Sunday, October 5, 2025
Submit Press Release
Got Action
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • NCAA
    • NCAA Football
    • NCAA Basketball
    • NCAA Baseball
    • NCAA Sport
  • Baseball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • Formula 1
  • MMA
  • Boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Sports Picks
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • NCAA
    • NCAA Football
    • NCAA Basketball
    • NCAA Baseball
    • NCAA Sport
  • Baseball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • Formula 1
  • MMA
  • Boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Sports Picks
Got Action
No Result
View All Result

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

June 20, 2025
in NBA
0 0
0
Home NBA
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Stephen HolderJun 20, 2025, 01:57 AM ET

CloseStephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

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.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

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 in the Palace,” during which Pacers players brawled with the Detroit Pistons and their fans during a game in Detroit, the unprecedented suspensions handed down to Sandiford-Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O’Neal derailed what players thought was a championship team.

Those thoughts flashed back to Jackson on Thursday night.

“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.”

How the current Indiana players have gotten here was not lost on these Pacers legends. And they encouraged them to double down on their strengths heading into Game 7.

“It’s different contributions from different guys every night,” Smits 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 might have been a reference to Smits’ own 1999-2000 Pacers. Four of the five starters on that squad were 30 or older. That includes Pacers legend Reggie Miller, who was 35 that season.

These Pacers are led by 25-year-old Tyrese Haliburton, who has solidified his stardom during a stunning postseason run. But Thursday’s win was emblematic of the Pacers’ makeup: Their leading scorer was forward Obi Toppin, who finished with 20 points off the bench.

(Photo by A.J. Mast/NBAE via Getty Images)

Sandiford-Artest, sitting on the baseline at Gainbridge Fieldhouse near other former teammates, found the composition of today’s Pacers refreshing. They are giving the rest of the NBA something to think about, he said.

“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.”

With one more victory, the current Pacers can call themselves something no previous Pacers have: NBA champs.

And one of the most beloved former Pacers believes that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Former Pacers guard Lance Stephenson still receives ovations that rival those of Hall-of-Famer Miller when he is shown on the giant screen inside the arena.

Stephenson, still brimming with excitement long after Game 6, anticipates having more to celebrate soon.

“I think we’ve got this, man,” he said of Sunday’s Game 7, the league’s first 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.”



Source link

Tags: generationslegendsNBAPacerstitle
Previous Post

Borden, the last to play for Duke’s Coach K, transfers to UTSA

Next Post

Josh Green Undergoes Successful Shoulder Surgery

Related Posts

JJ Redick Says Bronny James Much More Comfortable And Confident Despite Shooting Struggles
NBA

JJ Redick Says Bronny James Much More Comfortable And Confident Despite Shooting Struggles

October 4, 2025
OG Anunoby goes for 13 points in preseason debut as Knicks beat Sixers
NBA

OG Anunoby goes for 13 points in preseason debut as Knicks beat Sixers

October 4, 2025
Bronny James cold in 1st Lakers preseason game; Redick praises
NBA

Bronny James cold in 1st Lakers preseason game; Redick praises

October 4, 2025
Lakers lose their pre-season opener to Suns with James, Doncic sitting out
NBA

Lakers lose their pre-season opener to Suns with James, Doncic sitting out

October 4, 2025
How report out of players-only meeting changed vibes of last season’s 76ers
NBA

How report out of players-only meeting changed vibes of last season’s 76ers

October 3, 2025
Abdou Toure Commits To Arkansas
NBA

Abdou Toure Commits To Arkansas

October 3, 2025
Next Post
Josh Green Undergoes Successful Shoulder Surgery

Josh Green Undergoes Successful Shoulder Surgery

Tottenham eyeing experienced £9m club captain after public exit admission

Tottenham eyeing experienced £9m club captain after public exit admission

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Away Attendances at the Weekend – 8th September 2025

Away Attendances at the Weekend – 8th September 2025

September 8, 2025
How to Buy COTA Tickets – 2025 United States Grand Prix

How to Buy COTA Tickets – 2025 United States Grand Prix

March 12, 2025
Is Max Verstappen in the mix to win the 2025 Drivers’ title?

Is Max Verstappen in the mix to win the 2025 Drivers’ title?

September 25, 2025
Marte, Steer power Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh, 14-8

Marte, Steer power Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh, 14-8

August 10, 2025
Arthur Jones, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, dies at 39

Arthur Jones, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, dies at 39

October 4, 2025
Fans urge Miami Heat to sign former MVP after Tyler Herro surgery news, ‘he’d immediately be the best player’

Fans urge Miami Heat to sign former MVP after Tyler Herro surgery news, ‘he’d immediately be the best player’

September 19, 2025
Anthony Davis could return to Mavericks’ lineup during upcoming Eastern road trip: Report

Anthony Davis could return to Mavericks’ lineup during upcoming Eastern road trip: Report

235
Getting with the programme | Arseblog … an Arsenal blog

Getting with the programme | Arseblog … an Arsenal blog

3
The longest an NCAA bracket has ever stayed perfect

The longest an NCAA bracket has ever stayed perfect

1
Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers for back-to-back wins

Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers for back-to-back wins

1
Avious Griffin Highlights Boxing Insider Promotion’s Card By Stopping Jose Luis Sanchez In 9.

Avious Griffin Highlights Boxing Insider Promotion’s Card By Stopping Jose Luis Sanchez In 9.

1
OG Anunoby goes for 13 points in preseason debut as Knicks beat Sixers

OG Anunoby goes for 13 points in preseason debut as Knicks beat Sixers

0
What the teams said – Qualifying at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix

What the teams said – Qualifying at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix

October 5, 2025
Mariners leave All-Star starter Bryan Woo off ALDS roster

Mariners leave All-Star starter Bryan Woo off ALDS roster

October 5, 2025
Arch Manning, Texas must recalibrate season expectations

Arch Manning, Texas must recalibrate season expectations

October 5, 2025
Ryan Garcia Shows Blazing Speed After Hand Surgery

Ryan Garcia Shows Blazing Speed After Hand Surgery

October 5, 2025
Tim Skipper reacts to Penn State stunner

Tim Skipper reacts to Penn State stunner

October 4, 2025
Jaguars’ Walker could play vs. Chiefs with club on injured wrist

Jaguars’ Walker could play vs. Chiefs with club on injured wrist

October 4, 2025
Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Pinterest
Got Action

Stay updated with the latest sports news, highlights, and expert analysis at Got Action. From football to basketball, we cover all your favorite sports. Get your daily dose of action now!

CATEGORIES

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Football
  • Formula 1
  • Golf
  • MLB
  • MMA
  • NBA
  • NCAA Baseball
  • NCAA Basketball
  • NCAA Football
  • NCAA Sport
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • Tennis
  • Uncategorized

SITEMAP

  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Submit Press Release
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA
  • Cookie Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact us

Copyright © 2025 Got Action.
Got Action is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • NCAA
    • NCAA Football
    • NCAA Basketball
    • NCAA Baseball
    • NCAA Sport
  • Baseball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • Formula 1
  • MMA
  • Boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Sports Picks
Submit Press Release

Copyright © 2025 Got Action.
Got Action is not responsible for the content of external sites.