Happy Larry Bird Day, Indiana!

Today is "Larry Bird Day" as proclaimed by Gov. Mike Pence to coincide with a the weekend festivities at Indiana State honoring the local hoops legend.

"Through his athleticism, passion, leadership and tenacity, Larry Bird helped to transform the game of basketball into the one Hoosiers know and love today," said Pence in today's news release. "Larry Bird Day celebrates the legacy and success of this extraordinary Hoosier as an all-star NBA player, Olympian, and Indiana Pacers coach and executive. On behalf of the State of Indiana, I thank him for his contributions and for representing the Hoosier state well on a national level."

The Pacers pres wasn't in his normal seat next to Herb Simon on Friday night since he was attending a dinner in his honor in Terre Haute. Today, Indiana State hosts Balls State and the school will dedicate a statue of Bird which was on display at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on opening night.

Of course, the Pacers kept winning while Bird was away last night. Surely they can't lose on Larry Bird Day, right? The task won't be easy on the road against the Brooklyn Nets, but hopefully they can summon a legendary effort for the man in charge.

More from Indy Cornrows:

• Pacers Links: On to the next one against Nets
• Pacers improve to 6-0 with defensive stand in win against Raptors
• Pacers final score: Pacers beat Raptors 91-84
• Raptors vs. Pacers: Game coverage
• Pacers Links: Tyler Hansbrough returns to Fieldhouse with Raptors