TIM REYNOLDS Basketball Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7), Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) and forward Aaron Nesmith (23) reach for the ball during Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (Matthew Stockman/Pool Photo via AP)

Inside the Comeback: How the Pacers pulled off a stunner in Game 1 of the NBA Finals

June 5, 2025

The game plan was the obvious one. Just chip away, the Indiana Pacers said, because there was no other option that would have made any sense at that point. They were down by 15 with 9:42 remaining. They were turning the ball over about once every three possessions, couldn’t stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and had the Oklahoma City crowd in a deafening fury. What happened next, for the Pacers, was theater.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is seen on the court prior to Game 2 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

NBA working on plan for US-vs.-world format at All-Star Game next season, AP source says

June 4, 2025

The NBA is working on a plan to turn next season’s All-Star Game into a U.S.-vs.-world competition. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league has not made any final determinations. Speaking to FS1 earlier Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was asked if U.S. vs. the world was possible, and he said, “Yes.” Silver has talked about such a game on several occasions. International players have spoken enthusiastically about the possible format. The NHL had success with countries competing against each other at the 4 Nations Face-off.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dunks during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Pacers, Thunder got to the NBA Finals fueled by doubters. A title will give 1 team the last laugh

June 4, 2025

In these NBA Finals, a team is four wins away from getting the last laugh. Ask anyone on the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers if they’re still fueled by doubters, and the answer is probably going to be an immediate “yes.” Thunder star and NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went 11th in his draft. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton went 12th in his. Both sides have undrafted players in their rotation. Here they are: The NBA Finals, which start Thursday night in Oklahoma City. The Thunder have, by far, the NBA’s best record this season. The Pacers have the league’s second-best record since Jan. 1, including playoffs. And both teams have rolled through the postseason.

FILE - Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with referee Tyler Ford in the second half of an NBA basketball game against Memphis Grizzlies Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill,File)

Tyler Ford, Ben Taylor picked to work NBA Finals for the 1st time. The famed ‘white jacket’ awaits

June 3, 2025

For NBA players, the prize is the gold trophy. For NBA referees, the prize is the white jacket. And for Tyler Ford and Ben Taylor, the jacket has arrived. Soon, so will the moment they’ve worked a long time for — they’re going to be blowing the whistle at the NBA Finals. Ford and Taylor were the two first-time selections on a roster of 12 referees that were announced Tuesday as those picked to work the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. The series begins Thursday in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City Thunder players and coaches celebrate after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Whether ratings are good or not, Thunder-Pacers could be a series true basketball fans enjoy

June 3, 2025

It’s No. 25 Indiana vs. No. 47 Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals. That’s not their seeding. That’s their media market ranking. To some, that might matter. A title matchup that starts Thursday night between the Pacers and Thunder has two young, fun teams that score a ton and are led by marketable stars. That the good news. Here’s the inevitable other side: The ratings, especially at the start of the series, probably aren’t going to be good because the home markets are so small. Those who like the NBA won’t be dissuaded by that. Those who don’t like the NBA will tout it as great failure.

TIM REYNOLDS Basketball Writer.

Inside the Comeback: How the Pacers pulled off a stunner in Game 1 of the NBA Finals

NBA working on plan for US-vs.-world format at All-Star Game next season, AP source says

Pacers, Thunder got to the NBA Finals fueled by doubters. A title will give 1 team the last laugh

Tyler Ford, Ben Taylor picked to work NBA Finals for the 1st time. The famed ‘white jacket’ awaits

Whether ratings are good or not, Thunder-Pacers could be a series true basketball fans enjoy

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