Category: Basketball

OKLAHOMA CITY — For three and a half quarters, Game 5 had some Game 1 vibes. Oklahoma City was the better, more aggressive team; their defense was smothering, and they rediscovered their 3-point shot. Still, the Thunder could not pull away, and while the lead reached 18 at one point in the second quarter, the Pacers just kept hanging around within striking distance.

Then, behind an epic T.J. McConnell 13-point quarter, the Pacers cut the lead to two in the third and waves of concern washed over the Paycom Center. Thunder fans had seen this movie before and did not enjoy the ending.

Two things kept this from being Game 1.

First, Tyrese Haliburton tweaked his calf in the first half and was not the player who could cap off a comeback. Haliburton slipped on a second-quarter drive and appeared to aggravate his left calf, the same one that had him limping slightly after Game 2. He left the game, went back to the locker room, came out about five minutes later and eventually returned to the court, playing 34 minutes on the night. Still, after he came back, it looked like he had trouble pushing off with his right leg.

"He's not 100%, it's pretty clear," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said postgame. "But I don't think he's going to miss the next game. We were concerned at halftime, and he insisted on playing. I thought he made a lot of really good things happen in the second half. But he's not 100%."

Haliburton was not limping after the game, walking into his press conference.

"It's the Finals, man. I've worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete," Haliburton said. "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."

Haliburton said this injury, whatever the medical definition, was in the same spot as the injury he suffered in Game 2, but he didn't know if they were related. They likely are. Indiana will need more out of him come Game 6 on Thursday. Haliburton finished the night with four points on 0-of-6 shooting, all his points came from the free throw line.

The second reason Game 5 was not a redo of Game 1: This was Jalen Williams' best game of the playoffs. The Thunder's No. 2 option was their best player Monday night, scoring 40 points.

The result was a 120-109 Oklahoma City win that has the Thunder one win away from their first championship (we're not counting the Seattle one in these parts). Indiana heads home for a must-win Game 6 on Thursday back in Indianapolis.

Indiana may need more Haliburton in that game, but it also needs to take better care of the ball — Indiana had 23 turnovers that led to 32 Oklahoma City points.

"That's the game. We've got to do a heck of a lot better there," Carlisle said.

The Pacers did get a lift from Pascal Siakam, who scored 28 and took over Indy's scoring in the fourth quarter, scoring nine of their first 12.

"I think we didn't make the necessary plays at the right time," Siakam said of the Pacers' offense in the clutch. "Some rebounding or turnovers there that they converted into buckets. They made some tough shots. Tough shots after tough shots in those moments. We weren't able to get anything really going offensively at that point."

Oklahoma City got another big night from their MVP, who scored 31 points with 10 assists, and he got to the line 14 times.

This felt like the Thunder's night from the start. OKC came out and forced four quick turnovers that became six points, and they started out shooting 8-of-8 at the rim, plus on top of all that their defensive rotations are sharp. All of that pushed the Thunder out to a 10-point lead midway through the first. Those trends continued for much of the first, but that Game 1 vibe was alive early as the Thunder could not pull away. The Pacers made some plays, the Thunder missed some shots, and it was a 10-point OKC lead, 32-22, after one quarter.

The second quarter continued the trend of the Thunder looking like the better team, largely due to their ability to drive to the rim — scoring 22 first-half points in the paint — which led to kick-out open 3s. The Thunder shot 8-of-17 from 3 in the first half of Game 5, one game after going 3-of-16 in all of Game 4.

Then there was the OKC defense. The best sign of how well the Thunder were locking up the Pacers was not the turnovers: The average Pacers possession took 15.7 seconds in the first half, much longer than they want (usually around 12.5 seconds).

Even with Haliburton not himself, the Pacers were still the Pacers and cut the Thunder lead to seven behind a monster third quarter from T.J. McConnell, who scored 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the frame.

In the fourth, the Pacers got the lead down to two, but without Haliburton not himself, Indiana couldn't close the deal. The Thunder went on a 21-8 run, and that was the ballgame.

Oklahoma City has a chance to celebrate an NBA championship on their opponent's floor, but if we know one thing, it's that the Pacers will not go away.

There is no offseason in the NBA. Before the Finals have even ended, we already have a blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. That deal also slightly altered mock drafts, with pick 16 heading to Memphis, giving the Grizzlies a first-round pick.

That doesn’t guarantee that they’ll hold that pick; they could certainly swing it to another team over the next nine days before the draft begins. Every rumor has indicated that this will be a busy offseason, so it isn’t surprising that it got started early.

The official draft withdrawal date has officially passed, and a few international prospects, such as Neoklis Avdalas, Ben Henshall, and Momo Faye, withdrew and will reportedly evaluate their options for next season to help improve their stock ahead of the 2026 draft. That leaves the depth of this draft even thinner.

Still, there is a ton of talent at the top, and this is how our team thinks the 2025 draft will go with a little over a week before it begins on June 25.

Round 1

1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

For all the talk about Flagg's high ceiling coming into this draft — MVP candidate, top-five player in the league for a stretch — what's more important is his high floor. That starts with the fact that Flagg is a high-motor, competitive defender whose rim-protecting skills have always been his strength. Flagg is likely a multi-time All-Star at worst. That's what makes his selection such a no-brainer. - Kurt Helin, NBC Sports

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

The obvious choice here for the Spurs is Harper, even if they have multiple talented guards on the roster. He’s just that good. It’ll be interesting to see how head coach Mitch Johnson utilizes Harper in the rotation with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but Harper has too much upside as a prospect for San Antonio to pass on. He will form a dangerous duo with Victor Wembanyama that could last for at least a decade. - Noah Rubin, Rotoworld

3. Philadelphia 76ers

V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor

In the eyes of many, the draft begins with the 76ers at No. 3. While Philadelphia may move down in the draft, staying put could net the team an attractive piece for the future. Rutgers' Ace Bailey is a possibility, but so is the ultra-athletic Edgecombe, who would provide a dimension the current 76ers' perimeter rotation lacks. The 6-foot-5 guard does not need the ball in his hands to be impactful on offense, and defensively, he's a high-level competitor. Edgecombe does need to become a more efficient offensive player, but Philadelphia has the talent to compensate for that. - Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld

4. Charlotte Hornets

Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

The Hornets need more talent. A lot more talent. Bailey has the second-highest ceiling of any player in this draft with the build and look at times of a prototypical NBA wing. If he can be that guy and thrive in the spacing of the NBA game — and playing off LaMelo Ball — the Hornets may have a key piece of the future. - Helin

5. Utah Jazz

Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma

The Jazz have experimented with multiple point guards in recent years, and while Isaiah Collier had a strong rookie year, he wasn’t good enough for Utah to avoid drafting another lead ball handler. Fears’ efficiency was an issue during his lone season at Oklahoma, but he was productive in a high-usage role in a tough conference after enrolling a year early. The 18-year-old has the potential to solve the point guard problem for the Jazz. - Rubin

6. Washington Wizards

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

While the Wizards did select Alexandre Sarr with the second overall pick in last year's draft, he's more of a modern big who likes to spend equal time on the perimeter and in the paint. Therefore, adding Maluach would not be an issue if he's still on the board. Just 18 years old, the 7-foot-2 center out of Duke is excellent in the paint on both ends of the floor. Maluach will need time to develop, which should not be an issue for a Wizards franchise that fully embraced a rebuild last season. - Johnson

7. New Orleans Pelicans

Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Whatever the Pelicans roster looks like after Joe Dumars is done tinkering with it this summer, it will need more shooting and guard depth. Knueppel fills those roles. Shooting is his strength — he hit 40.6 percent of his three-pointers last season for the Blue Devils — and he can do some secondary shot creation, while also being a solid defender. He can step right in and give Willie Green some minutes. - Helin

8. Brooklyn Nets

Tre Johnson, G, Texas

This is just the start of a long rebuild for Brooklyn, and Johnson would be an excellent piece to add. He is one of the best shooters and scorers in the draft and will immediately provide the Nets with a potential franchise player. He’ll have a chance to develop other aspects of his game over the next few seasons, but the scoring should be there from day one. Though Flagg will be the heavy favorite, Johnson would be a dark horse candidate to win Rookie of the Year in a situation like Brooklyn. - Rubin

9. Toronto Raptors

Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Current starting center Jakob Poeltl has one guaranteed season remaining on his current contract, with a player option for 2026-27. While teams don't usually go for need in the draft, this is a spot where the Raptors can do so while also getting the best available player on the board. Queen is a versatile big who boasts a polished offensive skill set that still has ample room for growth. His perimeter shot improved late in his lone season at Maryland, and there's also the ability to facilitate for others. Queen does need to improve defensively, but having Poeltl will give the Raptors time to develop the rookie on that end of the floor. - Johnson

10. Houston Rockets (via PHX)

Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

The Rockets are expected to extend Fred VanVleet this summer, but they need some point guard depth behind him and Jakucionis can be that guy. He's a strong floor general who understands how to run an offense, is a creative passer, and averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game last season. Ultimately, how good he is depends on his shooting and defense, but he's going to be in the NBA for a long time. - Helin

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm, France

Essengue is still playing for Ratiopharm Ulm right now, so he wasn’t able to attend the NBA Draft Combine. However, he had some measurements done recently that put him at 6-10 without shoes on, which is a bit taller than expected, along with nearly a 7-1 wingspan. He’s not a ball-dominant player, and he does a little bit of everything else, which will help him fit in right away with Portland’s young core. He will provide them with another formidable perimeter defender on the wing, and Scoot Henderson should be able to find him for some easy shots at the rim. If the Trail Blazers want to turn a corner this year, Essengue can contribute immediately, but he also won’t turn 19 years old until December. - Rubin

12. Chicago Bulls

Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina

With long-time starter Nikola Vucevic and backup Zach Collins both entering the final season of their respective contracts, there may be an added sense of urgency to add a young big to the fold. The Bulls can do that here by selecting Murray-Boyles, a versatile frontcourt player who can be used at power forward or center. The basketball IQ, tenacity and defensive ability help compensate for Murray-Boyles' lack of height, and the Bulls have the scorers (and in Vucevic, a floor-spacer) needed to cover for his limited perimeter shooting. - Johnson

13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)

Danny Wolf, F, Michigan

Onyeka Okongwu is the starting center in Atlanta, and with Clint Capela almost certainly gone via free agency, the Hawks want some depth at the five. Wolf gives them that. He has a strong feel for the game with guard-like passing skills. He may not defend well enough (or be explosive enough as an athlete) to be a starting five, but he has an NBA role. - Helin

14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)

Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Bryant has been a late riser in this class, and there is a decent chance he goes earlier than this when the draft rolls around next week. However, San Antonio would be thrilled if the board fell like this. Bryant didn’t play a large role at Arizona, but the upside here is tremendous, especially on defense. With Wembanyama healthy, the Spurs will be looking to return to the playoffs next season. Bryant has the ability to contribute early on defensively, with upside to turn into much, much more. - Rubin

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)

Egor Demin, G, BYU

Do the Thunder need another point guard? Probably not, especially with 2024 first-round pick Nikola Topic due to be available after sitting out this season with a torn ACL. However, Demin is the best available player on the board, and he has the size to play multiple positions. How successful he is at the NBA level will depend on his perimeter shot, which needs a lot of work. The good news here is that Oklahoma City has enough talent to remain patient in developing Demin. - Johnson

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL)

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Memphis has this pick as one of the stunning four first-round picks it got in the Desmond Bane trade. That trade also gave the Grizzlies good guard depth (with the additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony), so they may look for more help along the front line. Sorber is a bit undersized for an NBA center (6-9) but his 7-6 wingspan and strong NBA build will allow him to play inside, and he has a good feel for the game. - Helin

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)

Cedric Coward, G, Washington State

Coward only played six games last season before a torn labrum ended his year early. He committed to transfer to Duke next season, but his name rose up draft boards, and he opted to forego another year in college. Based on the number of other players that opted to return to school and enjoy NIL money while improving their draft stock, Coward wouldn’t have done that if he wasn’t going in the first round. He boasts a 7-2 wingspan, and he’s a knockdown shooter. He should immediately provide Minnesota with yet another two-way wing. - Rubin

18. Washington Wizards (via MEM)

Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State

Considered by some to be a lottery pick early in the pre-draft process, Richardson's measurements at the combine negatively impacted how he's viewed in some circles. While he does not possess the size most teams prefer off-ball scorers to have, the former Michigan State standout has the offensive skill set required of a combo guard. While the Wizards added Bub Carrington to the mix in last year's draft, the team is still in rebuilding mode. And if Richardson is available here, Washington would be hard-pressed to leave him on the board. - Johnson

19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)

Liam McNeeley, G/F, Connecticut

The Nets head into the draft needing... everything. McNeeley thrived at Montverde Academy (on the same team as Flagg and Queen) but was pushed into a role as a primary shot creator for Dan Hurley and the Huskies, which was not a fit. The Nets are betting he can return to his high school form and be part of their wing rotation. - Helin

20. Miami Heat (via GSW)

Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State

Every year, it feels like there is a pick that is a match made in heaven for the Heat. It usually ends up being a tough, two-way player who can contribute immediately. Clifford feels like that guy this year. At 23 years old, he doesn’t have the same room for growth that some of the other players in this class do, but he should be at least a rotation piece from day one, with the upside to start as a rookie. Miami isn’t going to kickstart a rebuild this year, and adding Clifford will help them improve the roster. - Rubin

21. Utah Jazz (via MIN)

Maxime Raynaud, F/C, Stanford

The 7-1 Raynaud is one of the most skilled big men in this draft class. During his time at Stanford, the All-ACC center showed off the ability to score from all over the floor, and his rebounding improved as his career progressed. While the Jazz appear to have their center of the future in Walker Kessler, he's not the most skilled big man offensively. Adding Raynaud would give Utah a floor-spacer in the frontcourt, especially if they were to move John Collins via trade. - Johnson

22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija, France

As noted above when I had them drafting Wolf out of Michigan, the Hawks need depth at the five. Beringer is more of a long-term bet. He showed potential as a shot-blocking, rim-running big in the Adriatic League last season, but he's a project. Atlanta is betting on its player development skills here. - Helin

23. Indiana Pacers

Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia

Once unanimously considered to be a lottery talent, the opinions on Newell have changed. He can still be a phenomenal player, but he may need the right situation for that to happen. Indiana feels like the perfect place for that. He’s not much of a shot creator, but the Pacers’ style of play will get him easy looks. He’s not a great defender, but he’ll have Myles Turner behind him to clean things up. Newell also fills some gaps for the Pacers as a backup center that can also spend time at power forward if they want him to. - Rubin

24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)

Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin, France

Initially projected to be a lock for the draft lottery, Traore's limited perimeter shooting is an issue for some draftniks. However, he's a quick point guard who can be a high-level playmaker for others, provided he keeps the turnovers in check. Oklahoma City certainly doesn't need another point guard, but Traore on the board at this point could be too enticing to pass up. - Johnson

25. Orlando Magic (via DEN)

Will Riley, G/F, Illinois

While Orlando moved into a "win now" mode by trading for Bane, Riley is the best player on the board and a bet by the Magic on their player development and long-term success. The Magic believe in the Riley we saw score 22 points on 12 shots in a win against Xavier in the NCAA tournament (and ignore the times he faded into the background of games this season). - Helin

26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK)

Drake Powell, G, UNC

The Nets have a ton of needs, but with Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe on the roster, they do have some centers with upside. That’s why it isn’t an issue for them to select wings with three of their four first-round picks, even if they opt to address different positions on draft night. Powell played a limited role at North Carolina after entering as a five-star freshman, but he boasts a 7-0 wingspan and a 43-inch vertical. He still has upside as a creator on offense, but it was his 37.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc and his defensive prowess that make him a strong selection for the Nets. - Rubin

27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida

The Nets have embraced the rebuild, and point guard is a position of need, regardless of what happens with D'Angelo Russell in free agency. So, why not add a point guard who led his team to a national title and can make plays for himself and others? Despite being considered by some to be a bit small for an NBA point guard, Clayton would fit that mold. There's room for him to grow as a finisher, but adding a quality leader with a championship pedigree can work out well for a rebuilding franchise. - Johnson

28. Boston Celtics

Hugo Gonzalez, G/F, Real Madrid, Spain

The Celtics can afford to be patient (not like anyone they were going to draft here was going to come into this veteran team and make a big impact). Gonzalez has good size and feel for the game, and shows real promise as a defender, he has the kind of game that would fit well on the Celtics (or Pacers, or a lot of deep teams), but the question is his shot. He hit just 29 percent from deep last season. Don't be surprised if he spends another year in Spain working on that before coming over. - Helin

29: Phoenix Suns (via CLE)

Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s

This would be quite the steal for Phoenix. He didn’t create much in college, but the 6-9 forward has a 7-5 wingspan and shot 39 percent from deep. The Suns don’t have much of their own draft capital over the next five years, so even if they acquire picks in exchange for Kevin Durant, there is no incentive for them to rebuild. Fleming may not have All-Star upside, but he can be a star in his role for Phoenix, which would be an excellent pick for them at the end of the first round. - Rubin

30. Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Clippers are in a good spot regarding the starting center role, as Ivica Zubac is coming off the best season of his career. But there is a need for a backup, and Kalkbrenner can certainly offer value. Three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he made strides as a rebounder and defender during his time in college. Kalkbrenner will need to improve his strength and mobility, but there will be time for him to develop playing on a team that's already set at the center position. - Johnson

Round 2:

31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda, F, Le Mans, France

32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Kam Jones, G, Marquette

33. Charlotte Hornets: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas

34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOR): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State

35. Philadelphia 76ers: Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao, China

36. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm, Israel

37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Bogoljub Marković, F, KK Mega Basket, Serbia

38. San Antonio Spurs: Alex Toohey, F, Sydney Kings

39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest

40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke

41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Amari Williams, C, Kentucky

42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): John Tonje, F, Wisconsin

43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee

44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets

45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Johni Broome, C, Auburn

46. Orlando Magic: Alijah Martin, G, Florida

47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga

48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Javon Small, G, West Virginia

50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Koby Brea, G/F, Kentucky

51. Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN): Sion James, G, Duke

52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Kobe Sanders, G/F, Nevada

53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Dink Pate, F, Mexico City

54. Indiana Pacers: Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown

55. Los Angeles Lakers: Mark Sears, G, Alabama

56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis, G/F, St. John’s

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Eric Dixon, F, Villanova

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lachlan Olbrich, F/C, Illawarra Hawks

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson

OKLAHOMA CITY — There is an easy narrative heading into Game 5 of a 2-2 NBA Finals: Can Indiana bounce back from the kind of crushing fourth-quarter comeback loss it has handed so many other teams?

Of course they can — if there is one thing these Finals should have made clear, it's that the Pacers are tough.

"I think we've just got to move on. That's something that we've been good at..." Pascal Siakam said of his team. "I don't look at anything in life as like a missed opportunity. I always know that there's something coming up. You've just got to believe and move on to the next and do everything that we've been doing to get to where we're at today."

However, those Pacers now have to win another game on the road against the physicality and intensity of Oklahoma City on its home court. Indiana's first chance is Game 5, and here are four things to look for in this critical matchup.

Pacers lean into Pascal Siakam

With the intensity and physicality of Oklahoma City's defense taking the flow out of Indiana's offense for stretches, Pascal Siakam has become critical. He is one of only a couple of Pacers who create their own shot in isolation, most get those buckets out of the flow of the offense. It's when that flow breaks down that they turn to Siakam.

Siakam started hot and scored 20 points on 15 shots through three quarters of Game 4, but took just one shot in the fourth quarter, a 3-pointer.

"That can't happen," Pacers Rick Carlisle said. "He is a guy that if we are not playing through him, he needs to touch the ball more."

If Indiana is going to take Game 5 on the road, it's going to have to be a big Siakam night.

3-point shooting variance

We could have said this about roughly 1,000 NBA games this season, but it's especially true in a series like this one, won on the margins:

Making 3-pointers is critical.

Through the first three games, the team with the better 3-point shooting percentage won. The best example was Game 1, where the Pacers shot 46.2% from 3-point range, keeping them close enough to come back and win the game in the end.

Game 4 was different. Oklahoma City shot just 18.8% from 3-point range, but took only 16 shots — they focused on getting into the paint, attacking, and drawing fouls. Indiana attempted 36 3-pointers, with 34 of those being "open" or "wide open" under the NBA's tracking designations, and the Pacers made just 10 of them. That's 29.4% on good looks.

It feels rather simplistic to say "the team that makes its 3s will win," but that is also true.

Alex Caruso’s bigger role for Thunder

Alex Caruso averaged less than 20 minutes a game for Oklahoma City this season, playing more than 30 minutes just twice, and that was by design. The goal was to keep him healthy and fresh so he could be there for the critical moments in the playoffs.

The Finals are as critical as moments get and Caruso has played more than 30 minutes in each of the last two games, and he has scored 20 points in two of the last three games, in addition to his stellar defense.

" I haven't talked about being conservative with him at all this time of year," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I think this is the time you've got to do everything you can to try to win the games and pull out all the stops. That's been the mentality. He's been great."
The extra days off during the NBA Finals have helped, but this is the time Caruso wants that extra run.

"These are the games you are judged on," he said on the eve of Game 5. "You can win 68 games like we did, and you lose in the first round and everybody is going to be like, oh, they won 68 they but lost in the first round...

"This is the time of the year that I live for. This is the time of the year where games matter, stakes are high, wins and losses are more important."

Chet Holmgren vs. Myles Turner

Myles Turner has been relatively quiet over the past couple of games for Indiana, which is understandable, as he has played through an illness that has limited him.

"I'm all right. No excuses this time of year, it is what it is," Turner said Sunday. "People get sick all the time. You can't stop the train from rolling. Take it for what it is, take my medicine and get rolling."
Turner had nine points and two rebounds in Game 3, although he made his presence felt with five blocks, including a couple of key ones to stall out Thunder threats late. Then it was 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting and two rebounds in Game 4.

At the same time, Chet Holmgren has looked increasingly comfortable on the Finals stage and taken on a larger and larger role for the Thunder.

If Indiana is going to win two of three and take this series, it's going to need a big Turner game or two. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are the heartbeat of the Pacers' attack, but it needs Turner to outplay Holmgren — like he did in Game 1 of the series — to help get that critical road win.

The 2025 NBA Finals return to Paycom Center in Oklahoma City as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder host Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers in Game 5. Tip-off is at 8:30 PM ET tonight on ABC.

RELATED: Pacers vs. Thunder Game 5 Predictions - Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for June 16

The series is now tied 2-2 after OKC’s 111-104 victory on Friday night. The Pacers opened up with an aggressive start, scoring 20 points in the first five minutes of play. They built an early lead, but the Thunder continued to answer back.

Oklahoma City trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter, but Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up, scoring 15 points in the final four minutes to lead the Thunder to victory.

"I knew what it would have looked like if we lost tonight, and I didn't want to go out not swinging — not doing everything within my power and my control to try to win the game," said Gilgeous-Alexander.

"The guys deserve that much from me."

Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 league MVP, finished with 35 points. Jalen Williams added 27 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 14 points and a team-high of 15 rebounds.

"We got stagnant. Their second shots were a big problem, when you're unable to rebound, it's hard to continue to play with pace and tempo," said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle.

"We're going to have to dig in, circle the wagons, and come back stronger on Monday. This was a big disappointment, but there's three games left."

Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 20 points in the loss. Haliburton finished with 18, while Obi Toppin scored 17.

RELATED:With minutes left before their title dreams faded, Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder’s biggest stars stepped up

How much does home-court advantage matter to players in the NBA Finals?

Indiana fed off the crowd during its Game 3 win, but players will say the advantage is more about the comfort of routines at home.

• Kurt Helin,

• Kurt Helin,

How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Game 5:

• Date: Tonight, Monday, June 16
• Time: 8:30 PM ET
• Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OK
• TV Channel: ABC

RELATED:Pacers’ Rick Carlisle defends referee Scott Foster in wake of fan criticism

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Preview: 2025 NBA Finals prediction, schedule, who to watch

The Thunder come in as heavy favorites, but we also have some best bets to consider this series.

• Kurt Helin,

• Kurt Helin,

When is Game 5 of the NBA Finals?

Monday, June 16, at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.

What channel is the Thunder vs Pacers game on?

The Thunder vs Pacers series will take place on ABC.

Thunder vs Pacers Series Scores and Schedule:

*All times listed are ET  (* = if necessary)

• Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
• Game 2:Thunder 123, Pacers 107
• Game 3:Pacers 116, Thunder 107
• Game 4: Thunder 111, Pacers 104
• Game 5: Pacers at Thunder - Mon. June 16, 8:30 PM on ABC
• Game 6: Thunder at Pacers - Thu. June 19, 8:30 PM on ABC*
• Game 7: Pacers at Thunder - Sun, June 22, 8 PM on ABC*

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for each game of the Thunder vs Pacers series!

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Path to the NBA Finals:

The Thunder are seeking their first NBA title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The last time the franchise reached the Finals was in 2012, dropping their series against LeBron James' Miami Heat in 5. Here is how they advanced to the NBA Finals:

Oklahoma City swept the No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies in the First Round, eliminated the No. 4 Denver Nuggets in 7 in the Conference Semifinals, and defeated the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves in 5 in the Western Conference Finals.

RELATED:Times, they are a changin’ - Thunder vs. Pacers Finals highlights generational change sweeping NBA

Indiana Pacers’ Path to the NBA Finals:

The Indiana Pacers are seeking their first NBA title. The team's last Finals appearance was in 2000, when they lost to the Lakers in 6. Here is the team's path to the Finals:

Indiana eliminated the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks and the No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games, before knocking out the No. 6 New York Knicks in 6 to advance to the Finals.

Head to nbcsports.com/nba for the latest news, updates, and storylines!

OKLAHOMA CITY — In the wake of Indiana’s come-from-ahead Game 4 loss, Pacers fans were frustrated. Very frustrated. One gentleman approached me while I was still sitting in a media area, and asked if I was writing about the game, and if so did I know how few times Tyrese Haliburton had been to the free throw line (once). My response that "Tyrese doesn't really drive like that" — meaning he doesn't drive with force seeking contact like Giannis Antetokounmpo or even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton is more finesse — wasn't the answer he wanted to hear. Nor was my comment that it was called both ways, that the Pacers took just five fewer free throws than the Thunder.

That gentleman's frustration echoed throughout Indianapolis and beyond after the game — Bill Simmons blasted the officiating on his podcast — with much of the ire focused on lead official Scott Foster, who has long been a lightning rod among fans.

Before Game 5, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle stuck up for Foster.

"I think it's awful some of the things I've seen about the officiating, and Scott Foster in particular," Carlisle said. "I've known Scott Foster for 30 years. He is a great official. He has done a great job in these playoffs. We've had him a lot of times. The ridiculous scrutiny that is being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid."

Carlise did not want to get into specifics on what he was responding to. Foster is one of the highest-rated officials, according to the NBA's metrics. He's seen as fair and consistent, which is why he has worked 26 NBA Finals games across 18 seasons. After Game 4, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged that there were a lot of whistles, but he thought the officiating was fair.

"There were a crap ton of fouls. That's why there were a crap ton of free throws," Daigneault said. "I thought the refs did a good job tonight. Both teams shot a lot of free throws. It was physical. That was what the game was. It was a physical game on both ends of the floor for both teams."

One play that Pacers fans focused on was Gilgeous-Alexander's baseline step back jumper to take the lead with 2:23 remaining in the fourth — they wanted him called for using the off arm or a travel.

First, that's not a travel under the NBA's definition, while SGA stumbles, it's a gather and two steps. Second, there is a case that Gilgeous-Alexander could be called for pushing off, although Nesmith sells the contact. That's not the way the officials had called it all game, but the case can be made that they should have called it there. Pacers fans may want to be careful about asking for more calls with off arms because that would fall both ways and Pascal Siakam, among others in Indiana, would rack up more fouls.

Whatever happens in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, and going forward, the officiating will be scrutinized. Just don't expect it to be what decides the game.