Latest news with #ECFs
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"The Knicks have to be extremely careful" - Quentin Richardson warns New York not to take Indiana for granted
Given the star power the New York Knicks possess, coupled with the spotlight that comes with being a big-market franchise, it's no surprise that much of the media is backing them to easily get past the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. However, Quentin Richardson isn't buying into that narrative. For him, there are no favorites in this series. Moreover, Q went on to issue a warning to Tom Thibodeau's team, pointing out how the Pacers are not only one of the deepest but even the fastest teams in transition — something that has left their opposition gasping for air when Indiana has gotten onto scoring runs. Quentin warns the Knicks There is no doubt that the Knicks have a well-rounded starting unit. All five of their starters are averaging double figures in scoring during the postseason. Add in the length and size of Karl Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, and there is no way the opposition can dominate this team in the paint. Advertisement But have no doubt, Rick Carlisle's team has unquestionably been the most in-form team of the 2025 Playoffs. They own the second-best offensive rating at 118.3 and are shooting a collective 50.1 percent from the field. What's more impressive? Six of their players are averaging between 10 and 19 points per game in the postseason, underscoring their balanced and unselfish style. No one player is burdened with the scoring load, and that shared responsibility has made them a nightmare to contain. Richardson emphasized exactly that, warning that Indy's pace and intensity in transition could punish NY if they even slightly ease up. "The Knicks have to be extremely careful," Richardson said. "They can't allow these guys to turn them over and get right into transition. This Indiana team is not to be taken lightly." Advertisement Related: "Graduations don't win or lose games" - Vince Carter's mom hit back at critics who said his graduation was the reason the Raptors lost Game 7 to Philly in 2001 The Pacers have better depth than the Knicks While both teams have shown their grit and grind mentality, pulling off comeback wins and upsetting higher-seeded teams to reach the ECFs, depth might be the real separator in this matchup. New York relies heavily on their starting five, whereas Indiana's bench has been impactful throughout the postseason. And in a year where injuries have wreaked havoc on rosters, the team with more capable bodies might be the one that ultimately survives. Players like Bennedict Mathurin, TJ McConnell, and Obi Toppin have all logged meaningful minutes and played pivotal roles in the Pacers' second-round triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their contributions have only elevated the team's belief and chemistry, which are key ingredients for any deep playoff run. On the other hand, Coach Thibs hasn't used much of his bench to give them the confidence to help their starters if things go haywire. Advertisement That being said, both these spoken-of franchises—once proud NBA cornerstones—have endured decades of postseason droughts and heartbreaks, leaving their fan bases hungry for redemption. Now, as they go head-to-head, it will come down to which group of players can rise to the moment and prove they're ready to bring that long-awaited silverware home. Related: D-Wade debunks the notion Tyrese Haliburton is overrated: "Its really weird how good he is"
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"You were washed at his age": Dwyane Wade questions Jimmy Butler's approach but gets heavily trolled by fans
, the legend, has finally spoken on the controversial situation that ' is in. While Jimmy Butler had already raised some eyebrows after he joined the Golden State Warriors after his controversial exit from the , things quickly got worse for Butler when Steph Curry sustained a hamstring injury. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the last two matches, Jimmy Butler scored 14 and 17 points and now the star player is in the eye of a storm. Dwyane Wade criticises Jimmy Butler but gets heavily trolled for his take on the star player Dwyane Wade called out Jimmy Butler on the recent episode of his podcast, "Time Out with Dwyane Wade". The NBA legend said, "I didn't like the way he just approached the game. I know, Jimmy is a pass-first guy. I know he's about getting his teammates the ball and want to see them shine, but it's point where you getting 60' Dwyane Wade added, 'He won't look at the basket, and I've seen this before, I've seen it in a Heat jersey' but fans dont seem to agree with the NBA legend. A fan took to X and wrote, 'Wade by the time you were butlers age you was washed buddy stop', while another fan wrote, 'This Jimmy slander needs to stop. This is pathetic.' A third fan wrote, 'He's injured bruh. Played through an injury he would usually get 1-2 weeks off. He couldn't attack the basket and longer defenders didn't help either', while another user posted, 'He will call out Jimmy but never once call out bron for the same stuff..' A fifth fan commented, 'I don't understand the comments by Wade and UD recently. Yes it didn't end well but let's not pretend that Jimmy didn't single-handedly will a good but not great team to 3 ECFs and 2 finals in 4 years. Father Time is undefeated. And what about Bron in 2010? Call him out too?' Another user noted, 'I mean he right but I think jimmy was not healthy after that fall in the Houston series'. Jimmy Butler has maintained his silence amidst the criticism he has received on his performance and is yet to react to it. Also Read:
