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Insiders break down Pacers' Game 1 win over OKC Thunder in Oklahoma City

Insiders break down Pacers' Game 1 win over OKC Thunder in Oklahoma City

IndyStar's Zach Osterman and The Oklahoman's Justin Martinez break down the Indiana Pacers' Game 1 win to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Christine Tannous

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JJ Redick saw Tyrese Haliburton's potential three years ago
JJ Redick saw Tyrese Haliburton's potential three years ago

USA Today

time2 hours ago

  • USA Today

JJ Redick saw Tyrese Haliburton's potential three years ago

JJ Redick saw Tyrese Haliburton's potential three years ago Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers has been a rising star for some time now, but over the last several weeks, he has become perhaps as dangerous a player as there is in the NBA. During the regular season, there were quite a few people who thought he was overrated, and he wasn't even named to this year's All-Star team. But he has exploded during the playoffs and hit a number of clutch and game-winning shots, including the dagger he nailed just before time expired in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick may have seen at least some of this coming. In February 2022, when the Sacramento Kings traded Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers along with Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson for Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday and Jeremy Lamb, Redick said point-blank that Haliburton was the best player on the Kings. "This is some form of malpractice on the Kings' part," Redick said of the trade. "... Tyrese Haliburton has been the best player on that team. ... He was determined to turn things around and be part of that rebuild in Sacramento. I know he's shocked right now, but they traded away their best player." The Kings took Haliburton with the No. 12 pick in the 2020 draft, and at the time, he was starting in their backcourt alongside De'Aaron Fox. Fox was putting up much better scoring numbers, and to this day, he has continued to average more points than Haliburton, but Haliburton has been the better 3-point shooter, passer and facilitator. Haliburton led the NBA in assists per game last season, and he now has Indiana just three wins away from an NBA championship. Meanwhile, Sacramento made the playoffs in 2023 as the third seed in the Western Conference but has failed to reach the playoffs in both of the last two seasons.

Pacers take 1-0 lead into game 2 against the Thunder

time4 hours ago

Pacers take 1-0 lead into game 2 against the Thunder

Indiana Pacers (50-32, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Thunder -11; over/under is 227.5 NBA FINALS: Pacers lead series 1-0 BOTTOM LINE: The Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals with a 1-0 lead in the series. The Pacers won the last matchup 111-110 on Friday, led by 19 points from Pascal Siakam. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38. The Thunder are 36-6 in home games. Oklahoma City is third in the league giving up only 107.6 points per game while holding opponents to 43.6% shooting. The Pacers have gone 21-20 away from home. Indiana ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference shooting 36.8% from 3-point range. The Thunder average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.6 more made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Pacers give up. The Pacers average 9.8 more points per game (117.4) than the Thunder give up (107.6). TOP PERFORMERS: Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals for the Thunder. Jalen Williams is averaging 18.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals over the past 10 games. Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 18.6 points and 9.2 assists for the Pacers. Aaron Nesmith is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 7-3, averaging 113.1 points, 42.2 rebounds, 23.3 assists, 11.2 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.9 points per game. Pacers: 7-3, averaging 115.9 points, 39.5 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 7.3 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.0 points. INJURIES: Thunder: Nikola Topic: out for season (acl).

How Sam Presti Really Constructed 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder
How Sam Presti Really Constructed 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

How Sam Presti Really Constructed 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder

How Sam Presti Really Constructed 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder stormed their way to the NBA Finals as the league's No. 1 overall seed, finishing with a 64-18 record, the franchise's best since relocating from Seattle. This wasn't a fluke by any means. Advertisement They led the NBA in net rating (+12.8), ranked first in defensive rating (107.5), and were fourth in scoring (120.5 PPG) and third in offensive rating (120.3). More than just stats, this team has an identity: young, fearless, unselfish, and surgical on both ends of the court. At the heart of it all is Sam Presti, the most quietly powerful general manager in the NBA. While other franchises obsess over superstar trades (no need to mention the Phoenix Suns), Presti took the long road; accumulating draft picks, betting on character as much as talent, and building a roster that fits together. Presti did it without tanking, either. From drafting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, to fleecing teams in trades, to trusting development over desperation; Presti turned the post-Durant and Westbrook teardown into a Finals contender. Here is how the best GM in the NBA did it, starting with how he acquired the league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Trade With Clippers) May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images On July 2019, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Paul George to L.A. The Thunder received Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a haul of draft picks, including multiple unprotected first-rounders. At the time, SGA was a promising rookie, but few anticipated the meteoric rise he would experience in Oklahoma City. Advertisement By the 2024-25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander had blossomed into the league MVP, averaging 32.7 points per game during the regular season and 31.4 in the Western Conference Finals. His leadership and clutch performances have been instrumental in propelling the Thunder to the NBA Finals, solidifying his status as a top-two player in the NBA alongside Nikola Jokic. Jalen Williams (2022 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Jalen Williams was selected 12th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Thunder, using a pick acquired from the Clippers in the same trade that brought in Gilgeous-Alexander. Coming out of Santa Clara, Williams was considered a mid-to-late first-round prospect, but the Thunder saw potential in his versatility and two-way play. Advertisement Williams quickly outperformed expectations, becoming a key contributor and earning All-Star honors in the 2024-25 season after posting 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively has made him an indispensable part of the Thunder's core, complementing Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren effectively. Chet Holmgren (2022 NBA Draft) May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) makes a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half during game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images The Thunder selected Chet Holmgren with the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Despite missing his entire rookie season due to injury, Holmgren returned in the 2023-24 season and made an immediate impact with his unique combination of size, shooting, and shot-blocking ability. This season, Holmgren posted 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Advertisement His presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor have been crucial in the Thunder's deep playoff run, and the big man could just be getting started with a Defensive Player of the Year trophy and All-Star appearance seeming very likely in his future. Luguentz Dort (2019 Free Agency) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Undrafted in 2019, Luguentz Dort signed a two-way contract with the Thunder and quickly proved his worth with tenacious defense and physicality, giving James Harden major problems in the 2020 Playoffs. Recognizing his value, the Thunder signed him to a multiyear deal. Dort's defensive prowess, particularly on the perimeter, has been a cornerstone of the Thunder's identity, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best scorer. Dort finished 4th in DPOY voting this season and made the All-NBA Defensive First Team. Isaiah Hartenstein (2024 Free Agency) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images In the 2024 offseason, the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal, adding size and experience to their frontcourt. Many thought that the Thunder had overpaid, but Presti noticed Holmgren needed help around the rim and they made sure the former Knicks center got his money to come to Oklahoma City. Advertisement Hartenstein's ability to protect the rim, rebound, and facilitate from the high post has provided the Thunder with a reliable presence in the paint, complementing Holmgren's skill set. The big man posted impressive averages of 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season. To his credit, Hartenstein's push shot around the rim is also one of the best in the NBA and he hits it time and time again. Cason Wallace (2023 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Thunder traded up to select Cason Wallace with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Known for his defensive intensity and basketball IQ, Wallace has contributed significantly off the bench, providing energy and stability in the backcourt. Advertisement His development has been a testament to the Thunder's emphasis on drafting high-character, versatile players. Wallace posted 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game on 35.6% from three, and his growth defensively has been particularly impressive to watch. Alex Caruso (Trade With Bulls) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images In a strategic move to bolster their defense and veteran leadership, the Thunder acquired Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey in 2024. Caruso's championship experience with the Lakers alongside LeBron James and his defensive acumen have been invaluable, particularly in high-pressure playoff situations, where his ability to disrupt opposing offenses has shone. Advertisement Today, Thunder fans are still thanking the heavens for being able to cheer Caruso as he dives for loose balls and comes up with key defensive plays time and time again. If Caruso does win another NBA title, he will be following the same mold as players such as Jrue Holiday and Danny Green who just know how to make their team win. Isaiah Joe (2022 Free Agency) Mar 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) moves past Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesCredit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images After being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers, Isaiah Joe signed with the Thunder and quickly became one of the league's most efficient three-point shooters. Recognizing his value, the Thunder secured him on a four-year, $48 million deal in 2024. Advertisement Joe's shooting has been a critical component of the Thunder's spacing and offensive success. The sharpshooter posted 10.2 points per game on 41.2% from three this season, impressive numbers. Aaron Wiggins (2021 NBA Draft) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Selected 55th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Aaron Wiggins has developed into a reliable role player for the Thunder. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, and his energy off the bench provides a spark for the team. Posting 12.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 38.3% from deep this season, Wiggins' progression exemplifies the Thunder's ability to identify and develop talent beyond the lottery. Kenrich Williams (4-Team Trade) Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Acquired in the 2020 offseason in a 4-team trade that was set in motion by the Thunder trading Steven Adams to the New Orleans Pelicans, Kenrich Williams has been a steadying presence for the Thunder. His hustle, defensive versatility, and unselfish play have made him a fan favorite and a valuable contributor to the team's culture and success. Anytime Williams hits the court, Thunder fans know he will give it his all at any point. Jaylin Williams (2022 NBA Draft) Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) celebrates after a basket against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Drafted 34th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Jaylin Williams has provided depth in the frontcourt with his physical play and rebounding. His willingness to do the dirty work and his high basketball IQ have earned him a consistent role in the rotation and another fan-favorite. Nikola Topic (2024 NBA Draft) Nikola Topic is pictured during the Thunder media day at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Sept. 30, NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Thunder selected Serbian point guard Nikola Topic with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Although he missed the 2024-25 season due to an ACL injury, Topic is expected to bring playmaking and size to the backcourt upon his return, adding another dynamic to the Thunder's already potent lineup. Ajay Mitchell (2024 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Ajay Mitchell was selected 38th overall by the Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring ability and court vision, Mitchell is viewed as a developmental prospect with the potential to contribute in the future. Ousmane Dieng (2022 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images The Thunder acquired Ousmane Dieng in the 2022 NBA Draft, trading multiple picks to secure the 11th overall selection. Dieng's length and versatility on both ends of the floor make him a high-upside project, and the Thunder are investing in his development as part of their long-term vision. Dillon Jones (2024 NBA Draft) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Dillon Jones was selected 26th overall by the Thunder in the 2024 NBA Draft. His all-around game and physicality are expected to add depth to the roster, with the potential to grow into a more significant role as he adapts to the NBA level. Related: OKC Reach 2025 Finals With Youngest Roster In NBA; Still Boasts 20 Draft Picks Over Next 5 Years This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.

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