Stephen HolderJun 20, 2025, 01:57 AM ET
Shut
Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, overlaying the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at massive. Stephen completed first place in column writing within the 2015 Indiana Related Press Media Editors competitors, and he’s a earlier top-10 winner in explanatory journalism within the Related Press Sports activities Editors nationwide contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, overlaying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has beforehand labored for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Occasions, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.
INDIANAPOLIS — Surrounded by pandemonium within the wake of arguably probably the most significant win in Indiana Pacers historical past, former Pacers star Metta Sandiford-Artest tried to gather his ideas and put the victory into historic perspective.
“This city deserves it, man,” Sandiford-Artest stated. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Fairly a very long time — as in endlessly.
That’s the notable context round this 108-91 Pacers win over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in Sport 6 of the NBA Finals. With the collection tied 3-3, the Pacers have an opportunity to do what the 2000 Pacers by no means did: Shut out an NBA championship collection.
The 1999-2000 Pacers misplaced 4-2 in a Finals defeat in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers. These Pacers by no means led the collection and have been by no means this near hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Sandiford-Artest didn’t be a part of Indiana till the 2001-02 season, however he has a deep appreciation for the franchise and its followers on this state the place basketball roots run deep, which is why he stayed lengthy after the ultimate horn to soak within the celebration.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Simply throughout the best way was Rik Smits, who spent the whole thing of his 12-year profession as a Pacers heart and was a member of that 2000 Finals squad. The importance of the franchise lastly breaking by means of for a potential title was prime of thoughts for him.
“This franchise really deserves it,” Smits stated. “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.”
The 2000 Finals loss will at all times immediate “what-if’s” in these elements. However so, too, does the 2004-05 season — one marked by one of many ugliest chapters in Pacers historical past. After the so-called “Malice in the Palace,” throughout which Pacers gamers brawled with the Detroit Pistons and their followers throughout a sport in Detroit, the unprecedented suspensions handed all the way down to Sandiford-Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O’Neal derailed what gamers thought was a championship workforce.
These ideas flashed again to Jackson on Thursday evening.
“This means everything for the guys who played [years ago] to the guys playing now,” he stated. “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.”
How the present Indiana gamers have gotten right here was not misplaced on these Pacers legends. And so they inspired them to double down on their strengths heading into Sport 7.
“It’s different contributions from different guys every night,” Smits stated. “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 may have been a reference to Smits’ personal 1999-2000 Pacers. 4 of the 5 starters on that squad have been 30 or older. That features Pacers legend Reggie Miller, who was 35 that season.
These Pacers are led by 25-year-old Tyrese Haliburton, who has solidified his stardom throughout a surprising postseason run. However Thursday’s win was emblematic of the Pacers’ make-up: Their main scorer was ahead Obi Toppin, who completed with 20 factors off the bench.
(Photograph by A.J. Mast/NBAE through Getty Photographs)
Sandiford-Artest, sitting on the baseline at Gainbridge Fieldhouse close to different former teammates, discovered the composition of right now’s Pacers refreshing. They’re giving the remainder of the NBA one thing to consider, he stated.
“What a great team,” he stated. “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.”
With another victory, the present Pacers can name themselves one thing no earlier Pacers have: NBA champs.
And probably the most beloved former Pacers believes that’s precisely what’s going to occur. Former Pacers guard Lance Stephenson nonetheless receives ovations that rival these of Corridor-of-Famer Miller when he’s proven on the large display screen inside the world.
Stephenson, nonetheless brimming with pleasure lengthy after Sport 6, anticipates having extra to rejoice quickly.
“I think we’ve got this, man,” he stated of Sunday’s Sport 7, the league’s first since 2016. “It’s going to be powerful, however I believe we’re going to have an important sport altogether. You’re going to have a bunch of fellows in double figures they usually’re going to win.
“Nobody here has an ego. They play together.”
