INDIANAPOLIS — As fans erupted in celebration following perhaps the most significant win in Indiana Pacers history, former star Metta Sandiford-Artest took a moment to reflect on what it all meant.
“This city deserves it, man,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Indeed, it’s been a wait spanning the franchise’s entire NBA existence. The Pacers’ 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals has them on the brink of a first-ever title, with Game 7 now looming.
Back in 2000, Indiana reached the Finals but fell short in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers. That team, featuring veterans like Reggie Miller and Rik Smits, never held a series lead and couldn’t capitalize the way this 2025 team has. Though Sandiford-Artest didn’t join the Pacers until 2001, he’s long felt connected to the team and the state’s basketball culture, lingering on the court postgame to absorb the atmosphere.
Also present was Rik Smits, a central figure from that 2000 squad. The possibility of finally securing a title for the franchise resonated deeply.
“This franchise really deserves it,” Smits said. “We had a lot of great years, but obviously never made it this far. So, I’m just happy for the team, the owners, the whole city. It’s a great fan base here. I’ve always loved playing here, so I would love to see a championship.”
That 2000 loss isn’t the only painful memory. The 2004-05 season, marred by the “Malice at the Palace” incident against the Detroit Pistons, saw key players suspended and a promising season unraveled. For Stephen Jackson, those memories surfaced as he watched the current team thrive.
“This means everything for the guys who played [years ago] to the guys playing now,” he said. “We were supposed to win one when we were here. But it didn’t work out. So, it’s good to see the young guys bring this back.”
Veterans like Smits admire how the modern Pacers have succeeded — by committee.
“It’s different contributions from different guys every night,” he said. “It’s really a team effort with them. We don’t have to rely on one or two old stars. It’s been really fun to watch.”
That stands in contrast to his own team, where four of the five starters were 30 or older. Now, 25-year-old Tyrese Haliburton leads a squad whose top scorer in Game 6 was Obi Toppin, who tallied 20 points off the bench.
Watching from the baseline, Sandiford-Artest admired the group’s depth and philosophy.
“What a great team,” he said. “It’s not like a LeBron James team. From that perspective, I feel like if they win it, it changes how people put together teams. They’re changing the game.”
Only one win away from their first championship, the Pacers have support from former stars like Lance Stephenson, still beloved by fans.
“I think we’ve got this, man,” he said, looking ahead to the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 2016. “It’s going to be tough, but I think we’re going to have a great game altogether. You’re going to have a bunch of guys in double figures and they’re going to win. Nobody here has
an ego. They play together.”
