The Oklahoma City Thunder are now just one win from making franchise history.

Behind a career playoff-high 40 points from Jalen Williams and another stellar performance from MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder held off a late surge from the Indiana Pacers to win 120–109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. The victory puts Oklahoma City up 3–2 in the best-of-seven series — just one win away from their first NBA championship since 1979, when the franchise was still the Seattle Supersonics.

“This was just like Game 1 all over again,” Williams said after the game. “Learning through these Finals — that’s what makes a team great.”

Williams, SGA Shine Again

Williams shot 14-of-25 from the field, adding six rebounds and four assists. He hit multiple clutch shots down the stretch to fend off Indiana’s fourth-quarter push. Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists, marking the 10th time this postseason the Thunder duo has combined for over 70 points in a game.

Rookies Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins chipped in with timely buckets off the bench, helping Oklahoma City regain control after their lead briefly shrank to just two points.

Thunder Weather Pacers’ Gritty Comeback

The Thunder looked dominant early, building an 18-point lead late in the second quarter and taking a 59–45 lead into halftime. But Indiana, known for comebacks all postseason long, wouldn’t go quietly.

Backup guard TJ McConnell ignited the Pacers in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his 18 points in a span of just seven minutes. Pascal Siakam (28 points on 9-of-15 shooting) drilled a three-pointer early in the fourth to make it a 95–93 game.

But Oklahoma City responded like a team ready for a title. Gilgeous-Alexander attacked the rim, drawing fouls and sinking key free throws, while Williams hit a three and a mid-range jumper to stretch the lead. The Thunder then outscored Indiana 25–14 over a seven-minute stretch to seal the win.

Defense and Efficiency Win the Day

The Thunder shot 43% from three (14 made threes) and committed just 11 turnovers. Their defense forced 23 Pacers turnovers, turning them into 32 points, and held Indiana to just 11-of-30 shooting from beyond the arc.

OKC’s fast-break offense was sharp, outpacing Indiana 17–13 in transition points. And the defensive trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein made life difficult for Indiana all night — especially for their star guard.

Haliburton Hobbled

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton appeared to aggravate a lingering lower leg injury early in the game. Though he returned with his calf heavily wrapped, he was clearly limited — finishing with just four points (all from the line) and missing all six of his field goal attempts. It marked the first time in his playoff career that he was held scoreless in a half.

Still, Haliburton remained on the floor for 34 minutes, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing six assists.

“It’s the Finals,” he said. “I’ve worked my whole life to be here. If I can walk, I want to play.”

Historic Stakes for Game 6

Indiana now faces its first series deficit of the postseason after previously dispatching Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York without ever trailing.

The Thunder, meanwhile, are eyeing a moment 46 years in the making. Their lone title came in 1979, when the franchise was based in Seattle. Since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, they’ve come close — but never closed the deal.

Historically, teams that win Game 5 in a tied NBA Finals go on to win the title 74% of the time. And teams with a 3–2 lead in the Finals are 40–9 all-time.

What’s Next?

Game 6 tips off Thursday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET in Indianapolis. If needed, Game 7 will be held Sunday, June 22 in Oklahoma City at 8 p.m. ET.

Finals Schedule (All times ET)

• Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110 – Thu, June 5
• Game 2: Thunder 123, Pacers 107 – Sun, June 8
• Game 3: Pacers 116, Thunder 107 – Wed, June 11
• Game 4: Thunder 111, Pacers 104 – Fri, June 13
• Game 5: Thunder 120, Pacers 109 – Mon, June 16
• Game 6: Thunder at Pacers – Thu, June 19, 8:30 p.m.
• Game 7: Pacers at Thunder – Sun, June 22, 8:00 p.m. (if necessary)

How to Watch

US: All games air on ABC. You can also stream on ABC.com or the ABC app (with a TV provider login), and services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Sling TV (via ESPN3).

UK: Tune in on TNT Sports and Discovery+, or stream live on NBA League Pass with no blackout restrictions.

Australia: Watch live on ESPN Australia, or stream via Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, and NBA League Pass.

Source: Yahoo Sports – Thunder move one win from franchise’s first NBA title in 46 years after holding off Pacers

The post Oklahoma City Takes 3–2 Lead, Closes In on Historic NBA Championship appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

By AP — June 12, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers have made a habit of bouncing back after losses. And on Wednesday night, in front of a roaring home crowd and a star-studded audience, they did it again — this time on the biggest stage.

Behind a huge fourth-quarter rally, the Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116–107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals to take a 2–1 lead in the series.

“This is the kind of team that we are,” said head coach Rick Carlisle. “It’s not always going to be the same guys carrying us — we need everyone ready.”

And everyone was ready.

Bench Comes Up Big

Indiana’s bench was the difference-maker, outscoring Oklahoma City’s reserves 49–18 — a staggering margin in a Finals matchup.

Bennedict Mathurin led the way with 27 points off the bench, while TJ McConnell delivered a stat line for the record books: 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals — a first for any reserve in NBA Finals history.

“Our bench was amazing,” said Tyrese Haliburton, who nearly posted a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. “We just had guys make plays after plays.”

Pascal Siakam added 21 points for Indiana, which improved to 10–0 in games following a loss since mid-March — a streak that now includes this crucial Finals victory after dropping Game 2 in Oklahoma City.

Pacers Close Strong, Thunder Fade Late

The Thunder held a 5-point lead heading into the fourth quarter — a position they’ve dominated all season, going 61–2 in such scenarios during the regular season. But Indiana flipped the script.

Fueled by defensive intensity and timely shot-making, the Pacers outscored Oklahoma City 32–18 in the final 12 minutes. The Thunder shot just 35% in the fourth and couldn’t keep pace with Indiana’s energy.

“We had a lot of good stretches,” admitted Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “But they had more good stretches than we did.”

Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 26 points, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 24 and Chet Holmgren with 20. Despite their efforts, the team faltered when it mattered most.

“There’s a lot of areas we can clean up,” Holmgren said. “Everybody who stepped out there can be better.”

Home-Court History and Celeb Power

Wednesday marked Indiana’s first NBA Finals home game in 25 years — and the city showed up. Legends like Reggie Miller and Oscar Robertson were in attendance, along with WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark, adding to the electric atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

And the stakes couldn’t be clearer.

Historically, the winner of Game 3 in a tied Finals series has gone on to win the title 80.5% of the time (33 out of 41 times). If that trend holds, the Pacers are now in the driver’s seat.

“It was back-and-forth all night,” Haliburton said. And he’s not wrong — the game featured 15 ties, more than the entire 2024 Finals between Boston and Dallas.

What’s Next

Game 4 tips off Friday night, again in Indiana. With momentum on their side and a city behind them, the Pacers have a golden opportunity to push the Thunder to the brink.

Source: AP News – Game 3: Pacers rally in the 4th, beat Thunder 116-107 to take 2-1 lead in NBA Finals

The post Pacers Rally Late to Take 2–1 Lead Over Thunder in NBA Finals appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The Indiana Pacers are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in decades, riding high after knocking out the New York Knicks in a thrilling six-game Eastern Conference Finals. And while the team effort has been undeniable, one player stood out — Pascal Siakam.

Siakam, who joined the Pacers mid-season, was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after a standout performance. Over six games, he averaged 24.8 points on an efficient 52.4% shooting, playing a key role in dismantling New York’s defense.

But in a moment that revealed both humility and heart, Siakam downplayed his own spotlight during his MVP acceptance speech.

“I know I’m not the guy everyone’s going to talk about, and I really don’t care,” Siakam said. “I’m just a kid from Cameroon who came to the U.S. at 18 and gave everything to this game. I just work every day. I don’t cheat the work.”

It was an emotional and refreshingly candid moment from the three-time All-Star — one that clearly resonated with fans and teammates alike.

Since arriving in Indiana, Siakam has brought more than just points and rebounds. He’s brought leadership, a winning mentality, and a calm presence to a team that’s grown closer with each game.

“It’s been such an amazing experience for me so far,” Siakam shared. “From the first day I landed here, the love has been amazing.”

Now, with the Pacers preparing to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, Siakam’s impact will be needed more than ever. Game 1 tips off Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

This Finals appearance marks a major turnaround for Indiana — a team that’s come together at just the right time. And whether or not Siakam considers himself “the guy,” he’s exactly the kind of player every championship team needs.

More Pacers Headlines:

• Surprising East Rival Reportedly Expected to Pursue Pacers’ Myles Turner
• Pacers Star Named ‘Face of NBA’ by Unexpected Source
• Gilbert Arenas Takes Major Shot at Pacers Star Amid Playoffs

Source: SI – Pacers’ Pascal Siakam Admits ‘I’m Not The Guy’ During MVP Speech

The post Pascal Siakam Wins MVP, Says “I’m Not the Guy” in Humble Speech appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Just one day after being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed exactly why he earned the honor, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 118-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Before tip-off, Gilgeous-Alexander received the Michael Jordan Trophy in front of a roaring OKC crowd. By the end of the night, he had tied his playoff career high with 38 points, along with eight assists and three steals. It marked his fifth consecutive playoff game with at least 30 points.

“It felt really good,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “My emotions were high, I was a little too juiced up at the start. But this was a special moment.”

Team Effort Fuels Thunder’s Surge

While SGA stole the spotlight, it was a full-team effort that put the Thunder up 2-0 in the series. Rising star Jalen Williams contributed a stellar 26 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, continuing his postseason breakout. Rookie center Chet Holmgren also made a major impact, scoring 22 points and grabbing four boards.

The game remained tight through the first half, but just like in Game 1, OKC erupted in the third quarter. A crucial 14-2 run broke the game open and gave the Thunder a lead that swelled to 24 points. Although Minnesota clawed back to within 10 in the fourth, the Thunder never let them get closer.

T-Wolves Show Fight, But Fall Short Again

Anthony Edwards responded to his own call for more aggressiveness after Game 1, doubling his shot attempts and finishing with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Jaden McDaniels added 22 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker—SGA’s cousin—chipped in 17 off the bench.

But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s momentum. Julius Randle had his first off night of the postseason, managing just six points on 2-of-11 shooting.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch pointed to a poor close to the first half as a turning point.

“If we close the half better, we don’t put ourselves on such a razor’s edge in the third,” Finch said. “Missed shots and turnovers gave them the runway they needed.”

Looking Ahead: Game 3 in Minnesota

The series now shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Saturday. The Timberwolves have lost just once at home in their last 10 games and hold a 4-1 home record in this postseason.

“We’re going to fight for Game 3,” said Finch. “Heads up, look at the tape, and get ready.”

With the Thunder firing on all cylinders and Gilgeous-Alexander playing the best basketball of his life, the pressure is on Minnesota to respond.

Source: CNN – Newly-crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City Thunder to dominant Game 2 win over Minnesota Timberwolves

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines as Thunder Take 2-0 Lead Over Timberwolves appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

With a spot in the Western Conference Finals on the line, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a superstar performance, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a resounding 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7.

This marks the Thunder’s first trip to the conference finals since 2016—and they earned it in convincing fashion.

Thunder Bounce Back After Early Deficit

Things didn’t start smoothly for OKC. The Thunder fell behind by 11 points late in the first quarter and trailed 26-21 after the opening period at Paycom Center. But that early stumble didn’t last long.

Fueled by an electric home crowd and Gilgeous-Alexander’s steady leadership, the Thunder roared back, outscoring Denver in every remaining quarter. By halftime, they were up 14. After the third, they had ballooned the lead to 25—and never looked back.

Shai Leads the Charge With MVP-Caliber Game

Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable. The MVP frontrunner dropped a game-high 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, marking his seventh 30+ point game of the postseason—the most by any player this year.

“This win means a lot—not just to us, but to the city,” Gilgeous-Alexander said afterward. “The fans have had our backs all season. That energy, that support—it really pushed us. We didn’t want to let them down.”

Team Effort Fuels Thunder’s Statement Win

Jalen Williams added 24 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, playing a key supporting role in the Game 7 rout. Head coach Mark Daigneault praised the team’s composure and focus in such a high-stakes moment.

“There aren’t many games you know you’ll remember forever,” Daigneault said. “Game 7 is one of them. To step up and play like that, with all the pressure—it was special.”

Nuggets Fall Flat, Turnovers and Cold Shooting Prove Costly

Denver, the defending NBA champions, struggled all night. They committed 22 turnovers and shot just 10-of-45 from three-point range—never finding their rhythm against OKC’s relentless defense.

Nikola Jokić, the three-time MVP and this year’s finalist, finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the loss. After the game, he acknowledged the Thunder’s dominance.

“We’ve always found a way—except tonight,” Jokić said. “We played against probably the best team in the NBA right now. We had our chances, but they were just better.”

What’s Next for OKC?

The Thunder now advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by rising star Anthony Edwards, in what promises to be a high-energy Western Conference Finals showdown. Game 1 tips off Tuesday night in Oklahoma City.

Source: CNN – Behind brilliant Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder rout Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets in Game 7

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Game 7 Blowout Win Over Nuggets appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

NEW YORK – The New York Knicks made history on Friday night with a dominating 119-81 victory over the Boston Celtics, punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in a quarter century.

Led by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, who each poured in 23 points, the Knicks overwhelmed the short-handed Celtics at Madison Square Garden, sending thousands of fans into a frenzy both inside and outside the arena.

The electric atmosphere matched the magnitude of the moment. This was the Knicks’ biggest playoff win ever — a stunning 38-point blowout — and their first time advancing this far since 2000, when they also faced the Indiana Pacers, their next opponent. Game 1 tips off Wednesday night in New York.

“It’s a great win. We advance,” said head coach Tom Thibodeau. “But we’ve got to get ready for the next series. The Pacers are a terrific team.”

The Celtics were without star Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles in Game 4, and couldn’t recover. Jaylen Brown tried to carry the load with 20 points, but the team quickly fell behind and never recovered. The Knicks jumped to a 64-37 halftime lead, matching their largest first-half playoff margin in the shot-clock era.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla pulled his starters early in the third quarter after the Knicks pushed the lead past 40 points.

“We didn’t have the same team this year that we had last year,” said Celtics guard Derrick White. “We had a goal, and we fell short.”

While the Knicks remained focused on their playoff journey, the city embraced the moment. Fans packed the streets, dancing and celebrating. Inside the Garden, celebrities like Ben Stiller and Lenny Kravitz stood and cheered alongside roaring crowds.

Josh Hart notched a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Mikal Bridges added 22 points and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 21.

“I’m new here,” said Bridges, “but just seeing how much New York loves this team — it’s incredible to be a part of it.”

The Knicks are riding high, but the team is staying grounded. The celebration can wait — the Pacers are coming to town.

Source: AP News – Knicks beat Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 and advance to face Pacers in Eastern Conference finals

The post Knicks Crush Celtics to Reach Eastern Conference Finals for First Time in 25 Years appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

DENVER – After a hard-fought series, the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder will battle it out in a winner-take-all Game 7 this Sunday — a matchup that promises drama, intensity, and everything fans love about playoff basketball.

Oklahoma City entered the postseason as the Western Conference’s top seed, boasting a league-best 68 wins and a remarkable 54 victories by double digits. The Thunder’s youthful energy, deep bench, and strong rotation made them a formidable force all season long.

Denver, on the other hand, faced plenty of challenges. The Nuggets lacked OKC’s depth and health, and their continuity was shaken when their NBA title-winning head coach and general manager were fired just before the playoffs began. Still, Denver proved their mettle, splitting the season series with the Thunder 2-2, including a back-to-back win in Oklahoma City.

Their resilience shone through Thursday night in Denver, where the Nuggets secured a 119-107 victory to even the series at 5-5. Now, everything comes down to Sunday’s Game 7 in Oklahoma City — the winner advances to the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the loser faces a tough offseason of missed opportunities.

“It’s do or die,” Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s what you live for, it’s what you worked your whole life for. Either your team continues or your dream ends. You lay it all out there and live with the results.”

Despite Thursday’s 12-point loss — their largest of the series — the Thunder remained confident. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Denver’s effort but emphasized his team’s readiness to bounce back.

“Denver threw a punch tonight, and both teams have exchanged blows all series,” Daigneault said. “We need to stand back up on Sunday. We’ve earned the right to play this game at home because of our regular season. We’re disappointed tonight, but when the ball goes up, we’ll be excited to compete.”

This marks Oklahoma City’s first Game 7 since 2016, when they fell to Golden State in the Western Conference Finals. For Denver, it’s their sixth Game 7 during the Nikola Jokic era, including a recent nail-biter against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jokic, who led the Nuggets with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and a series-best eight assists in Game 6, pointed to defense as the key to victory on Sunday.

“Defense will probably be the difference,” Jokic said. “Details and rebounding are crucial, especially with how much they attack the glass. Turnovers will also play a big role.”

He acknowledged the Thunder’s advantage in youth and health, predicting they’ll push the pace against Denver’s more deliberate style.

“It’s going to be interesting to watch,” Jokic added.

Basketball fans everywhere are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling finale. When the stakes are this high, expect nothing less than maximum effort and unforgettable moments.

Source: AP News – Nuggets and Thunder set for winner-take-all showdown Sunday in Game 7

The post Game 7 Showdown: Nuggets vs. Thunder for Western Conference Finals appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Playoff drama hit a fever pitch Monday night as the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks delivered jaw-dropping road upsets in their respective conference semifinal openers—overpowering the top-seeded Thunder and reigning champion Celtics in two of the most thrilling games of the postseason so far.

Nuggets Stun Thunder With Last-Second Heroics

Denver pulled off a stunning 14-point comeback to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119, thanks to a clutch, game-winning three-pointer from Aaron Gordon with just 2.8 seconds left.

Oklahoma City had looked dominant early, riding the momentum of a first-round sweep and backed by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who posted 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Nikola Jokić matched the star power with a monster 42-point, 22-rebound performance for Denver.

But it was Gordon who stole the spotlight in the final seconds.

With OKC up by three after a dunk by Gilgeous-Alexander, a questionable foul strategy backfired. Gordon sank two free throws, and after Chet Holmgren missed a pair on the other end, Christian Braun secured the rebound, setting up Gordon’s deep dagger from beyond the arc.

It was Gordon’s second game-winner of the postseason—his earlier dunk in Game 4 against the Clippers also turned that series around.

“We didn’t want to miss the moment,” said Gordon. “We showed our grit, but we’re not satisfied.”

Game 2 of what’s shaping up to be a classic series is set for Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

Knicks Rally Past Celtics in OT After 20-Point Deficit

Earlier in Boston, the Knicks pulled off a comeback for the ages—erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat the Celtics 108-105 in overtime, stealing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Boston started strong despite limited playing time from its core group this season and seemed in control—until their three-point shooting fell apart in historic fashion.

The Celtics went ice cold from deep, setting playoff records for both most three-pointers attempted and missed in a game. Their 15-for-60 shooting (25%) opened the door for a Knicks comeback.

New York’s Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby seized the moment, combining for 39 points in the final 23 minutes. Brunson hit clutch shots, while Anunoby bullied his way into the paint. The Knicks outscored Boston 53-30 down the stretch to force overtime.

Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in key buckets in OT as the Knicks defense tightened up and sealed the shock win.

“We told each other to keep believing,” said Brunson. “There wasn’t going to be a 20-point shot. We had to grind.”

Game 2 tips off Wednesday in Boston as the Knicks look to keep the momentum rolling.

Source: CNN – Dramatic endings as Nuggets and Knicks shock Thunder and Celtics in conference semifinal openers

The post Nuggets and Knicks Pull Off Stunning Upsets in NBA Semifinal Openers appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Indiana steals home-court advantage with clutch late run and strong team effort

The Indiana Pacers made a big statement in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup, holding off a late Cleveland Cavaliers surge to secure a 121-112 victory Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. With the win, the Pacers not only snatched a 1-0 series lead but also grabbed home-court advantage from the East’s top seed.

Pacers Survive Cleveland’s Comeback Push

Indiana looked in control early, building a double-digit lead in the third quarter and appearing on the verge of pulling away. But Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell had other plans. Mitchell erupted for 12 points in the third and powered a 17-4 run that trimmed the Pacers’ lead to just two points heading into the fourth quarter.

Just when it seemed Cleveland might seize momentum, Myles Turner drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to keep Indiana in front — a shot that would prove pivotal.

Nembhard Ignites Late Surge

With the game hanging in the balance, second-year guard Andrew Nembhard delivered when it mattered most. He knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers during a critical 13-2 run late in the fourth that gave Indiana the breathing room it needed. From there, the Pacers finished strong, closing the night on a 20-10 burst.

Outside of Mitchell, the Cavs’ offense sputtered in the final eight minutes. Cleveland managed just two field goals outside of Mitchell’s three late layups, including a meaningless Ty Jerome 3-pointer in garbage time.

Mitchell Makes History, But Cavs Fall Short

Despite the loss, Donovan Mitchell turned in another historic postseason performance. His 33-point outing made NBA history as his eighth straight Game 1 with at least 30 points — breaking Michael Jordan’s long-standing record. He also added five rebounds and four assists but struggled from deep, going just 1-of-11 from beyond the arc.

Evan Mobley chipped in with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jerome added 21 points off the bench, albeit on an inefficient 8-of-20 shooting. The Cavs’ poor perimeter shooting proved costly, finishing just 9-of-38 (23.7%) from 3-point range.

Garland’s Absence Felt

Cleveland was without starting point guard Darius Garland, who missed his third straight game due to a sprained toe. Although imaging showed no structural damage, Garland is still dealing with significant pain and swelling and remains day-to-day — a key absence that may have impacted the Cavs’ rhythm.

Balanced Effort Propels Indiana

Nembhard led the way for Indiana with 23 points and six assists, hitting 5-of-6 from 3-point range. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds, and all five Pacers starters scored in double figures. Indiana shot better than 52% from both the field and beyond the arc in a well-rounded offensive showing.

What’s Next?

Game 2 tips off Tuesday night in Cleveland, and the pressure is now squarely on the Cavaliers. After cruising through the first round, they suddenly find themselves in danger of another early exit unless they can quickly regroup and respond.

Source: Yahoo Sports – NBA playoffs: Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers hang on late to knock off Cavaliers in Game 1

The post Pacers Steal Game 1 in Cleveland Behind Haliburton and Nembhard appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

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.