Official 2025 NBA Playoffs Thread

[lefty]

OT

[heyheymymy]

you can't throw the choke celly with the foot on the line!

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GrhWLvGXgAAoLcn?format=jpg&name=large

[Dex]

Holy shit this game is wild

[scott]

The Pacers are the Comeback Kids!

[lefty20]

Possible premature choke signulation by Hali

[thiste]

same toe as the Olympics

[Robz4000]

:lmao

[Dod01]

NBA is shitting their pants at the thought of an OKC/Indy Finals tbh.

Believe you me man, they are shitting their pants.

[heyheymymy]

lol Knicks

[Dex]

I know it's only game 1, but shades of KD with his toe on the line

[Dod01]

What a game tho..

[scottspurs]

lol Halliburton better go wild in OT after that choke sign

[Dex]

Possible premature choke signulation by Hali

You know he had that planned and it would have been EPIC if that was a game winner...

Except it wasn't.

[heyheymymy]

that was a sick lucky bounce for Hali though what a sequence

[Dex]

that was a sick lucky bounce for Hali though what a sequence

That would go down as one of the greatest playoff shots if he had been 1-inch further back.

[thiste]

It really isn't Turner's day

now watch him win the game

[scott]

Brunson is even more of a foul baiting bitch than SGA, tbqh

[Dex]

Brunson is even more of a foul baiting bitch than SGA, tbqh

Been doing it all game....just runs directly into his defenders chest, flails back and puts up a shot and it gets called every time

[scott]

Been doing it all game....just runs directly into his defenders chest, flails back and puts up a shot and it gets called every time

Yeah, and his dreads seem like a strategic haircut to exacerbate any kind of contact.

Come Pacers, pull this out.

[scottspurs]

What a game! Can we get double OT?

[Dod01]

Damn, Dallas Stars with 5 goals in 3rd period to comeback from 3-1 score to win 6-3.

[heyheymymy]

with Knicks shallow depth even if they win now it will be pyrrhic if Pacers can push the series deep

[Robz4000]

Off Brunson tbh.

[scott]

That's IND ball!

[Dex]

Refs doing everything they can to give this game to the Knicks :lol

[Robz4000]

That should've been an and-1 too.

[scott]

Should have been an And-1. How do they miss that foul on Bridges?

[scottspurs]

Former Knick Toppin dunking all over New York

[lefty]

Even Robinson did the choke sign

[skin27]

Pacers win lol

[Dod01]

Huge choke by NY. They were up, what like 20?

[scott]

GO HOME SAD NEW YORK FANS, TRY NOT TO ASSAULT ANYONE ON YOUR WAY

[thiste]

they're not making this

[Robz4000]

:lmao Knocks

[Leetonidas]

crofl Knicks

[scottspurs]

lol Knicks

[Dex]

LOL Knicks

[thiste]

GG Indiana, never gave up

[Spurs Homer]

Fucking rick carlisle …finding a gem like nesmith….and his calm coaching is perfect for this young pacers squad…

[lefty]

https://x.com/tedbuddy8/status/1925389341309927869

[Spurs Homer]

A little karma for that little foul baiting flopper brunson…

[lefty]

Ally Laforce is good at her job

[Davidicus]

hey guys we should trade for Nesmith

[scott]

Celtics gave Nesmith (and a FRP) to the Pacers for fucking Malcom Brodgon :lol

[baseline bum]

Setting aside Spurs homerism, I don't think I have ever seen a playoffs this awesome.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/NBA/status/1925391110035448260

[Gibbz]

Refs doing everything they can to give this game to the Knicks :lol

Didn't get this at all, tbh. Missed calls all went IND's way after review, they missed a goaltend in OT, and Brunson was sitting a big chunk of the 4th with 5 fouls. If anything this was a big one against "league is rigging it for the Knicks."

[Dex]

Didn't get this at all, tbh. Missed calls all went IND's way after review, they missed a goaltend in OT, and Brunson was sitting a big chunk of the 4th with 5 fouls. If anything this was a big one against "league is rigging it for the Knicks."

Did you watch the same game as I did?

You can't complain about missed calls going IND's way after review because...they were reviewed, and realized they made the wrong call.

Brunson was plowing into people and getting free throws all game long.

Knicks were hacking the Pacers and knocking them over and no whistle to be called.

Brunson 14 FTA, nobody on the Pacers had more than 5.

40 FTA total for the Knicks, 28 for the Pacers.

[scottspurs]

So glad Rick Carlisle no longer coaches the Mavs

[scott]

Did you watch the same game as I did?

You can't complain about missed calls going IND's way after review because...they were reviewed, and realized they made the wrong call.

Brunson was plowing into people and getting free throws all game long.

Knicks were hacking the Pacers and knocking them over and no whistle to be called.

Brunson 14 FTA, nobody on the Pacers had more than 5.

40 FTA total for the Knicks, 28 for the Pacers.

And refs missing the obvious And-1 on Obi's dunk that would have made it a 4-pt game

[skin27]

So glad Rick Carlisle no longer coaches the Mavs


he sucks on his last couple of years on the mavs.

[Mugen]

One of the biggest choke jobs of all time. I really hope the Pacers win it all tbh.

[Gibbz]

You can't complain about missed calls going IND's way after review because...they were reviewed, and realized they made the wrong call.



I'm not complaining, I'm acknowledging that shit that they missed they corrected. There was a FT disparity but not anything insane (IND intentionally fouling at the end to extend the game) and like I said they had Brunson in huge foul trouble. There were calls here and there they missed on both sides. It's not even comparable to the shit they pull with OKC, and NYK is the huge market.

Also, my God, how stupid Haliburton is making this gen of players look for calling him the most overrated in the league. :lol And to think he went one spot after Vassell. And a 30-piece from Nesmith! Such an insane finish.

[cd021]

One of the biggest choke jobs of all time. I really hope the Pacers win it all tbh.
This Pacers team is so fun to watch, I hope they do too

[twodeep]

I just thought it was funny Haliburton gave the Reggie Miller choke sign to NY flash back to a different era of Knicks VS Pacer

[daslicer]

Indiana vs OKC finals would give Adam Silver and ESPN a heart attack lol.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1925402589425705126

[ace3g]

https://x.com/NBA/status/1925407762584080422

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1925392753166623189

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Love how hard this Indiana team play. They’ll tire out the 6-man rotation Knicks by mid-series.

Could be a lesson in team building with the new CBA in mind - depth matters in the playoffs because of the increased intensity. Not that this Indiana team is cheap, especially after re-signing Turner but it seems that 2 max contracts + depth is going to be the way forward. Having a 9-man playoff rotation of players with different profiles also allows significantly more match-up flexibility and tactical options.

[lefty20]

1925390942158164477

[scott]

I'd like to liberate Jarace Walker from his DNP-COACH'S DECISION this summer to help IND afford to keep the rest of their roster together.

[scott]

1925390942158164477

It's amazing, IND has had a pretty amazing comeback in every series so far.

I was in Downtown Indianapolis at a conference when they came back to eliminate the Bucks. Too many fans left early and had to catch the ending looking through windows into TVs at bars literally across the street from the stadium :lol

Great fans there though.

[LeBowen]

Knicks have no chance now, imo.
Can't win a long series against the Pacers and their depth.

[spursistan]

Adam Silver is going to have to hurry up and introduce "the fix in" in order to avoid his nightmare Finals matchup..:lol

Do you now understand the logic behind Doncic to Laker? The league were haunted by the specter of 3-4 straight Thunder Finals appearances and the resulting low ratings. Need the Lakers as placeholder before Wemby is ready.

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1925298725825446358

[LeBowen]

Adam Silver is going to have to hurry up and introduce "the fix in" in order to avoid his nightmare Finals matchup..:lol

Do you now understand the logic behind Doncic to Laker? The league were haunted by the specter of 3-4 straight Thunder Finals appearances and the resulting low ratings. Need the Lakers as placeholder before Wemby is ready.

If the league is actually rigged, can you please explain why were the Knicks horrible for almost 25 years?
Why have the Nets had zero success since the relocation?
Why have the Lakers been irrelevant for almost a decade until Lebron decided he wants to live in LA and even with him they're not an actual contender.
Why did they allow the Celtics to be irrelevant for 30 years with just a few good seasons after KG trade?
Why are the Bulls the worst franchise in the league with MJ era excluded? Still one of the most popular teams even after almost 30 years from his retirement. Why doesn't the league give them a helping hand?
Why was nother big market, Detroit, in purgatory for almost 20 years?
Why are the Clippers still a joke despite having the richest owner in the league?

Better to scream rigged with no arguments other than a few lucky lotteries and a few refereeing decisions.

[venitian navigator]

I'd like to liberate Jarace Walker from his DNP-COACH'S DECISION this summer to help IND afford to keep the rest of their roster together.

trade him for Malaki...it works for both team and for the trade machine...

[quentin_compson]

While watching yet another awesome Pacers comeback, this Sharon van Etten song came to mind:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4mewwymxbI&pp=ygUdc2hhcm9uIHZhbiBldHRlbiB jb21lYmFjayBraWQ%3D

[exstatic]

I'm sorry but Mitchell Robinson is a fucking stud. He's the backup center I want.

He can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s played 337 games in SEVEN SEASONS. For the math impaired, that less than 50 games, on average. He’s never played 70 games, and only hit 50 games plus three times. He only played 17 games this year. If he looks fresh for the playoffs, well, he is.

[exstatic]

Adam Silver is going to have to hurry up and introduce "the fix in" in order to avoid his nightmare Finals matchup..:lol

Do you now understand the logic behind Doncic to Laker? The league were haunted by the specter of 3-4 straight Thunder Finals appearances and the resulting low ratings. Need the Lakers as placeholder before Wemby is ready.

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1925298725825446358

The Doncic/Bron lakers are not even a speed bump for OKC. You need new conspiracies.

[mo7888]

I'd like to liberate Jarace Walker from his DNP-COACH'S DECISION this summer to help IND afford to keep the rest of their roster together.

Preach

[Dex]

The Doncic/Bron lakers are not even a speed bump for OKC. You need new conspiracies.

In their current iteration, no. We'll see what moves they make this offseason and if Luka can come back in better shape.

It's possible LeBron could start breaking down, but we've been saying that for like 10 years :lol

[R. DeMurre]

Siakam and Nesmith played 82 minutes, scored 47 points, and had zero turnovers.
Indiana’s bench played 75 minutes and registered 1 single turnover.

I’d love to read someday the inside scoop between Wright, Buford, and Pop about why they preferred Vassell over Haliburton.

[LeBowen]

I love to read someday the inside scoop between Wright, Buford, and Pop about why they preferred Vassell over Haliburton.

We had both Dejounte and Derrick on the roster with Devin not looking like that much worse of a prospect?
Don't forget it was the COVID draft with probably the most limited scouting reports in modern era.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

We had both Dejounte and Derrick on the roster with Devin not looking like that much worse of a prospect?
Don't forget it was the COVID draft with probably the most limited scouting reports in modern era.

Yeah this is hindsight bullshit.

I still can't believe his hideous shot goes in though :lol

[R. DeMurre]

We had both Dejounte and Derrick on the roster with Devin not looking like that much worse of a prospect?
Don't forget it was the COVID draft with probably the most limited scouting reports in modern era.

it would’ve made more sense if Vassell had had a couple of inches on Tyrese, but Haliburton being the much better rebounder and passer at the same height really tipped the scales for me at the time.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ace3g/status/1925565410486685826

[CGD]

https://x.com/ace3g/status/1925565410486685826

It’s also noteworthy that the Pacers drafted NONE of them. A reminder that some picks are “second team” players, and that “first team” drafting teams should really weigh whether they want to invest in those guys for them to blow up later. Not a bad thing if they’re flipped for good stuff (Halliburton’s case), but less ideal if you end up dumping them for nothing (the other two).

[kxs783kms]

Fans references about the team build of the Pacers and OKC. The difference between them doing that and us doing that is that their guards can actually shoot.

[RC_Drunkford]

Fans references about the team build of the Pacers and OKC. The difference between them doing that and us doing that is that their guards can actually shoot.

and defend

[lefty]

“Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!!!!”

No


https://x.com/nba/status/1925390095550496831

[exstatic]

Siakam and Nesmith played 82 minutes, scored 47 points, and had zero turnovers.
Indiana’s bench played 75 minutes and registered 1 single turnover.

I’d love to read someday the inside scoop between Wright, Buford, and Pop about why they preferred Vassell over Haliburton.

There were a ton of teams that hated his funky jumper, and didn’t think it would scale up.

[LeBowen]

2024-25 NBA All-Defensive teams:
First team: Evan Mobley, Draymond Green, Dyson Daniels, Lu Dort, Amen Thompson
Second team: Toumani Camara, Rudy Gobert, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Williams, Ivica Zubac

[skin27]

Indiana vs OKC finals would give Adam Silver and ESPN a heart attack lol.
This. Silver will do everything to get the knicks to the finals.

[KobesAchilles]

Sochan was robbed. He’s easily one of the best defenders in the league. Just look at his metrics

[Dex]

This. Silver will do everything to get the knicks to the finals.

Tried his best last night and failed. Sometimes to break through, you gotta beat the team across from you AND the refs (Spurs know what this is like)

[scott]

If the league is actually rigged, can you please explain why were the Knicks horrible for almost 25 years?
Why have the Nets had zero success since the relocation?
Why have the Lakers been irrelevant for almost a decade until Lebron decided he wants to live in LA and even with him they're not an actual contender.
Why did they allow the Celtics to be irrelevant for 30 years with just a few good seasons after KG trade?
Why are the Bulls the worst franchise in the league with MJ era excluded? Still one of the most popular teams even after almost 30 years from his retirement. Why doesn't the league give them a helping hand?
Why was nother big market, Detroit, in purgatory for almost 20 years?
Why are the Clippers still a joke despite having the richest owner in the league?

Better to scream rigged with no arguments other than a few lucky lotteries and a few refereeing decisions.

Maybe the League *is* rigged... it's just that they suck at it :lol

[scott]

In their current iteration, no. We'll see what moves they make this offseason and if Luka can come back in better shape.

It's possible LeBron could start breaking down, but we've been saying that for like 10 years :lol

Luka gonna come back after this summer looking like one of those fantasy MAGA jerk off posters where Trump is shredded like a Spartan warrior

[scott]

Sochan was robbed. He’s easily one of the best defenders in the league. Just look at his metrics

Toumani Camara is everything we're hoping Sochan can be... need to poach whatever coach has been responsible for his development, tbh

[skin27]

Tried his best last night and failed. Sometimes to break through, you gotta beat the team across from you AND the refs (Spurs know what this is like)
Knicks choked that game last night. And also the haliburton lucky bounce.

[Ice009]

We had both Dejounte and Derrick on the roster with Devin not looking like that much worse of a prospect?
Don't forget it was the COVID draft with probably the most limited scouting reports in modern era.

In other words, Spurs went for fit over BPA. I remember fans here at Spurstalk wanting Haliburton.

[R. DeMurre]

In other words, Spurs went for fit over BPA. I remember fans here at Spurstalk wanting Haliburton.

Maybe theoretically, but Haliburton was a much better assist guy, which made him a better potential PG, and a significantly better rebounder, which meant he could likely play more minutes at SF. The only conceivable advantage Vassell might’ve had was defensively, and that hasn’t panned out.

[ace3g]

Chris Paul on pre-game show.

[Dex]

Chris Paul on pre-game show.

Yep, CP3 there hyping up his former teammate for his MVP award.

Can't believe I like Chris Paul now wtf

[ace3g]

Teams need to stop using their challenges in 1-3 quarters.

[ace3g]

https://media1.giphy.com/media/l0ErLeqamV3UOARsA/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952lutmcp0o16tv1nxaic8qx0huqu4i iwhwf6ji7wwz&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[Chillen]

I think the T-Wolves might win 1 game in Minny but this is potentially looking like a sweep if Thunder hold on.

[Strategic]

Now when it doesn’t matter fouls getting called on the thunder

[spursgu]

sga seems like a likable guy but I hate watching his cheap style of basketball.

[spursparker9]

sga seems like a likable guy but I hate watching his cheap style of basketball.

tbh even if you cut SGA's FTA by half. OKC will still dominate with their def and points off TO.

so SGA's FT only make them even more unbeatable

[Bill_Brasky]

This series is just boring through 2 games. Hasn't started until an away team wins, tbh.

[BackHome]

Those Wolves draft picks looking real good

[daslicer]

sga seems like a likable guy but I hate watching his cheap style of basketball.

Agreed he's a great player but his style of play puts me to sleep.

[itzsoweezee]

Maybe theoretically, but Haliburton was a much better assist guy, which made him a better potential PG, and a significantly better rebounder, which meant he could likely play more minutes at SF. The only conceivable advantage Vassell might’ve had was defensively, and that hasn’t panned out.

Yeah, Vassell was talked up as a great defender who could shoot. Don’t know what happened to that supposed defense

[itzsoweezee]

That sound you hear is money flying out of Naz Reid’s pockets. Holy shit this guy’s been bad

[skin27]

Agreed he's a great player but his style of play puts me to sleep.

yeah but shainis better player overall than kawhi.

[timtonymanu]

T'Wolves win probably 1 game max, but it's over. They don't have any offensive threats other than Ant and Randle (who OKC shut down today) to keep up with the Thunder.

Getting the Lakers and Curry-less Warriors is why they even made it this far. Their bench sucks. Conley is like CP3 at this point who has no business starting on a winning team. They gotta start retooling or Ant will go for greener pastures.

[skin27]

T'Wolves win probably 1 game max, but it's over. They don't have any offensive threats other than Ant and Randle (who OKC shut down today) to keep up with the Thunder.

Getting the Lakers and Curry-less Warriors is why they even made it this far. Their bench sucks. Conley is like CP3 at this point who has no business starting on a winning team. They gotta start retooling or Ant will go for greener pastures.

Even ANT himself is inconsistent. Sometime he play great and then the next game he’ll play bad.

[BatManu20]

Even ANT himself is inconsistent. Sometime he play great and then the next game he’ll play bad.

True, though that's not uncommon for young players. He also has very little help right now. The rest of the Timberwolves roster is pretty bad outside of Randle, who has also been trash 6/8 Quarters in this series so far. OKC's elite defense is largely responsible for that, as they have so many versatile defenders that they can throw at you every night and they run 10-deep.

But this Minnesota team is also just not that good tbh. They're a 6-seed for a reason. They're really only here because of Curry's injury. They have so much deadweight and so many unplayable guys in this series like Gobert, Conley, Reid, DiVincenzo, etc. Just too many bums to try to make this a competitive series with this stacked OKC team. It'll likely be over in 5 games. And the Finals will be more of the same. Nobody's beating this OKC team. They will be your Champions. And I could easily see them winning it next year as well tbh.

[RC_Drunkford]

this series goes as I expected. Timberwolves don't have an offense. They are missing a quick PG who can get into the lane. Glad we have 3 of these now. Pacers and Knicks won't stand a chance either. Nuggets were the one team that could've beaten them, but they choked 2 games away in the 4th.

[Ice009]

yeah but shainis better player overall than kawhi.

I w0nder if the Clippers tried telling Kawhi that they already have a great young player in Shai before he demanded they get Paul George. Kawhi hasn't won MVP and Paul George won't come close to winning an MVP. They screwed up listening to Kawhi and trading him away. Threw away all those picks too.

I actually wanted Shai for the Spurs if they were able to do a direct trade with the Clippers (and the 11th and 12th pick they had), but Kawhi tanked his value and both Lakers and Clippers thought they'd get him for free, so the Spurs couldn't get anyone of value back if they traded with either team directly. Thinking about it, I'm glad he won MVP and Kawhi and PG haven't won shit since. I did want Jokic to win, but Shai is also deserving.

As for Shai's play, I'm also not a fan of the foul baiting, and if you listen to his dad (not sure if I am remembering right on exactly what he said), he said that he does do that, but it's not his fault if players fall for it. They had him on Gil's Arena for an interview/sit-down a couple months or so ago.

[LeBowen]

I w0nder if the Clippers tried telling Kawhi that they already have a great young player in Shai before he demanded they get Paul George. Kawhi hasn't won MVP and Paul George won't come close to winning an MVP. They screwed up listening to Kawhi and trading him away. Threw away all those picks too.

I actually wanted Shai for the Spurs if they were able to do a direct trade with the Clippers (and the 11th and 12th pick they had), but Kawhi tanked his value and both Lakers and Clippers thought they'd get him for free, so the Spurs couldn't get anyone of value back if they traded with either team directly. Thinking about it, I'm glad he won MVP and Kawhi and PG haven't won shit since. I did want Jokic to win, but Shai is also deserving.

As for Shai's play, I'm also not a fan of the foul baiting, and if you listen to his dad (not sure if I am remembering right on exactly what he said), he said that he does do that, but it's not his fault if players fall for it. They had him on Gil's Arena for an interview/sit-down a couple months or so ago.

Apparently Jerry West was adamant that Clippers shouldn't trade SGA even if it meant not getting nephew.

[R. DeMurre]

Apparently Jerry West was adamant that Clippers shouldn't trade SGA even if it meant not getting nephew.

I don't remember it that way... here's an article about it with quotes from West:


Los Angeles Clippers (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers) advisor Jerry West (https://clutchpoints.com/tag/jerry-west) recounted how he first found out about the Paul George (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/players/b0b809e6/paul-george) trade, a major offseason move that kept most front office staff on their toes with anticipation. The deal would signify a make-or-break for the Clippers' future, as getting George would mean getting Kawhi Leonard to come as well even at the price of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/players/bb5e09d9/shai-gilgeous-alexander) and Danilo Gallinari (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/players/ad6609ce/danilo-gallinari).

“Well, the night before I’d had a few calls from Lawrence [Frank] and also from Steve [Ballmer] – about three or four,” West recounted to Sam Amick of The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/1367337/2019/11/11/jerry-west-opens-up-about-the-kawhi-leonard-paul-george-pairing-and-the-battle-for-l-a/). “The demands from Oklahoma City were pretty strong, and I just felt that it was in our best interest to go ahead and (do the deal). Everybody talks about all the draft picks we gave away. Well, we did give a lot of draft picks away. But two of them were not ours – period, ok? Not ours.
“So at the end of the day, we gave up three of our draft picks and a terrific young player in Shai, who I think we all feel horrible about. And Gallo (Gallinari), who is a very good player himself. Those are the difficult things, letting players go who you really like.”

West went on to praise Gilgeous-Alexander as a future All-Star in the game, noting he will improve even more over time. The hall of Famer admitted the price for George was steep, but one well worth it, given the talent at both ends of the floor.

“…But we have two finished products right in the prime of their careers (in Leonard and George) – or just getting in the prime of their careers. Two of them who have the same DNA – great offensive players, but more importantly really great defensive players. And I’m not talking about good defensive players, I’m talking about great defensive players. Those players decide games on both ends of the floor."







https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers/clippers-news-jerry-west-recounts-paul-george-trade-says-hardest-part-was-losing-shai-gilgeous-alexander-danilo-gallinari

[LeBowen]

I don't remember it that way... here's an article about it with quotes from West:


Los Angeles Clippers (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers) advisor Jerry West (https://clutchpoints.com/tag/jerry-west) recounted how he first found out about the Paul George (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/players/b0b809e6/paul-george) trade, a major offseason move that kept most front office staff on their toes with anticipation. The deal would signify a make-or-break for the Clippers' future, as getting George would mean getting Kawhi Leonard to come as well even at the price of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/players/bb5e09d9/shai-gilgeous-alexander) and Danilo Gallinari (https://clutchpoints.com/nba/players/ad6609ce/danilo-gallinari).

“Well, the night before I’d had a few calls from Lawrence [Frank] and also from Steve [Ballmer] – about three or four,” West recounted to Sam Amick of The Athletic (https://theathletic.com/1367337/2019/11/11/jerry-west-opens-up-about-the-kawhi-leonard-paul-george-pairing-and-the-battle-for-l-a/). “The demands from Oklahoma City were pretty strong, and I just felt that it was in our best interest to go ahead and (do the deal). Everybody talks about all the draft picks we gave away. Well, we did give a lot of draft picks away. But two of them were not ours – period, ok? Not ours.
“So at the end of the day, we gave up three of our draft picks and a terrific young player in Shai, who I think we all feel horrible about. And Gallo (Gallinari), who is a very good player himself. Those are the difficult things, letting players go who you really like.”

West went on to praise Gilgeous-Alexander as a future All-Star in the game, noting he will improve even more over time. The hall of Famer admitted the price for George was steep, but one well worth it, given the talent at both ends of the floor.

“…But we have two finished products right in the prime of their careers (in Leonard and George) – or just getting in the prime of their careers. Two of them who have the same DNA – great offensive players, but more importantly really great defensive players. And I’m not talking about good defensive players, I’m talking about great defensive players. Those players decide games on both ends of the floor."







https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers/clippers-news-jerry-west-recounts-paul-george-trade-says-hardest-part-was-losing-shai-gilgeous-alexander-danilo-gallinari



I guess we'll never know, he wasn't the final decision maker and of course that he wouldn't have never gone public saying he was against the trade.

[Ice009]

Well, either way, Jerry West was half right about Shai. He said future all-star, but he became a future MVP and looks to be on his way to an NBA Champion (something Paul George or Kawhi may never do again after trading him away). Thanks for the article/quotes.

[lefty]

sga seems like a likable guy but I hate watching his cheap style of basketball.
Je does foul bait but it’s not like he does it every time tbh

[lefty]

G2 was the first time in this post aeason that SGA, Jdub and Chet olayed well in the same game.
And when that happens they are unbeatable

[rjv]

Agreed he's a great player but his style of play puts me to sleep.

OKC is going to be this decade's version of the Spurs championship teams, with the exception of the 2014 squad. Great defense and an MVP franchise player whose game just isn't very exciting. You just know that the last thing ESPN wants is a Pacers/OKC finals. Personally, I think it'd be great to see the Pacers offense face the OKC defense.

[skin27]

OKC is going to be this decade's version of the Spurs championship teams, with the exception of the 2014 squad. Great defense and an MVP franchise player whose game just isn't very exciting. You just know that the last thing ESPN wants is a Pacers/OKC finals. Personally, I think it'd be great to see the Pacers offense face the OKC defense.

no past spurs teams arent similar to this okc team. This okc team is actually more fun to watch than any spurs team and also shai is more entertaining to watch than duncan.

[rjv]

no past spurs teams arent similar to this okc team. This okc team is actually more fun to watch than any spurs team and also shai is more entertaining to watch than duncan.

"version" does not equal "similar". just heard talking heads on ESPN radio talking about how SGA's mid-range game isn't very exciting to watch. he's no steph. or ant-man. ESPN wants dunks and personality, or large market teams. there really isn't anything that is all that exciting about the knicks either; it's just NYC.

[ace3g]

Halftime





1
2
3
4
T


IND
24
25


49


NY
26
26


52

[timtonymanu]

Pacers only down 3 with Hali only having 2 points. Pacers can take this. They just need to tire out the Knicks again.

[ace3g]

11:47 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
24
25
32
0
81


NY
26
26
29
0
81

[ace3g]

9:57 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
24
25
32
10
91


NY
26
26
29
4
85

[timtonymanu]

Would be so hilarious if Paul George’s two former teams make the finals while he has never reached those kind of heights before.

[Strategic]

Wonder if Carlisle will try hack a shaq on Robinson.

[timtonymanu]

That Knicks/donte commercial is so cringey and corny, omg!

[scott]

Mitch Robinson's FTs could injure someone

[timtonymanu]

Typical Thibs team with running his players into the ground

[ace3g]

3:23 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
24
25
32
26
107


NY
26
26
29
18
99

[timtonymanu]

Towns getting benched in another playoff game, just like last year.

[scott]

This is the pain that front running Knicks celebrity fans deserve

[skin27]

Towns getting benched in another playoff game, just like last year.
What happened to him?

[ace3g]

1:17 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
24
25
32
29
110


NY
26
26
29
24
105

[scott]

Oh no I spoke too soon

[scott]

Brunson committing offensive fouls then going after the ref for not falling for his foul baiting. Amazing.

[skin27]

In for a pacers dagger here

[timtonymanu]

What happened to him?

They went to Mitchell Robinson instead but it’s deja vu of him getting benched for Naz Reid last year.

[skin27]

Towns cant get a rebound lmao

[ace3g]

4.2 - 4th





1
2
3
4
T


IND
24
25
32
32
113


NY
26
26
29
28
109

[scott]

Pacers getting the clutch boards... giving me bad flashbacks of when we couldn't do so in that XMas day game.

Pacers going home up 2-0. Amazing.

[timtonymanu]

lol fuck off Knicks fans

[Strategic]

That’s the ball game

[baseline bum]

Man this playoffs has really delivered. Too bad OKC will skullfuck Indy in the Finals, can't see that series being competitive.

[timtonymanu]

Pacers getting the clutch boards... giving me bad flashbacks of when we couldn't do so in that XMas day game.

Pacers going home up 2-0. Amazing.

6 straight road wins I believe. Amazing! Too bad OKC has to exist right now cause the Pacers deserve to win it all.

[lefty]

:lmao Thibs

[lefty]

Man this playoffs has really delivered. Too bad OKC will skullfuck Indy in the Finals, can't see that series being competitive.

Turner vs Chet and Stein lol

[Mugen]

Thibbs has been badly outcoached by Carlisle this series tbh

[timtonymanu]

Thibbs has been badly outcoached by Carlisle this series tbh

Rick is a legendary coach but Thibs will always shoot himself in the foot playing 6-7 guys a night only.

[lefty]

https://x.com/haterreport_/status/1926098533205074225

[Spurs Homer]

This pacers team is fun to watch and would love to see them destroy okc…

Will never understand how the fuck the mavs fired carlisle for j kidd?

also…wish the spurs could have grabbed him before indiana…

also…


are the pacers the last former aba team NOT to win an nba title?

[exstatic]

This pacers team is fun to watch and would love to see them destroy okc…

Will never understand how the fuck the mavs fired carlisle for j kidd?

also…wish the spurs could have grabbed him before indiana…

also…


are the pacers the last former aba team NOT to win an nba title?

Nets don’t have a title, but they do have two Finals appearances in the JKidd/NJ era.

[Spurs Homer]

Nets don’t have a title, but they do have two Finals appearances in the JKidd/NJ era.

yeah forgot about the nets…threw me off since they moved to brooklyn…

would love to see the pacers get it

[lefty]

https://x.com/stephenasmith/status/1926108138987569318

[exstatic]

https://x.com/stephenasmith/status/1926108138987569318

Cry those salty tears.

[timtonymanu]

This near 60 year old man still throws tantrums like a child but I guess that’s why he’s paid BIG!

[lefty]

:lol Riot Comedy delivering the goods as always

https://youtube.com/shorts/XSi5rX_A5-I?si=wYAQH0lxgjYmppJd

[Robz4000]

Indy vs OKC will be a fun Finals tbh. Don't see it going more than 5 unless the Pacers truly have the devil's luck tho.

[Guru of Nothing]

Can't believe we let this guy slip away!

1926083283885981950

[Guru of Nothing]

There may or may not be a twitter link in post above. We're a poverty nation now.

https://x.com/HaterReport_/status/1926083283885981950

[Ice009]

no past spurs teams arent similar to this okc team. This okc team is actually more fun to watch than any spurs team and also shai is more entertaining to watch than duncan.

Says you. The Spurs were very fun to watch for me. I loved the grind it out defensive games. I loved Tim Duncan's post game. I loved the half court game. I loved Manu's drives to the rim and his passes off of penetration, and also his big 3 point shots in big games, clutch pressure packed free throws. I loved prime TP's drives to the rim. Those Spurs teams played some great basketball as far as I'm concerned.

[Dex]

This is the pain that front running Knicks celebrity fans deserve

And all the assholes on the streets who were punching or throwing trash at opposing fans, and acting like they'd won a goddamn championship when they made it past the 2nd round.

I don't blame them for being excited that their god-awful team is actually not god-awful this season, but calm down.

[Dex]

Cry those salty tears.

SAS is obviously a blowhard and his whole ESPN persona is an act (which draws ratings apparently, because they keep paying him), but I do think he is genuinely in a torture chamber right now as a Knicks fan :lol

[LeBowen]

Imo, Knicks exceeded expectations.
That roster has no depth whatsoever and Thibs reached his ceiling, as per usual.

It's just too easy to shut down a team with one legit ballhandler.

[exstatic]

Imo, Knicks exceeded expectations.
That roster has no depth whatsoever and Thibs reached his ceiling, as per usual.

It's just too easy to shut down a team with one legit ballhandler.

Thibbs teams will always lose to the first team that can effectively run on them. That 6.5 man rotation will kill them.

[SpursBills]

Really have to give Indiana's front office their flowers - the way they've built this team without striking gold in the lottery has been unbelievable.

Their last top 10 pick before Mathurin/Walker in 2023/2022 was 15 years ago when they drafted Paul George 10th. Before that it was Erick Dampier in 1996. Last top 5 pick was when they took Rik Smits 1988. Indiana's a small market that no free agent ever wants to go to because...Indiana.

But between taking Sabonis late first and turning him into Haliburton, getting Siakam for relatively little, and using second rounders/castoffs like Nesmith/McConnell/Nembhard, it's extremely impressive that they've been able to assemble a possible finals team while keeping their on-court product at least somewhat watchable without ever having a generational superstar. At least A-tier GMing.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/Emblem_Sports/status/1926399142026268877

[Strategic]

Wolves better keep pouring it on. 15/18 point lead probably not enough. Prolly need 40.

[Obstructed_View]

Only in the NBA can they just make up an 8 second violation out of nowhere.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

How many times are SGA and JDub going to push with the off arm until they get called for an offensive foul? It’s ridiculous.

[spursparker9]

Wolves better keep pouring it on. 15/18 point lead probably not enough. Prolly need 40.

Somehow this feel like a typical "revenge game after 0-2". See IND vs CLE. CLE responded big after down 0-2 and won game 3 by 20+ points. Then get gentleman swept by game 5. :lol

[spursparker9]

How many times are SGA and JDub going to push with the off arm until they get called for an offensive foul? It’s ridiculous.

:lol Castle is practising that. see 16min 45sec


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZFjE_5gdRM

[skin27]

Woah!! Twolves spanking the thunder’s ass tonight

[skin27]

Somehow this feel like a typical "revenge game after 0-2". See IND vs CLE. CLE responded big after down 0-2 and won game 3 by 20+ points. Then get gentleman swept by game 5. :lol

it was different because game 3 and 4 was played in indiana while up 2-0.

[ace3g]

9:15 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
14
27
11

52


MIN
34
38
2

74

[Manu-of-steel]

WTF is Finch doing. Conley is a massive liability on the Wolves. Nickel Alexandrr-Walker is stronger, faster and a better defensive player than Mike

[timtonymanu]

WTF is Finch doing. Conley is a massive liability on the Wolves. Nickel Alexandrr-Walker is stronger, faster and a better defensive player than Mike

It reminds me of Pop’s love affair with Michael Finley. Conley must have something on the Twolves organization to still have such a crucial role for them.

[ace3g]

4:25 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
14
27
15

56


MIN
34
38
22

94

[ace3g]

1:21 - 3rd





1
2
3
4
T


OKC
14
27
22

63


MIN
34
38
33

105

[Strategic]

Nice to see the Thunder getting their sculls cracked tonight. Nobody showed up to do the work.

[timtonymanu]

OKC can win game 4 but how crappy have they looked on the road compared to home? Getting cooked by 40 points, unacceptable.

[lefty]

It reminds me of Pop’s love affair with Michael Finley. Conley must have something on the Twolves organization to still have such a crucial role for them.

Must be the “ley”

[LeBowen]

https://x.com/HaterReport_/status/1926706843881017461

[lefty20]

That Pacers D is suffocating the Knicks.

[Strategic]

Still can’t picture the Pacers beating the Thunder

[Dex]

Still can’t picture the Pacers beating the Thunder

They have a better chance than the Knicks tbh. At least it would be entertaining

[timtonymanu]

They have a better chance than the Knicks tbh. At least it would be entertaining

Yes and as good as OKC is and for sure still the favorites, they also got waxed by 40 on the road against a crappy TWolves team. Indy just needs to steal a game on the road and that series will be competitive.

[lefty]

The only way to beat OKC is by forcing them to. e a 3pf shooting team, which was Minny did in game 3 and hoping you have thd hot hand

[Dejounte]

Just beautiful passing from this Pacers group. I can’t wait for Fox-Harper-Castle-Wemby to happen already.

[Dejounte]

TJ McConnell 6’1”
Nembhard 6’4”
Sheppard 6’6”

McBride 6’1”
Hart 6’4”
Wright 6’5”

…those are the 1-3 on each team on the floor

but the Spurs HAVE to find a 3 that’s 6’8” or taller…

[Strategic]

One more quarter to see if the Knicks can make this a series

[KobesAchilles]

C’mon refs I need you to do your job and rig this shit. NYK money line was the easiest bet of the season

[lefty20]

C’mon refs I need you to do your job and rig this shit. NYK money line was the easiest bet of the season

Put a .5 unit on them for shits and giggles at +600. Would be nice if Scott Foster can fulfill his extender prophecy.

[skin27]

Silver and the nba need the knicks in the finals.

[Strategic]

Sounds like some Knick fans made the trip

[timtonymanu]

Welp

[Gibbz]

Brunson riding pine most of the 4th with 5 fouls--that absolutely atrocious late whistle on the KAT travel. What will Silver do next to rig it for the Knicks??

[lefty]

Just beautiful passing from this Pacers group. I can’t wait for Fox-Harper-Castle-Wemby to happen already.

Harry Burton is a lite Magic but with a jumpshot if that mekes sense

[itzsoweezee]

TJ McConnell 6’1”
Nembhard 6’4”
Sheppard 6’6”

McBride 6’1”
Hart 6’4”
Wright 6’5”

…those are the 1-3 on each team on the floor

but the Spurs HAVE to find a 3 that’s 6’8” or taller…

Yes, but those are all role players. Three around-max level backcourt guys is unheard of. Egos and salary caps make it impossible. One of the three won’t be on the spurs in a few years.

[exstatic]

Yes, but those are all role players. Three around-max level backcourt guys is unheard of. Egos and salary caps make it impossible. One of the three won’t be on the spurs in a few years.

That’s a given. You sign Fox to whatever extension, and then flip him with a year left if the other two are tracking well, coordinating with Klutch to send him to one of 3 or 4 teams on a list. We didn’t pay much, so we don’t have to get much.

[itzsoweezee]

That’s a given. You sign Fox to whatever extension, and then flip him with a year left if the other two are tracking well, coordinating with Klutch to send him to one of 3 or 4 teams on a list. We didn’t pay much, so we don’t have to get much.

Yes, works in the short term, and with the low expectations of a team fighting for the playoffs. The context it was presented in was a team deep in the playoffs on a championship contender. My point is, these three guys are not going to be competing for a championship together.

[exstatic]

Yes, works in the short term, and with the low expectations of a team fighting for the playoffs. The context it was presented in was a team deep in the playoffs on a championship contender. My point is, these three guys are not going to be competing for a championship together.

They might, at least once. Now that they’ve set things in motion, they’re going to ramp up quickly. If his extension is 3 years, that gives him four years under contract. If they determine to trade him after the third year or during the 4th, Wemby will be mvp caliber, and they might snag a LoB.

[itzsoweezee]

They might, at least once. Now that they’ve set things in motion, they’re going to ramp up quickly. If his extension is 3 years, that gives him four years under contract. If they determine to trade him after the third year or during the 4th, Wemby will be mvp caliber, and they might snag a LoB.

That’s sounds like a lot of hope. Given the several big holes in the lineup (0 shooters, no backup big, no starting PF, etc), and wemby’s max extension kicking in, it’s a big stretch. But yeah, let’s hope they’re contending three years from (god that is a fucking bleak sentence)

[exstatic]

That’s sounds like a lot of hope. Given the several big holes in the lineup (0 shooters, no backup big, no starting PF, etc), and wemby’s max extension kicking in, it’s a big stretch. But yeah, let’s hope they’re contending three years from (god that is a fucking bleak sentence)

hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.

Andy Dufresne

[Strategic]

Edward’s a complete no show in 1st quarter.

[lefty20]

Randle trying to dribble from the top of the arc into traffic only to either get stripped or make a poor pass after panicking is a bold strategy.

Let's see if it pays off the T'Pups.

[Strategic]

If wolves can keep it close before half they should have a chance in this one

[Strategic]

Sucks to have a pick and roll partner that can’t make a layup: Gobert sucks

[LeBowen]

Edwards needs to show up.

[lefty20]

Pups with 14 TOs with 7 min left in the 3rd.

Its honestly a miracle that they are not down by 30.

[lefty20]

It'd be good time for Son of MJ to wake the fuck up. Assuming he doesn't want to be put up for adoption.

[Strategic]

Every Thunder on the court has the ability to make a tough shot. Nice advantage

[ginobilized]

Weird game. OKC 17 offensive rebounds. MIN 19 turnovers. 3 point game.
Minny might pull this one out.

[skin27]

Thunder too much for tpups

[skin27]

Thunder hitting clutch shots after clutch shots!

[skin27]

Tpups cant get a stop

[timtonymanu]

Love what the Pacers have done but OKC is about to wreck them in the finals.

[Robz4000]

Love what the Pacers have done but OKC is about to wreck them in the finals.

Gonna come down to that first game imo. OKC will win the series but Indy taking game 1 makes it a potential 7 game series.

[RC_Drunkford]

Timberwolves had no chance. Not only couldn't they stop SGA, they couldn't stop J-Will neither. And when they doubled Chet was killing them. Looks like OKC got the title locked up, I can't see Indy winning more than 1 game against them.

[Robz4000]

Timberwolves had no chance. Not only couldn't they stop SGA, they couldn't stop J-Will neither. And when they doubled Chet was killing them. Looks like OKC got the title locked up, I can't see Indy winning more than 1 game against them.

OKC had the title locked up the moment Aaron Gordon's hamstring dieded tbh.

[mudyez]

Yeah, now let's just hope the disease of more hits and keeps their window shorter than need be.

[mystargtr34]

Matchups obviously dictate things somewhat but I don’t think it’s far fetched to say the top 4 teams in the West were arguably as follows

1. Thunder
2. Nuggets
3. Clippers
4. Warriors with healthy Steph

[Mugen]

Damn, thought Minny could push it to 6. Ant always seems like he's on the cusp of being a solidly top 3 player in the league and then just puts up performances like last night. Disappointing tbh.

[exstatic]

Damn, thought Minny could push it to 6. Ant always seems like he's on the cusp of being a solidly top 3 player in the league and then just puts up performances like last night. Disappointing tbh.

Next Jordan. Right.

[Mugen]

Next Jordan. Right.

Obviously not. But the kid is 23 and just made back to back WCFs. I don't think a championship and an MVP is out of the question during the next 5 years tbh.

[Strategic]

KAT limping around the court like he’s injured but when he’s subbed out his lazy ass runs to a chair like a gazelle.

[Strategic]

Delon Wright with his 10th team in 10 years. Never heard of him

[scott]

Might be a hot take... might not... but the challenge system is fucking stupid. You shouldn't be punished by getting fucked by shitty reffing just because you lost a challenge. Both teams should get 3 challenges to use whenever they want, regardless of whether they are successful.

[scott]

Haliburton seems like the kind of dude who rubs everyone, including his teammates, the wrong way

[scott]

Former Knick Obi Toppin with the dagger

[SpursFan86]

32/15/12 with zero turnovers from Haliburton…unreal performance.

At this point seems almost a guarantee that OKC is winning it all. Hate to see it. :pctoss

[ginobilized]

32/15/12 with zero turnovers from Haliburton…unreal performance.

At this point seems almost a guarantee that OKC is winning it all. Hate to see it. :pctoss

I concur, though, I like it for this reason, OKC will peak now and not in 3 years when it is full-on Wemby/Spurs time. There's still a chance that Indy might knock them out.

[skin27]

I concur, though, I like it for this reason, OKC will peak now and not in 3 years when it is full-on Wemby/Spurs time. There's still a chance that Indy might knock them out.

how sure are you that wemby will own this league in 3 years?

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GsAWXzOWYAAt-Yo?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[heyheymymy]

I like IND for OKC

They are for sure underdogs here but let's see a plucky squad run on the Thunder and maybe they can catch them by surprise. Honestly probably better than the Knicks 6 players deep who all look disinterested. But yeah OKC in 5

[heyheymymy]

that little baseline inbounds bounce pass to Toppin for the nail in coffin triple as the shot clock dwindled at 2.7 was some real premium shit from Hali

[RC_Drunkford]

the only hope I got left is Carlisle outcoaching Daigneault in some surprising way

[RC_Drunkford]

this is dope stuff. I heard the Spurs only had 15 practices during the season. Hopefully they'll do something similar together.

1926116607480193427

[quentin_compson]

Might be a hot take... might not... but the challenge system is fucking stupid. You shouldn't be punished by getting fucked by shitty reffing just because you lost a challenge. Both teams should get 3 challenges to use whenever they want, regardless of whether they are successful.

I don't hate the idea, but it would make the games last even longer than they already do. I think there should be a maximum amount of time that a review can take, like two minutes or so.

[LeBowen]

KAT is easily the dumbest legit big I've ever seen.
He's 29 and still commits the most idiotic fouls every single game. Just unplayable at times.

[Seventyniner]

this is dope stuff. I heard the Spurs only had 15 practices during the season. Hopefully they'll do something similar together.

But how will the team jell if they break up the Power of Friendship Trio?

[The Truth #6]

KAT is an odd player. Great shooter. But reckless spazz otherwise. Constantly throwing elbows driving to the lane. And than completely emo. I feel like I'm watching a second grader have a meltdown.

[Dex]

I like IND for OKC

They are for sure underdogs here but let's see a plucky squad run on the Thunder and maybe they can catch them by surprise. Honestly probably better than the Knicks 6 players deep who all look disinterested. But yeah OKC in 5

Agreed. I think they are a better matchup than the Knicks, and it should be a fun up-and-down series.

[ginobilized]

how sure are you that wemby will own this league in 3 years?

I don't see another player with better odds. If things go well, no serious injuries, solid team-building, etc., I'd say I'm very confident in this outcome.

[lefty]

Next Jordan. Right.
Tbf Jordan mever faced such a good defensive team
And no, punching is not defense

[rjv]

ESPN wants NY v Wolves because of the market in NY and Edwards' being labeled the next face of the league but the reality is that the pacers and OKC makes for a better match-up on paper. The country would be more familiar with these teams if ESPN didn't force the Lakers and the Knicks down our throats for the whole season.

[Mugen]

Devin over Hali, jesus Christ.

Thank god the Suns picked Jalen Smith over him the pick before us, they actually needed a PG :lol

[scott]

I don't hate the idea, but it would make the games last even longer than they already do. I think there should be a maximum amount of time that a review can take, like two minutes or so.

I think they should do away with the refs reviewing it live and just have someone back at HQ reviewing all these plays and buzzing in when a play needs to be reviewed, kind of like in College Football.

I hate how a team needs to deploy a strategy to overcome the incompetence of the officials and then at some point "sorry you lost now you just have to live with these dumb fucking refs"

[benefactor]

Devin over Hali, jesus Christ.

Thank god the Suns picked Jalen Smith over him the pick before us, they actually needed a PG :lol
:lol...it just looks worse all the time