Latest news with #Shaq
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What time is NBA Finals Game 6 today? TV channel for Thunder vs. Pacers
What time is NBA Finals Game 6 today? TV channel for Thunder vs. Pacers Show Caption Hide Caption Shaq talks NBA Finals matchup and NBA on TNT Shaquille O'Neal joins Sports Seriously to talk about all things NBA and his upcoming Netflix docu-series 'Power Moves'. Sports Seriously Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder will have an opportunity to win the 2025 NBA championship on the road Thursday in Game 6 of the Finals against the Indiana Pacers. It would be the first title for the franchise since 1979, when it won the NBA title as the Seattle SuperSonics. The Thunder have only one other Finals appearance, in 2012, since relocating in 2008. The Pacers will look to avoid elimination and extend the series to a Game 7. Tyrese Haliburton's status remains questionable as he's dealing with a calf strain. He struggled to score in 34 minutes of play in Game 5, with all four of his points coming from the free throw line. Here's how you can watch the potential conclusion of the NBA Finals on Thursday: What time is Game 6 of the NBA Finals? Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers Game 6 will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Date: Thursday, June 19 Thursday, June 19 Time: 8:30 p.m. ET 8:30 p.m. ET TV: ABC ABC Stream: ESPN+, SlingTV, Fubo ESPN+, SlingTV, Fubo Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis) How to watch the NBA Finals The 2025 NBA Finals between the Thunder and Pacers will air on ABC. Fans can stream it on Fubo (offers a free trial) and SlingTV. Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo NBA Finals 2025: Full schedule, times, TV channel, live streaming All times Eastern. *-if necessary The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Young Thunder falter and now face ultimate test: NBA Finals Game 7
Young Thunder falter and now face ultimate test: NBA Finals Game 7 Show Caption Hide Caption Shaq talks NBA Finals matchup and NBA on TNT Shaquille O'Neal joins Sports Seriously to talk about all things NBA and his upcoming Netflix docu-series 'Power Moves'. Sports Seriously The young Oklahoma City Thunder have absorbed lessons all season – in success and in failure through 82 regular-season games and 22 playoff games. The lessons for the Thunder after six NBA Finals games against the Indiana Pacers are clear. Clearer than ever. Winning closeout games in the conference final round is one thing; winning closeout games in the NBA Finals is another, much more demanding thing. The Thunder need to take the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy because the Pacers aren't going to give it up easily. They're going after it just as hard. The 2025 NBA Finals get a Game 7 because Tyrese Haliburton (and his one good leg) and the Pacers destroyed the Thunder 108-91 in Game 6 Thursday, June 19. 'From our standpoint, it was uncharacteristic,' Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. 'It was disappointing. It was collective. It wasn't one guy. Just we were not where we needed to be on either end of the floor for much of the game. We have to be a lot better before Game 7.' It was one of those games where the margin was not indicative of the beating the Pacers delivered. The Thunder were miserable across the board, but don't be fooled either. The feisty, admirable Pacers had a significant role in Oklahoma City's inability to score or defend. 'Obviously it was a very poor performance by us,' Daigneault said. 'But there's two teams out there. I want to give Indiana credit for the way they defended, the way they competed in the game, the way they played all the way around. They had a lot to do with it." If the Thunder want to win the franchise's first championship since moving to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008, they know they can't have a similar performance. Twenty-one turnovers leading to 19 Pacers points won't get it done. Shooting 26.7% on 3-pointers and allowing 15 made 3s won't get it done. Falling behind by 22 at the half and 30 by the end of the third quarter, going scoreless for a nearly seven-minute stretch at the end of the second quarter and start of the third, and eight turnovers by 2024-25 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won't do the job. Gilgeous-Alexander didn't hide from the result. 'We got exactly what we deserved, what we earned. We have to own that," he said. As dominant as Oklahoma City has been this season, it's also easy to forget it is the second-youngest team to play in the Finals in the past 70 seasons. This group is playing in their first Finals together, and Daigneault just coached his 32nd career playoff game. Sunday is the 20th Game 7 in Finals history, and the first since Cleveland came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Golden State in 2016. For the Thunder, there are encouraging internal and external signs. The home team is 15-4 in Finals Game 7s, including 4-1 in the past 30 seasons, and the Thunder defeated Denver in Game 7 at home in this season's Western Conference semifinals. They lost two consecutive games just twice during the regular season and have not lost two consecutive playoff games this season. They respond to losses. 'It's a privilege to play in Game 7s. It's a privilege to play in the Finals,' Daigneault said. 'As disappointing as tonight was, we're grateful for the opportunity. We put in a lot of work this season to be able to play that game at home, which is exciting to be able to do it in front of our fans. 'Obviously disappointed tonight. But we'll regroup, get back to zero, learn from it with clear eyes, like we always do. Get ourselves as ready as we can be to play Game 7 on Sunday.' The biggest test is Sunday in a winner-take-all game. 'The way I see it is, we sucked tonight," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "We can learn our lessons. We have one game for everything, for everything we've worked for, and so do they. The better team Sunday will win. ... "One game for everything you ever dreamed of. If you win it, you get everything. If you lose it, you get nothing. It's that simple."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
When Shaquille O'Neal had the LA Times publish full-page advertisement thanking Lakers Nation: "You have been there with me through it all"
When Shaquille O'Neal had the LA Times publish full-page advertisement thanking Lakers Nation: "You have been there with me through it all" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Turning free agent ahead of the 1996-97 season, Shaquille O'Neal had a tough call to make. The 1993 ROTY could either continue his four-year association with the Orlando Magic or represent a bigger market like the Los Angeles Lakers that had just drafted Kobe Bryant. Advertisement Famously describing his Orlando situation as a big fish in a small, dried-up pond, Shaq signed a seven-year, $121M contract with the Lakers. A decision that the Louisiana State University product would never regret, establishing himself as the most dominant center to play the game. Donning the 'Purple and Gold,' Shaq played eight seasons for the Lakers between 1996-2004. Delivering three titles to the city of Los Angeles, the 'Big Diesel' was Finals MVP every time. Completing the 3-peat in 2002, the following years were nothing short of a soap opera. The internal tensions reached a point where a decision was made to trade Shaq to the Miami Heat. Bidding farewell to the Lakers fans, the fifteen-time All-Star issued a full-page advertisement in the LA Times, which stated, 'I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support over the last eight years. I am moving on to the next chapter in my career, but I will never forget the support that you gave me,' the article mentioned. Advertisement The message further stated, 'I will miss each and every one of you. You have been there with me through it all. We never could have won any of the championships without you.' The ad included a picture of Shaq gripping the basketball in one hand. Locker room tensions The friction between Shaq and Kobe was more than evident, with the two superstars not shying away from taking digs at each other publicly. After the 3-peat in 2002, reports surrounding the seven-foot center's unprofessionalism began doing the rounds. Whether it was his reduced efforts in practice, dealing with injuries, or lacking the required conditioning. On the other end, there was Kobe's Mamba Mentality, which paved the way for friction between the two Lakers teammates. This was heightened courtesy of them not winning the chip in the coming two years. Eventually, a call was made to trade Shaq, breaking the tandem and marking the end of an era. Nonetheless, the former teammates would bury the hatchet during the 2009 All-Star Game when they were named Co-MVPs. Advertisement Related: "I think it's a waste of time" - Tracy McGrady explains why it's pointless for young players to play in the G-League Getting his statue In 2017, the Lakers honored Shaq's contributions to the franchise with a bronze statue of him dunking. The statue ceremony had greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Phil Jackson and the late Kobe Bryant in attendance. Marking an emotional moment for the O'Neal family. During his tenure with the Lakers, Shaq averaged 27.0 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks on 57.5 percent shooting from the field. The veteran center helped the franchise make it to four NBA Finals, winning three of them, with his unparalleled dominance setting a new precedent. Advertisement Related: "I can't get so close to it, too, because of my competitive nature" - Michael Jordan on why he can't get himself to be a fan of any one player in the NBA This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NBA star enters WWE 2K25 ring as part of Dunk & Destruction pack
(Image via WWE 2K) The basketball and professional wrestling worlds collide as a Legendary NBA star is confirmed to step into the virtual WWE ring with the WWE 2K25's upcoming Dunk & Destruction Pack. The release of the downloadable pack promises a unique blend of mayhem and athleticism with the electrifying crossovers. It marks a thrilling moment for the fans of both sports entertainment, gaming, and basketball. Here is all we know about the legend's name joining the playable roster. NBA star brings the heat to WWE 2K25 The basketball giant, one of the most dominant NBA players of all time, who's making a monumental leap is none other than Shaquille O'Neal. He will soon be a playable character in WWE 2K25. WWE Games confirmed the arrival of the player, highlighting the preference of the star for some high-flying movies beyond just dunking. Shaq is not just any novelty character. His inclusion in the game leverages his real-life crossover appeal. He brings along with him genuine wrestling experience from his past appearances in AEW and WWE, thereby adding authenticity to the virtual counterpart in Dunk & Destruction Pack. The players could soon unleash the surprising agility and immense power of Shaq against the other WWE Superstars and some other surprise guests. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Shaquille O'Neal's not just dunking, he's dropping elbows from the top rope! The legend's history and unique persona will ensure his in-game presence remains unforgettable. Expect some of his signature moves, like dropping elbows and trash-talking opponents, reflecting upon his physical dominance and larger-than-life character. After all, this is not the first time Shaq will be near the wrestling ring, but his debut is a fully playable force in the WWE 2K franchise, elevating the overall game's appeal. What's coming with WWE 2K25 Dunk & Destruction Pack ? Scheduled to release on June 25, 2025, the Dunk & Destruction pack is the 2nd major DLC drop for the WWE 2K25 game this year. Blending NBA talent and wrestling legends, the pack lives up to its name. Right alongside NBA star Shaquille O'Neal WWE character, the pack also features a fellow NBA star Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), with another basketball player, yet to be revealed. With the 3 NBA stars, the hoop talent trio will be soon completed. The pack even bolsters the wrestling roster significantly. The fans would welcome the terrifying presence of The Great Khali and the hardcore legend Abyss, who is making a debut in WWE gaming despite the TNA fame. Such a diverse mix of some established wrestlers alongside the NBA powerhouse promises quite a unique gameplay experience. It offers fantasy scenarios and fresh matchups that would be simply impossible elsewhere. The Dunk & Destruction pack is a part of the WWE 2K25 Season Pass. It's also available for a separate purchase. With some unique move sets and new entrances, all additions offer new gameplay possibilities. It also represents the bold move by the game, merging different worlds in a manner that capitalizes on sports entertainment and professional basketball's popularity. So, get ready to slam dunk competition in the WWE 2K25 style.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers: Predictions, picks, odds for NBA Finals Game 5
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers: Predictions, picks, odds for NBA Finals Game 5 Show Caption Hide Caption Shaq gives thoughts on a possible Pacers-Thunder 'small market' Finals Shaq joins Sports Seriously to give his thoughts on if a Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals would be too 'small market' for the league. Sports Seriously The Indiana Pacers will travel to play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday evening, with both teams having to take a 3-2 lead in the 2025 NBA Finals series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points in a 111-104 Game 4 victory over the Pacers in Indiana. Jalen Williams added 27 points and seven rebounds in the win. Pascal Siakam had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers in the loss. Tyrese Haliburton had 18 points and seven assists. Charles Barkley called the game a blown opportunity for the Pacers to take a 3-1 lead. Both teams have lost games at home in this series, but the Thunder currently have home-field advantage in their favor, with two of the final three games in the series being played in Oklahoma City if needed. NBA Finals picks: Thunder vs. Pacers predictions All of the NBA experts at USA TODAY Sports made their predictions for Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 115, Pacers 105 Thunder 115, Pacers 105 Lorenzo Reyes: Pacers 121, Thunder 106 Pacers 121, Thunder 106 Heather Tucker: Thunder 131, Pacers 118 Thunder 131, Pacers 118 James Williams: Pacers 110, Thunder 107 Pacers 110, Thunder 107 Scooby Axson: Thunder 121, Pacers 116 Thunder 121, Pacers 116 Jordan Mendoza: Thunder 112, Pacers 106 The Oklahoman: OKC 117, Indiana 107 Justin Martinez writes 'Despite recording season lows of 11 assists and three made 3-pointers, OKC found a way to sneak out of Indianapolis with a Game 4 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shined down the stretch after being shadowed by Andrew Nembhard all night, Jalen Williams stepped up as a shot creator and Chet Holmgren delivered his second straight double-double performance. The Thunder is entering Game 5 with momentum, and it'll get another boost when it plays in front of its home crowd. I'm going with OKC.' ESPN: Thunder favored over Pacers The site's matchup predictor gives the Thunder a 60.9% chance at defeating Indiana on Monday. Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 5 odds The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to take a 3-2 lead over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of 4 p.m. ET on Monday, June 2): Spread : Thunder (-9.5) : Thunder (-9.5) Moneyline : Thunder (-450); Pacers (+333) : Thunder (-450); Pacers (+333) Over/under: 224.5 Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo NBA Finals 2025: Schedule, time, TV channel, live streaming All times Eastern. *-if necessary
