Indiana Pacers’ Historic Victory
INDIANAPOLIS — Amid the ecstatic aftermath of what may become one of the most memorable victories in Indiana Pacers history, former player Metta World Peace, known previously as Ron Artest, reflected on the significance of the moment.
“This city deserves it, man. It’s been a long time coming,”
he expressed, highlighting the emotional weight of the Pacers’ triumph over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 108-91 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
Championship Aspirations
This pivotal victory has now set the stage for the Pacers to potentially achieve what previous iterations of the team could not—securing a championship title. Currently, the series stands at 3-3, raising stakes that echo back to the 1999-2000 season, when the Pacers were defeated 4-2 by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. That previous squad did not lead in any of their series games and never reached this juncture of championship contention.
Although World Peace joined the Pacers a season later, he carries a profound respect for the franchise and its passionate fan base, which is renowned for its deep-rooted basketball traditions. Hence, he chose to linger in the arena following the game to soak in the victorious atmosphere.
Right beside him was fellow Pacers legend Rik Smits, who dedicated his entire 12-year career to the franchise and was part of that fateful 2000 team. Smits articulated the significance of a potential title for the franchise:
“This franchise really deserves it. We had a lot of great years but never made it this far. It’s about time we get a championship for this city and this incredible fan base that I have always cherished.”
Reflections on the Past
The hurt from the 2000 Finals continues to evoke “what if” scenarios among fans, but another chapter looms large in Pacers history: the infamous events of the 2004-05 season. During a vicious altercation known as the “Malice in the Palace,” a brawl erupted between Pacers players and the Detroit Pistons’ fans, leading to unprecedented suspensions for key players like World Peace, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O’Neal. Those suspensions sabotaged their title aspirations that year.
Reflecting on those past seasons, Jackson noted,
“This means everything for the guys who played here before us. We were supposed to win a championship back when we played, and while it didn’t happen, seeing the current team bring it back to this level is gratifying.”
Team Dynamics and Current Players
As Game 7 approaches, existing Pacers players stand on the shoulders of those past legends. Smits pointed out their collective effort as a major advantage:
“It’s really a team effort. Everyone is contributing—there’s no need to depend solely on one or two stars, which makes it enjoyable to watch.”
This reference could easily nod to their own team from the late ’90s, where many players were nearing or past 30, including the famous Reggie Miller.
Contrastingly, the current roster is spearheaded by the young talent of 25-year-old Tyrese Haliburton, whose performance through the playoffs has been impressive. Thursday night’s game saw a bench player, Obi Toppin, stepping into the spotlight as the leading scorer with 20 points, showcasing the depth and versatility of the current squad.
Looking Ahead
World Peace, seated with former teammates, expressed excitement about the unique makeup of the current Pacers lineup, suggesting their style may influence the future of team construction in the league:
“What a great team. It’s not your typical superstars team. If they win, it could change how NBA teams build out their rosters. They’re really reshaping the game.”
Achieving a championship would solidify a legacy that no other faction of Pacers has claimed. There’s hope among those who have donned the blue and gold that the time for celebration may just be around the corner. Former beloved guard, Lance Stephenson, still enjoys a warm reception from fans reminiscent of Miller’s, and he too is optimistic about the upcoming Game 7, the first in the league since 2016.
“I believe we have this, man,”
he stated with enthusiasm.
“It will be tough, but our guys will step up and perform. Everyone plays for one another here; that’s our strength.”
