What an NBA title would mean for two generations of Pacers legends - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Surrounded by pandemonium in the wake of arguably the most meaningful win in Indiana Pacers history, former Pacers star Metta Sandiford-Artest tried to collect his thoughts and put the victory into historical perspective.

«This city deserves it, man,» Sandiford-Artest said. «It's been a long time coming.»

Quite a long time — as in forever.

That's the notable context around this 108-91 Pacers win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. With the series tied 3-3, the Pacers have a chance to do what the 2000 Pacers never did: Close out an NBA championship series.

The 1999-2000 Pacers lost 4-2 in a Finals defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers. Those Pacers never led the series and were never this close to hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Sandiford-Artest didn't join Indiana until the 2001-02 season, but he has a deep appreciation for the franchise and its fans in this state where basketball roots run deep, which is why he stayed long after the final horn to soak in the celebration.

Just across the way was Rik Smits, who spent the entirety of his 12-year career as a Pacers center and was a member of that 2000 Finals squad. The significance of the franchise finally breaking through for a possible title was top of mind for him.

«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.»

The 2000 Finals loss will always prompt «what-if's» in these parts. But so, too, does the 2004-05 season — one marked by one of the ugliest chapters in Pacers history. After the so-called «Malice