Bet the under in Thunder vs. Pacers Game 5
Drew Dinsick and Trysta Krick take a look at the rollercoaster NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, explaining why they like the under when the two teams collide in Game 5.
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USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
LeBron James decries the 'ring culture' in the NBA
LeBron James decries the 'ring culture' in the NBA When people debate the greatest players of all time and where exactly they deserve to rank, the number of championships they won is often a major factor. That is especially true in the NBA, where winning it all seems to validate and accentuate one's greatness. Many consider Lebron James to be one of the two or three greatest players in basketball history. But those who have him lower on their list cite his 4-6 record in the NBA Finals and the fact that men such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant won more rings. Jordan, in particular, is lauded for having never lost in the championship series, and many still consider him the greatest of all time. On a recent episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, which he co-hosts with Steve Nash, James decried the fact that great players in sports are ultimately judged by how many championships they won. "I don't know why it's discussed so much in our sport and why it's the end-all, be-all of everything," said James. "You sit here and tell me Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley and Steve Nash wasn't [expletive] unbelievable? They can't be talked about or discussed with these guys because this guy won one ring or won two rings? It's just weird to me. It's like saying Peyton Manning can't be in the same room with [Tom] Brady or [Patrick] Mahomes because he only has one ring (Manning actually won two Super Bowl championships). They don't ever discuss that in their sport. Or telling me Dan Marino is not the greatest slinger of all time or he can't be in the room with those guys because he didn't win a championship. They don't discuss those things. ... Barry Bonds never won a World Series, and you can't sit here and tell me that he's not the greatest baseball player to ever touch a bat." Judging by the responses to the video on X (formerly known as Twitter), many think James is rationalizing the fact that he has come up short many times when a championship was at stake. According to some fans, this is an attempt by him to control the narrative about his career. At the same time, others would likely defend James and say it is unfair to give a great athlete in a team sport demerits for not winning championships since doing so is dependent on other players, as well as factors beyond the great athlete's control. Regardless, James can still add to his ring collection now that Luka Doncic is by his side. The 40-year-old seemed to confirm he will be in uniform this fall for his 23rd NBA season, and in the coming weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers could very well acquire the missing piece or two they need to become legitimate championship contenders.
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Pelicans' trade gives them many options heading into 2025 NBA Draft
Joe Dumars did not let luck box him and the New Orleans Pelicans in as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. Last month, the Pelicans fell to seventh in the draft order after having the fifth-best odds before the lottery. On Tuesday, Dumars, in his first transaction in charge of the Pelicans, created more options for himself. Advertisement Despite still playing in the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers completed a trade with the Pelicans on Tuesday that sent the 23rd pick in next week's draft, and the draft rights to Mojave King, to New Orleans in exchange for the Pacers' 2026 first-round pick, which the Pelicans previously acquired in the trade that sent Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors last February. The last time the Pelicans chose two players in the first round was in 2019, the offseason that marked the beginning of David Griffin's tenure as the lead executive in New Orleans. Then, the Pelicans picked Zion Williamson first and acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the 17th pick, in a draft-night deal. In his first summer in charge, Dumars will have a similar opportunity to put his early imprint on the organization by building out the foundation of the roster with young pieces of his choosing. Or, he can go in a different direction. The flexibility is the key. Having a second first-rounder allows Dumars to explore a few options. It also locks in the 23rd pick in a solid draft this year instead of waiting to see where the Pacers fall next year. Given the uncertainty around them, the Pacers will likely head into next year as one of the Eastern Conference's favorites. The obvious and easiest way forward is to use both picks to add depth to a roster that needs help in the backcourt and up front. Maybe the fear of taking a younger player who may need more time to develop, such as Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears, isn't as intimidating when you can stack that pick with a more experienced backcourt player such as Colorado State's Nique Clifford or Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. Likewise, maybe the thought of drafting Duke center Khaman Maluach seems less risky when more obvious plug-and-play options, such as Clayton or Michigan's Danny Wolf, are available later in the first round. Advertisement As of now, it seems the Pelicans are more likely to select a player who is expected to be on the board in that range, but having that added cushion always makes it easier for the front office to take the player it genuinely likes rather than the one it feels obligated to select because of fit. As difficult as it could be in practice, adding another pick also gives the Pelicans another piece in case they want to move up in the draft. Rutgers forward Ace Bailey or Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe would be the likely targets. While a move up to No. 2 for Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper would be the exact addition this team needs, most reports indicate that the Spurs have been very reluctant to include the second pick in any trade talks they've had in recent weeks. Even if San Antonio were to entertain the thought of trading the pick, I doubt they'd want to turn that asset into even more draft picks. The Spurs are looking to add young, All-Star talent around Victor Wembanyama. Recent reports have stated they have been . That leaves the other two obvious trade-up spots: Philadelphia at No. 3 and Charlotte at No. 4. Based on its current needs, Charlotte seems more likely to stay where it is rather than move back. Both Bailey and Edgecombe would fit the Hornets' patient build. The Sixers are in a more complicated position. With Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey still on the roster, Philly clearly would prefer to make moves this summer that can help it win immediately. Do the Sixers have the patience to wait for Bailey to grow up and improve his shot selection? Does Edgecombe have enough in his offensive game to be a threat in his rookie season when he's on the court with Embiid and Maxey? Or is he a guy who defenses will ignore until his jump shot is a bit more reliable? The Sixers could take a long-term view and decide that building a foundation that will endure after Embiid is gone is a better strategy, but that doesn't align with the moves Sixers lead executive Daryl Morey has made his entire career. When he has opportunities like this, Morey has always looked to add another big star. Would it be easier for him to package the Pelicans' two picks along with other assets to chase a big name, or is the third pick a more valuable commodity? In particular, Bailey's stock clouds that situation. ESPN reported on Tuesday that Bailey has declined draft workouts with teams in his likely landing spots, implying that he is more interested in playing for a team that could feature him more prominently sooner. Why trade up to No. 3 when some believe Bailey might drop to seventh because of the issues he's had in the pre-draft process? I'd say that's a stretch, but trading up with Philadelphia would require a level of aggression that the Pelicans shouldn't entertain at this time. Then there are the two names that so many people have speculated about in recent weeks: What if Philly says a move up to No. 3 would cost New Orleans either Trey Murphy or Herb Jones? That very much seems like a request Morey would make, and it's one New Orleans should turn down immediately. Murphy and Jones' names have frequently appeared in the rumor mill over the past few months, but every indication I've received is that it would take an overwhelming offer for New Orleans to move either player. Even if you love Bailey's potential, is it worth the risk when Murphy and Jones have both shown how valuable they are to this organization? Considering how tumultuous things have been around the Pelicans all summer — including some not-so-flattering remarks from Dejounte Murray in an interview with 'The Pivot' on Tuesday about his first year in New Orleans — the thought of moving on from Murphy or Jones would only enrage the fan base even more. I'd expect New Orleans to evaluate the possibility of moving up, but it'll be difficult for it to find a move that makes sense. Then, there's the version of this that's not as sexy, which includes the Pelicans selecting someone at No. 7 and using the 23rd pick to move down in this draft and/or bring in future assets. Some talented prospects will be available in the 20-25 range of this year's draft, and the Pelicans could use this as a way to build up their asset base. Advertisement The Brooklyn Nets, who have the 19th, 26th, 27th and 36th picks in the draft, are a team to watch. Would Brooklyn give up two of those later picks to move up to 23 if it likes someone in that range? Could the Pelicans convince Oklahoma City to give up a future asset or two to move up a spot? Either way, the Pelicans find themselves in a much better position going into next week's draft. Suddenly, Dumars is in a position to make some important moves during his first summer in charge. The question is, will he eventually swing for the fences, or will he keep making the smart, under-the-radar moves like he did with Tuesday's trade? (Photo of Ace Bailey: Michael Reavers / Getty)
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
2025 NBA Finals Game 6: Time, TV channel, how to watch Thunder vs. Pacers
2025 NBA Finals Game 6: Time, TV channel, how to watch Thunder vs. Pacers Show Caption Hide Caption NBA Finals Predictions: Thunder or Pacers? Do the Pacers have a chance against the Thunder in thr NBA Finals? The FTH crew doesn't have much faith in this this series The Oklahoma City Thunder are now one win away from winning the franchise's first NBA Finals since the franchise relocated from Seattle to Oklahoma in 2008. The Thunder's one-two punch of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31) and Jalen Williams (40) combined for 71 in the Thunder's 120-109 Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers to move to 3-2 in the championship series. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams are the first pair of Thunder teammates to each score 30 points or more in the same NBA Finals game. Williams' 40 points marked a playoff career-high and marked the third straight game that he's recorded 25 or more points. 'Nobody has their print on us winning basketball games more than Jalen Williams," Gilgeous-Alexander said Monday. The Pacers' backs are now against the wall as the 2025 NBA Finals shifts back to Indianapolis for Game 6 and they may be down a star player. Tyrese Haliburton briefly left Game 5 after appearing to re-aggravate a right leg injury. He returned to the game, but didn't look to be 100%. He finished with four points and failed to make a field goal (0-of-6 FG, 0-of-3 3PT) in the loss. All eyes now look to Haliburton's health status as he undergoes an MRI. TYRESE HALIBURTON INJURY UPDATE: Timeline on Tyrese Haliburton's calf strain injury MORE: Tyrese Haliburton injury has star struggling and Pacers' title hopes fading Here's everything you need to know about Game 6 of the NBA Finals. How to watch Game 6 of the NBA Finals Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will be held at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday, June 19 and will broadcast nationally on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can stream it on Fubo (offers a free trial) and SlingTV. Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo NBA Finals 2025: Full schedule, time, TV channel, live streaming All times Eastern. *-if necessary The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
