The 1995–96 NBA season was the Pacers' 20th season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th season as a franchise. During the off-season, the Pacers signed free agents Ricky Pierce and Eddie Johnson. The team struggled with a 6–8 start to the season, as Rik Smits missed 19 games with an ankle injury. The Pacers were also involved in a brawl in a 119–95 home loss to the Sacramento Kings on November 10, with a total of 16 players, eight from each team suspended. However, the Pacers posted a 14–2 record in January, held a 31–16 record at the All-Star break, and later on won eight of their final nine games of the season. The team finished second in the Central Division with a 52–30 record.