OKLAHOMA CITY— Achieving consensus on any topic can be a challenge, yet the feedback is in regarding Oklahoma City, and nearly all of it suggests the Thunder have struck gold. “Some may argue that they’ve reached this level ahead of schedule. If that’s true, the rest of the NBA could be facing the prospect of a dynasty.” Additionally: “The Thunder …

The Knicks seemed to discover a new intensity during the latter part of the Eastern Conference Finals by broadening their rotation and opting for a larger starting lineup. NEW YORK (AP)— The New York Knicks reached a height not seen in 25 years, though they fell short of their ultimate aspirations. Their commitment to contending for an NBA championship was …

Ernie Johnson struggled to find his voice. On Saturday night, after nearly 40 years as a mainstay in basketball broadcasting, “Inside the NBA” on TNT concluded its run. The show is set to transition to ESPN and ABC next season, retaining the familiar faces of Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, who will continue to broadcast most shows …

The Indiana Pacers have claimed the title of Eastern Conference champions after a decisive 125–108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6, winning the series 4–2 and securing a spot in the NBA Finals. This marks only the second time in the franchise’s history that the Pacers will compete in the Finals, where they will take on the …

This series embodies the classic David versus Goliath narrative, or perhaps a more fitting analogy for the Pacers is the “Hoosiers” story. Much like the undersized Hickory High School from the Gene Hackman film that triumphed over larger rivals to clinch the Indiana state championship years ago, the Pacers must remind themselves that the hoops in the NBA Finals are …

Pau Gasol acknowledges that the new wave of European players in the NBA has elevated the standard of the game, but he refrains from claiming they have eclipsed the achievements of his generation. “In a way, it’s true that the younger players have enhanced the overall level of play. However, asserting that they have overtaken an older generation is a …

INDIANAPOLIS – From the outset of the Eastern Conference championship series, Indiana’s coach Rick Carlisle began marking time for his team, counting down not by wins, but by days. “This is simply Day 1 of a 13-day journey,” Carlisle remarked after the Pacers achieved a thrilling, unexpected overtime victory over the Knicks in the series opener in New York. Two …