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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steve Nash breaks down the Thunder's principles that make them an elite defensive team: "They keep that paint area a no-go zone"
Steve Nash breaks down the Thunder's principles that make them an elite defensive team: "They keep that paint area a no-go zone" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Steve Nash did not have a reputation as a good defender, but he knows an elite defense when he sees one. In the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, the two-time MVP raved about the Oklahoma City Thunder's defensive philosophies and explained how these fundamental principles make the court a living hell for their opponents. Advertisement "They're a 'pack the paint' team; they want to keep you out of the paint," Nash said. "So, for the fan, if a guy drives from the wing middle, typically in our league, we wanna show body and stunt because we don't wanna give up a three or create a rotation. OKC, they will show full-body help to keep it out of the paint, especially for the primary initiator. They give a full-body rotation, which leaves weakness on the back side. So, the guy from the corner… who's an athlete, flies to the corner." "I think what they do is pack the paint, they give up threes, but they give up contested threes. Hard contests, flying at guys. It gets dark; you think you're wide open, before you know it, it's like, 'Ah!'" the Hall of Famer added. AC embodies that philosophy As "MVSteve" mentioned, these principles work for the Thunder because of their personnel. They could employ multiple 3-and-D guys at once, and they all buy into the team's defensive philosophy. Nobody personifies the Thunder mantra as well as Alex Caruso, as LeBron James could attest. Advertisement "One of my favorite plays from their clincher (in the Western Conference Finals), AC was guarding the ball on the left wing… Anthony Edwards was able to get middle… but AC, he went middle, and there was a guy that helped at the nail. Full body help at the nail and made Anthony Edwards get off it. He hit the guy on the wing, and there was a defender on the corner, and he rotated all the way to take away that shot on the wing," James recalled. The nail is literally the spot in the middle of the free-throw line. OKC usually has a guy posted there to prevent drives to the paint, and in this scenario, another Thunder defender was helping Caruso in his "Ant-Man" assignment. As James remembered, another OKC defender came flying at the open guy on the wing, which prompted an immediate reaction from the "Bald Mamba." "Instead of AC just standing and watching, he ran through to the corner. Julius Randle actually made this three, but the percentages when it comes to this effort, they're gonna win that percentage," stated "The Chosen One." Related: "Shaq, I'm from the Balkans, you cannot haze me so hard, I've seen everything" - Goran Dragic recalls how he survived Shaquille O'Neal's rookie treatment "No-go zone" From Nash and James' viewpoints, OKC's defensive philosophy and their personnel's commitment to bringing this to life took them this far, with a chance to win the Larry O'Brien trophy. Again, there are nuances in play, but it's fundamental basketball that fans should enjoy watching. Advertisement "For the fan to recognize, they're gonna keep you out of the paint. They're gonna allow you to take threes, but they're gonna fly out and be on a string and contest those threes. I love that principle… they keep that paint area a no-go zone. To me, that's a commitment, that's a clarity," said one of the best pure point guards ever. The exciting thing about the 2025 NBA Finals is that the Indiana Pacers are not a team that lives in the paint. They move the rock around and play the closeout game extremely well. As many NBA experts have noticed, their ball movement could theoretically test the Thunder's defensive commitment. Whether that movement leads to breakdowns or just more contested jumpers will be a chess match to watch. Related: "It would put him in the conversation of top-five point guards of all-time" - Ric Bucher on what if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins 2025 Finals MVP This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The Indiana Pacers can clearly keep getting away with this
The Indiana Pacers can clearly keep getting away with this Good morning, Winners! This is For The Win's daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Here's Mike Sykes. I need a little help here. Do the Basketball Gods hate the Knicks or love the Pacers? I'm not sure. But whatever the case may be, it got us a ridiculous finish in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers were down by 15 points with five minutes left in the game before Aaron Nesmith turned into prime Reggie Miller and hit five 3-pointers to bring the Pacers within five points. Add in a couple of missed free throws from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby and a bit of devil magic from Tyrese Haliburton (HOW DID THE BALL BOUNCE LIKE THAT?!?) and we get overtime. The Knicks are lucky Hali didn't step an inch further back — the game would've ended right then and there if his shot was ruled a 3-pointer. THERE'S NO WAY: The Pacers' odds to win were laughably long before the Knicks' collapse I usually don't like pulling out the "Team of Destiny" card, but I don't know what else to call Indiana at this point. We might as well hand the Pacers the Larry O'Brien trophy now — they keep pulling off the impossible. In the last 30 years, teams that have trailed by seven or more points in the final 50 seconds of a game are 4-1,702. The Pacers have three of those wins and they've all come within the last month. What might be just as unbelievable as that stat is that Tyrese Haliburton is now 12 of 14 on shots to tie or take the lead in the last two minutes of games this season. He's been as close to automatic as you can get in the clutch for his team this year. Things are not supposed to work this way. Clutch minutes are supposed to be random and incalculable. Yeah, you're inevitably going to hit some big shots in these moments if you keep finding yourself in them. But to do it every single time, seemingly without fail? That's otherworldly. I've been trying to think of how to explain this for weeks. Part of it is excellent coaching — we've got to give credit where it's due. Rick Carlisle is an incredible coach with his fingerprints all over this team. They press you full-court all game long without fouling. They execute out of timeouts without flaw. The players are so disciplined. Everyone knows their role and knows what to do when their moment comes. We don't know how this run will end, but Carlisle has led a team like this to the promised land before. The 2011 Dallas Mavericks weren't supposed to be NBA champions. That team wasn't really an underdog — it was a 57-win No. 3 seed. But no one thought it'd beat Kobe Bryant's Lakers. No one thought it'd beat Kevin Durant's ascendant Thunder. Certainly, no one thought it'd beat LeBron James and the Miami Heat. But every step of the way, that team found a way. These Pacers feel very similar. But that only gets you so far. Great coaching gets you far, but doesn't always carry you through. I want to say the rest feels like dumb luck, but that almost feels disrespectful because, again, the Pacers keep doing this. We can't call it a fluke anymore. This team never stops playing. The time and score don't matter — Indiana keeps going until they find a crack in the glass. Once they find that crack, they keep beating it until the glass shatters. That was what Aaron Nesmith's barrage of 3-pointers was. Maybe you brushed off the first shot. Maybe you were impressed by the second one. But by the time he hit his third 3-pointer, you knew the Pacers would find a way to win the game. They knew it. The Knicks knew it. I knew it sitting at home. You probably did, too. I have a feeling that we'll probably keep feeling this feeling until they're hoisting a trophy up at the end of the season. SGA = MVP Well, we finally know who the MVP is, folks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander officially won the award on Wednesday. Call him a free-throw merchant if you want — this guy is the most valuable player in the NBA. That's awesome. He also gave one of the sweetest MVP speeches in recent memory. He thanked his teammates, his friends and his parents, naturally. But when he got to the part thanking his wife, he lost it. Shai still has some basketball left to play and is undoubtedly hoping to grab more hardware this season — we'll see how that goes. Regardless, this is a well-deserved moment for the OKC guard. Push on The Tush Push lives to see another day. The Packers' ban needed 24 votes to go into effect, but the motion only received 22, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, with these teams voting against it: Shoutout to those squads for not being losers. This isn't quite over just yet, though. Our Christian D'Andrea says that, considering 22 teams voted in favor of the ban, this will probably come back again eventually. "22 votes in favor suggest the issue isn't settled yet. Another year of easy Eagles conversions or a serious injury on the play could lead to another vote next spring. A revised rule change with clearer language could turn two of those 10 "no" votes into yesses. But for now, Hurts can line up under center on third or fourth-and-short knowing he's still got his full playbook available." There's not enough of a consensus to ban the play, but there's certainly enough of one to keep the conversation going. Honestly, this is exhausting. But we're probably going to be right back here next year. Quick hits: Hali's dad strikes again ... Humble beginnings ... and more — Tyrese Haliburton's dad wasn't at the game, but he definitely brought that Pacers energy to the bar he was at. Meg Hall has more. — The Golden State Valkyries got their first win! Here are 7 photos from the moment. What a time for that franchise. — RIP Jim Irsay. The NFL world reacted after learning about the Colts owner's death. — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn't the free throw merchant you think he is. Prince Grimes has more on that. — Reggie Miller calling the Knicks game is wild. The 90s babies know what I mean. It also made for a great broadcast. — This is fun, but Karl-Anthony Towns is patting the wrong guy on the chest. That's a wrap, folks. Thanks so much for reading. Peace. -Sykes ✌️
New York Post
17-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
It's time to start having title dreams about these Knicks
If you're not thinking big anymore, you're just a defeatist. Or a Negative Nancy. Or just stuck in the Isiah Thomas/Stephon Marbury/Phil Jackson eras. And that's understandable. I get it. It's been a long time. Too long. Advertisement But even for those pessimists, it must've been impossible to watch Friday night's utter annihilation of the Celtics and not think about the Larry O'Brien trophy. It is, gasp, realistic. Really.
Fox Sports
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Has Giannis Antetokounmpo played his last game for the Bucks?
When Damian Lillard sat on the ground in the middle of a playoff game, grabbing at his left foot, the implications were larger than the heartbreaking reality of a 34-year-old star facing an injury that has been known to alter careers. The torn left Achilles tendon that Lillard suffered in Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff series against Indiana will likely change the franchise's future. Now, with Lillard facing a lengthy rehabilitation and any hopes of the Bucks winning a championship next season all but dashed, the team has to decide what to do with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Is it time to trade him and rebuild? Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, told the New York Times in August 2023 that if he didn't believe that "everybody's going for a championship ... I'm not signing [a contract extension]." The following month, the Bucks completed a blockbuster trade for Lillard. And a few weeks later, Antetokounmpo agreed to a three-year, $186 million deal with Milwaukee. Even though last season was a bust, with the Bucks getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs amid injuries to the team's superstars, hope remained. If they were both healthy, the Bucks could be great. They just needed time to develop more chemistry. And they needed a little luck to both be on the court. Now, there are no what ifs. The Bucks have no chance without Lillard; not with the Cleveland Cavaliers and reigning champion Boston Celtics foaming at the mouth to bring home the Larry O'Brien trophy. So, what's going to come first? Is Antetokounmpo going to request a trade or are the Bucks going to waive the white flag, and use one of the best players in the league as a bartering chip to get some young talent? What's clear is the dam is about to break, with the Bucks being in the untenable position of three straight first-round playoff exits alongside a 30-year-old megastar who has made it clear that his patience is running thin. The Bucks can't remain competitive while waiting out Lillard's return, not with two players on supermax contracts and the Bucks not in a position to rebuild through the draft. It's a shame considering how much Antetokoumnpo has made it clear that he loves Milwaukee, the team that selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft and helped transform him from a gangly teenager into a chiseled champion nicknamed "The Greek Freak." It's also a shame for Lillard, who told FOX Sports during training camp in September that last season was "the toughest year of my life." Not only was he adjusting to being traded from a Portland Trail Blazers team with which he had spent his entire 11-season career, but he was also dealing with the mental anguish of a divorce from his wife, with whom he shares three children. This season, Lillard hoped things would be different. He got his body and mind right, pouring himself into a strict training and eating regimen while surrounding himself with family whenever he could. And over the next seven months, it seemed as though he and Antetokoumnpo were finally figuring out how to become the one-two punch the rest of the league feared they could become, clinching the fifth-seed after a shaky start. But their ascent up the Eastern Conference ladder was waylaid by Lillard missing a month with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He returned much sooner than expected in Game 2 against the Pacers – but just two games later, he suffered the torn Achilles tendon. "I feel bad for [Lillard]," Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "The guy tried to come back for his team. This is a tough one: a blood clot followed by this. It's just tough. That's why you have teammates and family around him. He's just a great freaking dude on the basketball level but more important as a teammate, a father and all that stuff. No one deserves it." Now, the Bucks are in a tough position. After winning the title in 2021, they've tried to get back atop the league but have failed. They fired coach Mike Budenholzer after their first-round exit in 2023. They then fired Adrian Griffin after 43 games before hiring Rivers. They traded Jrue Holiday to acquire Lillard. They dealt Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma, who has underperformed this postseason. But they've repeatedly fallen flat on their faces, with their 119-118 overtime loss to the Pacers in Game 5 on Tuesday yet again launching them into summer break months before they had hoped. Sure, the Bucks have had some bad breaks. Middleton suffered a knee sprain during the first round of the 2022 playoffs. Antetokounmpo sustained a back injury during the 2023 postseason and was sidelined for the entire 2024 playoffs because of a calf injury. And Lillard missed two playoff games last postseason because of an Achilles tendon injury before this year's devastating blows. It has all led to the Bucks being pushed to the edge. Lillard is out. Antetokounmpo is disillusioned. And the Bucks are going to be forced to make some tough decisions, potentially parting ways with the player who put them on the map. Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Bay Area News Group and the San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on Twitter @ melissarohlin . recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Fox Sports
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Damian Lillard's injury makes Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with Bucks uncertain
When Damian Lillard sat on the ground in the middle of a playoff game, grabbing at his left foot, the implications were larger than the heartbreaking reality of a 34-year-old star facing an injury that has been known to alter careers. The torn left Achilles tendon that Lillard suffered in Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff series against Indiana will likely change the franchise's future. Now, with Lillard facing a lengthy rehabilitation and any hopes of the Bucks winning a championship next season all but dashed, the team has to decide what to do with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Is it time to trade him and rebuild? Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, told the New York Times in August 2023 that if he didn't believe that "everybody's going for a championship ... I'm not signing [a contract extension]." The following month, the Bucks completed a blockbuster trade for Lillard. And a few weeks later, Antetokounmpo agreed to a three-year, $186 million deal with Milwaukee. Even though last season was a bust, with the Bucks getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs amid injuries to the team's superstars, hope remained. If they were both healthy, the Bucks could be great. They just needed time to develop more chemistry. And they needed a little luck to both be on the court. Now, there are no what ifs. The Bucks have no chance without Lillard; not with the Cleveland Cavaliers and reigning champion Boston Celtics foaming at the mouth to bring home the Larry O'Brien trophy. So, what's going to come first? Is Antetokounmpo going to request a trade or are the Bucks going to waive the white flag, and use one of the best players in the league as a bartering chip to get some young talent? What's clear is the dam is about to break, with the Bucks being in the untenable position of facing three straight first-round playoff exits alongside a 30-year-old megastar who has made it clear that his patience is running thin. The Bucks can't remain competitive while waiting out Lillard's return, not with two players on supermax contracts and the Bucks not in a position to rebuild through the draft. It's a shame considering how much Antetokoumnpo has made it clear that he loves Milwaukee, the team that selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft and helped transform him from a gangly teenager into a chiseled champion nicknamed "The Greek Freak." It's also a shame for Lillard, who told FOX Sports during training camp in September that last season was "the toughest year of my life." Not only was he adjusting to being traded from a Portland Trail Blazers team with which he had spent his entire 11-season career, but he was also dealing with the mental anguish of a divorce from his wife, with whom he shares three children. This season, Lillard hoped things would be different. He got his body and mind right, pouring himself into a strict training and eating regimen while surrounding himself with family whenever he could. And over the next seven months, it seemed as though he and Antetokoumnpo were finally figuring out how to become the one-two punch the rest of the league feared they could become, clinching the fifth-seed after a shaky start. But their ascent up the Eastern Conference ladder was waylaid by Lillard missing a month with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. He returned much sooner than expected in Game 2 against the Pacers – but just two games later, he suffered the torn Achilles' tendon. "I feel bad for [Lillard]," Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "The guy tried to come back for his team. This is a tough one: a blood clot followed by this. It's just tough. That's why you have teammates and family around him. He's just a great freaking dude on the basketball level but more important as a teammate, a father and all that stuff. No one deserves it." Now, the Bucks are in a tough position. After winning the title in 2021, they've constantly tried to get back atop the league but have failed. They fired coach Mike Budenholzer after their first-round exit in 2023. They then fired Adrian Griffin after 43 games. They traded Jrue Holiday to acquire Lillard. They dealt Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma, who has underperformed this postseason. But they're yet again on the brink of a first-round playoff elimination against the Pacers. Sure, the Bucks have had some bad breaks. Middleton suffered a knee sprain during the first round of the 2022 playoffs. Antetokounmpo sustained a back injury during the 2023 postseason and was sidelined for the entire 2024 playoffs because of a calf injury. And Lillard missed two playoff games last postseason because of an Achilles' tendon injury before this year's devastating blows. It has all led to the Bucks being pushed to the edge. Lillard is out. Antetokounmpo is disillusioned. And the Bucks are going to be forced to make some tough decisions, potentially parting ways with the player who put them on the map. Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Bay Area News Group and the San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on Twitter @ melissarohlin . recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
