Brandin Podziemski shades Knicks over not making NBA Finals: ‘Would've been a sweep'

Was the Knicks' elimination in the Eastern Conference finals just delaying the inevitable?
New York certainly had the star power coming out of the East as opposed to the Pacers, but Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski doesn't think the Knicks could have held up against the Thunder.
'I'm glad it was the Pacers, not the Knicks … if it was the Knicks, it would have been a sweep,' Podziemski told Kay Adams on the 'Up and Adams' on Tuesday. 'I don't think the Knicks had enough to compete with OKC both offensively and defensively.
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3 Brandin Podziemski spoke on 'Up and Adams' on Tuesday.
Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams
The Knicks, who knocked off the heavily favored Celtics in the second round, succumbed to the Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference finals, New York's first time making it that far since 2000.
While the Warriors didn't see the Thunder in the playoffs after they were bounced in the second round by the Timberwolves, Podziemski might know the formula to beating Oklahoma City, as the Warriors won two of the three matchups in the regular season.
'I think the Pacers, on any given night, they play with 10 guys and there's games where all 10 of them score in double figures,' Podziemski added. 'It can come from anywhere with Indiana, and I think that's the thing that's gonna be challenging for OKC.'
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Aside from a seven-game series against the Nuggets, the Thunder have rolled through their competition this postseason.
Even in Game 7 against Denver, Oklahoma City sent Nikola Jokic & Co. packing in resounding fashion with a 32-point win.
The Thunder are led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
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3 The Thunder celebrate winning the Western Conference and reaching the NBA Finals.
NBAE via Getty Images
But Podziemski credits Oklahoma City's defense as the reason for why New York would have struggled in a finals matchup.
With the Knicks' offense so heavily reliant on Jalen Brunson's isolation opportunities, Podziemski noted, 'that's what OKC is really good at stopping —you look at the Timberwolves, [the Thunder] know the majority of the points are from [Julius] Randle and [Anthony Edwards], so they're really good at taking that away and forcing others to beat you.'
As for the Pacers, their role players have stepped up time and time again throughout the playoffs, even when their star Tyrese Haliburton falls flat.
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3 Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals before the team fell short against the Pacers in six games.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Though he thinks Indiana will have more of a fighting chance than the Knicks would've, Podziemski concluded that 'OKC is the best team in the NBA for a reason and they won 68 games not by mistake.'

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Forbes

an hour ago

• Forbes

2025 NBA Finals: Pacers Bury Unwanted Emotion, Force Game 7 Vs Thunder

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) drives as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace ... More defends during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) INDIANAPOLIS — Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals was just 50 minutes away, and Indiana Pacers forward James Johnson needed a hand fulfilling one of his unofficial team duties. A key veteran voice for the blue and gold, Johnson was searching for a way to motivate his group ahead of a game in which they were fighting off elimination. Down 3-2 in the series, he wanted to write a quote on the locker room whiteboard. Something powerful and inspiring. But there was one problem. Johnson's handwriting isn't great. 'Who's a good writer?' Johnson called out. Bennedict Mathurin, celebrating his 23rd birthday, stepped up. Mathurin, competitive as ever, wants to be the best at everything, even penmanship. He grabbed a red marker. Johnson recited the quote, an old Muhammad Ali line about rising after a fall, word by word. Mathurin carefully scribbled it out, and the two worked together to get the spacing just right. 45 minutes before tipoff, they were done. Every player who walked through the locker room — all of them required to at least once — would see Mathurin's handiwork and Johnson's message. The Pacers were going to need to heed the words printed in ink. They were down in the Finals and facing elimination for the first time of the postseason. A win was required, and they needed to recover after consecutive losses. Their opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder, won 68 games this season. Individual brilliance — while helpful, as Mathurin proved in Game 3 — is not enough to beat them. It takes a total team effort and sustained resilience. Johnson wanted to remind everyone of that before the pivotal battle. It was a new situation for the Pacers, who have largely cruised through in this postseason until this series. Now, they were navigating new emotions as they faced a series defeat on the biggest stage the NBA provides. Nerves, pressure, and urgency all appeared. Getting their mentality right was critical, and that's part of Johnson's role. Wing Aaron Nesmith, who has played in an NBA Finals before, was asked later Thursday night which of his teammates helped steady the locker room. '[Johnson] is always good about it,' Nemith began before talking about veteran forward Pascal Siakam. Nesmith feels as if it's important to be even-keeled in a one-game setting, and experienced teammates help everyone else stay grounded. So a small moment — one player who wanted a motivational quote on the whiteboard, another one eager to write it — became something bigger. It helped stabilize the locker room. And that quiet clarity carried over to the court, where the Pacers delivered one of their strongest performances of the season, hammering the Thunder and giving Gainbridge Fieldhouse one last moment to celebrate this season. What did James Johnson's message mean for the Pacers in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals? The Ali quote Johnson chose about getting up after being knocked down felt prophetic almost immediately. Indiana lost Game 5, and OKC took a 10-2 lead within the first four minutes of action in Game 6. The Pacers were reeling and watching their chance at a title slip away. They took a timeout and needed to rise once again. Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) during the second ... More half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) The next 40 minutes of play were all about the Pacers getting up after being knocked down. That eight-point deficit was erased in 45 seconds. Indiana led barely two minutes after talking things over, and their edge grew as high as nine in the first quarter. They started off slow after two straight defeats and were pinned to the mat, but they battled back again. It was the response Johnson envisioned. But the Thunder pushed again in the second quarter, trimming the lead to one with 9:29 left. Rick Carlisle, the Pacers veteran head coach who has guided his team with sage adjustments throughout this postseason run, stopped the game to talk things over. That changed everything. Indiana erupted, going on a 32-11 run. Their lead was 22 at halftime, and the Indy crowd was electric. So were the Pacers, who rolled through the third quarter and carried a 30-point cushion into the fourth. That was enough to coast the rest of the way and take Game 6 108-91. The blue and gold responded, again. The message to rise had been received. Now the series is tied 3-3, heading to a winner-take-all Game 7. 'We continue to be us no matter what,' Siakam said postgame. 'I think that's what makes us who we are.' The Pacers, at every turn, are prepared to fight back. When they're down in a series, or down in a game, they've proven that they can even things up. Some of that comes from talent. Other parts of it come from leadership. The day before Game 6, Pacers center Myles Turner was asked about inspiration, and specifically if Carlisle had applied any motivational tactics to boost the team mentally. The answer was yes, but Turner didn't think his coach should have to. In his eyes, the team's overall pride should be enough of a motivating factor. After Game 6, Turner sat at his locker composed. He was stoic yet in a good mood, listening to Seal's 'Kiss From a Rose'. He recalled a similar moment from last season when the Pacers were down 3-2 against the New York Knicks in the second round. They won that series in seven games. Repeating that success is their hope, and Johnson did everything in his power to make it happen. And in a fitting twist, the veteran forward that played just 37 total minutes during the regular season checked into Game 6 with 3:04 remaining. He was getting NBA Finals court time on the same night that his off-court value was so deeply felt. During Johnson's three years with the Pacers, he's become a crowd favorite as Indiana fans learn more about his true value to the franchise. As he entered the game, Gainbridge Fieldhouse roared with excitement. When he was ejected with 57 seconds left for slapping Dillon Jones, those roars returned. Fans were cheering for him the same way he cheered on his teammates with motivational quotes before the game. They were rooting for a leader that made sure any unwanted emotions were gone. Johnson's teammates heard the message, and they all earned another chance to play in the 2025 NBA Finals. It's a Game 7 on Sunday for the championship, and the Pacers don't have the opportunity without its veterans.

USA Today

an hour ago

• USA Today

Insider gives update on rumored Lakers-Jazz trade talks

According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have already started trade discussions lately, even though the NBA Finals haven't ended yet. One beat reporter for the Utah Jazz said they have had discussions with the Jazz about both center Walker Kessler and forward John Collins. While Kessler could be the ideal player to plug L.A.'s massive hole at the 5 spot, Collins could be a questionable fit. While he can play the 3 and the 5 positions, he's primarily a power forward. L.A. already has LeBron James, whose primary position these days is power forward, as well as Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt to play at that spot. According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have offered Hachimura to Utah for Collins. He also reported that many in the organization like the idea of having Collins on the roster. Via ClutchPoints: "Sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers say that internally, they have long been fans of John Collins, who has the ability to stretch the floor both as a deep threat or someone who can finish well above the rim," Irwin wrote. "Many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Doncic. Since their season ended, they've held a few conversations with the Utah Jazz to try to land the 27-year-old big man, with Rui Hachimura often the centerpiece of the deal." The writer also noted that there is a possibility L.A. lands both Collins and Kessler. "The Lakers have also remained interested in Walker Kessler and will likely remain as such until the end of time, so another possibility some around the league are wondering about is if a bigger deal involving Collins and Kessler could be in the works. Issue there is the Lakers' lack of draft capital, as sources have indicated the price for Kessler is still quite high." Additionally, Irwin wrote that the decision of whether to swap Hachimura for Collins or keep Hachimura isn't a simple one for the Lakers' front office. "A Collins-Hachimura swap would feel like a bit of a side-step for both Utah and L.A. as the players are so similar. They're both big wings who primarily guard power forwards and space the floor. Hachimura is a little smaller and thus can move his feet better on the perimeter, but Collins' size helps him rebound more consistently. Collins' abilities as a vertical threat have made him a little more popular to some in the Lakers organization. "This isn't to say Hachimura doesn't have his share of favorable voices in the Lakers offices. He has improved each season he's been in the organization. He was one of the few players who truly competed in that fifth and final game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's willingly played out of position at times and done so without complaint. The Lakers truly do value what he brings to the table. Those who prefer Collins do so because of the improved fit." Collins, who is 6-foot-9 and 226 pounds, averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks a game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 39.9% from the field this season. He has a $26.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

Fox Sports

4 hours ago

• Fox Sports

Thunder vs. Pacers Predictions, Picks: Back OKC To Start Fast In Game 7

Game 7. Two of the best words in sports. This will be especially true when the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder take the court on Sunday for the final game of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers dominated Game 6, tied the series and then forced a Game 7. OKC now has the opportunity to bounce back from a poor performance. But the Thunder will need guys to step up. After the season-saving Game 6 win for Indiana, both teams have a chance to clinch their first championship on Sunday. With that in mind, I see four wagers that have value right now. Let's dive into it. Thunder first quarter My favorite wager to make in the postseason is to take a team coming off a loss to cover the first quarter in the next game when they are playing at home. It's an even better wager with a team like Oklahoma City, which is fantastic at home. The Thunder have won and covered the first quarter in all three home games of this series. They also won and covered four of the first six quarters following a loss. This last loss was gnarly. It marked the worst offensive performance by the Thunder this season. They shot just 26% from three-point range, with most of their makes coming during garbage time. They had 21 turnovers and were out-rebounded. Given that poor performance, it's common for teams to play better in their next game at home. I expect the Thunder to start fast on Sunday night. PICK: Thunder (-3.5) first quarter My player props for Game 7 are all zigzag props. The theory involves betting the opposite side of a player prop following either an awful night or one that's been too good. For example, in Game 6, Aaron Wiggins was the perfect fade opportunity. At home in Game 5, he scored 14 points, but in Game 6, he went Under 5.5 points. Keeping this in mind, here are my player prop picks for Game 7. Alex Caruso Over 8.5 Points Caruso played 22 minutes in Game 6 and didn't score a single point. He only attempted two shots, the least number of shots he's taken in a game since logging 12 minutes in Game 1 against the Grizzlies. Caruso has scored just two points in the last two games while playing 51 minutes. There have been instances this postseason where he has fewer points than usual in two straight games, only to follow that up by scoring over 8.5 points. He scored 10 points in Game 4 against the Nuggets after just nine in the previous two games and reached 10 points against the Wolves in Game 4 after only scoring 12 in the last two games. Caruso might see more playing time as well. The Thunder have been tweaking their lineups, and he's part of the most optimal lineup. He will get the chance to surpass 8.5 points. PICK: Alex Caruso Over 8.5 points Jalen Williams Over 9.5 rebounds and assists Like the rest of his team, Jalen Williams had an off night in Game 6, but he had been super reliable in the previous five games of this series. He's recorded at least 10 rebounds and assists in four of those five games. Looking back to the prior two series, he's exceeded 9.5 rebounds and assists in six of the last eight games. Further, he's managed at least 10 rebounds and assists in four of the six games following a Thunder loss. Williams has taken more control of the Thunder's offense in recent games, especially as the Pacers keep hounding SGA in the backcourt. Following a game where the Thunder didn't shoot well or pass much, I expect Williams to generate more assists. He's often around the basket due to who he's guarding, so rebounds should be more within his reach. I like him Over here. PICK: Jalen Williams Over 9.5 rebounds and assists Obi Toppin Under 10.5 points It's tough to fade someone who's hot, but this is the spot to do it. Toppin has scored 17, 12 and 20 points in his last three games — which is the most points he's scored in a three-game stretch this postseason. He's been a bright spot for the Pacers at the center position, especially with Myles Turner struggling the last three games. Can Toppin do it again? Four straight games, plus a Game 7 on the road? These are not the games where role players typically shine. PICK: Obi Toppin Under 10.5 points Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He played eight seasons in the NFL for five different teams. He started at right tackle for the University of Oregon for three seasons and was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection his senior year. Follow him on Twitter @ GeoffSchwartz . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more