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.