TIM REYNOLDS Basketball Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces the start of the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

NBA will take a harder look at expansion, Commissioner Adam Silver says

July 15, 2025

The NBA may finally be one step closer on the long road to expansion. Commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday that the league has been tasked by team owners to study the issue more formally, which would be the first official move in a long process toward adding franchises. The decision to take a harder look at expansion wasn’t totally unexpected, since the notion of adding clubs has been a talking point for several years. Cities like Las Vegas and Seattle, the long perceived front-runners should the NBA decide to expand past its current 30-team footprint, will surely continue to push to be the eventual picks.

FILE - Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Myles Turner gets introduced by the Bucks, says he wants to keep contending for titles

July 11, 2025

Myles Turner wants to keep contending for NBA titles. The Milwaukee Bucks formally introduced Turner — the most significant free agent who switched addresses this summer — on Friday. Turner had spent the entirety of his 10-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, who went to the NBA Finals this past season and lost Game 7 of the title series to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He makes Milwaukee younger and likely a bit more versatile. Brook Lopez, who is 37, was Milwaukee’s starting center this past season. Turner is only 29, and even though he’s played 10 seasons already may now just be coming into his prime.

FILE - Minnesota Timberwolves minority owners Alex Rodriguez, front, and Marc Lore look on in the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, May 4, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Lore and A-Rod detail some of their plans for the Timberwolves

July 11, 2025

Alex Rodriguez remembers a very specific lesson that longtime New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner taught him over the years. In a way, it’ll shape his approach when it comes to running the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rodriguez and Marc Lore — the new, finally finalized, co-owners of the Timberwolves and winners in a four-year battle for control of that team and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx — spoke at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Friday. And when asked about how his ownership style might emulate Steinbrenner’s, Rodriguez drew a quick parallel.

FILE - Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) in the second half of Game 7 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series May 3, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Powell joins Heat, Collins goes to Clippers, Love and Anderson headed to Utah in 3-team trade

July 7, 2025

The Miami Heat have acquired Norman Powell, while John Collins is going to the Los Angeles Clippers and Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson are headed to the Utah Jazz as parts of a three-team trade. Also in the deal: at least one second-round draft pick, going from the Clippers to Utah.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, center, holds up the MVP trophy as he celebrates with his team after they won the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The Thunder are NBA champions, and they might be just getting started

June 23, 2025

The promise came three years ago from Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti. It might have been overlooked for a couple of reasons. One, the Thunder were awful at the time. Two, he was speaking Latin. “Labor omnia vincit,” Presti said after the 2021-22 season, quoting a motto of Oklahoma. Depending on how Presti was translating it, it could have been “hard work conquers all” or “slow work conquers all.” Either way, it applies to the Thunder. They did hard work. They did slow work. They conquered all.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates with teammates in the locker room after winning the NBA basketball championship with a Game 7 victory against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The Thunder had one more opponent after winning the NBA title. The champagne corks were formidable

June 22, 2025

The Oklahoma City Thunder had just won the NBA championship, the on-court ceremony was over and they were heading to the locker room to start the party. This typically includes the traditional spraying of champagne all over everyone and everything. And the Thunder were ready to partake in all that. Problem was, nobody knew how to pop corks. That meant a team that won 84 games had one more thing to learn this season.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton lays on the court after an injury during the first half of Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton suffers right leg injury in Game 7 loss. His father says it’s an Achilles

June 22, 2025

Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who was playing with a strained right calf, went down with a lower right leg injury in the first quarter of the Pacers’ Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder and immediately began punching the court in frustration. Haliburton was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation while putting no weight on the leg. Virtually the entire Indiana playing, coaching and medical staff surrounded him on the court once he got hurt. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. Haliburton’s father, John, told ABC it was an Achilles tendon injury. The Thunder won 103-91.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, shoots against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard during the second half of Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

MVP. Finals MVP. Scoring champ. NBA champ. OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now holds all those titles

June 22, 2025

He’s the most valuable player. The scoring champion. And now, an NBA champion along with NBA Finals MVP. All in one season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has entered one of the game’s most elite clubs. The 26-year-old Canadian is atop the basketball world now in almost every way imaginable. Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder captured the NBA title on Sunday night, beating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to win the finals in a seven-game thriller.

Kristin Chenoweth sings the national anthem before Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Oklahoma native, Thunder fan Kristin Chenoweth performs national anthem before Game 7 of NBA Finals

June 22, 2025

At 4-foot-11, Kristin Chenoweth is still making it to the NBA Finals. The award-winning actress, singer, Oklahoma native, Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee and unabashed Oklahoma City Thunder fan performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 7 of the title series between the Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. Chenoweth’s performance aired live on ABC shortly before tipoff of the season’s final game.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle argues with referee Josh Tiven during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Referees picked by the NBA for Game 7 are James Capers, Josh Tiven, Sean Wright

June 22, 2025

James Capers, Josh Tiven and Sean Wright joined a very small club on Sunday. They were announced by the NBA as the officiating crew for Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. It’s the first Game 7 of a finals for all three referees, who are now the 22nd, 23rd and 24th referees in NBA history to land such an assignment.

Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) looks towards Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) after a foul as guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks toward Bradley during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The final act of the NBA Finals: 2 teams, 1 game, 1 trophy. Pacers at Thunder will decide a champion

June 21, 2025

It started with 30 teams, most of them fairly optimistic about their chances when the season began eight months and 1,320 games and 35,543 3-pointers and 299,608 points ago. Only two teams remain. For one game. Game 7. The NBA season ends on Sunday night when the Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder to decide which team will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, take over for the Boston Celtics as champions and become the league’s seventh different title-winner in the last seven years. It’s the first winner-take-all game in the NBA since 2016, when Cleveland beat Golden State.

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the first half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Maddie Meyer/Pool Photo via AP)

Inside the numbers: Pacers, Thunder set to play Game 7 for NBA title on Sunday night

June 20, 2025

For the 20th time, there will be a Game 7 in the NBA Finals. Indiana will play at Oklahoma City on Sunday night in the final game of the season, with the winner getting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Home teams are 15-4 in Game 7 of the finals, but a road team — Cleveland, over Golden State — won the most recent of those games in 2016.

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

For Pacers and Thunder, there’s no looking back now. All eyes are only on Game 7 in the NBA Finals

June 20, 2025

Game 6 of the NBA Finals had been over for only about 10 or 15 minutes, and the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder were turning the page. What happened over the previous couple of hours had already been deemed irrelevant. The only thing on their minds: Game 7. A back-and-forth title matchup will end on Sunday night with an ultimate game, the first winner-take-all contest in the NBA Finals since 2016. It’ll be Pacers at Thunder, one team getting the Larry O’Brien Trophy when it is over, the other left to head into the offseason wondering how they let the chance slip away.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, stands with teammates during a timeout during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Thunder on the wrong end of 36-9 run, head home for Game 7 showdown against resilient Pacers

June 19, 2025

The run lasted about 12 minutes, roughly the span of a full quarter. When it started, Oklahoma City was down by just one point. And when it ended, after a 36-9 run, plans for Game 7 were being made. There was no championship celebration for the Thunder on Thursday night — and their first chance at winning these NBA Finals was a colossal dud. Oklahoma City got blown out 108-91 by the Indiana Pacers in Game 6, sending the series back to the Thunder’s home floor for a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday night.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots around Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Matthew Stockman/Pool Photo via AP)

The Thunder know an NBA title is just 1 win away. They’re trying to keep their minds on the Pacers

June 18, 2025

Difficult as it may seem, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is desperately trying to not think about what may await the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder star doesn’t want to think about the end of the NBA Finals. Or how the Larry O’Brien Trophy will feel in his hands if he gets to finally hoist it as a champion. Or what the celebration will look like, sound like, be like. The Thunder are one win from a title, and it could come when they visit the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. It is not just another game. Gilgeous-Alexander is trying to make it seem that way.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

The rest that’s built into the NBA Finals can be a good thing, especially now

June 17, 2025

Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping on his way out of the postgame news conference after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right about now. Put simply, he could use a couple of days off — at least. Haliburton has a lower leg injury and it seems to be the sort that if this were a back-to-back situation in December, he’d be missing at least one game. But these are the finals. This is June. There no back-to-backs in the playoffs. And when the league gets to the last series, two-day breaks between games aren’t uncommon.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Tyrese Haliburton scheduled for MRI as part of leg injury evaluation, AP source says

June 17, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton’s status for Game 6 of the NBA Finals is understandably in at least some doubt, after the Olympic gold-medal-winning guard was undergoing evaluation Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury to his lower right leg. Part of that evaluation was an MRI exam, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because neither Haliburton nor the team revealed that publicly. ESPN first reported that an MRI was scheduled. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made clear after Game 5 that the Eastern Conference champions would be taking a close look at the injury.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) looks on during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Pacers’ Haliburton plays through lower leg injury in Game 5 loss to Thunder in NBA Finals

June 16, 2025

Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton grabbed at his lower right leg after an awkward fall in the first quarter, briefly leaving Game 5 of the NBA Finals for treatment. He kept playing. He clearly wasn’t right. To his credit, Haliburton gutted his way through 34 minutes — largely playing the role of a facilitating decoy in the second half, hardly ever looking to shoot. He finished with four points, all from the foul line, and the Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-109 on Monday night to fall behind 3-2 in the title series.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle listens during a news conference, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle offers defense of Scott Foster after referee receives criticism in Game 4

June 15, 2025

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle offered an impassioned and somewhat unprompted defense of referee Scott Foster on Sunday, evidently aware of the mountains of online criticism that came after Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Foster was one of the three on-court referees assigned to Game 4, which had more fouls called and more free throws awarded than any of the three previous games in the series. Foster — who has long been a lightning rod for critics — did not work any of those first three games.

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Pacers and Thunder are set for a pivotal Game 5 in an NBA Finals that has been back and forth

June 15, 2025

The ratings are down for these NBA Finals, as was expected. Oklahoma City vs. Indiana is a small-market series and the numbers reflect exactly that, with viewership down about 20% from last season and on pace for the poorest TV turnout since the bubble finals in 2020. Don’t blame the Thunder and Pacers for that. It’s been a back-and-forth over the first four games — and now, a best-of-three will decide the NBA title. Game 5 is in Oklahoma City on Monday night, with the Thunder trying to take their first lead of the series and the Pacers trying to head back home one win from a championship.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault argues a call with the referee during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Thunder embraced their moments of adversity this season. It paid off in Game 4 of the NBA Finals

June 14, 2025

Contrary to popular belief not everything was easy for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. They had lineup issues at times because of injuries. Players had slumps. It might not have been too noticeable because the team was winning just about every game, but there were moments of frustration. Coach Mark Daigneault embraced those moments, knowing adversity would arrive in the playoffs. And when it has hit, the Thunder have answered.

Indian Fever basketball players Caitlin Clark, right, and Aliyah Boston, center, watch during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The ties that bind: The WNBA’s Fever and NBA’s Pacers are more than just neighbors in Indianapolis

June 14, 2025

Caitlin Clark is doubly disappointed about how the NBA Finals are going right now. One, the Indiana Pacers lost Game 4. Two, Clark can’t be there for Game 6. Clark and the Indiana Fever have a good reason for why they won’t be at the Pacers’ last home game of the season on Thursday, when Indiana — which will be either up 3-2 or down 3-2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder by then, depending how Game 5 goes — plays host to Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The Fever will be at Golden State that night, playing the expansion Valkyries.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein warms up prior to Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Hartenstein back in starting lineup for Thunder for Game 4 of the NBA Finals vs. Indiana

June 13, 2025

Oklahoma City went back to the lineup it used throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs on Friday night, returning Isaiah Hartenstein to the starting five for Game 4 of the NBA Finals against Indiana. Hartenstein started alongside MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren. The Hartenstein-Holmgren pairing gives the Thunder a pair of 7-footers in the opening five, and Oklahoma City was 12-4 in the Western Conference playoffs when starting that lineup. That fivesome was also 9-4 when starting games together in the regular season.

Indian Fever basketball players Caitlin Clark, right, and Aliyah Boston watch during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Fever say Caitlin Clark will be ready to play in showdown with Liberty on Saturday

June 13, 2025

Caitlin Clark is ready to play again, meaning the Indiana Fever will have their best player back in time to play the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty on Saturday afternoon. The Fever made the less-than-surprising announcement Friday. Clark missed five games with a quadriceps injury, then practiced this week with all signs pointed toward her playing against the undefeated defending champs. Fever coach Stephanie White says “as long as we don’t have any regressions, she’s going to be ready to roll.”

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) is fouled by Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Pacers aren’t celebrating, Thunder aren’t panicking as sides reset for Game 4 of the NBA Finals

June 12, 2025

The Indiana Pacers aren’t celebrating. The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t panicking. The NBA Finals scoreboard is what it is — Pacers 2, Thunder 1 — going into Game 4 of the best-of-seven title series on Friday night. Everybody can count to four, and everybody can see that Indiana is in a better position right now than Oklahoma City, But the Pacers know if they were to partake in such thinking, that would be dangerous.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates after making a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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

June 11, 2025

Bennedict Mathurin scored 27 off the bench, Tyrese Haliburton scored 22 and the Indiana Pacers reclaimed the lead in the NBA Finals by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 on Wednesday night. Haliburton also had 11 assists and nine rebounds for the Pacers, who got 21 points from Pascal Siakam and enjoyed a whopping 49-18 edge in bench points on their way to a 2-1 lead in the series. The Pacers, who lost Game 2 in Oklahoma City, improved to 10-0 in mid-March in the game immediately following a loss. Jalen Williams scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 and Chet Holmgren had 20 for the Thunder, who led by five going into the fourth.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) greets guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) after losing Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

NBA Finals are shifting to Indianapolis, with the Pacers and Thunder tied 1-1 going into Game 3

June 10, 2025

The Oklahoma City Thunder showed their bounce-back capability in Game 2. The Indiana Pacers know they better do the same in Game 3. The NBA Finals resume Wednesday night with the series tied at a game apiece, the matchup shifting to Indianapolis for what will be the first finals game in that city in 25 years. And the Pacers know it’s on them to respond after Game 2 wasn’t much of a contest. It’s obviously possible: The Pacers haven’t lost back-to-back games in three months, going 9-0 after losses in that span. This would be a good time for them to extend that run.

Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell, left, shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Pacers, back home in Indiana, have some things to figure out before Game 3 vs. Thunder in NBA Finals

June 9, 2025

The Indiana Pacers simply couldn’t wait to get home early Monday. There’s a slew of possible reasons for that. Maybe they just wanted to get out of Oklahoma City with their split of the first two games in the NBA Finals. Maybe they couldn’t wait to see what finals fever will look like in Indianapolis after a 25-year wait to get back to the title round. Or maybe they just wanted to get back to work. It’s probably a little of everything — especially the last part.

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Pacers fail to sweep Games 1 and 2 in a series for the first time in these playoffs

June 8, 2025

For the Indiana Pacers, a chance at being perfect in Games 1 and 2 of these playoffs went awry. They’ll have to settle for a mere split of the opening two games in the NBA Finals instead. The Pacers’ bid to become the fifth team in NBA history to go 8-0 to open the four playoff rounds — sweeping Games 1 and 2 in all four series — was stopped on Sunday night by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder took control early and won Game 2 of the NBA Finals 123-107, tying the championship matchup at a game apiece.

FILE - Former Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson smiles while being interviewed at the Warriors NBA training facility in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Hall of Famer Don Nelson selected as this year’s winner of Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award

June 8, 2025

Don Nelson has been invited to the NBA Finals countless times in recent years, always declining those opportunities. This time, his peers found a way to ensure he couldn’t say no. Nelson — a Basketball Hall of Famer and three-time NBA coach of the year — was announced Sunday as this year’s recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Basketball Coaches Association. It will be formally given out Sunday night, about an hour before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Nelson speaks during a press conference before Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Don Nelson expresses his disappointment with Luka Doncic trade by wearing the star’s shoes

June 8, 2025

Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson was not a fan of the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic — and chose his footwear for Game 2 of the NBA Finals accordingly. Nelson arrived for the news conference announcing him as the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award winner, as selected by the National Basketball Coaches Association, wearing a pair of Doncic’s signature Jordan Brand sneaker. The reason: He was showing Doncic — who he calls “my dear friend” — support.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) talks with head coach Mark Daigneault during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Indiana Pacers Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

The Thunder have been exceptional after losses all season. The Pacers know what awaits in Game 2

June 7, 2025

When the Oklahoma City Thunder get hit, they tend to hit back. Immediately, too. Everybody knows what probably is coming in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. The Thunder, down 1-0 in the series with the Indiana Pacers, will be raring to go. The Thunder are 17-2, including the NBA Cup final loss, in the next game after a defeat. Those 17 wins came by an average of 17.5 points. The thing is, the Thunder say that’s the way they play after wins as well.

CORRECTS TO GAME WINNING BASKET, NOT 3-PT BASKET - Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton celebrates with forward Aaron Nesmith (23) after making the game-winning basket in the closing second of the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

The Comeback Playoffs: There have been 10 rallies from 15 points or more down in this NBA postseason

June 6, 2025

Welcome to the Comeback Playoffs, led by the Indiana Pacers. Indiana’s rally from 15 points down in Game 1 of the NBA Finals was the 10th such comeback — from 15 or more — in this season’s playoffs. The Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton are responsible for five of those comebacks; the rest of the league, combined, have the other five. Since the NBA began keeping track of such things in 1997, there has never been a postseason with more 15-point comebacks or more by a single team than the Pacers have pulled off this spring.

Fans cheer before Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

It’s a Thunder rule: To work in OKC, you must learn about OKC and what the bombing meant to the city

June 6, 2025

The Thunder didn’t even exist in Oklahoma City when the 1995 bombing happened; the franchise that had been known as the Seattle SuperSonics didn’t relocate to America’s heartland until more than a decade later. But it has been part of the steadfast commitment that the team shows the city; the bombing still resonates deeply here, and the Thunder have taken great pains to not ignore the impact it had, and has, on Oklahoma City. That is why every newly acquired player, even those on tryout contracts or just training camp deals, and every person who gets a job with the organization, has to go to the memorial.

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.

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