INDIANAPOLIS— To capture the NBA championship, a team doesn’t necessarily need to dominate defensively across the league. However, even the most proficient offensive teams must still achieve a reasonable degree of defensive performance to clinch four playoff series. In the 2022-23 season, the Denver Nuggets ranked 15th in defensive performance during the regular season but elevated their game defensively in …

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark made sure to witness the NBA Finals firsthand, taking a spot along the baseline to support the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday evening. The WNBA sensation sported a yellow shirt featuring the iconic phrase “In 49 other states it’s just basketball. But this is Indiana,” paired with a finals logo. She watched the game alongside her …

The Indiana Pacers are now one step closer to claiming their first NBA championship, thanks to remarkable performances from their bench in Wednesday’s 116-107 victory against the Thunder in Game 3. Bennedict Mathurin dazzled the Oklahoma City defense, finishing with a game-high 27 points in only 22 minutes on 12 attempts. He has become the youngest player to score 25 …

As the series shifted to Indianapolis, the Pacers embraced the backing of their fans during their first NBA Finals appearance in a quarter of a century, securing a 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. They now lead the series 2-1. Tyrese Haliburton came close to achieving a triple-double once more, finishing the game with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and …

INDIANAPOLIS— The game began poorly for the Indiana Pacers, and the second half followed suit with an equally lackluster start. A weak finish to the third quarter compounded their troubles. Overall, the Oklahoma City Thunder greatly outperformed the Pacers in those critical stretches—approximately six and a half minutes—outscoring them 27-6. Fortunately for Indiana, there were still 41 minutes remaining in …

The NBA Finals are currently tied at 1-1 as the series moves to Indiana for Game 3. The Pacers may have dropped Game 2, but they capitalized on home court advantage by clinching victory over the Thunder in Game 1, thanks to a game-winning shot by Tyrese Haliburton, a standout performer throughout the playoffs. Typically known for his shooting efficiency, …

Tiago Splitter, the head coach of Paris Basketball, will take on the role of assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers, as announced by the NBA franchise. Before departing from Paris, Splitter will strive to secure a championship title in the French League, with the Finals against AS Monaco, the 2025 EuroLeague runners-up, starting on Sunday (June 15). According to …

INDIANAPOLIS — Had the Oklahoma City Thunder managed to secure a Game 1 victory they dominated until late in the fourth quarter, Luguentz Dort’s standout performance would have been a key topic of discussion. Dort contributed significantly with five 3-pointers at crucial moments, recorded four steals in the first half as part of a total of 19 turnovers forced by …

A complex scenario has emerged for Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf, as the initial invitations for the green room associated with the 2025 NBA Draft, sponsored by State Farm, have been announced. A total of thirteen players received invitations, including Lithuanian talent Kasparas Jakucionis and Russian Egor Demin, as reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on Tuesday. The list of invitees …

PHOENIX (AP)— Jordan Ott begins his first head coaching role in the NBA with a costly roster that has underperformed, an owner who is increasingly involved and has vowed to take a hands-on approach, and a frustrated fan base that has yet to celebrate a championship since the franchise’s founding in 1968. Assuming control of the Phoenix Suns will be …

As the Phoenix Suns are anticipated to trade Kevin Durant, multiple media sources have identified the San Antonio Spurs as the most probable landing spot for the two-time NBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist representing the United States. With rumors gaining traction, Hoops Wire has reported that the 36-year-old forward has a strong preference for a trade to San …

MEXICO CITY, June 10, 2025 – Today, Zignia Live and the National Basketball Association (NBA) revealed that the NBA Mexico City Game 2025 will see the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Detroit Pistons in a regular-season match. This event will take place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Saturday, November 1, with Zignia Live as the host. This …

The NBA has formally announced that the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons will face off in the 34th game to be held in Mexico. Scheduled for November 1, the NBA Mexico City Game 2025 will take place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, aligning with the renowned Dia de Muertos festivities for the second year in a row, as disclosed …

After two games in the 2025 NBA Finals, the championship is still very much in play, with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder locked in a tie. But as for the Finals MVP, is there a standout contender? Indeed, and it’s not unexpected for anyone who has been following along throughout the regular season, playoffs, and the Finals thus …

Victor Wembanyama is currently in China, and his trip isn’t solely for leisure. The San Antonio Spurs’ standout is embarking on what is expected to be a ten-day retreat at a Shaolin temple located in Zhengzhou, China. This temple attracts visitors interested in learning about Chan meditation, Shaolin Kung Fu, traditional Chinese medicine, and more. The NBA China office has …

INDIANAPOLIS— The last occasion this city hosted an NBA Finals game was nearly 25 years ago— on June 16, 2000— when Indiana defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 120-87 in Game 5. Although it was a solid victory, the atmosphere was subdued since the Lakers already held a 3-2 series advantage and were returning home with two chances to secure the …

Though Patty Mills’ journey in the NBA is far from over—having previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers—the veteran guard is embarking on a new chapter in his basketball career, stepping into off-court responsibilities as well. The 36-year-old will take on the role of General Manager for the University of Hawaii’s basketball program. “It’s a profound honor for me to …

Last week in the NBA playoffs saw the initial two encounters in the chase for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, with the Pacers and Thunder facing off in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday and Sunday evenings. While many of the familiar stars rose to the occasion in these high-pressure matchups, a notable newcomer made waves in …

In addition to his viral dunk attempt in Brazil, Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed the NBA Finals and expressed his desire to return as a player for the Milwaukee Bucks. “There are two outstanding teams that made it,” the 2021 Finals Most Valuable Player told the Brazilian media outlet “Coast to Coast,” referring to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers …

Shai has already put up 72 points in just two Finals games, a record-breaking feat. What can we expect from him in Game 3 tomorrow (8:30 PM ET, ABC)? **5 HEADLINES IN TODAY’S ISSUE 🏀** June 10, 2025 **Game 3 Significance:** Why Wednesday’s third game is pivotal for both the Thunder and Pacers. **Depth Analysis:** Look beyond the superstars for …

A new era with Austin Ainge taking over as the president of basketball operations immediately puts decisions on the table for theUtah Jazz. Expected to consider offers from other NBA teams during the offseason, Lauri Markkanen is amongJazztrade candidates,as reported by Sarah Todd of Deseret News. The former assistant general manager of theCelticsand son of the chief executive officer of …

OKLAHOMA CITY— The Indiana Pacers faced an opponent on Sunday for Game 2 of the NBA Finals that was relentlessly focused, aggressive, and undoubtedly eager for victory. However, the greater challenge for the Pacers came not only from the Oklahoma City Thunder but also from the weight of historical precedent. Historically, only two teams have begun the championship series by …

Leaving Real Madrid to pursue his dream of returning to the NBA, Guerschon Yabusele is determined to secure his position in the league as he enters free agency. In a recent interview with Hoopshype, he expressed his commitment, stating, “I’m completely serious about it. I genuinely want to stay in the NBA. Now that I have a real opportunity, I’m …

**Editor’s Note:** For more in-depth NBA coverage, visit The Athletic here. The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily align with those of the NBA or its franchises. *** **OKLAHOMA CITY**— A seamless back-door cut. A no-look assist from Cason Wallace. The sharp sound of a whistle. An off-balance reverse layup. An uproar from the crowd. Alex Caruso was …

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Indiana Pacers’ quest for a flawless start in the first two games of the playoffs has encountered a setback. Instead, they will have to accept a split in the opening matchups of the NBA Finals. The Pacers aimed to make history as the fifth team to start the playoffs 8-0 — by winning both Games …