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New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Thomas Bryant emerges as unlikely hero to help Pacers into NBA Finals
INDIANAPOLIS – Myles Turner was on the mic, speaking to a euphoric crowd that if it were allowed, would've stayed there all night. The Pacers had just knocked off the New York Knicks, 125-108, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals to advance to the NBA finals for the first time in 25 years. And Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer, was spilling his heart to the city. Advertisement He spoke about embracing adversity, being the underdog and fighting for respect. 'People don't watch us,' Turner said on Saturday. All the while, his teammate, Thomas Bryant, could barely watch him. The Pacers backup center, donning an Eastern Conference champ T-shirt and hat, was doubled over on the scorer's table at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as Turner gave his speech. Tears ran down Bryant's face while he pounded his fist on the table in celebration, but his personal precipitation wasn't just birthed from joy. Those tears? They came from pain and pride. Trials and triumphs. Doubt and deliverance. 'There's a lot of times when you have to believe when nobody else even believes,' Bryant said in the locker room afterward. 'Even sometimes you have to believe it when you don't even believe it. You have to make yourself believe it and just stay the course. 'There were times I never thought I'd see the court again.' Nearly six months ago, Bryant was an afterthought, receiving 13 DNPs on a middling Miami Heat team. But in light of Indiana's backup centers, James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson, both tearing their Achilles early in the season, Indiana acquired Bryant in December for a 2031 second-round pick swap. The hope was for Bryant to bolster the Pacers frontcourt and keep the team humming whenever its starting center, Turner, needed a breather. On Saturday night, however, Bryant was an unlikely hero, totaling a playoff career-high 11 points, three rebounds and one block in in 13 high-energy minutes to help the Pacers return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. 'It's a lot of emotions, man, just going through the past year of just the ups and downs of the NBA,' Bryant said, choking up again. 'Playing, not playing, being totally out of the lineup, getting spare minutes here and there. And then, getting traded and not really knowing what the future might hold, but you just know you wanted to come contribute to a team and try to help them win in any way possible.' Advertisement Bryant got the biggest opportunity of his career to do just that in Game 6, and he delivered in catalytic fashion. After Turner picked up his fourth foul at the 10:14 mark of the third quarter, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle was forced to rely on his bench and his only other healthy center: Bryant. Four seconds after subbing in for Turner, Bryant blocked a layup attempt by Knicks forward OG Anunoby, which sparked a fast break. On the other end, Pascal Siakam, who scored a game-high 31 points, converted an and-1 layup while falling to the floor. Bryant was the first player to help him up, but before eagerly pulling Siakam to his feet, Bryant screamed and flexed in his face to celebrate the acrobatic finish. 'You don't gotta worry about T.B.; T.B. is always gonna bring that energy,' said teammate Aaron Nesmith, who was trailing the play. 'I've never met somebody whether it be up, down, rainy, sunny – he's always bringing that energy and that's a skill. That's a skill for real.' Bryant continued making timely plays by drilling a corner 3 with about eight minutes left in the third quarter, his second of the night, to push Indiana's lead up to 11 points. He high-fived a few courtside fans as he ran back on defense and repeated the celebration a few plays later when he drilled his third corner 3-pointer that put Indiana ahead by 15 points. This time, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau called a timeout for his team to regroup, and Bryant probably needed the stoppage, as well. As the 6-foot-10 center ran back to the huddle, he jumped to chest bump teammate Quenton Jackson and roared to the crowd while his emotions bubbled over. Pacers assistant Lloyd Pierce pulled Bryant aside, reminding him that he should view his energy like money and he can't spend it all in one place. Bryant heeded Pierce's advice, though it was not an easy request after seeing his role change drastically through the series. The 27-year-old began the Eastern Conference finals as the backup center, but poor showings in Games 1 and 2 led to him being benched in Games 3 and 4 in favor of Tony Bradley, who initially joined the Pacers on a 10-day contract in March. It wasn't until Bradley strained his hip in Game 5 that Bryant regained his spot in the rotation and gave the Pacers a jolt in Game 6. Siakam called Bryant's resurgent performance a reward from 'the basketball Gods;' Carlisle credited Bryant's 'indomitable spirit;' and Turner simply thanked his teammate for his professionalism. Advertisement 'Man, I've been playing against Thomas since high school,' Turner said. 'He's always had that enthusiasm, that energy and that skill. … And he didn't complain. He didn't pout. If you watch any film, bro, he's the first one up on the bench (cheering), first one gassing us up, talking to us and getting us right. Me going down in foul trouble, he got his opportunity (Saturday) and he didn't look back.' Bryant, a New York native and former Indiana University star, acknowledged that it was serendipitous to send the Knicks home with a notable performance off the bench as a Pacer. He never dreamed of that moment because, candidly, there were days even recently when he prayed for 'just one minute' to prove himself. Bryant validated his worth Saturday, and he's hungry to solidify it even more against Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals. He's been on this stage before, winning a championship with the Nuggets in 2022-23, but Bryant played just 29 seconds during that 20-game playoff run and only appeared at the very end of Game 3 of the finals. He hopes to play a lot more in his second go round, though he vowed to be prepared regardless. 'A lot of people – when things go left or they don't get their way or they don't get the playing time they want – they say they got 'screwed over,'' Bryant said. 'But that's not always true. You still gotta stay resilient through it. I hope that people realize that I stayed resilient, and because of that I was able to contribute and accomplish things that other people never thought I'd do.'
Washington Post
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
The NBA will have another new champion. Get used to it.
To understand the wide-eyed and baby-faced charm of this NBA conference finals round, count the players with championship rings. You need only one hand and just three of the four remaining teams. Okay, ready? You good? (You're taking too much time.) There are five jewelry-flashing souls. The Indiana Pacers have two: Pascal Siakam (with Toronto in 2019) and Thomas Bryant (with Denver in 2023). The New York Knicks have tw0: OG Anunoby (Toronto in 2019) and P.J. Tucker (Milwaukee in 2021). And the Oklahoma City Thunder has Alex Caruso, who won with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Indianapolis Star
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Thomas Bryant 'gave us some of the greatest minutes you can ask of a backup center'
CLEVELAND — One moment, Thomas Bryant was catching a dish from Tyrese Haliburton in the dunker spot and getting ready to throw it down. The next he was flat on his back after Evan Mobley swatted his shot with the Cavs heading down the other way. But in what could have been a low moment, the Pacers backup center and former IU star didn't give up on the play. Instead he got back up and hustled down the floor, made a leaping play to high point, deflect and steal a pass from Cleveland's Darius Garland and then took it the distance for a fast-break jam. There was symbolism in that play, as it was yet another sign of the Pacers' resiliency. The third quarter dunk put the Pacers up six points on their way to an Eastern Conference semifinals-clinching 114-105 win over the Cavs in a Game 5 they had trailed by as many as 19 points. "There's a lot of ups and downs throughout a basketball game, especially in a playoff game like this," Bryant said. "I'm just happy I was able to make the read on the defensive end in order to help our team get the steal in order for us to get a bucket too." The steal and dunk started a bit of a personal rally for Bryant. Two plays later, he had another dunk on a dish from Haliburton. Then he had a third dunk when forward Obi Toppin took a pass in the mid-post, sucked up the defense and found Bryant cutting baseline. Then with 45 seconds to go in the period, Toppin drove down the lane and hit Bryant in the right corner with a kick-out pass and Bryant drilled a 3-pointer that gave the Pacers an 83-71 lead at the time. All of those plays happened in the last 4:30 of the third quarter, but those four buckets were enough for Bryant to lead the Pacers' bench in scoring with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting. He also managed three rebounds in the game and the Pacers were +4 in his 10:44. Prior to Tuesday's game, Bryant hadn't scored more than six points or made more than one field goal in a game in these playoffs. He had 18 total points in the Pacers' first nine playoff games and went scoreless in four of the nine games. But the Pacers needed Bryant in Game 5, and he came through. "Thomas Bryant in the second half gave us some of the greatest minutes you can ask of a backup center," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "He ran. He rebounded. The three in the right corner was enormous during a run where we were starting to get into their legs a little big. His enthusiasm, it just permeates our team." Bryant has had highs and lows with the Pacers this season, but they desperately needed someone to fill the backup center role behind Myles Turner when they lost backups James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson in the season's first eight days to Achilles tendon tears. Bryant was barely playing at all for the Miami Heat early in the season and the Heat were willing to trade him, but the teams couldn't make the move until Dec. 15 according to league rules because he had just re-signed with them this offseason. He played 15.8 minutes per game this season, scoring 6.9 points per game on 51.5% shooting and grabbed 3.9 rebounds, and the Pacers were thrilled with his enthusiasm even when his execution wasn't the best. Now, two years after winning a championship as a bench piece with the Denver Nuggets, the 27-year-old with his fifth NBA franchise is part of another deep playoff run. "I told them from the start, even now I still believe the same thing, I just wanted to come in and contribute and not be detrimental to the team,' Bryant said. "I'm happy that third quarter went my way and we were able to get this win against a very good Cavaliers team."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sports betting roundup: Surprises emerge in NBA and NHL playoffs
Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) in the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) There have been a few surprises in both the NBA and NHL playoffs, including the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers trailing the Indiana Pacers 3-1 in their best-of-seven series. Indiana is now -325 to win the series at the BetMGM online sportsbook. Advertisement In the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are knotted at two games apiece following Florida's 2-0 win on Sunday night. Things will heat up even more this week, with the conference finals matchups in each sport being close to determined. Trends of the Week The Panthers, who won 2-0, were -185 on the moneyline against the Maple Leafs on Sunday night, but took in only 18% of the bets and 33% of the money. When it came to the over-under, 56% of the bets and 69% of the money was on the over. The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Golden States Warriors 102-97 Saturday night on the road to take a 2-1 series lead. Minnesota closed as a 5.5-point favorite, and a meaningless 3-pointer from Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga at the buzzer gave the Warriors the cover. At BetMGM, 85% of the money was on the Timberwolves to cover the 5.5-point spread. Advertisement Upsets of the Week Cleveland was a 5.5-point favorite for Game 4 against Indiana, but got blown out 129-101 in a game where they trailed by 41 points at the half. Cleveland took in 62% of the bets in against-the-spread betting, and 46% of the money. When it came to the moneyline, Indiana at +185 took in 64% of the bets and 40% of the money. Golden State's Buddy Hield had hit his over points prop going into Saturday's game, and 99% of the money was on him to go over 14.5 points. Hield finished with 14 points in the Warriors' loss. Sepp Straka won the Truist Championship, which is a PGA Tour signature event. Straka finished at 16 under for a two-shot win on Sunday. This was his second win of the season. Going into the event, Straka was +3300 to win and took in just 1.6% of the bets and 1% of the money in the outright winner market. Advertisement Coming Up The NFL schedule will be released on Wednesday, and Super Bowl odds are available for the upcoming season. The Philadelphia Eagles remain the favorites to repeat at +650. The Baltimore Ravens are right behind at +700, followed by the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs both at +750. The Detroit Lions round out the top five at +900. ___ This column was provided to The Associated Press by BetMGM online sportsbook. ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pacers tie NBA playoff record by jumping out to 41-point halftime lead against Cavaliers in Game 4
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) in the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) reacts after a 3-point basket in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen battles for the ball between Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Pascal Siakam in the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen battles for the ball between Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Pascal Siakam in the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) in the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) reacts after a 3-point basket in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen battles for the ball between Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Pascal Siakam in the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers tied an NBA playoff record by building a 41-point halftime lead Sunday in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against top-seeded Cleveland. The 80-39 lead matched the previous mark set by the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2017 conference finals against Boston, according to Sportradar. And the Pacers did it despite having one of their top scorers, Bennedict Mathurin, ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul less than eight minutes into the game. Advertisement It's also the 10th time in playoff history any team has scored 80 points in a half. Oklahoma City did it most recently, with 87 points in Game 2 against Denver earlier this week. The Pacers dominated the first two quarters, shooting 60% from the field and making 12 of 18 3-pointers while posting 25 assists. Cleveland shot 25% from the field, had only three assists and only three players with more than one made basket. Indiana tied the record on Aaron Nesmith's buzzer-beating mid-range jumper to close the half. The Pacers hold a 2-1 lead in the series, which moves to Cleveland on Tuesday for Game 5. ___ AP NBA:
