approach have been crucial to his sustained success and eventual entry into the 1,000-win club.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What significant milestone did Rick Carlisle achieve recently?
- Rick Carlisle secured his 1,000th career National Basketball Association (NBA) coaching victory.
- When did Rick Carlisle achieve his 1,000th win?
- He achieved this milestone on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
- Which teams were playing when Rick Carlisle reached 1,000 wins?
- The Indiana Pacers, coached by Rick Carlisle, defeated the Charlotte Hornets.
- What was the final score of the game where Carlisle got his 1,000th win?
- The Indiana Pacers won 114-112 against the Charlotte Hornets.
- What other significant event coincided with Carlisle’s 1,000th win?
- The win also ended the Pacers’ franchise-record 13-game losing streak.
- How many coaches in NBA history have achieved 1,000 wins?
- Rick Carlisle is the 11th head coach in NBA history to reach this milestone.
- Which NBA teams has Rick Carlisle coached?
- He has coached for the Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, and had two stints with the Indiana Pacers.
- Has Rick Carlisle won an NBA championship as a coach?
- Yes, he led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA championship in 2011.
- When did Rick Carlisle win the NBA Coach of the Year award?
- He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2002 with the Detroit Pistons.
Key Highlights of Rick Carlisle’s 1,000th Win
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Achievement | 1,000th Career NBA Coaching Victory |
| Date Achieved | Thursday, January 8, 2026 |
| Opponent | Charlotte Hornets |
| Team Coached | Indiana Pacers |
| Game Result | Pacers won 114-112 |
| Associated Event | Ended Pacers’ 13-game losing streak |
| Rank Among Coaches | 11th head coach in NBA history to reach 1,000 wins |
| Previous Teams Coached | Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks |
| NBA Championships | 1 (with Dallas Mavericks in 2011) |
| Individual Awards | NBA Coach of the Year (2002) |
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