INDIANAPOLIS — With their season hanging in the balance, the Indiana Pacers once again did what they’ve made a habit of all year: defy expectations.

Indiana stormed past the Oklahoma City Thunder 108–91 in a decisive Game 6 on Thursday night, sending the NBA Finals to a dramatic Game 7 showdown. It’s the first Finals to reach a seventh game since 2016, and it all comes down to Sunday night in Oklahoma City.

“The ultimate game,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said afterward.

Total Team Effort Fuels Indiana’s Win

The Pacers came out cold, missing their first eight shots and falling behind 10–2. But that didn’t last long. Once they found their rhythm, they absolutely took over.

• Obi Toppin led the way with 20 points
• Andrew Nembhard added 17
• Pascal Siakam chipped in 16 points and 13 rebounds
• Tyrese Haliburton, still nursing a strained calf, had 14 points
• And off the bench, TJ McConnell brought his usual spark with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists

“We just wanted to protect home court,” Haliburton said. “We didn’t want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our floor. Backs against the wall — we responded. Total team effort.”

Turning Point: A 68–32 Run

After a sluggish start, the Pacers went on an incredible 68–32 run over the next 24 minutes, flipping the game from a nail-biter to a runaway. A team that hadn’t led by double digits in the first five games of the series suddenly found itself up by 31 points — the Thunder’s second-largest deficit of the season.

And this wasn’t the first time Indiana clawed its way back from adversity. The Pacers started the season 10–15, battled through multiple double-digit playoff comebacks, and now find themselves just one win from an NBA title.

Thunder Stumble, Look to Regroup

For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points and Jalen Williams added 16, but the Thunder struggled mightily. By the end of the third quarter, they pulled their starters, trailing by 30.

“Credit Indiana,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admitted. “They earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes.”

The Thunder tried to mix things up after halftime, inserting Alex Caruso into the starting five in place of Isaiah Hartenstein — but it didn’t spark anything. Neither team scored in the first 3:53 of the third quarter, missing a combined 13 straight shots to start the second half.

Game 7 History: Can OKC Bounce Back?

Historically, home teams are 15–4 in Game 7s of the NBA Finals. That stat might favor the Thunder, who will host the finale. But history cuts both ways — the last Finals Game 7 saw Cleveland win on the road against Golden State in 2016. And back in 1978, Seattle (which later became the Thunder) lost a Finals Game 7 at home.

This Thunder team has already pulled off big comebacks this postseason — most notably, rallying from a 45-point hole against Minnesota in the Western Conference Finals. They’ll need that same resilience one more time.

“Obviously, it was a very poor performance by us,” Daigneault said. “But we’ll be ready.”

Game 7 is Set: Sunday Night in OKC

Everything now comes down to one final game. The title, the legacy, the glory — it’s all up for grabs. Whether the Pacers complete their incredible underdog run or the Thunder seize the moment on their home floor, one thing is certain:

Game 7 is going to be electric.

Source: AP News – Pacers roll past Thunder 108-91 to send the NBA Finals to a deciding Game 7

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In a move that caught many by surprise, the New York Knicks have parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau — just days after the team made its deepest playoff run since the 1990s.

The decision, announced Tuesday, comes three days after the Knicks were eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals in six games by the Indiana Pacers. Despite the disappointing end, New York’s postseason journey included a stunning second-round upset over the defending champion Boston Celtics and showcased the emergence of a promising new core.

A Surprising Goodbye to a Proven Winner

Thibodeau, who was signed to a three-year extension just last summer, leaves behind a legacy of stability and success in a franchise that has long craved both. Over five seasons, he led the Knicks to consecutive 50-win campaigns — a feat the team hadn’t accomplished since 1995 — and this year surpassed Pat Riley to become fourth all-time in coaching victories for the storied franchise.

Still, the front office felt a change was needed.

“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” team president Leon Rose said in a statement. “This pursuit led us to the decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction.”

Rose thanked Thibodeau for his dedication and heart, calling him “forever part of our Knicks family.”

Thibs’ Deep Knicks Roots and Lasting Impact

Thibodeau’s connection to the Knicks stretches back to the ‘90s, when he served as an assistant under Jeff Van Gundy during one of the franchise’s most memorable eras. One of his assistant coaches, Rick Brunson, played for those same Knicks teams and used to bring his young son, Jalen, to practices — the same Jalen Brunson who now stars as the team’s franchise player.

Brunson, visibly frustrated when asked about Thibodeau’s job security after their season-ending loss, responded: “Is that a real question right now? You just asked me if I believe he’s the right guy? Yes. Come on.”

A Season of Bold Moves and Big Minutes

The 2024-25 season was anything but conventional for the Knicks. In a flurry of aggressive moves, the front office sent five first-round picks to Brooklyn for Mikal Bridges, then flipped Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota in exchange for All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns.

The trades transformed the Knicks into one of the most talented starting lineups in the league — but at the cost of bench depth. True to form, Thibodeau leaned heavily on his starters, often playing them more than any other five-man unit in the NBA, even as the league continues to prioritize rest and load management.

A Strong Coaching Resume, Still Missing a Finals

Thibodeau’s time in New York was his third head coaching stint in the NBA, following tenures in Chicago (2010–15) and Minnesota (2016–19). Across all three stops, he has compiled a .579 winning percentage — the highest in league history among coaches without a Finals appearance (minimum 300 games), per ESPN Research.

Though he exits without reaching the NBA’s biggest stage, Thibodeau’s impact on the Knicks’ culture and identity will be hard to ignore.

Now, as the team looks to build on its recent momentum with a new voice at the helm, one thing is clear: expectations in New York have changed — and they’re higher than ever.

Source: ESPN – Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau as coach after five seasons

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INDIANAPOLIS — Down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals and facing elimination pressure, the New York Knicks made a bold move ahead of Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers. Head coach Tom Thibodeau inserted Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup, giving the team a fresh look as it seeks to spark a turnaround.

This marks Robinson’s first start of the 2025 postseason and only his fourth since returning in February from offseason ankle surgery. His inclusion came at the expense of do-it-all forward Josh Hart, ending Hart’s impressive streak of 140 consecutive starts.

But Hart took the change in stride.

“I’ve been the 15th man, the sixth man — I’ve done it all,” he said ahead of Sunday’s game. “I feel like I’m a starter, but if Coach makes the call, I’m all in. I can’t preach sacrifice and then get upset when I’m asked to make one. That’s not who I am.”

Thibodeau Breaks From Tradition

The shake-up represents a significant departure from Thibodeau’s typical approach. All season long, he’s leaned heavily on a consistent starting five — Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges — more than any coach in the league. But after getting outscored by 13 points in 17 minutes with that lineup in Game 2, change was overdue.

The numbers tell the story: Since January 1, that core group has been outscored by 59 points across 687 minutes. In just two games against the Pacers, they’re minus-29 in 43 minutes on the floor — allowing Indiana to score a blistering 155.1 points per 100 possessions.

When asked about the ongoing struggles, Thibodeau kept it short.
“Yeah, we just gotta keep looking at it. Gotta do better.”

And when pressed further about lineup changes after falling behind 2-0, his answer was blunt:
“We always look at everything.”

Robinson-Towns Combo Brings New Energy

Thibodeau ultimately went with a “double-big” look, pairing Towns and Robinson to try and dominate the boards and disrupt Indiana’s offense.

Robinson has averaged modest numbers in the playoffs — 4.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 19.5 minutes — but his impact is undeniable. When he and Towns are on the floor together, the Knicks are +27 in just 106 minutes, thanks largely to their defensive pressure and ability to crash the offensive glass. In fact, New York has recovered an eye-popping 41.5% of its own misses when that duo shares the court.

“Robinson’s a major factor,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “He gives them defensive versatility, especially with his ability to switch onto smaller players. He creates extra possessions, and he even knocked down free throws when it mattered in the Boston series. We’ve been preparing for him.”

Hart: It’s All About Energy

Regardless of who’s starting, Hart believes what the Knicks need most isn’t just a tactical shift — it’s a change in mindset.

“We need something drastic in terms of our energy, effort, and competitiveness,” Hart said. “You can’t have lapses, especially at the start. If you let a team like Indiana — as talented as they are offensively — get comfortable early, you’re playing catch-up. The biggest adjustment we can make is bringing intensity from the jump.”

Bottom Line:

With their backs against the wall, the Knicks are betting on fresh legs and tougher defense to get back into the series. Whether the lineup change pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear — the urgency is real, and Game 3 could define their postseason fate.

Source: Yahoo Sports – Knicks vs. Pacers: Mitchell Robinson gets starting nod for Game 3; Josh Hart not fazed by bump to bench

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DENVER — After a brutal back-and-forth series, the Denver Nuggets punched their ticket to the Western Conference semifinals in resounding fashion — steamrolling the Los Angeles Clippers 120-101 in Game 7 on Saturday night.

Denver shook off a sluggish start and stormed ahead with a dominant second quarter, ultimately putting the series to bed with energy, teamwork, and a raucous home crowd behind them. Now, they’re headed for a high-stakes clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder — and an MVP finalist showdown between Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Nuggets Outlast the Grind, Catch Fire in Game 7

This first-round matchup was a war of attrition. But when it mattered most, Denver had more left in the tank.

Down 26-21 after the first quarter and with stars Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray ice-cold from the field, the Nuggets rallied behind their role players and turned up the heat. They outscored the Clippers 37-21 in the second quarter, flipping the game on its head and taking a 58-47 halftime lead they would never relinquish.

From there, it was all Denver — fast-paced, locked-in, and relentless.

“There Is a Point of Exhaustion”

Before tip-off, Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman spoke to the fatigue both teams were battling after a grueling seven-game stretch.

“You have to understand, there is a point of exhaustion,” Adelman said. “When there’s downs in the games, that’s when everybody has to be closest together.”

His words proved prophetic. While the Clippers faded in the second half, the Nuggets found a second wind and never let up — thanks to a true team effort.

Slow Start, Strong Finish for Jokić and Murray

Jokić and Murray didn’t score their first field goals until midway through the second quarter — but by then, Denver’s supporting cast had already set the tone.

Christian Braun gave the Nuggets a boost early, while their collective defensive effort stifled the Clippers. Jokić finally got on the board with a three-pointer to make it 34-30, followed by Murray’s first bucket — a layup that extended the lead to 48-43.

From there, the stars settled in, and the Clippers never recovered.

No Collapse This Time

Denver fans still haunted by last season’s Game 7 meltdown against the Timberwolves — when a 15-point halftime lead evaporated — could finally exhale. This time, the Nuggets made sure the second half belonged to them.

A 7-3 run out of the break triggered a quick timeout by Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. But it was no use. A Michael Porter Jr. three-pointer capped a 15-3 run that blew the game wide open at 73-50.

The Clippers had no answers, and Denver coasted the rest of the way — with six players scoring in double figures.

A Clash of MVP Titans Awaits

Up next: a marquee second-round showdown between the Nuggets and Thunder — and the battle between MVP finalists Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The actual MVP award will be announced later this postseason, but the court will now serve as the ultimate stage for settling the debate. While they won’t go head-to-head on every possession, their leadership, production, and impact will shape what promises to be one of the most compelling series of the playoffs.

For Denver, the question is no longer about whether Jokić has enough help. Game 7 provided the answer — and it was loud.

Source: Yahoo Sports – NBA playoffs: Nuggets cap grueling series with Game 7 blowout over Clippers, set up showdown with OKC, matchup of MVP finalists

The post Denver Rolls Past Clippers, Sets Up MVP Duel with OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas as a Los Angeles Laker was nothing short of a spectacle, blending heartfelt tributes, fan expressions, and on-court intensity.

Upon his arrival at the American Airlines Center, Doncic was met with a touching tribute from the Mavericks. Fans were greeted with T-shirts emblazoned with “Hvala za vse”—Slovenian for “Thank you for everything”—a nod to Doncic’s significant contributions during his tenure in Dallas. However, due to NBA regulations, the Mavericks couldn’t feature Doncic’s name or number on the merchandise. This gesture aimed to honor his legacy, despite underlying tensions from the mid-season trade that sent him to Los Angeles.

The trade that exchanged Doncic for Anthony Davis left many Mavericks fans in disbelief and frustration. Some expressed their discontent through social media and public protests, highlighting the emotional impact of losing a beloved star. Yet, amidst the backlash, instances of creativity emerged. One fan humorously transformed a Mavericks jersey into a Lakers one using duct tape and a marker, symbolizing the complex feelings surrounding Doncic’s departure and return.

Despite the emotional backdrop, Doncic delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his adaptability and commitment. Recording a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, he played a pivotal role in leading the Lakers to a 107-99 victory over the Mavericks. This display not only underscored his individual talent but also highlighted his seamless integration into the Lakers’ roster alongside LeBron James.

As the season progresses, both the Mavericks and Lakers continue to adjust to their new realities post-trade. Doncic’s return to Dallas served as a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the NBA and the deep connections players forge with their teams and fans. While the trade’s ramifications are still unfolding, one thing remains clear: Luka Doncic’s impact on Dallas is indelible, and his journey forward will be watched with great interest.

Source: ESPN – Sights and sounds from Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas

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In a jaw-dropping move just days before the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and announced they won’t extend general manager Calvin Booth’s contract—despite the team sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings.

The decision comes with only three games left in the regular season, a time when most playoff-bound teams are fine-tuning, not hitting the reset button. Denver, currently 47-32, is still in the hunt for home-court advantage in the first round and has already secured at least a play-in berth.

David Adelman will step in as interim head coach for the rest of the season, according to the organization.

“It is with no pleasure that we made this change,” said Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the team’s ownership group. “But after careful evaluation, we believe this is the best move to give our group a chance at competing for the 2025 NBA championship and bringing another title to Denver.”

This marks the first time in NBA history that a team bound for the postseason has fired its coach with so few games left in the regular season. The closest comparison dates back to 1983, when the New Jersey Nets lost coach Larry Brown six games before the playoffs—though he left voluntarily for a college job.

Malone wasn’t just another coach—he was the architect of a decade-long transformation in Denver. Since arriving in 2015, he led the Nuggets to eight consecutive winning seasons and the team’s first-ever NBA Championship in 2023.

Under Malone:

• 471 regular-season wins, the most in franchise history.
• Seven consecutive playoff appearances (including this year’s projected entry).
• Two Western Conference Finals appearances (2020, 2023).
• A dominant 16-4 playoff run to the 2023 title.

Despite a strong season led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokić, who’s averaging a near triple-double (30 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.2 assists), the Nuggets have dropped four straight games, including a 125-120 loss to Indiana on Sunday.

Malone shouldered the blame postgame:

“I’ll start with me… We haven’t lost four in a row in a long time. It’s easy to say ‘family’ when you’re winning. The real test is when you’re losing—can you stay together?”

Jokić, usually composed, was visibly at a loss when asked what’s wrong:

“I don’t know. Maybe we just… I don’t know, actually.”

It seems the front office decided that “maybe” wasn’t good enough.

GM Calvin Booth, who joined the franchise in 2017 and became general manager in 2020, will not have his contract renewed.

Kroenke praised Booth for helping “put the final pieces in place” for the 2023 championship squad, adding:

“Calvin’s knowledge and passion for scouting took our organization to new heights.”

The Nuggets aren’t the only playoff-bound team making late-season coaching changes. Memphis recently parted ways with coach Taylor Jenkins, making Denver the second team in two weeks to make a major move so close to the postseason.

The question now: Can a shake-up this big ignite a title run? Or will it unravel the chemistry that took Denver to the top just one year ago?

The Nuggets head to Sacramento to face the Kings on Wednesday—without their championship coach, and with everything still to prove.

Source: AP News – Nuggets fire coach Malone and won’t extend GM Booth in stunning move as postseason looms

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