Latest news with #KawhiLeonard
National Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Haliburton and Kawhi miracles just two of many crazy shots Pascal Siakam's been part of
Pascal Siakam has a pretty good basketball resume: Champion; Eastern Conference Final MVP; Two-time All-NBA; Most Improved Player. But he's also been on the court for some historic, and pretty rare moments. Article content Other than legendary clutch dagger wielder Robert Horry, it's hard to come up with a player who has been on the floor for as many massive shots as Siakam over his time in the league. Article content Article content Article content When Tyrese Haliburton's long two-pointer fell in Game 1 Thursday just ahead of the buzzer, giving Indiana its first lead of the game and the win, it was an all-time experience for just about everyone. Just not Siakam. Article content After all, he had an on-court view for an even bigger shot six years ago, one of the biggest in NBA history. Article content That would be Kawhi Leonard's buzzer-beater over an outstretched Joel Embiid, which rattled around four times before dropping and eliminated the Philadelphia 76ers. It was one of the few series-enders at the buzzer in league history and helped propel the Raptors to the championship. Article content It's hard for that one to be topped and the only way Haliburton's dagger in Game 1 has a chance to do so would be for the Pacers to go on to win as well. Either way, Siakam's the only player that was there for both of them. Article content Of course Siakam was also there for Haliburton's other three shots in these playoffs that either won or forced overtime, as well as his layup to knock out the Milwaukee Bucks. Article content Article content Haliburton also sank the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the second round after another huge comeback, forced overtime in stunning fashion in the conference finals against the New York Knicks and eliminated Milwaukee in Round 1 with a layup. Article content Article content Incredibly, Siakam has also been out there for two other classics, even if they weren't quite as important in the long run: Article content A year before Kawhi's heroics, long-time Toronto tormentor LeBron James made it look easy, dropping a running, one-handed shot at the buzzer to put Cleveland up 3-0 in a series where the Raptors had homecourt advantage. Article content
New York Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
WATCH: What makes Pascal Siakam and the Pacers a perfect match?
Scroll down to watch my latest video explaining why Pascal Siakam was the ideal final puzzle piece for the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers. Pascal Siakam's game is like Play-doh. Physically, on the court, he contorts his body, maneuvering through tight spaces and bending to find openings. Metaphorically, he morphs into whatever shape the Indiana Pacers need him to be. Advertisement This isn't new for Siakam. In his first 7 1/2 seasons with the Toronto Raptors, he was forced to adapt to his environment, shifting from role player, to starter, to second option and eventually into the number one guy once Kawhi Leonard departed for the LA Clippers. So it comes as no surprise that he has fit like a glove in the Pacers' system since the team acquired him from Toronto in a midseason trade in 2024. Since then, he's thrived working as a transition star, cutter, isolation scorer and defensive Swiss-army knife next to superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton. Siakam can live in the Pacers' high-octane system, thrive within it and even enhance everything they do well on the court. His ability to run the floor to be a transition threat, his constant movement within a fast-paced halfcourt setup and his off-ball defensive versatility blend well with the Pacers' approach. But he also can be the Pacers' glitch, breaking from their system and making them less one-track-minded with his isolation scoring. Siakam's unique adaptability makes him one of the most malleable stars in the NBA. He is the cherry on top of a championship-worthy Pacers roster.
CNN
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Analysis: The Indiana Pacers could be this year's team of destiny, even with Game 5 loss
When the 2025 NBA playoffs began, the Indiana Pacers were given 50-to-1 odds to win the title. Ten teams had better chances and most analysts didn't even mention them in championship conversations. But sometimes in the NBA, fate doesn't care about odds. Sometimes, it's just your time. We've seen it before. In 2011, the Dallas Mavericks stunned the world, sweeping Kobe Bryant and the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, outlasting the young and hungry Oklahoma City Thunder led by Kevin Durant, and then conquering the seemingly unbeatable Miami Heat trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. I covered that team. I saw it unfold in real time – and no one saw it coming. Then came 2019. Kawhi Leonard's Toronto Raptors embarked on a similarly improbable journey. They survived a Game 7 thriller against the Philadelphia 76ers thanks to Leonard's four-bounce buzzer-beater, outmuscled Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, and capitalized on key injuries to Durant and Klay Thompson in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. The result: a championship no one predicted, but one they absolutely earned. Now, in 2025, the Pacers are building a case that they might be next even if their dominant lead in the Eastern Conference Finals was shrunk to 3-2 by the New York Knicks on Thursday night. They go home to Indianapolis on Saturday night for Game 6 with a chance to clinch a trip to the NBA Finals. You can't call a team a 'team of destiny' without at least one miracle. The Pacers have had three. Since 1997, NBA teams trailing by seven or more points in the final 50 seconds of regulation or overtime are a combined 4-1,702. The Pacers account for three of those wins, and they've all come during this playoff run: Game 5 vs. the Bucks in the first round Game 2 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round Game 1 vs. the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals That last one, against New York, will go down in Garden infamy. With just 2:50 left, the Knicks held a 14-point lead. Before that game, teams leading by 14 or more in the final 2:50 of a playoff game were 977-0. They're now 977-1 thanks to an epic three-point barrage by Aaron Nesmith that stunned the Madison Square Garden crowd into silence. Every team of destiny has one thing in common: a superstar who raises his game to an all-time level. Dirk Nowitzki did it in 2011. Kawhi did it in 2019. Now, it's Tyrese Haliburton taking on that role. The 25-year-old from Oshkosh, Wisconsin – already an All-Star and Olympic gold medalist – has taken his game into the stratosphere. He's been at the center of every improbable comeback, orchestrating the chaos with poise, vision and confidence. In Game 4 against the Knicks, Haliburton delivered one of the greatest playoff performances ever by a point guard: 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds – and zero turnovers. Read that again. A 30-point triple-double with 15 assists and no turnovers had never been done in the playoffs. Not by Magic Johnson. Not by LeBron James. Not by Chris Paul. Not by anyone – until now. Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said it best: 'He makes our team go. Playing with him and knowing that he cares about putting us all in position to be successful is what makes him special.' That was certainly true on Thursday; when Haliburton had a down night, the Pacers were dominated by the Knicks in a 111-94 defeat. Head coach Rick Carlisle – who led Nowitzki's Mavs during their 2011 miracle run – put it in historic perspective. 'To not turn it over in any of those situations is remarkable. That's become his thing. There might be a stat category named after him someday – him and Chris Paul, guys like that,' Carlisle said. 'Stockton didn't turn it over much. LeBron didn't either. Tyrese takes pride in that. It's a motivating factor.' Haliburton, ever steady, simply said: 'I take pride in taking care of the ball. The more we take care of the ball as a team, the more shots we get, and the better our chances to win. … I'd rather do really anything else on a basketball court than turn the ball over.' If the Pacers truly are a team of destiny and clinch a Finals berth, then their final exam may come in the form of the league's most dominant team: the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC has been historically great this season, going 68-14 in the regular season. They haven't lost four in a seven game span all year – and that, of course, is what it would take to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy. They clinched an opportunity to play for the championship on Wednesday with a 124-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending the Western Conference Finals in five games. But that's the thing about destiny: it doesn't care what's supposed to happen. The Pacers have already done the improbable. Three times. They've got a superstar playing perfect basketball. They're tough, unselfish, fearless – and they never think they're out of a game, even when everyone else does. So, are the Indiana Pacers a team of destiny? We'll find out soon enough.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What is Kawhi Leonard's net worth in 2025? Exploring the fortune of Los Angeles Clippers star
Kawhi Leonard Image via Getty Images Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard Image via Getty Images Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard Image via Getty Images 1 2 Two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard has climbed the ladder of success ever since he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs back in 2011. In over a decade of gameplay, he has won several accolades and enjoys a huge fandom. We are taking a look at the net worth that Leonard has amassed over the years. What is the net worth of Kawhi Leonard in 2025? According to Forbes, the net worth of Kawhi Leonard currently stands at $53.7 million. This staggering net worth comes after three major contracts that he has signed with the Los Angeles Clippers . Back in 2019, he signed a three-year contract to be a free agent for $103 million. Later in August 2021, he renewed his old contract for a four-year contract worth $176.3 million. Back in January 2024, he made headlines with another three-year extension worth $152.4 million. Leonard has made substantial investments in companies. Most prominently, he is a significant shareholder in the energy drink brand X2 Performance. He had also signed a multi-year contract with the popular shoe brand New Balance back in 2018. In collaboration with the brand, he has released three signature lines: the KAWHI, the KAWHI II and the KAWHI III. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo In addition to New Balance, he has also worked with prominent brands like Nike, Cargo Jet Airways and Honey, a subsidiary of PayPal. When it comes to his properties, Kawhi Leonard owns a mansion in California in the Rancho Santa Fe neighbourhood that is estimated to be worth $13.3 million. Back in 2019, he purchased a penthouse in downtown LA in the luxurious Ritz Carlton Residences. However, he sold it for $6.5 million later in February 2024. Later in 2021, he also purchased a home in Los Angeles in Pacific Palisades for $17 million. Also Read: Kawhi Leonard's current form might be the most dangerous thing in the league right now Kawhi has also gained the deep affection of fans by his charity work. Back in 2022, he distributed backpacks to the audience after a Clippers game. The bag carried a note that read, 'pay it forward'. The audience was asked to donate the bag of goods and supplies to someone in need. He distributed 18,000 backpacks during the game. He also actively supports the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation that works towards youth sports programs. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Geek Vibes Nation
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Geek Vibes Nation
Kawhi Leonard Comeback: Giving The Nuggets A Real Scare
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock For a while, it looked like most people would never see the best of Kawhi Leonard again. After all the muscle pulls, knee cuts, and long breaks, fans started to doubt. But on April 21, Monday night in Game 2 against Denver, the old Kawhi showed up and came back with full force. Leonard scored 39 points on just 19 shots, passed five times for scores, gave up the ball only once, shut down plays on defence and took charge of the court. Every time the Clippers needed a basket, Kawhi had the ball, and he made it look easy. What is their game plan? Kawhi's way of playing is calm, sharp, and clear. No tricks, no waste, just strong moves and tight shots. The Nuggets tried to slow him down as Aaron Gordon guarded him tight. The rest of the Denver team stayed close, hoping to block the path, but Leonard was not fazed. He worked in tight space, took short steps, leaned, turned, and rose for clean shots. Most of them sank. No matter who stood in his way, Kawhi found a way to shoot. It was smooth and sure, like tapping through the Bitcasino io app when you know where to go. No need to rush. No wasted moves with smart steps and perfect timing that made fans sit up and hold their breath. What is Kawhi's style? Kawhi doesn't waste steps and doesn't play with flair or flash. He moves like someone who's done the job a thousand times and knows what works. With his smooth shot and tight footwork, his balance is spot on after years of foot and leg pain. There's no panic when he plays and no need for wild ones. When Kawhi is on, it's as if the game bends to fit him. He finds the small gap, makes the tough shot, and takes over the moment without noise. When he scores, it feels like no one else could have done it quite like that. The trap of trapping Kawhi Denver could try to trap him more often, like they did in Game 1. But here's the risk: trap Kawhi too much, and others like James Harden or Norman Powell get free shots. Even Ivica Zubac can hurt you if you leave him open at the rim. It's a hard call for any coach. That's the trap of guarding Kawhi, let him go one-on-one, and he might score 40. Double him, and someone else will score easy points. It's not just Kawhi's shot that hurts; it's the fear of what follows. If he draws in the whole team, someone else will beat you. One shot can change the game In one play, Kawhi lost his path to the basket. He stopped, turned with a man in his face, and still made the shot. That's the kind of play that shakes your mind and tells the other team that there isn't much more they can do. His style is quiet but deadly as each move is sharp and each shot is fast. It's like using the Bitcasino mobile app: smooth, swift, and no delays. Just tap in, and you're right where you want to be, playing your favourite online games in seconds. Kawhi doesn't play loud, but the way he scores can break a team's heart. If you have to face that for seven games, it wears you down. It's not just a game any more, it's a fight against something you can't slow down. The old Kawhi is still here Kawhi may have missed a lot of games, he may have had surgery after surgery. But when he's on track, he's a nightmare for any team, which is what Denver saw in Game 2. If the Nuggets want to win this series, they need more than a plan. They need grit, luck, and hope that Kawhi doesn't keep turning into a storm they can't stop.
