The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of making history, and the city of Indianapolis is buzzing with anticipation. With a decisive 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the Pacers have forced a Game 7, giving them a shot at their first-ever NBA championship.

The Legacy of the 2000 Pacers

For Pacers legends like Metta World Peace (formerly known as Metta Sandiford-Artest) and Rik Smits, this moment is particularly poignant. The 1999-2000 Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, came close but fell short in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Smits, who spent his entire 12-year career with the Pacers, reflects on that era with a mix of pride and longing.

"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 Impact of the Current Team

The current Pacers squad, led by 25-year-old Tyrese Haliburton, has been a revelation. Unlike the star-driven teams of the past, this group thrives on collective effort. In Game 6, forward Obi Toppin led the scoring with 20 points off the bench, showcasing the depth and versatility of the team.

"It's different contributions from different guys every night," Smits observed. "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."

Changing the Game

Metta World Peace, who joined the Pacers in the 2001-02 season, sees this team as a potential game-changer for the NBA. "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."

The Road to Game 7

As the Pacers prepare for Game 7, the stakes couldn't be higher. Former Pacers guard Lance Stephenson, still a fan favorite, is optimistic about their chances. "I think we've got this, man," he said. "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."

With one more victory, the Indiana Pacers can etch their names in history, bringing a long-awaited championship to a city that has waited far too long.