How Thunder are set up for sustained success
Stan Van Gundy joins the Dan Le Batard Show to break down some of the biggest stories around the NBA, including the future of the Thunder and the matchups to watch as the Pacers look to close out the Knicks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
7 minutes ago
- New York Times
Daigneault's move to Wallace doesn't pay off
Indiana trailed the entire game in Oklahoma City before Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left Getty Images The Indiana Pacers have done it again, pulling off another incredible comeback to stun the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers trailed the entire game, including by 15 points in the fourth quarter, before taking the lead for the first time on Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning jump shot with 0.3 seconds left. It wasn't until the final minutes that Oklahoma City's grip on the game seemed in doubt. The Pacers committed a season-high 25 turnovers but the Thunder's poor shooting performance kept Indiana in the game. Regular-season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 38 points, at least twice as many as every other player, on 14-of-30 shooting but missed a 15-footer that set up Haliburton's game-winner. Game 2 is Sunday night in Oklahoma City. GO FURTHER Tyrese Haliburton clutch shot sinks Thunder as Pacers steal NBA Finals Game 1 Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Mark Daigneault chose to start Cason Wallace over Isaiah Hartenstein in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and at least for tonight, this switch did not pay dividends. Wallace was a team-worst -13 in 33 minutes, going 3-of-9 from the field and 0-of-3 from 3. For context, the Thunder with the second-lowest +/- was Jalen Williams at -4. It doesn't matter the score or the situation. If there is time on the clock, they'll come back. And if Tyrese Haliburton has the ball in his hands late, he'll deliver. That's become the expectation throughout a magical Pacers playoff run that featured another epic chapter Thursday night. After storming back from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 1 of the finals, the Pacers had cut the Thunder's lead to one point in the closing seconds as Haliburton dribbled across half court. Indiana didn't call a timeout, allowing Haliburton to end the game on his own terms, and he rewarded the trust his coaching staff showed in him by calming dribbling to the right wing and rising up for a game-winning midrange jumper with 0.3 seconds left. The shot gave the Pacers their only lead of the game as they staged another improbable comeback in a postseason run that's been defined by them. Haliburton finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as he continues to etch his name in Indiana lore. The two-time All-Star has now had a game-winning or game-tying bucket within the last five seconds of a game in each round of the playoffs. His clutch gene has drawn comparisons to franchise legend Reggie Miller. But on Thursday, Haliburton did something Miller couldn't do by leading Indiana to its first NBA finals road win in team history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bullied his way into as clean of a look as he could have asked for with the game on the line. When he finally rid himself of pesky Indiana Pacers defender Andrew Nembhard, he let his patented 14-footer fly. It would have put the Thunder ahead by three in the waning seconds, but Gilgeous-Alexander's shot missed. And against a never-say-die Pacers team, it was immediately obvious that Oklahoma City was in trouble. For the second time in these playoffs, the Thunder coughed up a Game 1 victory at home. Tonight's loss felt exactly like their last-second loss against the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, when Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon won it on a last-second 3-pointer. This time, the Thunder watched their 15-point lead dissipate over the final 9 1/2 minutes before Tyrese Haliburton's 21-foot pull-up won it for Indiana. It was another stunning finish by the Pacers, who turned the ball over 24 times and attempted 16 fewer shots. But for as devastating as Thursday's defeat was for Oklahoma City, the Thunder can draw on their semifinals experience. They rallied to win that series in seven despite losing home-court advantage and falling into a 2-1 series hole. If you are just tuning into the NBA for the Finals, congratulations, you have been properly introduced to the bizarre ride that is the Indiana Pacers. It's rare that one of their games makes any sense. They had 19 turnovers in the first half, which would be bad for an entire game, and still managed to win this game anyway in spectacular fashion. Their star, Tyrese Haliburton, was a ghost in the fourth quarter. Naturally, he hit the game-winner. This is just how it works with the Pacers. Something goes haywire, they chip back in when you don't even notice it, then they slam the door shut at the last second. This is a Cinderella run of epic proportions, flipping the script on a devastating Thunder defense with only five second-half turnovers and some spectacular shotmaking. Andrew Nembhard, the X-factor if you ask anyone in that Pacers locker room, took over point guard duties for the fourth-quarter run, and the Pacers just kept finding ways to get clean looks from deep. He did his best Shai Gilgeous-Alexander impression and it actually worked, particularly with the Pacers controlling the glass late. Indiana was able to come back because it went 6-of-10 from deep in the fourth quarter while the Thunder didn't hit a single shot from beyond the arc. That math advantage has been fueling these wild Pacers comebacks all playoffs long. But this performance wasn't shocking. It was just Pacers. This was Tyrese Haliburton's fourth game-tying or game-winning shot in final 1.3 seconds of fourth quarter or overtime in these playoffs — all with the Pacers trailing in each game. Haliburton has had one in each series: Game 5 vs. Bucks (1.3 seconds left) Game 2 vs. Cavaliers (1.1 seconds) Game 1 vs. Knicks (fourth-quarter buzzer) Game 1 vs. Thunder (0.3 sec) The Pacers completed tonight's comeback while missing eight of their 12 paint attempts in the fourth quarter. Outside the paint? The Pacers MADE eight of their 12 jump shots, while the Thunder missed all six of their shots outside of the paint in the fourth quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander postgame: "It's not rocket science; we lost Game 1. We have to be better." Besides NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort, the Thunder struggled to find consistent offensive production in their Game 1 loss, especially from the rest of their starters: Chet Holmgren scored six points on 2-of-9 shooting Jalen Williams scored 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting Cason Wallace scored six points on 3-of-9 shooting (0-of-3 on 3s) One underrated part of pushing the ball in transition and not calling a timeout: Tyrese Haliburton was not forced to work against Luguentz Dort on the final possession. Instead, he got to go toe-to-toe with Cason Wallace. There's no way Tyrese Haliburton can keep doing this right? RIGHT!? The Pacers star guard called game in Oklahoma City tonight as he continues to put the doubters on notice, finishing with 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting to go with 10 boards and six dimes. His third game-winner of the postseason gave Indiana a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Getty Images The Pacers are on their god tier run of making comebacks and game winners this postseason. But the Thunder have been here as well. Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, they led by 14 in third quarter and by 13 with 6:39 left. Aaron Gordon hit a game-winning 3 with 3.6 seconds left and the Thunder out of timeouts. The Thunder came back to demolish the Nuggets in Game 2, but they also were dragged to a Game 7 as well. Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark seemed just as in shock as the rest of us over more heroics from the neighboring Pacers and her friend Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana's 24 turnovers tonight are the most by any team in a NBA Finals win in the league's 3-point era (since 1979-80). Crazy to think that after committing 20 turnovers in the first half, the Pacers committed only five turnovers the rest of the way. They took the halftime break to find their composure and found it in a major way. Getty Images According to the NBA, Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals was the Pacers' fifth comeback victory from a deficit of 15 or more points in these playoffs. That's the most by a team in a single postseason since 1998. As Scott Van Pelt just noted, the Pacers led for a grand total of 0.3 seconds in that game. It just so happened to be the 0.3 seconds that mattered most. The Pacers called timeout with 9:42 left in the fourth quarter, down 15. They then outscored Oklahoma City 32-16 to end the game. In the each of the previous three quarters, the Pacers did not reach 32 points. With 38 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the first reigning MVP to score at least 30 points in their NBA Finals debut since Allen Iverson in 2001 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The result was very different for AI. Tonight was only the fourth time in NBA postseason history where a team had at least 18 more turnovers than their opponent ... first time since 2008 ... first time in finals since 1970 And the first time a team WON THE GAME with at least 18 more turnovers than their opponent.
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Alex Caruso said LeBron James and Rajon Rondo taught him how to see plays before they happen: "It's like chess… they're two moves ahead"
On his appearance on "The Old Man and The Three" podcast in 2021, Alex Caruso broke down the core of elite defense. According to him, the best defenders aren't simply reacting; they're predicting. AC explained how reading the game before it unfolds allows a player to be in the right spot without hesitation. He credited that insight to two of the sharpest minds he's shared the court with: LeBron James and Rajon Rondo. Caruso's chess lessons These days, Caruso is a key veteran for the Oklahoma City Thunder, helping guide one of the NBA's youngest teams to a historic regular season record. Advertisement However, his rise to this leadership began much more modestly when he entered the league as an undrafted two-way player with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although the Texas native was "already" 23 when he made his NBA debut in 2017, he was still finding his way at the highest level. For players in that situation, having experienced mentors is invaluable. Luckily, Caruso had not just one but two of the smartest minds in basketball to guide him: James and Rondo. Together, they won an NBA championship in the 2020 bubble. Along the way, Alex wasn't just watching their skills — he was studying their mental approach. James and Rondo didn't simply play; they controlled every moment on the court. Their talent to anticipate plays, guide teammates with clear communication, and stay mentally several steps ahead was like watching a masterful game of chess, the "Bald Mamba" said. Advertisement "They're just so smart, and seeing them operate for a couple of years, and seeing how they would communicate, think, point, and tell people where to go before stuff happened … it's like chess, right? They're two moves ahead," noted the 31-year-old. Related: Walt Frazier admits NBA players were afraid to lift weights back in the day: "Basketball players thought it would affect their shot" Caruso is always one step ahead on defense When raving about Bron and Rajon on the podcast, Alex mentioned that he's tried to pick up on how they read plays before they actually happen. It's safe to say the 6'5" shooting guard has done this with great success in the years that followed, as it's become a signature part of his high-IQ defensive game. Advertisement Caruso's growth as a top defender shows not just in his reputation as a 2023 All-Defensive First Team player but also in the stats. He ranks in the top 10 in deflections this season, clearly showing his ability to break up plays before they fully develop. "If you have to think about what's going on, you're going to be a half-second slow because you have to process it," he said, adding that even being just 0.7 seconds faster can make a real difference — whether it's moving the right way or turning to cover someone. "You gotta know what the other guys wanna do first of all," emphasized the former Chicago Bull. As AC explained, this anticipation also helps him spot opponents' fakes or predict where they might move on the court, sometimes even before they realize it themselves. Advertisement "It's a lot of like recognizing what's happening and what you think's gonna happen," he said. Naturally, shutting down opponents also depends on length, size and quick feet for lateral movement, as the "Bald Mamba" pointed out. But the mental side of it all is just as important, and he shows that better than most players in today's NBA. Related: "It's basically like college but no fun" — Alex Caruso on why there's no asterisk next to the Lakers' 2020 NBA Championship
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Nikola Vucevic on the defensive greatness of Alex Caruso: "It is a luxury to have that type of player"
Nikola Vucevic on the defensive greatness of Alex Caruso: "It is a luxury to have that type of player" originally appeared on Basketball Network. When discussing the best and most hard-nosed perimeter defenders in today's NBA, names like Jrue Holiday, Dyson Daniels and Herbert Jones often dominate the conversation. However, one player who constantly flies under the radar is Alex Caruso. For his former teammate Nikola Vucevic, it has become imperative that the 6'5" guard receives the recognition he deserves. Advertisement Moreover, "Bald Mamba's" relentless energy, fearless defense against any opponent - regardless of position - and unwavering commitment to give his maximum effort on both ends of the floor, in Vucevic's view, have given the Oklahoma City Thunder the undeniable dominant edge throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Vucevic wants Caruso's efforts to be recognized When contemplating the Thunder's consistent success over the past two years - attaining the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference - and even reaching the NBA Finals this time around, instantly the credit is handed to Shai Gilgeous Alexander for averaging over 30 points per game or Jalen Williams to be a reliant second option or to Lu Dort for providing high-quality two-way effort in every game. But Vucevic pointed to Caruso's championship pedigree and leadership as intangibles that help shape the team's identity. "He knows his role on a team. He wants that challenge and wants to compete against the best opposing players and play to the best of his abilities. You see him now with Oklahoma; he is guarding from one to five. He has that in himself and he is a smart defensive player. He understands what other players plan to do on the court and knows how to bother them. He is always in attack mode and is a pest on defense. He irritates you constantly which also brings a psychological element to the game because he annoys the opposing players," Vucevic said. "He is an x-factor that makes a difference. He will play good defense, make big shots. It is a luxury to have that type of player," Nikola concluded. It's hard not to admit that Vucevic summed it up perfectly. One of the most underrated reasons why OKC was able to overcome the 2023 NBA champs - Denver Nuggets - in the second round was because of AC elevating his scoring average to 10.4 points per game as well as being fearless even when told to guard a bigger opponent in Nikola Jokic. Advertisement Similarly, in the WCFs, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 2020 NBA champion played a huge role in limiting the scoring averages of both Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, constantly being in their face and not allowing them room to even fire shot attempts. Related: "God, if you let me get through this, I won't play no more" - Larry Bird describes the moment that made him retire for good Caruso is Thunder's X factor Following the Indiana Pacers' dramatic comeback win in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals - overcoming a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit - the pressure now shifts to OKC's young core. In such moments, the leadership and experience of Caruso will be vital in re-centering the team. Advertisement Not only will he need to motivate his teammates, but he'll also be tasked with neutralizing threats like Tyrese Haliburton during key stretches in the games ahead. While SGA and Williams might get the credit for OKC's success if they were to win it all this time around, it is Alex's grit, resilience, and defensive tenacity that has helped Thunder have a killer edge in the way they're playing. Related: Alex Caruso said LeBron James and Rajon Rondo taught him how to see plays before they happen: "It's like chess… they're two moves ahead" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
