Metta World Peace Recalls Favorite NBA Moment vs. Seattle Supersonics
In a nostalgic reflection, Metta World Peace recalls hitting a half-court buzzer beater against the Seattle SuperSonics and locking down Gary Payton early in his career. He also shares his hopes for Seattle’s return to the NBA.
1 Feb 2001: Ron Artest #15 of the Chicago Bulls rebounds the ball against Gary Payton #20 and Olumide Oyedeji #00 of the Seattle SuperSonics during the game at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Sonics defeated the Bulls 97-91. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport
The blend of tenacity, controversy, and defensive brilliance that Metta World Peace possesses is rare in NBA history. The hardened forward, previously known as Ron Artest, established himself as one of the league’s most ferocious defenders and passionate competitors. A moment during his early years in the NBA stands out even though he had a championship pedigree and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
A Love Letter to Seattle and a Moment Etched in Time
During a recent conversation, Metta World Peace revisited the early 2000s, when the Seattle Supersonics remained a staple of the NBA landscape.
“Yeah, shout out to Seattle. I miss going to Seattle. I think they had the best lobster. But my favorite moment? I guess it was when I hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to send the game into overtime—not necessarily to win it, but it was a big moment.”
Despite not sealing a victory, that clutch half-court shot symbolized something more significant for World Peace. The way it portrayed him as a young force in the NBA and captured the fearless energy he brought to every court he stepped on reflected his arrival as a young force. Metta assembled a resume of unforgettable plays and defense while Seattle fans cheered for their Sonics.
The Seattle SuperSonics: A Storied Franchise
Understanding Metta’s sentiment requires remembering what the Seattle Supersonics meant to the league. Founded in 1967, the Sonics boasted legendary players like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Ray Allen, Kevin Durant, and Jack Sikma. The team’s gritty, blue-collar identity was a hit with fans and led to many classic matchups.
“I only played there a few times, or wait—actually, I played there during my first five years in the league, because Seattle still had a team back then. So I was there for quite a while. I think when I was playing, they were either just making the playoffs or not quite getting in—can’t fully remember. But I can’t wait to see them back, man. I really hope Seattle gets a team again.”
This nostalgia is not just nostalgia; it’s a reminder that the NBA lost more than just a team when the Sonics were moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. Basketball has lost a significant aspect of its cultural identity.
Lockdown Defense: Metta’s Calling Card
Although Metta is famous for clutch plays like that half-court buzzer-beater, his primary focus was always on the defensive end. During that game, he created a different memory in his mind by going head-to-head with a living legend, Gary Payton.
Daniel Artest: “I remember—you kind of shut down Gary Payton in that game, and you had like 24 points.”
Metta World Peace: “Oh yeah, man. Gary was a little older at that time. I remember that game—I was shutting down a lot of people early in my career.”
It’s rare for a defender to slow down “The Glove,” even in the final stages of his career. Metta had no fear of the moment. His ability to control both sides of the floor made him one of his era’s most feared two-way players.
Early Career Impact and the Rise of a Defensive Force
The Chicago Bulls selected Metta World Peace with the 16th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, and he made his debut in the NBA. Initially, he provided an edge that few rookies could match. Hard-nosed defense, relentless energy, and moments of brilliance that foreshadowed a championship run with the Lakers in 2010 were the characteristics of his time in Chicago, Indiana, and Sacramento. The Seattle game captured the essence of Metta’s early career: defensive dominance, offensive effectiveness, and the ability to make headlines with a single shot.
“I was shutting down a lot of people early in my career.” – Metta World Peace.
His style was the best of both worlds—physically, emotionally, and uncompromising. Memories such as the Seattle buzzer-beater hold a special place in the hearts of fans and players.
The Legacy of a Half-Court Shot
If you’re looking at NBA history, a regular-season game between the Indiana Pacers and the Seattle SuperSonics may be forgettable. However, it was a memorable memory for Metta World Peace—a snapshot of everything he brought to the game. To fight for overtime, I made a deep three from the half court, not to win. It was a defensive posture in opposition to a Hall of Famer. He has not forgotten a team and a city.
“I can’t wait to see them back, man. I really hope Seattle gets a team again.”
This moment is more than just a highlight; it is a moment of personal pride and professional excellence. It reminds us why we love sports: for the unexpected, dramatic, and deeply human stories that emerge from competition.
Seattle Deserves an NBA Return
The feelings expressed by World Peace are similar to those of basketball fans worldwide. Seattle is still known for its basketball culture. The energy and passion were unmistakable from the legends wearing the Sonics jersey to the packed KeyArena nights. The NBA’s expansion discussions have revived the hope that Seattle will soon regain its rightful place in the league. When that day arrives, fans like Metta World Peace, who once sounded the arena with a half-court dagger, will be prepared to welcome it back.
Conclusion: A Moment That Lives On
Metta World Peace considered that single play against Seattle more than a highlight. The competition and backdrop of a beloved city created a memory framed by the mutual respect of NBA warriors. We celebrate that memory because of what happened and what it means to him, Seattle, and the game itself.
