Pacers Stun OKC in Game 1

 

    The game is never over until the clock hits zero with the Indiana Pacers. 

    Tyrese Haliburton's jump shot splashed through the net with little time on the clock to help the Pacers stage a miraculous comeback to win game 1 of the NBA Finals 111-110. 

    The Pacers were down by 15 points in the fourth quarter and never led the entire game until Haliburton's go ahead basket with 0.3 seconds left. Indiana only led for less than a full second and still won the game. You can't make this stuff up. 

    Indiana had six players score in double figures with none of them scoring more than 19 points. Haliburton finished with 14 points and 10 assists and six rebounds. Two other Pacers recorded double doubles, Pascal Siakam who had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Aaron Nesmith who had 10 points and 12 rebounds. Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 17 points including five three pointers. 

    Oklahoma City was led in scoring by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who scored a game high 38 points. Three other Thunder players contributed in double figures. Jalen Williams scored 17 points and Luguentz Dort added 15 points.

    The Pacers rally stunned Oklahoma City and their fans. Oklahoma City had the best record in the NBA during the regular season and came into game 1 as a heavy favorite to win the NBA Championship. 

    For most of Thursday's game, Oklahoma City looked very much like the favorites. They swarmed Indiana by using their suffocating defense and dominated the first half of the game. Indiana had a staggering 19 turnovers at halftime. Something unheard of in the NBA Finals. The Pacers had more turnovers in the first half with 19 than made field goals with 15. Not many believed the Pacers had the fortitude to make a comeback. 

    To Indiana's credit their defense was also very good. They limited Oklahoma City to shoot only 37 percent from the floor in the first half to stay within range. Despite the 19 turnovers, the Thunder only scored nine points off of them. That was a big key for Indiana to stay in the game. 

    Indiana came out and played a much better second half. They limited their turnovers in the second half to just five. Indiana chipped away in the third quarter. They cut the lead to six points several times and Oklahoma City failed to extend the lead and could never sustain a big run they are used to having this season. The Thunder went into the fourth quarter leading 85-76. 

    Oklahoma City built up a good lead in the fourth and had a 94-79 lead with 9:42 remaining in the game. Indiana wasn't done just yet. There was more magic to follow. Indiana has built themselves on clutch comebacks in these playoffs. Game 1 of the NBA Finals was just another chapter to add to their story. 

    Indiana went on a 15-4 run to cut the deficit to 98-94 and now Oklahoma City was on the edge of their seats for the first time all game. 

    Oklahoma City extended their lead to 108-99 with less than three minutes remaining and seemed to be in control. Indiana rallied again with back to back three pointers by Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith to cut the lead to 108-105. Pascal Siakam pulled the Pacers within a point at 110-109 with less than a minute left. A missed shot by Alexander helped set the stage for Tyrese Haliburton's heroics. 

    Haliburton comes up clutch for Indiana. Sounds like a reoccurring theme during these playoffs. That's because it is. Tyrese Haliburton has now hit a game tying or winning shot in the final seconds in every round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.

    Indiana finished the game by making 18 out of 39 three pointers. Nine Pacers hit at least one three. Obi Toppin off the bench made five. 

    The Pacers limited their total turnovers to 24 for the game after committing 19 in the first half alone. Another big key to the win was the fact Indiana limited Oklahoma City to 38 percent shooting from the floor. Oklahoma City had 16 more field goal attempts than Indiana but could make enough of them to put the Pacers away. 

    Indiana making more historic feats in these playoffs. Since 1971, teams in the NBA Finals that have trailed by at least 9 or more points inside the final three minutes of the game had been 0-182. Indiana is now the one in that category. 

      Oklahoma City will look to regroup and try to split the series going back to Indiana where the Pacers will look to take control of the series by winning both games in Oklahoma City. Indiana has won the first two games in their previous playoff series including both games 1 and 2 on the road in Cleveland and New York. Game 2 is set for 8pm on Sunday night in Oklahoma City. 

    

Knicks Survive Another Day

 

    New York won't go quietly in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

    The Knicks staved off elimination on Thursday night, defeating Indiana 111-94 to extend the Eastern Conference Finals to a game six. Jalen Brunson led the way for New York with 32 points. Karl Anthony Towns chipped in 24 points and 13 rebounds despite a bruised left knee. 

    For the first time in this series New York was able to win on their home floor. They denied Indiana a trip to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. The Pacers will look to end the series on their home floor back in Indianapolis on Saturday night. No team has ever won the Conference Finals after losing the first two games at home. 

    On Tuesday night the Knicks allowed the Pacers to score 43 points in the first quarter alone. Thursday night they limited the Pacers to just 45 points in the first half. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton who had a miraculous game three with 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds was limited to just eight points, and six assists on Thursday. 

    Jalen Brunson outplayed his counterpart in game five. Brunson went into the Knicks record books with his performance. He recorded his franchise record 21 postseason game of 30 or more points scored. Brunson scored 14 points in the first quarter. The Kicks led after the first quarter 27-23, giving up 20 fewer points than they had in game four when they trailed at the end of the first quarter 43-35. 

    Karl Anthony Towns who was questionable to play due to a left knee bruise didn't look like he was hurt in game five. He picked up the slack in the second quarter for Brunson who was held scoreless in the frame. He scored 12 points in the second quarter to help give New York a 56-45 halftime lead. 

    The Pacers were led in scoring by Benedict Mathurin who scored 23 points off the bench. Indiana only had three players reach double figures on Thursday night. Indiana's lone starter who reached double figures was Pascal Siakam who scored 15. Indiana's starters only accounted for 35 total points. That lack of production from a starting unit is unheard of in today's NBA. Indiana can't afford to have a performance like this again if it expects to win this series. 

    New York never trailed in game five. The Knicks opened up a twenty point lead in the third quarter before Indiana cut the lead in half and then New York went on a 12-0 run to extend the lead to 86-64. Indiana never recovered as New York went on to win 111-94. 

    Game six is ser for 8pm on Saturday night in Indianapolis. The Pacers are looking to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. New York is looking to force a game seven back in Madison Square Garden next Monday night. 

Pacers Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead Over Knicks

 

    The Indiana Pacers are one win away from their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2000. 

    Indiana took a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. Indiana set the tone from the start of the game. Tyrese Haliburton had a triple double, Pascal Siakam had 30 points and Ben Mathurin had 20 points off the bench to help Indiana defeat New York 130-121. Indiana now heads back to New York looking to take the next step and advance to the NBA Finals. 

    Tuesday night was the Tyrese Haliburton show. He became the first player in NBA playoff history with a game of at least 30 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and zero turnovers. His 15 assists without a turnover are the most by a player in Conference Finals history. Not only was Haliburton scoring, he was setting the tone with his passing. Indiana shot 63 percent from the floor just on passes from Haliburton alone. After blaming himself for the Pacers losing a double digit lead in game 3 and the game slipping away on Sunday night, Haliburton vowed to be more aggressive in game four. Safe to say he was that and much more. Haliburton is now the Pacers all time leader in triple-double games in playoff history breaking a tie with Mark Jackson, Paul George and Victor Oladipo. 

    In addition to Haliburton being more aggressive, the Pacers as a unit were much more aggressive on Tuesday night. Indiana got back to their usual way of playing this season which has made them so hard to defend. The up tempo, run and gun style that the Pacers are known for was in full force in game four. The Pacers scored 130 points which was the most they have scored in regulation all season and the second most they have scored in the playoffs. Indiana shot 51 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three point range. In game three the Pacers became more conservative on offense and Tuesday night they got back to what makes them one of the toughest teams in the NBA. 

    Indiana was led in scoring by Haliburton's 32 points. Also contributing in double figures for Indiana was Pascal Siakam with 30 points, Aaron Nesmith added 16 points despite a sprained ankle suffered in game three. Myles Turner added 13 and Ben Mathurin added 20 points off the bench in a bounce back game that was sorely needed. 

The Pacers once again proved to know about what their problems were in the previous game and the ability to adjust for the next game to come out with a win. The Pacers have lost game three in every series they have played in these playoffs, only to turn around and win game four every time to take a 3-1 series lead. 

    New York had a balanced scoring output. The Knicks received double digit contributions from several players. Led By Jalen Brunson's 31 points. Also scoring in double figures for New York included 24 points from Karl Anthony Towns, 22 points from OG Anunoby, 17 points from Mikal Bridges and 12 points from Josh Hart. 

    New York now has their backs against the wall. Their only chance to come back and win this series is to win three games in a row against a team that hasn't lost back to back games since March. Tall task ahead for the Knicks. 

Knicks Comeback Stuns Pacers

 

    Usually it's Indiana who is on the receiving end of making miraculous comebacks, this time the Knicks stole the spotlight in Indianapolis, coming back from a 20 point deficit to defeat Indiana 106-100 in game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

    Indiana led 55-35 in the second quarter and it seemed like the Pacers were going to put the Knicks on the brink. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit in  NBA history. The Pacers crowd sensed that the Pacers were so close to putting their arch rivals in a hole that would be impossible to overcome. Indiana led by as many as 20. New York trimmed the lead to 13 at half but there wasn't a sense of panic. The Pacers were in full control of the game. Then the fourth quarter began and everything began to change. 

    The Pacers were leading by ten going into the fourth quarter. Indiana had gotten New York into foul trouble with Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns having four fouls each. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until it wasn't. The fourth quarter became the Karl Anthony Towns show. He scored 20 points in the fourth quarter alone which matched the Pacers total in the quarter as a team. New York went on a 32-18 run in the fourth to surge ahead. Towns contributed on New York's first 17 points in the quarter either by scoring or rebounding. 

    Indiana who had been shooting tremendously from the floor during the series struggled on Sunday night. The Pacers were the only team in the playoffs to shoot 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three point range. Indiana on Sunday night shot 42 percent from the floor and a dismal 5-25 from the three point line. 

    Indiana was led in scoring by Tyrese Haliburton who scored 20 points. Also scoring in double figures for the Pacers were Pascal Siakam with 17 points and Myles Turner with 19 points. T.J. McConnell off the bench scored 12 points. This was the first game in which the Pacers starting five failed to score in double figures since game 4 of the Conference Semi Finals against Cleveland. Aaron Nesmith didn't have a double figure scoring night due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the third quarter. The Knicks were led in scoring by Towns who scored a game high 24 points. New York also received double digit scoring games from Brunson with 23, Mikal Bridges with 15, and OG Anunoby with 16 points. 

    Indiana has become used to game 3 letdowns. The Pacers lost game 3 in both the first round against Milwaukee and second round against Cleveland only to come back and win games 4 and 5 of those series to advance to the next rounds. Perhaps this is a good omen for the Pacers and their fans. Game four is set for Tuesday night at 8 pm. Indiana will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over their arch rivals heading back to New York. 

Pacers Down Knicks in Game Two

 

    The Indiana Pacers have taken a stranglehold on the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals over the New York Knicks, winning the first two games in Madison Square Garden to take a commanding series lead back home to Indiana, they are halfway to the 2025 NBA Finals. 

    Led by the career high 39 points of Pascal Siakam, Indiana went on a 33-28 run in the fourth quarter to come home with the victory 114-109. Game one on Wednesday night was defined by the amazing comeback by the Pacers late in the game. Game two on Friday was more traditional style of basketball. in total there were 17 lead changes, 17 ties and going into the fourth quarter the game was tied at 81. The Pacers went on a 13-4 run to begin the quarter and from then on the Pacers would exterminate any momentum the Knicks had to hold on for the win. 

    In game one, the story for the Indiana Pacers was the fourth quarter barrage of three pointers from Aaron Nesmith and the clutch basket by Tyrese Haliburton. In game two, it was Pascal Siakam. From the opening tip, Siakam made his presence felt. In the first half alone, Siakam scored 23 of his playoff career high 39 points. Siakam's 39 points are the seventh most in a playoff game in Indiana Pacers history. 

    Indiana's well balanced scoring and bench depth was on display again. Just like in game one, the Pacers had six players in double figures. Tyrese Haliburton was on the quieter side of the scoring on Friday but still managed to record a double double with 14 points and 11 assists. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith each had 12 points, Myles Turner scored 16 and T.J. McConnell added 10 points off the bench. Indiana has proven their depth gives them an advantage. Friday night, seldomly played Ben Sheppard and Tony Bradley helped provide Indiana with and much needed help off the bench after the Pacers were plagued with foul trouble early. 

    While the Pacers have taken advantage of the series, New York is in dire need of answers. New York relies heavily on the scoring of Jalen Brunson who did his part again on Friday, scoring 36 points. New York also had double digit scoring from OG Anunoby with 16 points, Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 20. New York won the first two quarters. Led at halftime but couldn't keep up down the stretch. Every time the Knicks seemed to gain momentum, Indiana answered. The Pacers dominated the on the offensive side of the ball. New York allowed the Pacers to shoot 52 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three point range. New York choked away game one at the end, game two Indiana's balanced scoring attack doomed New York. The Knicks must respond in Indiana or else their season will be over. 

    While Madison Square Garden is known for its glitz and glamor with it's celebrity front row and rowdy fan base, it can be intimidating for opponents but Indiana hasn't been fazed. Not only have the Pacers taken the first two games in New York, they now go back home to Indiana. A state where basketball is religion. With the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday and then the Pacers game down the street that evening, Indiana will be the sports capital of the world this weekend. The atmosphere will be just as electric and crazy as anywhere in the country. 

    Indiana has been known as the road warriors in the NBA playoffs. They have set a franchise playoff record with six consecutive wins away from Indiana. The Pacers have shown to not be intimidated by going into the opposition's arena and taking the win. They did it against Milwaukee, Cleveland and now New York. 

    Friday night was the 50th playoff meeting in this historic rivalry between New York and Indiana. The Pacers led the series 28-22.  

    

Pacers Stun Knicks in Game One

 

    The Pacers and Knicks have been known for their memorable matchups in the playoffs over the years. Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden added another chapter to this historic rivalry.  Indiana who have been synonymous with late game comebacks in the 2025 playoffs once again proved it's never over until it's over. Pacers take  game one of the Eastern Conference Finals 138-135 in overtime. 

    The Pacers trailed the Knicks by 14 points with 2:51 remaining in the game before they began a furious comeback. Led by the three point shooting of Aaron Nesmith, who hit six three pointers in the fourth quarter alone and Tyrese Haliburton who had the big shot that sent the game into overtime. As he has done several times this postseason, Haliburton became Mr. Clutch. His game tying shot will be talked about forever. As the clock dwindled down and the Pacers down 125-123, Haliburton drove in the lane only to spin back out and put up a shot from the top of the key. The ball hit the back of the rim, bounced straight up in the air and came down right through the net with no time left. Originally thought as a game winning three pointer was called a two. Overtime. Madison Square Garden was in stunned silence. 

    Just like Reggie Miller had done 30 years prior, the Pacers had staged another incredible comeback in New York City. Haliburton's celebration afterwards had revitalized old memories from the Pacers and Knicks past. As soon as the shot went in, Haliburton proceeded to give the choke sign to Knicks fans. Reggie Miller was famous for giving the choke sign to Spike Lee in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. 

    Indiana didn't let Haliburton's shot go by the wayside as they made key baskets in the extra session to defeat New York 138-135 to take a one game series lead in the best of seven Conference Finals. The Pacers were led in scoring by Haliburton with 31 points, and Aaron Nesmith who scored a career high of 30 points including six three pointers in the fourth quarter alone to match an NBA playoff record. Nesmith and Haliburton became the third Pacers duo to score 30 points each in a playoff game. All five Pacers starters scored in double figures. The Pacers bench was very efficient as well with T.J. McConnell scoring 10 points while Obi Toppin had a team high 10 rebounds and several big dunks in overtime. 

    The Pacers survived game one despite scoring outbursts from New York. The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns. Brunson scored 43 points while Towns added a double double with 35 points and 13 rebounds. New York also had double figure games from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby who each scored 16 points. New York also out rebounded Indiana 46-39. 

    This playoff year has been defined by comebacks by the Indiana Pacers. They have won three different games in which they trailed by seven or more points with less than a minute to play. They trailed Milwaukee 118-111 with 34 seconds left in the first round. Trailed Cleveland 119-112 with 46 seconds remaining in the second round. Now they add another improbable win after trailing 121-112 with 52 seconds left against New York. According to research, since 1996-97 teams trailing by seven points in the last 50 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime are 4-1702. The Pacers have three of those four wins this year. The Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14 in regulation which is the most by any team during a run like that in NBA playoff history. Call it improbable, call it unbelievable, call it whatever you want, this Pacers team just will not quit. They have proven the game is never over until the final buzzer sounds. 

     Game two is set for Friday night. The Pacers seem to have the right mentality going into game two. They know this series is far from over and they understand that New York will come out in a desperate mode and the Pacers must match that intensity. Indiana has stolen the critical home court advantage from the Knicks and they will look to send an even bigger message to New York in game two. 

    

    

Pacers vs Knicks Playoff History

 

    

    The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks have waged some of the most memorable battles in NBA playoff history. These two teams have met eight times in the postseason. The Knicks winning in 1993, 1994, 1999. Indiana with wins in 1995, 1998, 2000, 2013, and 2024. Games and players that will be remembered forever. Hall of Famers such as Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, Mark Jackson, Chris Mullin and Carmelo Anthony. Excellent role players who complimented their teams and made each squad a complete unit on the court. Those players included names such as Dale Davis, John Starks, Jalen Rose, Greg Anthony, Rik Smits, Derek Harper, Derrick McKey, Allen Houston, Antonio Davis, Charles Oakley, Byron Scott and Latrell Sprewell. Head coaches who roamed the sidelines like Pat Riley, Larry Bird, Larry Brown and Jeff Van Gundy. Players, coaches and so many memories. This rivalry had it all. Now in 2025, these two franchises meet again in the Eastern Conference Finals. Four wins away from the NBA Finals. 

   Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable moments in this rivalry. 

    This rivalry began in the first round of the 1993 playoffs. The Pacers were the number 8 seed facing off against the number 1 seed Knicks. The Pacers came into this series a very young squad and the heavily favored Knicks dispatched of them in four games, winning the series 3-1. This series is most known for the incident that took place at Market Square Arena in game three. This is when the rivalry was born. The Pacers were down 2-0 in the series and needed a win to keep their season alive. Pacers sharpshooter Reggie Miller who was known for his trash talking decided to get in the head of Knicks guard John Starks. 

    Miller would antagonize Starks all game and with the Pacers up big late in the contest, Starks would hit his breaking point. As both players ran down the floor, Miller would nudge Starks and then while confronting the Pacers guard, John Starks would proceed to headbutt him. The incident would see Starks ejected from the game much to the delight of Miller and the Indiana crowd. The Pacers would win the game but ultimately fall in four games. The Knicks would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would fall to the eventual champion Chicago Bulls. This however set the stage for what was to become one of the most storied rivalries in NBA History. 

    The following year in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals the Pacers and Knicks series would become the rivalry that the rest of the NBA would be talking about for the foreseeable future. 

    The Pacers came into the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals in unprecedented territory. They dispatched of Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic in the first round by sweeping them. This marked the first time in their NBA history that the Pacers would win a playoff series. They next defeated the top seeded Atlanta Hawks in six games. This would bring the basketball crazy state of Indiana to a boiling point. Nobody thought the Indiana Pacers would be playing for a chance at the NBA Finals. The Knicks were waiting. Things were about to get very interesting. 

    After The Knicks won the first two games in New York, the Pacers would return the favor and take the next two games in Indianapolis. Up next was game five back at Madison Square Garden in New York. This game was known for the players on the court and a certain fan sitting in the front row. Enter the Reggie Miller vs Spike Lee saga. 

    For much of game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks were in firm control of the game. The Knicks held a 70-58 lead going into the fourth quarter. Things seemed bleak for the Pacers and Reggie Miller was playing poorly. Miller was also hearing it from the Knicks biggest fan, movie director Spike Lee who had a front row seat. The last quarter will go down as one of the most astonishing shooting displays in playoff history. Reggie Miller caught fire. He scored 25 points in the fourth quarter. Every bucket Miller scored, he would proceed to stare at Spike Lee. At one point Miller would give Spike Lee the choke sign. Miller's antics along with his shooting propelled the Pacers to a comeback victory 93-86 and a 3-2 lead in the series. The Pacers were one win away from The NBA Finals. 

    Back in Indianapolis for game six, the state of Indiana was at a fever pitch. The whole state was a buzz. The Indiana faithful would come out in force in support of their beloved Pacers and to show their distain for the Knicks and Spike Lee. Indiana was ready to move onto the NBA Finals and face the Houston Rockets. This however was not meant to be. With Spike Lee courtside at Market Square Arena, the Knicks would shock the Pacers on their home floor and win game six by a score of 98-91. John Starks led the Knicks with 26 points. It was back to New York for the decisive game seven. 

    Game seven was another close battle throughout but the Knicks would prevail 94-90 behind the heroics of their superstar center Patrick Ewing. His put back dunk with under a minute left would be the nail in the Pacers coffin. The Knicks advanced to their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1973. The Pacers had nothing to be ashamed of. They put themselves on the NBA map and let the rest of the league take notice that they would be around for a long time. The Knicks would come close but end up falling in seven games to the Houston Rockets in the Finals. The Pacers and Knicks rivalry was just heating up. 

    The Pacers and Knicks would meet for the third year in a row during the playoffs in 1995. This time would be in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. The Pacers would defeat the Atlanta Hawks in a sweep in the first round. New York would defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first round matchup in five games. The Pacers and Knicks were set to meet for a chance to advance to the Conference Finals. This series had some intriguing headlines. Mark Jackson, who played for the Knicks from 1987-1992 and was born in New York was now a member of the Indiana Pacers. He wanted revenge on his former team for letting him go. 

    Game one of the 1995 series was one that fans of either team will ever forget. The stage was set in New York. With the Pacers down 105-99 with 18.7 seconds left, it seemed over. Most fans had started heading for the exits. Then the unthinkable. Reggie Miller hit a three pointer to cut the Knicks lead to 105-102. Miller would then steal the inbound pass and race back to the three point line where he buried another to tie the game at 105. Madison Square Garden was in shock. Stunned silence. Miller would then be fouled after John Starks missed two potential game winning free throws. Reggie would make his two free throws to put the Pacers up 107-105 with seven seconds left. The Pacers would go onto win the game. This comeback would be remembered as eight points in eight point nine seconds. Reggie Miller officially cemented himself as New York's biggest nightmare.

    The series would go back and forth. New York winning game two, the Pacers winning games three and four at Market Square Arena. The Pacers looked to knock out the Knicks from the playoffs but New York wouldn't go down without a fight. The Knicks fought back to win games five and six to set up another decisive game seven at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This game would decide who would go onto the Eastern Conference Finals and face the Orlando Magic. 

    Game 7 would be an instant classic. Indiana had a big lead but New York fought back to close the gap late in the game. With the Pacers leading 97-95 with just seconds left, New York had the basketball. Patrick Ewing drove to the basket and had a wide open layup with a chance to send the game into overtime. The ball bounced off the back of the rim and fell off. Game over. The Pacers had finally beaten the Knicks in a playoff series. Though they would fall to Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games, the Pacers knew they were a contender for the NBA Championship. They had the belief. 

    The rivalry in the playoffs would lay dormant for the next few seasons but would pick right back up in 1998. The Pacers and Knicks would meet in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. This series was much more exciting for Indiana than it was for New York. The Pacers would take care of the Knicks in five games. The memorable moment from this series took place in game four. Reggie Miller would stick a dagger in New York City once again in Madison Square Garden. His three pointer to tie the game in the final seconds would send it to overtime where the Pacers would go onto win 118-107. Indiana would wrap up the series in the next game at home to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would fall to Michael Jordan and the Bulls in seven games. 

    1999 was another series to remember. The Pacers looked like they were on their way to the NBA Finals. The Knicks came into the playoffs as the number eight seed. No eight seed had ever made the NBA Finals. The Pacers had defeated Cleveland and Philadelphia in their first two playoff series. New York upset the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks to make an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals.  The Pacers were the favorites coming into the matchup with their arch rivals. 

    The Pacers had the home court advantage but the Knicks took game one in Indianapolis 93-90. Indiana bounced back in game two 88-86 and the stage was headed back to New York. Game three was memorable for its ending. Down by three with seconds left, Knicks forward Larry Johnson took a three pointer from the wing. Pacers forward Antonio Davis fouled Johnson on the shot. Johnson made the three pointer. Madison Square Garden was in a frenzy. He would then make the free throw to win the game for New York 92-91. The Knicks took a 2-1 series lead. Indiana never recovered as New York would win the series in six games. They became the first team in NBA history to advance to the NBA Finals as the eight seed. The Knicks would fall to the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals in six games. 

    In 2000 once again the Pacers and Knicks met in the Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana was desperate to finally get over the hump and advance to the NBA Finals. The Pacers came into the series as the Eastern Conference's top seed. They had the home court advantage in their brand new arena, Conseco Fieldhouse. This would finally be the year Indiana would make the climb. The Pacers would win the first two games in Indianapolis, the Knicks followed up with two wins in New York. Indiana would win game five at home. Back to New York for game six. This was the game that Indiana and its fans had waited for. 

    Game six in New York was a game where Reggie Miller took over and finally led his team to the NBA Finals. His 33 points would help the Pacers beat the Knicks 93-80 and for the first time in their history, the Indiana Pacers were headed to the NBA Finals. Indiana was on cloud nine. After years of trying and several failed attempts in the Conference Finals against their arch rivals, the Pacers finally conquered the demons in their own backyard.  

    The Pacers and Knicks playoff rivalry would fade away for the next 13 years. Both franchises would see their future Hall of Fame players retire. The teams would have their share of struggles in the mid-late 2000s into the 2010s. In 2013 the playoff rivalry that had been dormant for over a decade finally resurfaced in the second round. New players such as Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. New coaches like Frank Vogel and former IU standout Mike Woodson.  However, the same memories remained for both fanbases. The anticipation was as eagerly exciting as it was in the 1990s. The Pacers would have the final word as they defeated the Knicks in six games to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they would fall to eventual champion Miami. The defining moment in this series was in game six when Pacers center Roy Hibbert blocked Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony on a dunk attempt to help the Pacers to a victory. 

    Once again the rivalry lay quiet for the next decade when a new era emerged to bring back the nostalgia of playoff basketball between New York and Indiana in 2024. This time around it was players like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner for the Pacers and Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart for the Knicks. The teams would square off in the second round. Indiana would once again take the hearts of the New York and win an epic series in seven games, culminating in a game seven triumph in Madison Square Garden 130-109. The Pacers set an NBA playoff record in game seven by shooting 67 percent from the floor.  

    So here we are once again in 2025. The Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana vs New York. Winner advances to the NBA Finals. This is the first time in 25 years these teams will have met in the Conference Finals. This rivalry stretches generations. The moments and memories will be talked about for years to come. It just wouldn't be the NBA playoffs without the Pacers and the Knicks rivalry. 

Butler Outduels Creighton in Omaha

 

    Butler picked up a key road win on Friday night, defeating13th ranked Creighton 99-98. 

    The Bulldogs got the defensive stop at the end of what was an offensive slugfest the whole game. Sophomore Landon Moore knocked away a pass with no time on the clock to give Butler their first win at Creighton since 2015. 

    The whole night was a battle of knock down shooting. Both teams shot 55 percent from the field. Butler made 13 three pointers on the evening and 59 percent overall from beyond the arc which is a significant stat given the fact that Creighton is ranked as the Big East's top defensive team. This game was the first Big East game since 2011 in which both teams scored atleast 95 points in regulation. 

    Butler was led in scoring by senior Jahmyl Telfort's 26 points which matched his season high. D.J. Davis scored 22 points including three from downtown. Junior Pierre Brooks added 14 points and continues his streak of reaching double figures in every game this season. Rounding out the scoring for Butler in double figures was Finley Bizjack who was a key contributor off the bench. He and Landon Moore were given more minutes this game with the foot injury to starting point guard Posh Alexander. 

    Creighton got their double figure scoring in bunches from four key players who each had 20 or more points. Steven Ashworth and Baylor Scheierman each scored 26 points for the host Blue Jays. Trey Alexander finished with 22 points. Ryan Kaulkbrenner, Creighton's first team all Big East selection from a year ago finished with a near double double as he recorded 20 points and nine rebounds. The only other player to score for Creighton on the evening was Francisco Farabello who had four points. 

    In a back and forth contest the whole evening, Creighton took a ten point lead 47-37 with two minutes left in the first half. Butler responded with a quick 8-2 run to end the half with key three pointers by Pierre Brooks and then Finley Bizjack's nothing but net 35 footer at the buzzer to cut the Blue Jay's lead to 49-45. Creighton shot 61 percent from the floor in the first half and was led by Baylor Scheierman's 17 points while Butler was led in the first half in scoring by Jahmyl Telfort's 14 points. 

    Butler began the second half on a 15-7 run and took a 60-56 lead lead less than four minutes into the second half. 

    Creighton's last lead of the game came with 12 minutes to go when they held a 68-67 lead. Three ties followed but the Bulldogs never trailed the rest of the ballgame. 

    Butler's largest lead of the game came when D.J. Davis knocked down a three pointer to give the Bulldogs a 87-82 advantage with six minutes left in regulation. 

    Butler held a 97-94 lead with 49 seconds remaining Butler would then proceed to foul the Blue Jays in order to protect their lead. 

    Things then became a little hectic to say the least. 

    Ryan Kalkbrenner made two free throws to cut into the Butler lead to make it 97-96 with 11 seconds left. Creighton then had several chances to go ahead. 

    Butler was inbounding the basketball when the pass was deflected off D.J. Davis leg and went out of bounds, giving the ball back to Creighton. The Blue jays then proceeded to turn the ball over themselves when Trey Alexander lost the ball on the inbound pass. D.J. Davis was fouled by Francisco Farabello who inadvertently poked Davis in the eye. Davis was unable to shoot the free throws. Freshman Boden Kapke was able to step in and step up for the Bulldogs by knocking down both free throws. Score was now 99-96 Bulldogs with six seconds remaining. 

    Creighton would make two free throws after Trey Alexander was fouled immediately with five seconds remaining to make it 99-98 in favor of Butler.

    The Bulldogs were inbounding the ball when it came loose and Creighton would gain possession on the tie up with 0.5 seconds remaining. 

    The Blue Jays last chance fell short as Landon Moore knocked away the Blue Jays attempt to win the game. Butler held on for another road win against a top 15 opponent.

    Butler was able to win this game from key contributions from its young dogs. Freshmen Finley Bizjack and Boden Kapke stepped up big when it mattered most. Both made huge plays down the stretch, Kapke with the two free throws late and Bizjack was perfect on three pointers for the game, going three for three beyond the arc. Sophomore Landon Moore was in the starting lineup for the first time this season as he replaced Senior Posh Alexander who was dealing with a foot injury. Moore finished with eight points, two rebounds and two assists. 

    For Butler, this was a huge win for a team who hopes to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. This helps their resume with another win over a top 15 opponent on the road. Butler now sits at 15-7 on the season and 6-5 in the Big East. The Bulldogs have now won four straight and have more wins on the season than they had all of last year. Quite a turnaround for Thad Matta in his second stint as Bulldogs head coach. 

    Butler is averaging 81.5 points per game this season, their most since the 1990-91 season. 

    The Bulldogs win over the Blue Jays marked the first loss for Creighton in Omaha on a Friday night since 1975. Creighton had a 33 game winning streak at home on Friday nights. Creighton is now 16-6 on the season and 7-4 in the Big East.

    Butler's next game is trip to number 1 ranked UConn next Tuesday night. The Blue Jays will travel to Providence for a game against the Friars on Wednesday night. 

Butler Defeats Villanova in Double OT Thriller

 

    It's the year 2024 and Hinkle magic still exists. 

    Butler used that magic to overcome double digit deficits in regulation and double overtime sessions to take down Villanova 88-81 on Saturday afternoon before a very enthusiastic sellout crowd of 9,237 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. 

    Butler's sharpshooting senior guard D.J. Davis was held scoreless in the entire first half. the second half was a different story. Davis scored all of his game high 28 points in the second half and in both overtimes including five three pointers. Senior forward Jahmyl Telfort earned his first career double double in a Butler uniform with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for the Bulldogs was Junior Pierre Brooks with 13 points and Senior guard Posh Alexander with 12 points on the day. 

    Villanova was led in scoring by Eric Dixon who scored 28 points, Tyler Burton added a double double of his own with 13 points and 10 rebounds. 

    The game started out anything but pretty for Butler. Villanova jumped out of the gate and took an early 11-0 lead to begin the ballgame. Butler didn't score it's first points until 13 minutes in the first half. Butler only managed to score three points total in the first ten minutes and trailed by 14 points. The situation seemed very bleak for the home team. 

    Things got less daunting by halftime but the Bulldogs still trailed by nine heading into the break 36-27. Villanova was on fire from inside the arc in the first half. The Wildcats were 15-20 on two pointers. Butler simply provided no resistance. If Butler was to overcome the deficit it would have to turn up the defense in the second half and also score some buckets. Butler was led in the first half by Telfort who scored 10. 

    Butler in the second half still struggled early on. Midway through the second half Butler was shooting 4-16 on layups and 2-17 on three pointers. It was a miracle they only trailed by single digits at that point in the game. Last year's Butler team would have already been down and out for the count at that stage. This year's Butler team has the resiliency and mental toughness to fight through adversity. They have proven that several times this season and they showed it once again on Saturday. 

     With four minutes to go, Villanova led by 11 points.  The metrics had Butler's chances of winning the game at only a mere four percent. Time was running out and Butler needed answers and fast. Those prayers would be answered in the form of one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Enter D.J. Davis and Jahmyl Telfort. 

    The Bulldogs trailed 64-59 with one minute remining in regulation. Davis hit a three pointer from the corner to trim the Wildcat lead to two points. After a defensive stop, Butler had the ball with twenty seconds remaining and a chance to send the game into overtime. Telfort drove to the basket and threw down a dunk with five seconds left that sent Hinkle into a frenzy. The game was tied for the first time the whole afternoon. The game was headed to overtime. 

    Butler's first lead of the game came in the extra session on a putback by senior Andre Screen to put The Bulldogs ahead 66-64. Villanova responded and once again took a four point lead in the closing minute of overtime and sure enough Butler responded right back. Davis scored a jumper from the wing and then a running layup with five seconds remaining. Double overtime was about to begin. Butler just wouldn't quit on this day.

    As they had done in the first overtime, Villanova came out and took a four point lead on two early baskets and built a 78-74 lead midway through the second overtime. Once again, Butler had an answer. An 8-0 run by the Bulldogs would give the the lead for good at 82-78. Butler would then hit six straight free throws to seal the deal. 88-81 in double overtime. Butler had completed the comeback. Most would wonder how a game like this could happen. Butler fans understand how in two simple words: Hinkle magic. 

    Despite their cold shooting stretch during the start of the game, Butler would finish the game shooting 14-20 from the field and finish overall at 43 percent. Villanova would finish the game at 48 percent shooting for the day. Butler scored 40 points over the first 30 minutes of the basketball game and then would score 48 points over the final 18 minutes. 

    Butler seems very comfortable this season when games go into the extra session. The Bulldogs are 3-1 in overtime games this year including 3-0 at Hinkle Fieldhouse and 2-0 in double overtime games.  

    Hinkle Fieldhouse has been Villanova's kryptonite for awhile now. Since 2017, the Wildcats have won only two of the last eight meetings against the Bulldogs in Indianapolis. 

    Butler travels on the road next week in a matchup with 17th ranked Creighton while Villanova heads home to take on 14th ranked Marquette next Tuesday night. 

    

    

    

Butler Defeats Georgetown In Big East Opener

 

    Butler began it's conference slate of the 2023-24 season with a 74-64 win over Georgetown on Tuesday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in the Big East opener for both teams. 

    Four Bulldogs scored in double figures led by 13 points each from Pierre Brooks and Posh Alexander. D.J. Davis and Jahmyl Telfort each added 12 points a piece. Alexander was the best player on the floor for the Bulldogs on Tuesday night, adding seven assists and then on the defensive end racking up five steals. 

    The Hoyas were led in scoring by Dontrez Styles who had a game high of 19 points and six rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for the Hoyas were Jayden Epps with 12 points and Supreme Cook who had 10 points and led the Hoyas in rebounds with seven for the game. 

    Butler and Georgetown didn't exactly have the prettiest showing of basketball in the first half. Both teams struggled from the floor early on with both sides going through multiple scoring droughts. Butler looked hesitant to shoot for awhile it seemed. It remained a close game until about three minutes to go in the first half. Butler would then go on their run. 

    The Bulldogs for the final three minutes of the first half would go on a scoring and defensive barrage that would extend their lead to 13 points by the time the halftime buzzer sounded with Butler ahead 40-27. Butler would end the half on a 13-2 run that would give them the lead that they wouldn't relinquish the rest of the ballgame. Butler turned seven first half turnovers into seven points. The first half run to end the half was the key part in the Bulldogs win. 

    Butler went on a scoring run in the second half with six straight points as they pushed to their largest lead of the game at 54-38 with 11 minutes to go. Georgetown would trim the lead to 60-52 but that was the closest the Hoyas would get as another Bulldog scoring run of seven straight points would push the lead back to 15 points at 67-52 with six minutes left. 

    Georgetown did have an edge in the rebounding category early on in the game. The Hoyas generated 12 second chance points from their offensive rebounding led by Supreme Cook who had five rebounds in the first half alone, four of which were on the offensive side. Butler has been notorious the last couple of seasons for being a poor defensive rebounding team. Butler then regrouped towards the end of the half and outrebounded the Hoyas 19-16. After halftime, the Bulldogs would limit Georgetown to only five second chance points. Butler finished the game with a 37-29 edge on the boards. Butler was led in rebounding by Jalen Thomas who finished with eight. 

    Butler unfortunately suffered a key injury on Tuesday night of note. Starting shooting guard D.J. Davis left early in the second half with an ankle injury and did not return to the game. Davis was the leading scorer in the first half with 12 points. Butler can't afford to miss their sharpshooting guard for much time especially with the gauntlet of the Big East season officially underway. If Davis is unable to play then expect freshman Finley Bizjack or sophomore Landon Moore to fill the shooting guard spot for the Bulldogs in his absence. 

      Butler has won seven in a row and currently has a record of 10-2. It is the Bulldogs best 12 game start to the season since 2019-20. The Bulldogs are undefeated so far at Hinkle Fieldhouse with an 8-0 record. The Hoyas fall to 7-5 on the season. Butler's next game is Saturday afternoon at Providence while Georgetown travels to Marquette on Friday night.  

Butler Outduels Texas Tech

 

        In one of the wildest games so far of the college basketball season, Butler defeated Texas Tech 103-95 in the Big East vs Big 12 Battle on Thursday night in front of 7,893 fans at Hinkle Fieldhouse. 

        The Bulldogs gutted out the win in overtime by weathering the Red Raiders second half rally which was fueled by three point shooting and several big plays down the stretch that sent the game into the extra session. Butler would go on to outscore Texas Tech 20-12 in overtime to put the game away and send the Bulldog faithful home happy. 

        Five Bulldogs reached double figures on Thursday evening. Butler was led in scoring by Seniors Jahmyl Telfort and D.J. Davis who scored 26 and 25 points respectively. Also having a big contribution for the Bulldogs was fellow Senior guard Posh Alexander who became the first Butler Bulldog to post a triple double in a game since Roosevelt Jones in 2016. Alexander finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Junior Pierre Brooks contributed 18 points of his own and helped seal the win in overtime with a baseline three pointer in the final minute. Center Andre Screen added 14 points off the bench. 

        Butler looked like a well oiled machine on the offensive side of the ball. Texas Tech tried their best to defend the Bulldogs but Butler had an answer for every run the Red Raiders made. Butler's offense was clicking all game. Telfort and Davis got it done from the perimeter and Andre Screen dominated on the inside. Texas Tech tried to go to a zone, Butler found openings in the zone and moved the ball inside and out. Butler's passing was crisp and it seemed everybody touched the ball on possessions which led to baskets. Butler shot 55 percent from the field on Thursday. The 103 points are the most scored by the Bulldogs in a game since they scored 101 against Villanova in 2018. 

       Texas Tech was led in scoring by Chance McMillian who poured in 24 points. McMillian was on fire from long range, going 8-10 from the three point line. Point guard Joe Toussaint added a double double, scoring 20 points and dishing out 12 assists. Also scoring in double figures for the Red Raiders was Devin Cambridge who scored 16 points and Warren Washington who added 10 points. 

        Butler was in control for most of the first half and built a 45-38 lead at halftime. Butler led by as many as 10 points in the second half before Tech made their rally. The Red Raiders would go on a 25-10 run in the second half to take their first lead of the game since the opening minutes at 68-67. Texas Tech would extend their lead to 73-67 with four minutes to go. 

        The Bulldogs would respond and retook the lead at 80-79 on a three pointer by D.J. Davis with one minute to go. Texas Tech answered and led 81-80 with 35 seconds left. Jahmyl Telfort would hit a three pointer to give butler a 83-81 lead with 20 seconds remaining. Butler's defense broke down on the final possession when Joe Toussaint drove in the lane and kicked it out to Pop Issacs who then would make a layup in the lane to tie the game and send it into overtime.

        In overtime the lead would change three times before Butler asserted themselves and would take the lead for good after a three pointer by Telfort in the corner put Butler ahead 92-89. Pierre Brooks would add five points of his own in overtime to extend the lead and eventually the final horn sounded and Butler would be victorious 103-95.  Butler outscored Texas Tech 20-12 in the extra session. Very gritty win by the Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

        Butler has now won three in a row and their record stands at 6-2 on the young season while the Red Raiders record drops to 5-2. Both of Texas Tech's losses have come at the hands of Big East opponents, they were defeated by Villanova on November 22nd. Butler's next game is home against Buffalo next Tuesday night and the Red Raiders travel back to Lubbock to take on Omaha next Wednesday. 

Tony Kanaan: One Final Ride

 

    After 295 career races, 21 Indy 500's, 17 career wins, an IndyCar Championship in 2004, Indianapolis 500 victory in 2013 and countless memories over the years, Tony Kanaan takes his last ride this Sunday at the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. What a journey it has been. 

    Tony Kanaan has been the epitome of an IndyCar driver, both on and off the track. From his early days running with Andretti Green Racing in the 7-11 sponsored car to winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2013, to now one last time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, its been an amazing journey. There's no question that Kanaan has been the IndyCar series most popular driver for quite some time and for good reason. If you've gone through Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and stopped by the garage of Tony Kanaan, you will always find a clamor of fans trying to get a photo or autograph from him. True to his persona, Tony always has time to make the fans happy and leave them with a smile. That's just who T.K. has always been. When Tony won the Indianapolis 500 in 2013, everybody in the stands was so elated for him. Once he was in victory lane that day, Tony proclaimed his victory was for the fans. Not just Indianapolis but all around the IndyCar circuit over the last 22 years, Tony Kanaan has had the admiration of fans everywhere. He has a great chance on Sunday to provide them with one final memory. 

    Tony starts his last ever race on Sunday in ninth position after posting a qualifying speed average of 233.076 mph.  Driving for Arrow McLaren, Tony has the team that can help him get to victory lane. Tony has proven he still has what it takes at the age of 48. Last year Kanaan finished the 500 in third place with Ganassi Racing. Al Unser currently holds the record for oldest driver to win the Indianapolis 500 at age 47 in 1987 but if there's anybody who is capable of taking over that record, its Tony Kanaan. He has always had strong races during his tenure at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Don't expect this Sunday to be any different. Kanaan has been very consistent this last week during practice and qualifications leading up to race day. 

    Kanaan over the years at Indianapolis is no stranger to success at this hallowed track. over 21 races at the Indianapolis 500 he has had 12 top ten finishes, led laps in 15 of those 500's and a total of 352 laps led for 14th most all time in the history of the race. He also holds the record for most consecutive Indy 500's led for seven straight years from 2002-2008 and also is tied for the most times led in a single race when he led the 2013 Indy 500 15 different times.  Any time Kanaan takes the lead at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the crowd noise level goes up a few notches. 

     This Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it ends where it all began for Tony Kanaan. His first ever IndyCar race took place at the fabled grounds in 2002 and now in 2023 he takes his final ride. I think I speak on behalf of race fans everywhere when I say Tony Kanaan, thanks for the memories sir. It has truly been a pleasure to watch your career. You have been gracious in both victory and defeat, always providing the crowd with some great moments over the years and always showing your appreciation for us. Sunday will be an emotional day for not only yourself but all of us in the stands who have cheered you on the last 22 years. It is the end of an era. We will celebrate your legacy as you take your final laps of your career. Who knows, maybe on Sunday we all have one more celebration with you in victory lane with some milk. The crowd on Sunday will cheer loudly during driver introductions when Tony Kanaan's name is announced. However, what if this one final ride ends up in victory lane one last time? Imagine how loud the crowd will be then. Just maybe. Anything can happen at Indy as we all know. So for one last ride and one last time, Tony Kanaan, thanks for the memories. 

    

    

Colts Draft

 

    Going into the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts were coming off a disastrous 2022 season. They had failed to live up to off season expectations and faltered to a dismal 4-12-1 record. The Colts knew they had to make a splash in the draft to give themselves and their fanbase the hope of building up a foundation that will set the stage for a promising future moving forward.

     The Colts had several key needs to address in this year's draft, most notably the quarterback position. Other areas of focus for this franchise included the positions of cornerback and wide receiver. They wanted players who they believe can make an immediate impact. Those needs were covered early with the additions of players such as quarterback Anthony Richardson from Florida, cornerback Julius Brents from Kansas State and wide receiver Josh Downs from North Carolina. In the later rounds, the Colts were looking to add some much needed depth to their roster. 

     Since taking over the general manager role in 2018, Chris Ballard has had his fair share of NFL Draft success with the Colts. He has had the reputation over the last few years for trading back to acquire more picks and this draft was no different. In total, the Colts accumulated 12 picks in total, a new record under Chris Ballard and the most for the Colts since 1992. 

    The Colts most glaring need going into the 2023 NFL Draft was the quarterback. Since the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck just before the 2019 season, the Colts quarterback situation has been nothing but a revolving carousel to say the least. In the four years since Luck retired, the Colts have had seven different quarterbacks start atleast one game. After signing veterans such as Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan and not having quite the success that was hoped for, the Colts knew the time had come to draft a quarterback and build around him for the future. The question that was surrounding the Colts wasn't necessarily if they would take a quarterback but which one. That answer came in the form of Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. 

    With the fourth pick in the 2023 draft, the Colts selected Richardson with the hope that he will be the key piece to take the Colts into the future. In drafting the Florida quarterback, the Colts are getting one of the most athletic players ever to come out of college. So much intrigue with this young prospect. Some of the physical attributes are astonishing. The size at 6'4 and 236 pounds. The speed in which he ran a 4.43 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine back in March. He has arm strength to reach every part of the field with relative ease. Richardson has the qualities and skillset that make people say wow. 

    He does however have some qualities that will make him a project that will have to learn under Colts coach Shane Steichen. Richardson is only 20 years old, leaving Florida after his sophomore year to enter the NFL Draft. His experience in which he only played a total of 13 career games for the Gators has had some questioning if he will be ready right away with such little experience in college. He completed just 53 percent of his passes in those 13 games. This is a high risk, high reward potential player for the Colts. 

    Richardson will learn under first year Colts head coach Shane Steichen who the franchise is banking on to improve his new quarterback so he is prepared for the future. Steichen is a quarterback guru who previously worked with and had success with Phillip Rivers, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts. Rivers was a three time pro bowler under Steichen from 2016-2018, Herbert won Rookie Of The Year in 2020 when Steichen was the Chargers offensive coordinator and Jalen Hurts was second in MVP voting and he and Steichen helped the Philadelphia Eagles reach the Super Bowl last season. Steichen has the resume to prove he can help Anthony Richardson find success in the NFL. 

    The Colts have their quarterback and the coach with the potential to make Anthony Richardson a franchise game changer for years to come. The question will be when will they be ready to send Richardson into the spotlight on the field? The roster currently contains three other quarterbacks. Will the Colts be ready to hand the keys to Richardson on day one or will they want to take their time with him and bring him along in the process at a slower pace? Those answers will become more clear as the season gets closer. For now, the Colts have their quarterback and are very excited about what the future holds for them with Anthony Richardson. 

    Another position of need the Colts looked to focus on in the draft was the cornerback spot. This position going into the draft was thin. The Colts had traded away arguably their best corner in Stephon Gilmore when they delt him to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth round pick a month ago. While the move did clear up 9 million dollars in cap space, it did leave the Colts with a gaping hole at the cornerback spot. In recent years, the Colts have been able to usually find a veteran cornerback in the free agency market. So far in 2023 that hasn't been the case. The Colts addressed their cornerback need in the second round at pick 44 with Julius Brents from Kansas State. 

    This was a typical Chris Ballard move when it comes to the NFL Draft. It was mentioned earlier how he has been notorious for trading back over the years to add more draft picks in later rounds. You never know what Ballard will pull off. There are seven rounds in the NFL Draft and Chris Ballard takes full advantage of those seven rounds. The Colts second round pick started at number 35, was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders to become pick number 38 and the Colts also acquired the 141st overall pick which would be in the fifth round. Then the Colts were on the clock again in the second round with the 38th pick, they traded back yet again. This time trading the 38th overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons to move down six more spots to the 44th overall pick and also acquiring the 110th selection in the draft which would be in the fourth round. 

    Brents is a 6-3, 198 pound outside cornerback with a long range wingspan and not blazing speed but quick bursts at the line of scrimmage and a well timed jumping ability that made him a first team All Big 12 selection in 2022. With his range of quickness and jumping incentives, it makes him potentially a strong fixture in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's system. He is a well round tackler, totaling 111 tackles in his college career. His instincts to the ball helped him intercept six passes and break up 12 passes over his Wildcat career. He did have a few injuries in college to note and is currently recovering from a wrist injury that will keep him sidelined until training camp this summer. 

    Brents is a local player. Born and raised in Indianapolis, he played his high school football at Warren Central, where he was a three time all state selection for the Warriors. His favorite team growing up was his hometown Colts and his favorite player was former pro bowler and 2007 Defensive Player of The Year Bob Sanders. Brents becomes just the fourth player from Indianapolis to be drafted by the hometown franchise, joining Jeff George in 1990 as the only Warren Central players to be drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. 

    In the third round at pick number 79, the Colts selected wide receiver Josh Downs from North Carolina. Downs doesn't exactly fit the description of a typical wide receiver that a general manager like Chris Ballard would take in the draft. Standing at only 5'9, the speedy slot receiver is the shortest player drafted by the Colts since T.Y. Hilton in 2012. Josh Downs was on the Colts radar from the start, thanks in large part to the advocation from Colts wide receivers coach and future hall of famer Reggie Wayne. After the NFL Scouting Combine, Wayne was convinced that Josh Downs needed to be on the Colts draft board. The Colts listened to their former pro bowler's advice and selected Downs with the 79th overall pick in the third round. 

    Downs had his share of success in college, scoring 22 touchdowns and amassing over 2,483 receiving yards in the process. He has great route running abilities and ran a 4.48 in the 40 yard dash. He will most likely line up in the slot. With bigger wide receivers on the outside such as Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce, Downs can become the slot receiver the Colts have been looking for the past few years. There could also be the possibility that he could be able to return some punts as a special teams player in the role that Nyheim Hines had done the last few seasons. The Colts are getting a potential dynamic receiver for their offense. Josh Downs could be the connection to Anthony Richardson that T.Y. Hilton was to Andrew Luck. 

Lukosius Clutch Three Propels Bulldogs Past DePaul

 

        Simas Lukosius, the Freshman from Lithuania hit a clutch three pointer with five seconds to go in the game to lift Butler past DePaul 72-71 on Tuesday night at Wintrust Arena in downtown Chicago. 

        On a team full of Seniors and upperclassmen, it was the underclassmen who led the charge for the Bulldogs. Of Butler's 73 points scored, 51 of them came from underclassmen. Butler was led in scoring  by Lukosius who had a game high and career high of 19 points. Also scoring in double figures for the Bulldogs were Sophomore Chuck Harris who scored 18 points, Freshman Jayden Taylor with 12 and Senior Aaron Thompson who added 11. In the closing nine minutes of the game, Lukosius scored 15 points including outscoring the Blue Demons 10-8 in the final three minutes by himself. 

         Butler started the game on a very sloppy note in the first half, committing seven turnovers in their first 17 possessions. The second half they were much sharper, only having three turnovers for the rest of the game. 

         In a season where the Bulldogs have ranked near the bottom of the Big East in free throw percentage, they had one of their best games from the charity stripe, going 18 for 21 from the line. 

         DePaul led 59-50 with seven minutes left in the game. Butler had a win percentage according to the analytics of just 5.1 percent at that stage in the basketball game. 

          The Blue Demons were led in scoring by David Jones who had 17 points. Javon Freeman who was leading the Big East in scoring before missing the last 7 games with a groin injury, returned to the lineup for DePaul and scored 13. 

            It's no secret to anybody who follows Butler basketball knows this team has been ravaged with injuries. That was the case once again on Tuesday night. Butler was without two starters. Seniors Bo Hodges and Bryce Nze. Hodges was out with a muscle strain and Nze was unavailable due to a knee injury. Both suffered their injuries late in the win over Creighton last Saturday. These two are key pieces to Butler's lineup. Hodges missed the first 14 games of the season with a tibial plateau fracture and Nze has missed seven games this season with knee soreness. 

            Butler was employing some different lineups in this game to combat with the injuries to Hodges and Nze. Several players who have seen very limited time this season got their time and they provided some spirited minutes. Freshman DJ Hughes, Junior John Michael Malloy, Sophomore Myles Wilmoth and Senior Ty Groce all came off the bench and provided double figure minutes for the Bulldogs. 

           The Bulldogs were able to withstand several runs by DePaul in the second half and held the Blue Demons without a three point field goal in the final eight minutes of the game. 

            Butler has dominated DePaul since joining the Big East. The Bulldogs are now 16-1 against the Blue Demons in their last 17 games. 

            No rest for the Bulldogs after this one. They have to travel to St. John's on Friday and then come home to face Big East conference leader Providence on Sunday. Three games in six days isn't easy for any team. Butler will need to find their resilience to combat these next two tough games. 

            Butler won their second game in a row to climb their record back to .500 at 13-13 on the season and 6-9 in conference play. The Blue Demons lost their second game in a row and also saw their record fall back to .500 on the season at 12-12. Butler has swept the season series against DePaul for the second year in a row. 

            Butler has had so many close Big East games in the last few weeks of the season it was no surprise this one against DePaul would be any different. Butler's last six games in the Big East have been decided by a total of 18 points. Butler found a way this time to reverse their Big East road woes and escape Chicago with a two point victory. Butler was without two starters, only shot 26 percent from three, down by nine with seven minutes to go, had a miracle three banked in by a Freshman to win the game, sounds like Butler basketball. Gritty, not pretty. 

Butler defeats Troy 70-59

 

            Butler used a strong second half to pull away from visiting Troy on Saturday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse to earn their 3rd win of the season 70-59 to improve their record to 3-0 on the young season. 

            The hometown Bulldogs started out in a funk in the first half. Early on, Butler had more turnovers than points. The Bulldogs had 12 turnovers and only seven points at the ten minute mark of the first half and found themselves down 17-7 to the visitors from Troy, Alabama. Near the end of the first half, Butler's shooting percentage was an abysmal 30 percent. Butler fought their way back to close the half within three points at 20-23. Then the heave happened. 

            Bryce Nze took a missed three pointer by Troy's Christyon Eugene and heaved the ball 80 feet down the other end as the clock expired. The ball banked off the backboard and went in. The 7,227 fans inside Hinkle were sent into a frenzy. After a long discussion at the scorers table, the refs counted the basket. Game tied at 23 going into halftime. Crazy things always seem to happen at Hinkle Fieldhouse don't they? Another magic moment to add to the list in the 93 year history of Indiana's basketball cathedral. 

            Butler began to pull away in the 2nd half with an 9-0 run to stretch the lead to 55-44 with 6 minutes to go. Troy never got any closer. Butler ended the game shooting 69 percent in the second half, a much needed improvement after a sloppy shooting performance in the first half. 

            The Bulldogs were led in scoring by sophomore Chuck Harris who had 23 points and four rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for the Bulldogs were senior Jair Bolden who had 21 points and freshman Jayden Taylor who had 10 points. Of the Bulldogs 12 three pointers on the night, 8 of them came from Harris and Bolden who each hit 4 from beyond the arc. Taylor had his third straight double digit game to start his Butler career. That is significant due to the fact that no other Butler freshman in the last 30 years has accomplished that feat. 

            Troy was led in scoring by Efe Odigie who has 13 points and also scoring in double figures for the Trojans was Duke Deen who also led them in rebounds with 6 on the night. Troy shot 42 percent for the game but struggled from beyond the three point line, only making 4 out of 19 attempts. 

            Through the first three games of the season, Butler has done well defensively to keep their opponents at bay by half despite struggling offensively themselves. Butler hasn't allowed more than 30 points in a half so far in this early season. They also have done well to keep their three opponents under 60 points for the game. Pretty good accomplishment despite missing their best defensive player in Aaron Thompson. Thompson will return to the Bulldog lineup on Wednesday evening. 

            Butler is now 62-1 in their last 63 non conference home games. The Bulldogs will face a big challenge on Wednesday night when Michigan State arrives at Hinkle Fieldhouse for the annual Gavitt Games Tipoff. 

Butler defeats IUPUI 56-47 in season opener

 

    Butler started out their 2021-22 season by defeating IUPUI 56-47 before a crowd of 7,134 fans at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Tuesday night. 

    The Bulldogs mantra has always been gritty, not pretty and that was the case against the Jaguars. Butler's offense was in a rut for most of the game but it's defense stifled the Jaguars and in the end that was enough to secure the nine point win. 

    Butler lead by as many as 15 points during the contest and never trailed for the majority of the game. IUPUI had a 9-7 lead early in the first half but after that the Bulldogs never trailed again. Butler's defense held the Jaguars to 3 of 23 shooting from behind the three point line. Butler also forced several shot clock violations in the first half. The Jaguars were led in scoring by B.J. Maxwell who scored 14 points. No other Jaguar scored in double figures. 

    Butler's offense on the other hand was just as sloppy. The Bulldogs shot only 25 percent on three pointers in the second half and 34 percent overall. Butler was a collective 7-25 on three pointers. Butler struggled against the IUPUI zone defense. Butler countered this by attacking the basket, drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. Butler made 19 out of 23 from the foul line. That should be a refreshing sign for Bulldogs fans as Butler struggled from the free throw line much of last season. 

    The Bulldogs were led in scoring by sophomore Chuck Harris who had a game high 16 points and freshman Jayden Taylor who had 12 points. They are both known to be effective three point shooters but due to the Jaguars match up zone, they went a combined 1-9 from three. This was made up for in the case that was just mentioned above as Taylor and Harris both took the ball to the basket on drives and were able to draw contact and get to the free throw line. Combined they went 15 out of 18 from the charity stripe. 

    By not having starting point guard Aaron Thompson who was out due to being suspended the first three games of the season, Butler needed that next man up mentality. That next man up turned out to be someone who has only been in the United States for a few weeks. Freshman guard Simas Lukosius from Lithuania. The 19 year old showed promise in his first ever collegiate game. Playing point guard and shooting guard, Lukosius scored eight points, grabbed seven rebounds and had two assists. 

    Butler looked dysfunctional at times, the offense stalled here and there but the defense was on point after a few shaky exhibitions the last few weeks. However it's a win to start the season so that's the positive. Aaron Thompson is the glue that holds the team together and no matter what year it has been, when he's not in the game for Butler, they struggle on both sides of the ball. Butler was also missing three other players that will see significant minutes of playing time when they return from their injuries so with all of that in effect, Butler should be happy with this victory. As they say at Butler, gritty not pretty. 

     Senior Bo Hodges is out with a leg injury and his timetable should be around the start of Big East play. Grad transfer from Eastern Michigan Ty Groce should be back on Friday against Central Arkansas and could start soon. Sophomore Myles Tate suffered a torn ACL last march in the Big East Tournament. Thompson will return to the starting lineup next week against Michigan State. 

    Butler is now 7-0 all time against IUPUI in their history. Butler has now won 23 consecutive home openers and is 60-1 in their last 61 non conference home games. 

    The Bulldogs next game will be on Friday night as they take on the Bears of Central Arkansas. IUPUI is set to travel to Evansville on Thursday night to take on the Purple Aces. 

Indiana Senior All Stars Defeat Junior All Stars 127-106

 

    Make no mistake about it, the abundance of talent in the state of Indiana when it comes to high school basketball is unbelievable. It was on full display Wednesday night inside the Varsity Fieldhouse at Brownsburg High School. 

    The j=Junior All Stars gave the bigger Senior All Star squad all they could handle on Wednesday night, going bucket for bucket with their older counterparts but in the end, the bigger and stronger seniors were too much as they pulled away for a 127-106 victory. 

    Perhaps the strongest showing during the game was by none other than Mr. Basketball himself. Caleb Furst of Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian. The Purdue recruit was dominant in all phases of the game on Wednesday night when he was on the floor. Scoring 22 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out five assists. Furst went 9-14 from the floor and showcased flashes of his game that will have Purdue fans very excited. Furst is everything and then some. Well deserving of the title Mr. Basketball.

    Fellow senior teammate and Purdue recruit Trey Kauffman of Silver Creek was also a strong force on the inside for the seniors. He scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had a pair of blocks. Kauffman went 9-13 from the floor. The size of these two future Boilermakers were just too much to handle on the inside for the smaller Junior All Stars. 

    Another Senior standout was Blake Wesley. The 6-5 guard from Riley High School in South Bend, finsished with 24 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Notre Dame recruit displayed an all around game by scoring from both inside and outside. His athleticism was top notch. He is a complete guard who has great length and court vision and can defend multiple positions on the floor.  

    The seniors were lead off the bench by Jalen Blackmon. The sharpshooter from Marion High School who will be playing at Grand Canyon University hit 5-7 from beyond the arc and finished with 17 points. He provided the spark off the bench as he hit three three pointers in a row at one stretch in the first half and then hit back to back three pointers at one point in the second half. He was the best three point shooter on the floor for the seniors. Outside of Blackmon, the team went just 4-18 from three point range. 

    Also off the bench for the Senior All Stars were a pair of Butler Bulldog recruits. Pierce Thomas of Brownsburg and Jayden Taylor of Perry Meridian. Both had quiet nights on the offensive side but their defense was on display as they were around the ball and forcing bad passes from the juniors and they  were also able to set up their teammates in the open floor in transition. Thomas finished with four points, four rebounds and three assists. Taylor finished with six points, five rebounds and three assists and two steals. 

    The Junior All Stars were led by Leland Walker off the bench. Walker, who is a 6'2 guard from North Central High School, was the leading scorer in the whole game in with 24 points. Walker displayed his scoring ability while shooting 4-6 from the three point line and 8-10 from the floor. He displayed a knack of getting out in transition on the fast break and going straight to the basket and he can also stop on a dime and let it fly from the three point line with accuracy. That's something his current head coach and former Mr. Basketball winner Jason Gardner was a specialist at in his days at North Central High School. Walker could see more high major college offers in his future this summer. He currently has offers from Providence, Xavier, DePaul, VCU, Ohio and Florida International, Ball State and Miami of Ohio. 

    Tayshawn Coomer was also standout for the juniors. The Cathedral guard scored 16 points off the bench while going 7-11 overall from the floor. He has offers from Ball State, Miami of Ohio, IUPUI and Butler currently but his stock is sure to rise and there should be more major offers headed his way as he approaches his senior season. He finished last season shooting 40 percent from the three point line and he averages 5.5 assists per game so he plays an all around point guard. One who scores but also looks for opportunities for his teammates. 

    Other standouts for the Junior All Stars included Jalen Jackson from Fort Wayne Carroll who had a strong first half with 14 points and pair of three pointers. Jackson who has division one offers currently from IUPUI and Purdue Fort Wayne, finished with 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. 

    The Senior All Stars will be back in action this Friday and Saturday night when they prepare to take on the Kentucky All Stars. The first of the of those games will be played in Owensboro, Kentucky and then the rematch will be held on Saturday evening at Southport Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Last year's event between these two squads was cancelled due to the covid pandemic. The series dates back all the way to 1940. Indiana holds a 99-44 advantage overall over Kentucky. 

    The annual showcase of the best basketball players in this state put on a great show for the crowd in what felt like a normal evening for high school basketball for the first time in a while. Their were coaches and recruiters in the stands keeping an eye on the future talent that was showcasing their abilities. Parents and family members were cheering on their kids. The fans were enjoying the moment to see some of the best players from the state of Indiana. Overall, it was just a great atmosphere because as everybody knows, in 49 states it's just basketball......but this is Indiana.