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New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton owns Game 5 clunker in New York: ‘I'll be better in Game 6'
NEW YORK — Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard share a former coach who was concerned about Game 5 for the Indiana Pacers. Haliburton played the last two summers for USA Basketball, which had the all-star coaching staff of Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue and Mark Few — who was Nembhard's coach in college at Gonzaga. Advertisement Few is from a small town on the western coast of Oregon, population today of about 5,000, and he is both famous and kidded by his players for the colloquial language he uses to make a point. So Thursday, ahead of Indiana's potential closeout game in the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden, Few texted Haliburton and Nembhard to say: 'Don't tiptoe into a bar fight.' Which, as it turns out, is basically what the Pacers ended up doing in a 111-94 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 5. 'It was a rough showing for us tonight,' Haliburton acknowledged. Look, losses after playoff games are too often explained by clichés that have to do with: A. Boxing; B. Getting punched in the face, chest or stomach (which can happen in MMA, taekwondo or outside of Jimmy's Corner Bar on Sixth and 46th); C. Being less aggressive than the team that won (not as sexy, but 'aggressive' is as time-worn as all the punching metaphors in the NBA playoffs). The Knicks didn't hit anyone Thursday night, but they played desperate. They noticeably turned up the pressure defensively, they jumped passing lanes, they refused to be denied on drives to the hoop. They had to be that way, one more false step by the New Yorkers, and their playoffs are over. That's what Few knew was coming for his two former players, both from the Knicks' side and also from a raucous, borderline frothy MSG crowd that was, by the end of things, chanting 'Knicks in seven, Knicks in seven.' The, ahem, sober, clinical diagnosis of what happened in Game 5 is that the Pacers, generally, didn't play well (which will be dissected elsewhere at The Athletic), and specifically Haliburton turned in a stinker — which happens from time to time with him. In 32 minutes of game action on Thursday, Haliburton scored eight points on seven shots. If you just know him generally as a pretty good player, maybe as an All-Star, perhaps as a third-team All-NBA selection, you might raise an eyebrow over a player of his caliber producing so little with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line. Advertisement If you have been following the conference finals, and you know all about Haliburton's heroics in Game 1, with the 31 points, the score-tying shot at the buzzer and the Reggie Miller flex, as well as the historic, never-been-equaled, 32-point, 12-rebound, 15-assist, zero-turnover performance he dropped in Game 4, then maybe Game 5 is a real head-scratcher, to the point where you might ask, why the tiptoeing, bruh? 'A rough day for me,' Haliburton said. 'I got to be better, set the tone, get downhill. I feel like I can do a great job of that, but I'll watch the film. There's some different things they did defensively. But for the most part, I think their base stuff was the same. They picked up the pressure a little bit more, tried to apply more as the game went on. But yeah, I gotta be better, and I'll be better in Game 6.' I covered the Pacers' series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and I recall him making huge plays in the first two games to win both of them and then score 4 points in a 22-point loss in Game 3 of that series. What I was less aware of, because I only saw the Pacers from time to time during the regular season, is these occasional disappearances happen. For instance, in Game 2 of the entire season, all the way back in October, Haliburton went scoreless against the Knicks. In 26 minutes. He was held under 10 points 11 times this season (by lofty comparison, LeBron James hasn't scored fewer than 10 points in a regular-season game since Jan. 5, 2007), and shut out twice. Haliburton now has two clunkers to his name in these playoffs. The reason to go to such great lengths pointing this out is, if the Pacers win Game 6, he would almost certainly be the series MVP because he had been so consistent and so clutch in the closing moments of the close games. 'As a team, we have to be aggressive and have a level of balance,' Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. 'I mean, I'll look at it. There's more things I'm gonna have to do to help him. I'll take responsibility for that, and we'll see what we can improve.' Advertisement The Knicks borrowed a page from the Pacers by pressuring the ball earlier in the Pacers' possessions, preventing Haliburton from throwing skip passes and otherwise slowing him down from getting Indiana into its offense. That is the precise formula the Pacers had used defensively to eradicate the Milwaukee Bucks and Cavs and push the Knicks to the brink of elimination. Haliburton said 'when you get here at this point, there's no such thing as surprises,' which, if we are to take him at his word, means the Pacers knew the Knicks were going to crank up the pressure and simply failed to handle it. The Pacers remain on the brink of their first NBA Finals since 2000, and the first ever for many of their players — including Haliburton. They haven't lost two straight since March. Haliburton said as much; he knows he needs to, and vowed to be, better in Game 6. If you're stepping into a swimming pool full of sharks (why would you do that, ever?) or perhaps walking into a rough-and-tumble bar in Hell's Kitchen, with every patron over 6-1 and 220 pounds (again, why, but I digress), perhaps you would tread lightly. It seemed to be the case for Haliburton and the Pacers, despite Few's warning to the contrary. But downtown Indianapolis has good bars, too. And the Pacers will have the benefit of standing behind the saloon doors, with empty bottles and sawed-off stools in hand, waiting for the visitors to approach. 'We felt like our preparation was right, as a group I felt like we approached the day the right way, but I feel like I could have been a lot better,' Haliburton said. 'You know, put it on me, and I'll be better in Game 6.' (Top photo of Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson: Al Bello / Getty Images)
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gonzaga Setting up Crucial Visit with Five-Star Center Sam Funches as Recruitment Heats Up
Gonzaga's recruitment of elite 2026 center Sam Funches is quietly heating up, with the promise of an upcoming visit to Spokane poised to be a make-or-break moment in the Bulldogs' pursuit. While programs like Ole Miss and Kansas have long been seen as leaders in his recruitment, Gonzaga has remained firmly in the picture, and now has a golden opportunity to elevate itself from an outsider to a legitimate threat. Funches, a 6-foot-10 standout from Germantown High School in Madison, Mississippi, is regarded as one of the premier big men in the 2026 class. His rare combination of size, mobility, and perimeter shooting has attracted interest from national powerhouses. Gonzaga officially entered the race with an offer last spring, adding their name to a growing list of suitors. Gonzaga really has a chance to gain ground if Funches's visit actually happens. The trip will allow Funches and his family to get an up-close look at the Zags' player development, campus environment, and unique basketball culture. They'll get to sit and talk with Mark Few and hear his plan for Funches on both ends of the court. These factors have played a crucial role in landing and producing elite frontcourt talent over the years. Advertisement Programs like Ole Miss have a head start, with strong ties to Funches and multiple unofficial visits already in the books. However, Gonzaga's history of developing high-level big men such as Domantas Sabonis, Rui Hachimura, and Chet Holmgren speaks volumes. For a player of Funches's skill set, the fit within Gonzaga's offensive system, which emphasizes versatility and skilled bigs, could be an ideal match. While the Bulldogs may still be considered on the outside looking in, this visit represents a pivotal opportunity to shift the perception of where they stand. A successful trip could transform Gonzaga from a fringe contender into a real player for one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 cycle. As the visit to Spokane approaches, all eyes will be on Mark Few and his staff's ability to capitalize on this crucial window. Related: Why Gonzaga's Offense Should run through Braden Huff Next Season
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida State High-Upside Transfer Forward Christian Nitu Perfect Fit For Gonzaga
Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs remain on the hunt for a marquee guard to add to the roster for the 2025-26 season, with Desmond Claude and Tyon-Grant Foster the two biggest known targets at this time. However, the expectation is that the Zags will also look to add depth to the frontcourt, in particular someone who can play power forward on a roster that is currently full of more traditional centers in Graham Ike, Braden Huff, Ismaila Diagne, and incoming freshman Parker Jefferson. Advertisement One available transfer that makes a lot of sense for Gonzaga, and who the staff connected with early in the recruiting process, is Florida State forward Christian Nitu. Nitu played at Fort Erie International Academy in Toronto when the Zags first began recruiting him, and his performance with Team Canada in the U17 World Cup and participation in the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp helped solidify the 6'11 big man as a marquee prospect. On3 had him as the 39th ranked power forward and 25th ranked Canadian prospect in the 2024 class when he first signed with Indiana State, but after coach Josh Schertz left to Saint Louis Nitu reopened his recruitment and committed to Florida State. Advertisement However, a deep rotation didn't allow much room for Nitu on the floor in Tallahassee, as he finished his lone season with the 'Noles appearing in 22 games and averaging 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in just 6.9 minutes per game. Nitu saved his best for last, scoring a career high eight points with three rebounds and a steal on 4-4 shooting in a 60-57 loss to Virginia in the final game of the season. Nitu's upside remains intriguing, despite subpar numbers in a limited role. The tape shows an uber-athletic big man who had multiple tip-in dunks, blocked shots off the backboard, and was unafraid to challenge anyone at the rim. Some have even described him as having guard like skills, although the outside shot is a bit of a mystery as he went 0-7 while with the 'Noles. With three years of eligibility remaining and experience gained through the FIBA circuit and the ACC, Nitu would be a nice fit in Spokane as a developmental big alongside Jefferson and Diagne. Advertisement He's drawn interest from Washington, with head coach Danny Sprinkle even flying out to Tallahassee to watch him workout, and it wouldn't be a surprise if other power conference teams come poking around now that many of the bigger names are off the board. Gonzaga will likely keep their focus on guards for now, but snagging Nitu as a high upside developmental big is the kind of move coach Few likes to make and one that is easy to see working well for both sides. Related: Gonzaga Target and WCC Leading Scorer Malik Thomas Announces Transfer Portal Decision
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Gonzaga's Offense Should run through Braden Huff Next Season
As Gonzaga reloads for another push toward a deep NCAA Tournament run in the 2025-26 season, few players offer as much offensive upside as Braden Huff. A skilled 6-foot-10 forward with a rapidly evolving game, Huff showcased flashes of brilliance in his second season of action—and the time has come for Mark Few's offense to run through him. Huff's scoring versatility is what sets him apart. He's not just a stretch big with touch—he's a three-level scorer in the making. During the final stretch of last season, Gonzaga began to lean into lineups that featured Huff and fellow big man Graham Ike sharing the floor. The result? Efficient offense and more matchup problems than opposing defenses could handle. Huff, who has quietly expanded his range, is now a legitimate threat from three-point land. His ability to space the floor forces opposing bigs to guard out to the perimeter, creating driving lanes and better ball movement in Gonzaga's half-court sets. One of the key advantages of the Huff-Ike tandem is the freedom it gives Huff in the post. With Ike on the floor drawing attention, Huff often gets single coverage in the post, a mistake few defenders can afford to make. Huff's footwork and touch are elite for a player of his size. If he gets to his right shoulder, he's nearly unguardable, finishing with precision using his left hand. Overplay that shoulder, and he has the balance and awareness to spin baseline and finish with his right. In one-on-one situations, Huff is a consistent problem—too quick for traditional centers, too strong for forwards. Advertisement What makes Huff even more dangerous is what happens when Ike goes to the bench. Gonzaga will be relatively inexperienced at point guard, shooting guard, and small forward in terms of in-game reps. That puts more responsibility on the frontcourt. When Huff is the lone big on the floor, it's highly likely he will draw double teams—opening up clean looks for others. With his growing vision and feel, Huff has the passing chops to exploit those traps and find cutters or kick out to open shooters. The biggest wrinkle for defenses will come when Gonzaga uses the 'double big' lineup with Huff as the primary screener in ball-screen action. In these sets, Huff's ability to short roll, catch, and finish with a soft floater puts defenses in a bind. If the help comes from the weak side, Ike will be lurking along the baseline or the mid-post, ready to punish any lapse in rotation. It's a pick-your-poison scenario that few teams are equipped to handle. Gonzaga did this time after time in the second half versus Houston in the second round and nearly pulled off an amazing comeback as the Cougars didn't have answers. Ultimately, Braden Huff is the kind of offensive focal point that Gonzaga's system thrives with. He's skilled, unselfish, and dangerous at all three levels. With his development as a shooter and his dominance on the block, running the offense through Huff gives the Zags their best chance to maximize the talent on this 2025-26 roster. Related: Win the Day: The Fitting Mantra of Gonzaga's Next Point Guard Braeden Smith
Fox Sports
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Stylistic versatility: Those left in the NCAA Tournament have proven they can win a lot of ways
Associated Press Houston and Gonzaga met in a second-round NCAA Tournament matchup last weekend in Wichita, Kansas, that could as easily have been played in the Final Four, the way Kelvin Sampson's and Mark Few's teams had played throughout the season. The Cougars were No. 1 in scoring defense, more than a half-point better than the next-best team. The Bulldogs were No. 2 in scoring offense, trailing only Alabama in putting up nearly 87 points per game. Yet one of the biggest reasons that Houston was able to advance to the Sweet 16 with an 81-76 victory over the Bulldogs was its ability to play any style of basketball. Sure, the Cougars managed to hold Gonzaga nearly 10 points below its season average, but they also ramped up their own scoring, proving that they are more than just a bunch of defensive stoppers. 'Just win and advance,' Sampson said afterward. 'Do what it takes. That's all that matters.' Throughout the 68-team field, those that were able to survive the first weekend were often those that were willing to change things up if the moment dictated it. The defensive dynamo was able to get into transition and pile up points, or the team that loves to score buckled down at the other end of the floor, making life difficult for its unsuspecting opponent. That has been the case with Mississippi so far in the tournament. The Rebels rolled into the postseason in the top 50 nationally in scoring, but their defense was middling at best: 175th out of the 364 teams in men's Division I basketball. Yet the same bunch who scored 98 points against Kentucky and 100 against Oral Roberts in the regular season stifled North Carolina in a 71-64 first-round win, then held Iowa State below its season scoring average in a 91-78 victory that pushed Ole Miss into the regional semifinals. 'Their defensive versatility is terrific,' Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger marveled afterward. 'Their switch ability — guards on bigs, bigs on guards. They do a great job. Their defense really tries to frustrate you by not allowing the ball to get in the paint, and trying to keep it on one side of the floor. And when they're at their best, they're doing that really well.' It will take Ole Miss doing it at their best with Michigan State up next; the Spartans are among the most versatile of any team left. They are top 50 in both scoring and defense, and they showed it off last weekend, putting up 87 points against Bryant and holding New Mexico to 63 in a pair of wins. 'We're just a team that can play multiple ways,' the Spartans' Jaden Akins said. So is Duke, which was fourth nationally in scoring and sixth in scoring defense. And when you have that combination, the results in the opening weekend were not surprising: 93-49 over Mount St. Mary's and 89-66 over Baylor. Kentucky was sixth nationally in scoring this season, but coach Mark Pope's bunch — 315th in scoring defense — played a more patient game with plenty of success in a 76-57 first-round win over Wofford. It wasn't a surprise that Arizona averaged 90 points in wins over Akron and Oregon, but it may have been that the Wildcats held the Zips to just 65 in the first round. Then there's Alabama, which looked every bit like the nation's highest-scoring team in a tougher-than-expected first-round win over Robert Morris and a second-round blitz of Saint Mary's. But the Crimson Tide also looked a lot like, say, Houston the way it defended the Gaels, holding them to just 66 points in advancing to the Sweet 16. That's where the Crimson Tide will face BYU, a team that plays much more like itself. 'I don't know that I want to say it's refreshing to go against somebody that plays like us,' Tide coach Nate Oats said, "because I think we're really tough to guard, and we've led the country in scoring the last two years. I don't think anybody is saying it's refreshing to play Alabama, whoever is running the defense for the other team. I mean, maybe it's not such a smash-mouth game like playing football out there like some of these teams, but they're not easy to cover. 'We're going to have to really lock in and coaches are going to have to really do a good job getting our guys ready and then our guys are going to have to execute what the plan is, whatever we decide to put in.' ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. recommended
