OKLAHOMA CITY—If we consider the NBA championship series as the ultimate test before summer for the teams involved—akin to a final exam—the one advantage over the painstaking tests we experienced in high school or college is that these players arrive armed with the questions in advance. The focus now shifts to how the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers …

The New York Knicks were defeated 4-2 by the Indiana Pacers in this season’s Eastern Conference Finals, preventing them from advancing to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nonetheless, this marked the team’s first appearance in the conference finals in a quarter of a century. In spite of this significant achievement, the franchise based in New York has …

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a quest for their inaugural NBA championship. As they strive towards this goal, it is important to compare their current lineup with those of previous championship-winning teams. Here are eight attributes of the 2024-25 squad that reflect the characteristics of historically successful NBA teams. The 2025 Thunder boasted two All-Stars (Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, under …

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The Indiana Pacers experienced a decline in offensive performance throughout the regular season, ranking alongside the New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers as teams that suffered the most significant decreases in points scored per 100 possessions between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. However, the Pacers’ offense has revitalized in the playoffs, averaging 5.0 more points per 100 possessions compared to …

The nickname ‘Joker’ for Nikola Jokic became evident for a simple reason: it offered an easy way to bypass the complexities of the NBA pronunciation guide. However, its true origin remained a mystery until Mike Miller stepped forward to take credit for inventing one of the most memorable monikers in basketball history. During an episode of Podcast P hosted by …

**Editor’s Note:** For more comprehensive NBA coverage, visit The Athletic. The opinions presented here may not align with those of the NBA or its franchises. *** INDIANAPOLIS — On Saturday night, following their decisive 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6, the Indiana Pacers basked in the moment as stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam shared a …

Following a preview of his segment on “Mind the Game,” hosted by Uninterrupted and Wondery, the initial part of Luka Doncic’s conversation with his Los Angeles Lakers teammate LeBron James and co-host Steve Nash was released on Sunday. The 26-year-old Slovenian guard discussed his transition from playing alongside the four-time NBA champion after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks midway …

NBA icon and former EuroLeague champion Dominique Wilkins referenced fellow Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member Ralph Sampson while discussing the remarkable skill set of French sensation Victor Wembanyama. “Standing at 7-foot-3, with the ability to handle the ball, shoot from long range, and drive to the hoop, he’s an extraordinary talent that comes around once in a generation,” …

The Pacers have claimed the Bob Cousy Trophy after emerging victorious in the Eastern Conference. Now, with the Larry O’Brien Trophy just four wins away, the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV will commence on June 5 at 8:30 EST on ABC, featuring Indiana against Oklahoma City. **5 HEADLINES IN TODAY’S ISSUE 🏀** June 1, 2025 **Pacers Triumph in the …

Nikola Topic’s situation is far from perfect, as he is expected to be sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season after the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the 12th overall pick in June. Following surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, which he sustained last season while playing for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, he has been confined to …

•Get the NBA App•2025 NBA playoff timetable•NBA playoff: Complete bracket and analysis Here’s the consensus from our experts at NBA.com regarding the eventual champion of the NBA Finals, brought to you by YouTube TV: • Prediction: Oklahoma City As the 2025 NBA Finals approach, a tune from “Annie, Get Your Gun” keeps playing in my mind. I hesitate to mention …

The Miami Heat are showing interest in Sergio Scariolo for the role of associate coach. If he makes a return to the NBA, he would work alongside head coach Erik Spoelstra. This development was reported by Alex Molina of Eurohoops Spain on Monday, and comes on the heels of a previous story regarding the 64-year-old Italian coach’s visit to the …

Like many narratives, the best way to start is with the conclusion. For the Indiana Pacers, the significant ending that shapes their current situation occurred 53 weeks ago, when the formidable Boston Celtics, cruising through a 16-3 playoff run to claim the 2024 NBA championship, defeated the Pacers in a four-game sweep. Rather than being a true victory for the …

Speculation regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s possible departure from the Milwaukee Bucks has sparked interest for the Toronto Raptors, who could potentially facilitate a trade for the star player. In a recent mailbag for the Canadian publication Toronto Star, Raptors insider Doug Smith pointed out that there seems to be a shared interest between the 30-year-old athlete and the Raptors. “While I …

OKLAHOMA CITY— Welcome to the Point Guard Party, even if the invitations hint at the 2025 NBA Finals. A lot can unfold in the coming weeks to spice up this series, but until the game begins between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, the center of attention will be your hosts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton. Before the game …

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 …

– New York secures a victory from start to finish at home, keeping the series alive. – The Knicks maintained their lead throughout the game, holding a significant advantage in the second half. – The Pacers remain ahead in the series, 3-2. – Indiana will return to their home court to attempt to clinch the series in Game 6 on …

With their season on the brink, KAT and the Knicks made a powerful entrance. New York never found themselves behind during Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, securing a victory that brings them back to Indiana for Game 6 (Saturday at 8 PM ET on TNT). **5 HEADLINES IN TODAY’S PUBLICATION 🏀** May 30, 2025 **Dynamic Pair:** Brunson & Towns …