Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton shared an update late Monday following surgery to repair th...

Indiana Pacers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> shared an update late Monday following surgery to repair the Achilles tear he sustained in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder."At 25, I've already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle," he said as part of a lengthy post on X. "I know I'll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player."And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don't regret it. I'd do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense. Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the… <a href="https://t.co/UyY0iFEp6Z">pic.twitter.com/UyY0iFEp6Z</a>— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) <a href="https://twitter.com/TyHaliburton22/status/1937344254507978938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Haliburton strained his right calf earlier in the Finals but didn't miss a game. Even with the star guard visibly limited in his movement, the Pacers rebounded from back-to-back losses in Games 4 and 5 to win Game 6 at home and force Sunday's winner-take-all matchup in Oklahoma City.The two-time All-NBAer got off to a hot start in Game 7, shooting 3-of-4 from distance and helping the Pacers keep pace with the Thunder in the opening half of the first quarter. However, after planting his right foot while attempting to drive by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a>, he suddenly collapsed to the floor in pain, ending his Game 7 after just seven minutes.The Thunder went on to win 103-91, capturing the franchise's first NBA title.Haliburton will now likely miss an extended period in 2025-26, with no guarantee he will suit up at all next season."My journey to get to where I am today wasn't by happenstance; I've pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that," he added Monday. "The most important part of this all is that I'm grateful. I'm grateful for every single experience that's led me here. I'm grateful for all the love from the hoop world."I don't 'have to' go through this, I get to go through this. I'm grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I'll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton."Haliburton was the third player in this postseason to suffer an Achilles tear. Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> tore the same tendon in his left foot in the first round against Indiana, and Boston Celtics forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> suffered the same fate in Game 4 of the conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 11: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 11, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Haliburton doesn't regret Achilles tear in Game 7: 'I'd do it again'

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford will sign a three-year extension with the club worth just ...

Dallas Mavericks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a> will sign a three-year extension with the club worth just under $60 million, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1937294394178117663">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Gafford's previous three-year contract was set to expire after the 2025-26 season.The 26-year-old scored a career-best 12.3 points per game last season while starting in 31 of his 57 appearances. He also contributed 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per contest, ranking second on the team in the latter behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>, who averaged 2.2 in nine games for Dallas.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The reported agreement secures another pivotal long-term piece for the Mavericks. Only six players are under contract beyond next season, not including young bigs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively II</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110269" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110269">Olivier-Maxence Prosper</a>, who have team options in 2026-27.Dallas, which is all but certain to add former Duke phenom Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in Wednesday's draft, could have three other extension decisions to make this summer on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60416" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60416">P.J. Washington</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6312" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6312">Dwight Powell</a>. Irving, who will likely miss a significant portion of next season recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March, holds a $43-million player option for 2025-26 that he must decide on by Tuesday.

DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a score against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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The Phoenix Suns are trading superstar forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Gree...

The Phoenix Suns are trading superstar forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> to the Houston Rockets for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a>, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45561747/sources-suns-trading-kevin-durant-rockets-blockbuster-deal">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Durant, 36, leaves Phoenix after averaging 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks with 52.7/42.7/84.7 shooting splits over the last two-and-a-half seasons.The Suns had long searched for a new home for Durant, who attracted significant interest dating back to the midseason trade deadline.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, Phoenix <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295238" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295238">reportedly</a> had to lower its asking price after struggling to find a trade partner for the four-time scoring champion. Durant was also apparently partial to specific teams amid the discussions; the 15-time All-Star reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3300269" href="https://thescore.com/news/3300269">preferred</a> the Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, or Miami Heat and said he would be open to a subsequent long-term deal if he landed on any of the three.The former MVP's career 27.2 points per game is the third-highest mark among active players behind only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a>. He's also registering seven rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.1 blocks, and one steal per outing throughout a 17-year career while falling just short of the 50/40/90 club with 50.2/39/88.2 splits.Injuries have curtailed the two-time NBA champion in recent years, though. He missed the entire 2019-20 season due to the torn Achilles he sustained in the 2019 Finals with the Golden State Warriors and has missed significant time in nearly every season since. The 2023-24 campaign, his first full year in Phoenix, was the only season in which Durant played at least 65 contests since returning from his Achilles tear.Green is the centerpiece of Phoenix's return, and leaves Houston after four seasons. The 23-year-old was a constant presence for the Rockets, appearing in all 82 games in each of the last two seasons. The G League Ignite product and former No. 2 overall pick averaged 20.1 points across four seasons and earned NBA All-Rookie first team honors in 2022.Brooks spent the last two campaigns in Houston and was named to the NBA All-Defensive second team in 2023. The Canadian wing averaged 14 points and 3.7 rebounds last season for the Rockets.The Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Toronto Raptors all pursued Durant despite their absences from his wish list, according to Charania.

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns and Dillon Brooks #9 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game on March 30, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton is exercising his 2025-26 player option worth $9.4 million,...

Milwaukee Bucks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11120">Pat Connaughton</a> is exercising his 2025-26 player option worth $9.4 million, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1936516278078017776">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Connaughton was one of three Bucks players with player options for next season, joining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30845">Bobby Portis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70216" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70216">Kevin Porter Jr.</a> Both Portis and Porter have yet to make a decision.The 32-year-old Connaughton is one of Milwaukee's longest tenured players: The veteran wing has been with the franchise since the 2018-19 campaign, tying him with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/300" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/300">Brook Lopez</a>, who could depart as a free agent this summer. Only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, whose own future in Milwaukee has been in doubt recently, has been on the Bucks longer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Connaughton averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists for the Bucks last season but fell in the rotation's pecking order, dropping to 14.7 minutes per contest after averaging 22.1 in 2023-24. However, he saved his best effort for the final game of the regular season, scoring a career-high 43 points on 16-of-29 shooting (5-of-12 from deep) with 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 140-133 overtime win against the Detroit Pistons.Picking up his option doesn't guarantee the Notre Dame product will return to Milwaukee, however. With his contract now locked in for 2025-26, the Bucks can now use his salary in potential trades as they look to retool their roster with star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> expected to miss significant time next season due to a torn Achilles.

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 26: Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 26, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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The Los Angeles Lakers are changing hands.The Buss family, longtime owner of the iconic NBA franchise, is selling its majority ownership stake in the franchise to billionaire Mark Walter, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1935439586311672219">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The agreement <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1935444138884800902">reportedly</a> values the Lakers at a record $10 billion. The deal is set to surpass the record $6.1-billion sale of the rival Boston Celtics in March.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Walter, the CEO of holding company TWG Global and international investment firm Guggenheim Partners, is also the chairman and majority owner of MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers. He's held a minority stake in the Lakers since 2021 and had the right of first refusal if the Buss family were to sell its 66% share, according to <a href="https://x.com/ramonashelburne/status/1935440411121828327">ESPN's Ramona Shelburne</a>.Jeanie Buss will reportedly remain governor of the NBA franchise after the sale is finalized.The Buss family has owned the Lakers since 1979 when patriarch Jerry Buss paid $67.5 million for the team as part of an agreement to take over the franchise, along with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. The Hall of Famer owned the Lakers until his death in February 2013, a 34-year stretch in which the club won 10 NBA championships.His daughter Jeanie officially assumed control of the franchise in 2017 following a protracted ownership dispute with her brothers. The organization captured its 17th NBA title in 2020 - its first and only championship during Jeanie's time as controlling owner.Walter has owned the Dodgers since he and a group of fellow investors, including Lakers legend and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, formed Guggenheim Baseball Management and paid a then-record $2 billion for the franchise in March 2012. The historic MLB club has won two World Series and played in another two in the 13 years since.In December 2023, the Dodgers made international headlines by signing Japanese two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year deal worth $700 million, with most of the money deferred until 2034 at the earliest. It was the largest contract ever signed in professional sports until Dominican outfielder Juan Soto inked a 15-year, $765-million pact with the New York Mets this past winter.

EL SEGUNDO, CA - September 20: Jeanie Buss, CEO / Governor / Co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, holds a new Lakers jersey as the Lakers host a 2021-2022 season kick-off event to unveil and announce a new global marketing partnership with Bibigo, which will appear on the Lakers jersey at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed postgame Monday that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> is battling a lower leg injury that visibly hindered the star guard during the team's Game 5 loss."He's not 100%. It's pretty clear," Carlisle <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1934823383792800034">said</a>. "But I don't think he's going to miss the next game."We were concerned at halftime. He insisted on playing. And I thought he made a lot of really good things happen in the second half. But he's not 100%. There's a lot of guys in this series that aren't."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Haliburton failed to register a single field goal in Monday's defeat. He left for the locker room momentarily in the first half to receive treatment for calf tightness in his right leg, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1934793607577264208">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>. It's the same leg on which the 25-year-old was limping after Game 2; he was also spotted at shootaround prior to Game 3 with black tape running vertically from his lower calf down to his ankle.The two-time All-NBA selection appeared to aggravate the issue while attempting to drive by Thunder center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102801" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> in the first quarter.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Biggest CONCERN with the Indiana Pacers moving forward The HEALTH of Tyrese Haliburton’s calf He went 0-6 tonight and didn’t have any of his burst to get past OKC defenders This is the play he aggravated his “lower leg” injury <a href="https://t.co/NqHE0Yj6Xl">pic.twitter.com/NqHE0Yj6Xl</a>— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/GameInjuryDoc/status/1934813403597709628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I mean, it's the NBA Finals," Haliburton <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1934831051706114495">said</a> Monday when asked about playing through the injury. "It's the Finals, man. I've worked my whole life to be here, and I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can."I was not great tonight by any means, but it's not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. (The Pacers) understand that. It is what it is, and (I) got to be ready for Game 6."Monday marked the first time that Haliburton didn't make a field goal in the playoffs. It's just the seventh such instance when factoring in his 333 regular-season games over five NBA seasons with the Pacers and Sacramento Kings. Indiana is now 0-5 all time when he fails to score a field goal."This is a lifetime opportunity, and not many guys are going to sit even if they're a little banged up," Carlisle said about Haliburton's reluctance to sit out, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/ScottAgness/status/1934818186362507728">Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files</a>. "Now, if you're injured, that's a different story."Haliburton will have two full days of rest before the series returns to Indiana for Game 6 on Thursday. Game 7, if necessary, then goes Sunday back in Oklahoma City.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 27: Head Coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers looks on with Tyrese Haliburton during Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are nearly there.  Jalen Williams poured in a playoff career-high 40 po...

The Oklahoma City Thunder are nearly there.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> poured in a playoff career-high 40 points, along with six rebounds and four assists, to lead the Thunder to a 120-109 win at home in Monday's Game 5.Mark Diagneault's squad leads the series 3-2 and can capture the franchise's first NBA title of the Oklahoma City era in Game 6 on Thursday in Indiana.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"My mindset was just going into these games and not kind of lightly stepping in and just jumping in," Williams said on <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1934816384493429179">NBA TV</a> after his performance. "And I thought I've done a really good job at that - just living with the results playing aggressive."Regular-season MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> added a double-double with 31 points and 10 assists, plus four blocks and two steals.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> led the way for the Pacers, scoring 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting (3-of-6 from deep) with six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. Franchise star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>, nursing an apparent calf injury, finished with just four points, all of which came from the free-throw line. Haliburton shot 0-of-6 from the floor, including four missed threes, after going scoreless in the first half of a playoff matchup for the first time in his career.Williams is now the 30th different player with a 40-point game in the Finals, courtesy of <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/UxLze">Stathead</a>. The late Jerry West did it a record 10 times during an eight-year span in the '60s, though Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> sits close behind in second with eight 40-point games in the Finals since 2015."This is the biggest stage, but it doesn't matter where he's at," Thunder center Chet Holmgren told <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1934823467066773739">ESPN's Scott Van Pelt</a> postgame. "He's special. That's Dub."That's what we see ... all year. It doesn't surprise me, but I'm still impressed by it."

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JUNE 16: Jalen Williams #8 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high five during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game Five of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 16, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> has a couple of teams in mind for his next chapter.The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are among the Phoenix Suns star's preferred destinations if he's traded this summer, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6426397/2025/06/14/kevin-durant-suns-trade-nba-rumors-wolves-rockets-spurs/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Sam Amick, Jon Krawczynski, and Kelly Iko</a>. Durant would also be on board with joining the Miami Heat, added <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1934066096304496810">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Durant, 36, can't outright control where he lands as he's under contract through this coming season. However, he can exert some influence thanks to his expiring deal; teams have been informed that the three aforementioned franchises are the ones with which Durant would agree to a longer-term deal, according to Charania.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Spurs, Rockets, and Heat are all among a list of several teams that have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3298926" href="https://thescore.com/news/3298926">reportedly</a> reached out to the Suns recently regarding the 15-time All-Star. The Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks have also reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Durant.Phoenix is widely expected to part with the two-time Finals MVP sometime this offseason as it attempts to retool around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> and first-year head coach Jordan Ott. The Suns <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295238" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295238">reportedly</a> lowered their asking price for Durant earlier this month in the hope of completing a trade before the NBA draft June 25.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 03: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup game at Footprint Center on December 03, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Spurs 104-93.

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Rick Carlisle believes the Indiana Pacers allowed their offense to slow to a crawl in the second ...

Rick Carlisle believes the Indiana Pacers allowed their offense to slow to a crawl in the second half of their 111-104 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday."We just got too stagnant," Carlisle <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/1933736266941485237/video/1">said</a> postgame. "The ball was not being advanced quickly enough. We weren't creating problems, and we were up against the clock a lot, so things got very difficult."You gotta give Oklahoma credit. They made it very difficult."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Pacers entered the fourth quarter with an 87-80 lead over the Thunder, buoyed by a 20-9 advantage in assists. However, Carlisle's squad mustered just one assist in the final frame, and that happened just over a minute in when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6158" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6158">T.J. McConnell</a> found <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93853" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93853">Obi Toppin</a> in transition following a Thunder turnover on an inbound play.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Plays like these are backbreaking. Caruso had a layup and it ends in a Toppin dunk. <a href="https://t.co/UjwzhnFEIV">pic.twitter.com/UjwzhnFEIV</a>— Coach Gibson Pyper (@HalfCourtHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/HalfCourtHoops/status/1933717990626808036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>That Toppin dunk was Indiana's only points within the first four minutes of the fourth. The Pacers were outscored 31-17 in the quarter, allowing the Thunder to even up the Finals.Pacers star point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>, who dropped 10 of his 18 points and a pair of his seven assists in the second half, blamed himself for his team's offense getting held up."I got to do a better job. I got to do a better job of keeping pace in the game," Haliburton said, according to <a href="https://x.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1933737452629291216">Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints</a>. "I did a much better job at that in the last game, especially down the stretch: keeping pace, getting rebounds, and really pushing."I think we got to do a better job of when we do get stops, getting out and running. A lot of times in that fourth we were fouling too much, taking the ball out, having to kind of run something, versus just running the basketball. ... That's on me. I got to get us playing faster down the stretch. I'll be better in Game 5."Game 5 tips off Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 11: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Carlisle: Pacers became too stagnant in Game 4 loss to Thunder

The New York Knicks have finally lined up head coaching interviews.  The Knicks will interview fo...

The New York Knicks have finally lined up head coaching interviews.The Knicks will interview former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and veteran NBA bench boss Mike Brown sometime next week regarding their opening, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6425152/2025/06/13/knicks-coaching-search-taylor-jenkins-mike-brown/">The Athletic's James L. Edwards III</a>.New York will also soon reach out to teams to speak with assistants, Edwards reports.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Several teams reportedly rebuffed the Knicks' requests to interview their current head coaches in recent days. However, New York may circle back to two of those targets in the Chicago Bulls' Billy Donovan and the Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd if they don't sign extensions with their respective clubs in the coming weeks, Edwards reports.Jenkins was unexpectedly dismissed by Memphis toward the end of his sixth campaign with the franchise. The 40-year-old was fired with just nine games left in the regular season despite the Grizzlies sitting fifth in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record.Jenkins made three playoff trips with Memphis but topped out with a second-round series loss to the Golden State Warriors in 2022.Brown was 13-18 to start his third season with the Sacramento Kings when he was fired in late December. In 2023, he helped the franchise make the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, but they, too, were eliminated by the Warriors. The Kings haven't made the playoffs since.

INGLEWOOD, CA - MARCH 21: Head Coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on March 21, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Knicks to interview Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown

The Dallas Mavericks believe internally that Jason Kidd will remain with the team despite reporte...

The Dallas Mavericks believe internally that Jason Kidd will remain with the team despite reported interest in the head coach from the New York Knicks, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6417678/2025/06/10/jason-kidd-mavericks-knicks-head-coaching-job/">Christian Clark and Sam Amick of The Athletic</a>.Though the Knicks are apparently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3296767" href="https://thescore.com/news/3296767">considering</a> Kidd as a possible successor to Tom Thibodeau, Dallas reportedly continues to tell important personnel that the 52-year-old will be back on their bench in 2025-26. Veteran NBA coach Jay Triano, who on Tuesday accepted a role as an assistant with the Mavericks, was told by general manager Nico Harrison during their meetings that Kidd would be returning, a source told Clark and Amick.New York requested to interview Kidd on Wednesday but was firmly rejected by Dallas, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1932789585949405398">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kidd, whose contract has two seasons left, has coached Dallas for four years, leading them to two conference finals and a Finals appearance in 2024. He holds further historical significance to the franchise as the starting point guard of its 2011 championship squad, Dallas' only title in franchise history. Kidd played a combined seven seasons of his 19-year career with the Mavericks, winning Rookie of the Year in 1995 before returning for a second stint in a 2008 midseason trade from the New Jersey Nets.However, Kidd has left the Mavericks for the Knicks before. As a free agent late in his career in 2012, he reportedly reversed course on a commitment to re-sign in Dallas and instead signed with New York, which was attempting to build a contending roster around Carmelo Anthony. He's also familiar with Knicks All-Star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a>, whom he coached for one season in Dallas - the latter's final campaign with the Mavericks before signing a four-year deal worth more than $100 million with the Knicks in 2023.

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 11: Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks watches play in the second half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center on January 11, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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Report: Mavs confident Kidd will remain with team, spurn Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland underwent surgery Monday to address the toe injury that ...

Cleveland Cavaliers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> underwent surgery Monday to address the toe injury that bothered him during the postseason, the team announced.Garland's rehabilitation period will last approximately four-to-five months. The Cavs said they expect him to be cleared by the start of training camp in October. However, the point guard will likely miss the start of next season, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1932133813439926499">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.In Game 2 of Cleveland's first-round sweep of the Miami Heat, the two-time All-Star reportedly re-aggravated a pre-existing injury to his left great toe from late March. Garland's toe continued to bother him in their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers, forcing him to miss Games 1 and 2. He returned to help Kenny Atkinson's side win Game 3 - its only victory of the series - but admitted his movement was still severely limited.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Before sustaining the injury, Garland shot 10-of-17, including 5-of-9 from deep, as part of a 27-point, five-assist performance in Cleveland's Game 1 win over Miami.Garland averaged 20.6 points as Cleveland's second-leading scorer across 75 games - the most he's played in a regular season throughout his six-year career. He led the Cavs with 6.7 assists and posted shooting splits of 47.2/40.1/87.8, playing a significant role in their 64-win season. His contract with Cleveland is fully guaranteed through 2027-28.

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 9: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 9, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Garland likely to miss start of season after toe surgery

Despite his stunning game-winner to steal Game 1 of the NBA Finals on the road against the Oklaho...

Despite his stunning game-winner to steal Game 1 of the NBA Finals on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> cautioned his Indiana Pacers against using that performance as a benchmark if they want to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy."This game, if you look at all the numbers, it's not the recipe to win," Haliburton said after Thursday's 111-110 win. "We can't turn the ball over that much. We've got to do a better job at beating gaps, got to do a better job at rebounding, got to do a better job all over the floor."But come May and June, it doesn't matter how you get 'em - just get 'em. So, we'll take it, we'll enjoy this one ... but understand we've got another game coming up in this tough building and we've got to be prepared for that."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Indiana never led in Thursday's contest until Haliburton's mid-range pull-up over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110284" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110284">Cason Wallace</a> trickled through the Thunder's basket with 0.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter. It capped a 15-point comeback for the Pacers in the last 10 minutes of regulation - including a nine-point turnaround inside the final three minutes alone - continuing the Pacers' trend of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3291819" href="https://thescore.com/news/3291819">improbable comebacks</a> throughout their postseason run.However, Rick Carlisle's squad committed 19 turnovers in the first half alone and finished with 25 in the win, tying its season high in any game (regular season or playoffs, this season). It was also the most by any team in the Finals since 1998 when the Utah Jazz racked up 26 turnovers in a 96-54 blowout loss to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. That played into the hands of Oklahoma City, which caused opponents to turn it over a league-high 17 times per game during the regular season."There was never a disbelief as a group, honestly," Haliburton said postgame. "You have a half like that where you're just throwing the ball to the other team ... and we like controlled chaos but that was just chaos. Ugly."I think we as a group today, we got something like 20 turnovers in the first half. We only gave up ... I think it was nine points. That's not that bad if you think of it that way, try to look at it glass half full. I think as a group, we never think the game is over, ever. ... That never creeps in."

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 05: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Haliburton: Pacers' Game 1 'not the recipe to win' Finals

The Phoenix Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott to be their next head coach,...

The Phoenix Suns are hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott to be their next head coach, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45450487/sources-suns-hiring-cavs-assistant-jordan-ott-head-coach">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Ott was one of two finalists for the position alongside fellow Cavs assistant Johnnie Bryant.Like Bryant, Ott was one of several additions to the Cavaliers' staff this past season under Kenny Atkinson. Together, they helped Cleveland win 64 games and finish atop the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2016.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ott has never been a head coach in the NBA but has a lengthy resume in the league. His first role behind the bench was in 2012, when he worked as a video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks under Mike Budenholzer - the man he'll reportedly replace in Phoenix. In 2016, he took up his first gig as an assistant when he began a six-year stint with the Brooklyn Nets, during which he first worked under Atkinson. He was also an assistant on the Los Angeles Lakers during Darvin Ham's two-year window in charge.Suns star Devin Booker, who reportedly contributed to the team's coaching search in recent weeks, had Ott as his top choice for Phoenix's next head coach, sources told Charania.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 18: Summer League head coach Jordan Ott of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of a 2024 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 18, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 93-89.

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Report: Suns hiring Cavs assistant Ott as next head coach

The NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers will tip off Thursday. Here's...

The NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers will tip off Thursday. Here's a look at seven of the most intriguing storylines entering the championship series. <h3>SGA could be 1st in 10 years to win MVP, championship in same season</h3>The last regular-season MVP to win the NBA championship the same season was the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry in 2014-15. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is looking to accomplish the feat. He won MVP after leading the NBA in regular-season scoring with 32.7 points per game, and his success has carried into the postseason. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 steals in these playoffs and earned this year's Magic Johnson Trophy, given to the most valuable player in the Western Conference finals.Gilgeous-Alexander could also do what Curry couldn't in 2015: Get Finals MVP honors. Curry missed out thanks to the performance of Andre Iguodala. If SGA does it, he'd be just the 11th player in league history and first since LeBron James in 2012-13 to be named regular-season and Finals MVP in the same campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Haliburton shedding 'overrated' label</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787957/cropped_GettyImages-2217020321.jpg?ts=1748570013" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787957/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217020321.jpg?ts=1748570013 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787957/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217020321.jpg?ts=1748570013 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787957/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217020321.jpg?ts=1748570013 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787957/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217020321.jpg?ts=1748570013 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787957/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217020321.jpg?ts=1748570013 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty</figcaption></figure>An anonymous player poll conducted by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6296394/2025/04/22/anonymous-nba-player-poll-2025-mvp-sga-jokic-analytics/">The Athletic</a> in April singled out Tyrese Haliburton as the most "overrated" player in the league. It's worth mentioning that only 90 players cast a vote, so even with 14.4% of the vote, that translates to only 12 individuals or so who felt a certain way about the Pacers star. Still, those unidentified dozen are very likely regretting their answer now.Haliburton's immediate response to the poll was a 21-point, 12-rebound performance to beat the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of Round 1. Now, he's leading Indiana to its first Finals in a quarter-century after a historic 32-point triple-double with zero turnovers in Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Puma, with which he's signed, <a href="https://x.com/NickDePaula/status/1928091702717239477">unveiled</a> an "Overrate That" T-shirt in the aftermath of that ridiculous stat line.<h3>The best Thunder team of all time?</h3>Despite the limitations that come with playing in a smaller market, like less national coverage and difficulty attracting free agents, the Thunder have boasted an absurd assortment of talent since they took root in Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season. Their short-lived Big Three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden made the Finals in 2012 and has represented the peak of Thunder basketball.Mark Daigneault's current squad will probably unseat the Big Three era as the best in Thunder history. On paper, there aren't many sides that could slow down that old OKC group, but the defensive acumen sprinkled throughout this year's roster would likely provide an edge against Durant and Co. Even if the Thunder fall just short of a title again this time around, general manager Sam Presti, who also assembled the teams around Durant, will likely keep this core together for much longer after the ostensible mistake of prematurely trading Harden in 2012.<h3>Turner playing for free-agent payday</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785207/cropped_GettyImages-2214601673.jpg?ts=1748900846" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785207/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214601673.jpg?ts=1748900846 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785207/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214601673.jpg?ts=1748900846 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785207/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214601673.jpg?ts=1748900846 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785207/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214601673.jpg?ts=1748900846 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785207/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214601673.jpg?ts=1748900846 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Myles Turner is not only trying to win his first NBA championship, but he's also looking to boost his value before entering free agency this offseason. The 6-foot-11 big man could cash in with a massive deal in this summer's relatively weak free-agent class. Turner has been the anchor of the Pacers' defense for most of the last seven seasons. He's led the league in blocks twice (2018-19, 2020-21) during that span and is averaging a team-high 2.4 blocks per game this postseason.The 29-year-old is also averaging 15.2 points per game in the playoffs, third on Indiana. Turner excels on the perimeter despite his large frame; he shot a career-high 39.6% from deep during the regular season and has followed that up with a 40.3% mark in the postseason.<h3>Carlisle seeks 2nd underdog triumph</h3>Somewhat lost amid three dominant series victories over the Bucks, 64-win Cleveland Cavaliers, and Knicks is head coach Rick Carlisle marching into his second NBA Finals. The 65-year-old, who helmed the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 during their only title run in franchise history, has prepared Indiana to perfection throughout this postseason. His adjustments after setbacks have been critical, too; the Pacers are 4-0 in games after losses this postseason, during which they've averaged over 121 points and a margin of victory of 18.Against Oklahoma City, Carlisle finds himself in a similar predicament to his 2011 triumph. Few expected those Mavericks to topple the Miami Heat's vaunted Big Three, much like how many are <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-finals-predictions-pacers-thunder">predicting</a> the Thunder will brush aside the Pacers. However, that may be just the kind of Finals backdrop Carlisle prefers.<h3>Canadians taking over Finals</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788037/cropped_GettyImages-2210916911.jpg?ts=1748620978" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788037/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210916911.jpg?ts=1748620978 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788037/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210916911.jpg?ts=1748620978 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788037/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210916911.jpg?ts=1748620978 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788037/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210916911.jpg?ts=1748620978 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788037/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210916911.jpg?ts=1748620978 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Joe Murphy / NBA / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Canada will have strong representation in these NBA Finals. Four Canadian-born players will compete in the series: Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort for the Thunder, and Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard on the Pacers. The separate duos are each looking to become the 11th and 12th Canadians to win an NBA title. No matter who wins, this will be the fourth consecutive year that a Canadian becomes a champion.The series also serves as an Olympic preview with the SGA-Haliburton matchup. Gilgeous-Alexander is a lock to be the star of Canada for the next decade at least, and Haliburton's widely expected to take the reins from Stephen Curry as the USA's starting guard in the near future. A battle between these two All-Stars could become a regular thing in the NBA and the Summer Games.<h3>OKC's home-court advantage </h3>What the Thunder have done at home this postseason is absurd. They've been practically untouchable throughout the playoffs, going 8-1 at Paycom Center and beating opponents by an average margin of 24.6 points.The Thunder have won five home games these playoffs by 25-plus points, and four of those were by 30-plus. They hit the ground running with a 51-point beatdown of the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of the first round. Game 1 of the Finals takes place June 5, exactly one month since the Thunder last lost a home contest.

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Biggest storylines to follow during NBA Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott are the finalists in the Phoenix Sun...

Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott are the finalists in the Phoenix Suns' head coaching search, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45435950/sources-cavaliers-bryant-ott-finalists-suns-coaching-job">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The two will reportedly meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and new general manager Brian Gregory sometime this week. A final decision is expected soon after, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Gambo987/status/1929575500822822966">John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM</a>.Bryant and Ott both joined the Cavaliers in September as Kenny Atkinson filled out his staff ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Bryant was named associate head coach after four seasons in the same role with the New York Knicks. Ott was an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers for two years after six with the Brooklyn Nets, four of which were under Atkinson.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With both supporting Atkinson on the Cavaliers' bench, Cleveland topped the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record - the second-best regular-season finish in franchise history. The Cavs also boasted the league's best offensive rating at 121 points per 100 possessions, and their 111.8 defensive rating ranked eighth in the NBA. Atkinson was named Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season.Ott was a video coordinator from 2008-2013 under Tom Izzo at Michigan State, Ishbia's alma mater. Gregory, who was promoted to Suns GM in May, also spent time with the Spartans, working as an assistant to Izzo in two separate four-year stints. Bryant played three seasons at Utah from 2005-08 before joining the Jazz as a player development assistant in 2012.Suns star Devin Booker, who was born in Michigan, has contributed to the team's search within the last 10 days, Charania reports.Phoenix reportedly cast a wide net as it searched for a successor to Mike Budenholzer, whom they fired after just one season in which they went 36-46. Current Suns assistant David Fizdale and New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3287790" href="https://thescore.com/news/3287790">reportedly</a> among several other candidates for the opening.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 9: Head Coach Johnnie Bryant and Assistant Coach Jordan Ott looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 3 on May 9, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Suns coaching search down to Cavs assistants Bryant, Ott

The Utah Jazz hired Austin Ainge to be their president of basketball operations, the team announc...

The Utah Jazz hired Austin Ainge to be their president of basketball operations, the team announced Monday.Ainge was previously the assistant general manager for the Boston Celtics. He's the son of the Jazz's CEO, Danny Ainge, who retired from his top-level role in Boston's front office in June 2021 and joined Utah six months later.The younger Ainge's first role in the Celtics' front office was in 2011 when he was named director of player personnel following stints as a scout and a G League head coach. He was Boston's assistant GM for the last six seasons, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45434542/jazz-hire-celtics-austin-ainge-president-basketball-ops">ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Shams Charania</a>. The franchise won its 18th championship in 2024 after an unsuccessful Finals appearance in 2021.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jazz governor Ryan Smith said the new hire will have final say on team decisions, according to <a href="https://x.com/NBASarah/status/1929652717531914541">Sarah Todd of the Deseret News</a>. He added that it was his call to pry Austin from the Celtics."It's go time for us: Will (Hardy) is locked in long term, and I've known Austin for a really long time, and he's the next, young executive stud," Smith told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45434542/jazz-hire-celtics-austin-ainge-president-basketball-ops">Bontemps and Charania</a>. "He wasn't going to be available much longer. It's good timing on all parts."As I look out into the future, there's no one I would rather have run this organization than Austin. His pedigree, his knowledge and his talent evaluation shined through, working with DA for so long and having the trust of Brad (Stevens) all of these years. Austin has the full capabilities to run our operations - he's methodical, diligent and just brilliant."Like his dad, the younger Ainge played four college seasons at BYU from 2003 to 2007. He started in 53 of 101 total games for the Cougars, averaging 6.6 points, 3.5 assists, and shooting 40.2% from three while helping the school make the NCAA Tournament as a senior.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Danny Ainge CEO of Basketball Operations for the Utah Jazz and Austin Ainge Director of Player Personnel for the Boston Celtics smile and look on during the 2022 NBA Summer League on July 9, 2022 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE

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Jazz hire former Celtics executive Austin Ainge as team president

The Toronto Raptors may be a preferred destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Milwaukee Buc...

The Toronto Raptors may be a preferred destination for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> if the Milwaukee Bucks star requests a trade this summer.There's a mutual interest shared between the Raptors and the nine-time All-Star, according to the <a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/doug-smiths-sports-blog/raptors-mailbag-shai-gilgeous-alexander-vs-steve-nash-and-the-case-to-trade-for-giannis/article_9d14661b-c351-443e-ad2e-c8e22723ecea.html#:~:text=I%20don%E2%80%99t%20know%20if%20it%20will%20happen%20but%20I%20do%20know%20there%20is%20mutual%20interest%20between%20Antetokounmpo%20and%20the%20Raptors.%20The%20wild%20card%20is%20the%20cost.">Toronto Star's Doug Smith</a>, who posits that Toronto could entice Milwaukee with a trade package featuring some of its young players, as well as considerable draft compensation.Antetokounmpo has yet to make any decisions about his long-term future following Milwaukee's five-game, first-round series loss to the Indiana Pacers in late April. The Greek Freak is expected to sit down with Bucks ownership this offseason, but that meeting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3292254" href="https://thescore.com/news/3292254">reportedly</a> had yet to happen as of Tuesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toronto, meanwhile, is supposedly hunting for a blockbuster acquisition. Teams around the league are under the belief that the Raptors are gearing up to try to trade for a "big fish" this summer, <a href="https://youtu.be/O0pe4YsI8qY?t=1314">ESPN's Brian Windhorst</a> said Sunday on "The Hoop Collective" podcast. However, it's unclear if Antetokounmpo is a priority for the Raptors' front office.Antetokounmpo is under contract through 2027-28, a season in which he'll hold an estimated $62.3-million player option. However, he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3284641" href="https://thescore.com/news/3284641">reportedly</a> signaled in May that he's now open to considering his best fits outside Milwaukee with the Bucks in a difficult situation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> will likely miss a substantial portion of next season after tearing his Achilles in the Pacers series, potentially hamstringing Milwaukee's ability to be competitive in 2025-26.Further complicating matters is that a host of key Bucks rotation players could leave this summer. Veteran center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/300" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/300">Brook Lopez</a> and shooting guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60234" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60234">Gary Trent Jr.</a> are impending free agents, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30845">Bobby Portis</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11120">Pat Connaughton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70216" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70216">Kevin Porter Jr.</a> all have player options.

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks holds Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Report: Raptors, Giannis share mutual interest

Myles Turner believes the superteam era may be over.  After helping his Indiana Pacers defeat the...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37711" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37711">Myles Turner</a> believes the superteam era may be over.After helping his Indiana Pacers defeat the New York Knicks on Saturday to win the Eastern Conference finals, the center cited similarities in roster construction and play style between the Pacers and their NBA Finals opponents, the Oklahoma City Thunder."It's a new blueprint for the league," Turner said, according to <a href="https://x.com/curlyfro/status/1929023439127404760">The Athletic's Shakeia Taylor</a>. "I think the years of the super teams ... it's not as effective as it once was.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The new trend now is just kind of what we're doing. OKC does the same thing. Young guys who get out and run and use the power of friendship."Oklahoma City and Indiana were among the top turnover punishers during the regular season, with the Thunder averaging a league-best 21.8 points per game off turnovers and the Pacers' 18.3 ranking 12th. Indiana was slightly more effective in transition, registering 17.5 fast-break points per contest (fifth in the NBA) to the Thunder's 16.1.However, both sides were adept at limiting those opportunities for opponents; the Thunder and Pacers held teams to just 12.3 and 13.2 fast-break points per game, respectively - the two best marks in the league.One of the multiple roster construction parallels between the sides involves franchise stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>.The two point guards were acquired via trade after brief stints with their first NBA teams. Gilgeous-Alexander played his rookie year with the Los Angeles Clippers before being sent to Oklahoma City in 2019. Haliburton, meanwhile, arrived in Indiana midway through his 2021-22 sophomore campaign after he'd played just 109 games in one-and-a-half seasons with the Sacramento Kings.Philadelphia 76ers wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> had a significant role in the construction of both Finals contestants. After seven seasons in Indiana, George was traded to Oklahoma City for guard Victor Oladipo and center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a>. Two years later, the Clippers acquired George in the deal that sent Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City, while the Pacers flipped Sabonis to the Kings in the six-player swap that landed them Haliburton.Both franchises also took a leap with defensively skilled trade acquisitions in 2024. The Thunder pried <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25024" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25024">Alex Caruso</a> from the Chicago Bulls last June, while Indiana landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> from the Toronto Raptors six months earlier in a three-team deal. Both Siakam and Caruso led their respective squads in defensive rating this regular season among players with at least 600 minutes.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 29: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder Paycom Center on March 29, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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