Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to three Eastern nine am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to three Eastern nine am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

This is the Best of the Herd with Colin cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

This is the Best of the Herd with Colin cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

Hello, and welcome to the Herd. It's a beautiful Friday.

Hello, and welcome to the Herd. It's a beautiful Friday.

The Choklahoma City Thunder they go down, overrated SGA checks it out, Oh ladies, and John be on a great show today.

The Choklahoma City Thunder they go down, overrated SGA checks it out, Oh ladies, and John be on a great show today.

I'm fired up.

I'm fired up.

I am extremely excited. What the helly happened last night in okayc It's me Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowherd.

I am extremely excited. What the helly happened last night in okayc It's me Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowherd.

He's back next week. I know you're yeeked. I know you're excited at Coward's back. Joy Day as always by Alex Curry.

He's back next week. I know you're yeeked. I know you're excited at Coward's back. Joy Day as always by Alex Curry.

Alex No No, No, No, Blake, what a bang your way? That and the league like Holy Halliburton game winner, your boy, Aaron Rodgers finally finding with this Steelers and Happy Friday.

Alex No No, No, No, Blake, what a bang your way? That and the league like Holy Halliburton game winner, your boy, Aaron Rodgers finally finding with this Steelers and Happy Friday.

Let's go, Yeah, I Let's go. I thought I was gonna make time.

Let's go, Yeah, I Let's go. I thought I was gonna make time.

The theme for today squabble up and talk about a billionaire and the president going, that's a no fly zone. J mc okay, fine, fine, we'll talk about Game one of the NBA Finals, and guys, listen, I could probably do thirty minutes right out the gate on that gate.

The theme for today squabble up and talk about a billionaire and the president going, that's a no fly zone. J mc okay, fine, fine, we'll talk about Game one of the NBA Finals, and guys, listen, I could probably do thirty minutes right out the gate on that gate.

It was bonkers.

It was bonkers.

But the one obvious thing we have to start with is death taxes and Tyrese Haliburton. Nobody has had a clutch postseason like Halliburton has. Folks, he did this against the Bucks in the opening round, the driving layup. He did this against the Calves to basically squash them in Game two, and of course against my New York Knicks. Tyrese Halliburton is the man, the pull up jumper. With three tenths of a second left, he gives the Pacers to win. They were ten point underdogs on the road and Haliburton delivers.

But the one obvious thing we have to start with is death taxes and Tyrese Haliburton. Nobody has had a clutch postseason like Halliburton has. Folks, he did this against the Bucks in the opening round, the driving layup. He did this against the Calves to basically squash them in Game two, and of course against my New York Knicks. Tyrese Halliburton is the man, the pull up jumper. With three tenths of a second left, he gives the Pacers to win. They were ten point underdogs on the road and Haliburton delivers.

Now, there's so many layers to this.

Now, there's so many layers to this.

I will try to contain myself, but first let's get this out of the way early. Here's the audio from the Indiana Pacers radio call of Tyrese Haliburton vanquishing the thunder eight.

I will try to contain myself, but first let's get this out of the way early. Here's the audio from the Indiana Pacers radio call of Tyrese Haliburton vanquishing the thunder eight.

Seconds to go.

Seconds to go.

The Pacers are not gonna call the time out. Haliburton has it with three driving.

The Pacers are not gonna call the time out. Haliburton has it with three driving.

With two pulling up and heading with three tenths of a second to go.

With two pulling up and heading with three tenths of a second to go.

How many more times can this team do that?

How many more times can this team do that?

You gotta love it.

You gotta love it.

You see all those OKAC fans hit the surrender cobra hands on their head.

You see all those OKAC fans hit the surrender cobra hands on their head.

What did I just witness?

What did I just witness?

But here's the best part about Haliburton beating OKAC last night. So Tyrese was in the Dorcher chamber all night. Lou Dort locked him up.

But here's the best part about Haliburton beating OKAC last night. So Tyrese was in the Dorcher chamber all night. Lou Dort locked him up.

I'm not gonna lie.

I'm not gonna lie.

Ludort did a tremendous job on Halliburton, and Haliburn had a quiet game and you're like, oh, where's Haliburton?

Ludort did a tremendous job on Halliburton, and Haliburn had a quiet game and you're like, oh, where's Haliburton?

Am I guy?

Am I guy?

Richard Jefferson, you know, play with me in a men's league. He's a great human being. He's talking about in the fourth quarter. Hey, Tyrese, Haliburton, you can't shoot tour dates okay in Game one of the NBA Finals and Haliburton not a quakey, but he wasn't forcing anything.

Richard Jefferson, you know, play with me in a men's league. He's a great human being. He's talking about in the fourth quarter. Hey, Tyrese, Haliburton, you can't shoot tour dates okay in Game one of the NBA Finals and Haliburton not a quakey, but he wasn't forcing anything.

And that's important because as soon as.

And that's important because as soon as.

They got a chance to win, just keep it close, keep it close, OKAC.

They got a chance to win, just keep it close, keep it close, OKAC.

Was gonna fold.

Was gonna fold.

And there is an element to OKC and We'll get to them later. Trust me plenty to do on Okay, see what we're gonna focus on the positive. You're at the outset, But there is a Mike Tyson element to the Thunder, Right.

And there is an element to OKC and We'll get to them later. Trust me plenty to do on Okay, see what we're gonna focus on the positive. You're at the outset, But there is a Mike Tyson element to the Thunder, Right.

They want to knock you out. That's what they do.

They want to knock you out. That's what they do.

They had the most double digit wins I believe in NBA history. Our guest Anthony Slater had that yesterday, something like sixty one wins by double figures. That's more than the KD. Curry Warriors. They want to knock you out, but they couldn't knock the Pacers out.

They had the most double digit wins I believe in NBA history. Our guest Anthony Slater had that yesterday, something like sixty one wins by double figures. That's more than the KD. Curry Warriors. They want to knock you out, but they couldn't knock the Pacers out.

They attempt.

They attempt.

They were up fifteen in the fourth quarter. This game was eerily reminiscent of that choke by the Thunder in Game one against Denver. A lot of self inflicted wounds. We'll talk about the coach a little bit later. Dag Naalt coached a terrible game. Only way to grate him on that was an f from the starting lineup to the closing lineup. He was awful. But I do want to focus on the positive in the Pacers here. Folks, when you look at the box score, you don't understand it kind of breaks your brain a little bit. Okay, Indiana averaged twelve turnovers a game. They had twenty four. Last night they had eighteen in the first half. I mean they were on pace for thirty six turnovers. However, Rick Carlile, who I hyped up when I picked the Pacers four too yesterday?

They were up fifteen in the fourth quarter. This game was eerily reminiscent of that choke by the Thunder in Game one against Denver. A lot of self inflicted wounds. We'll talk about the coach a little bit later. Dag Naalt coached a terrible game. Only way to grate him on that was an f from the starting lineup to the closing lineup. He was awful. But I do want to focus on the positive in the Pacers here. Folks, when you look at the box score, you don't understand it kind of breaks your brain a little bit. Okay, Indiana averaged twelve turnovers a game. They had twenty four. Last night they had eighteen in the first half. I mean they were on pace for thirty six turnovers. However, Rick Carlile, who I hyped up when I picked the Pacers four too yesterday?

I hyped up Rick Carlisle.

I hyped up Rick Carlisle.

I said, listen, this guy's good. Look what he did to Lebron and the Heatles fourth quarter. Pacers had one turnover early on. They could not handle the pressure. They made adjustments. Carlisle's a master.

I said, listen, this guy's good. Look what he did to Lebron and the Heatles fourth quarter. Pacers had one turnover early on. They could not handle the pressure. They made adjustments. Carlisle's a master.

So not only did they turn them ball over twenty four times, but did you see.

So not only did they turn them ball over twenty four times, but did you see.

The steals in this game? Fourteen steals for OKC, one for the Pacers.

The steals in this game? Fourteen steals for OKC, one for the Pacers.

How do you win a game like that?

How do you win a game like that?

Well, it's a three point shooting And again this was one of the keys to victory for the Pacers, number one three point shooting team in the playoffs forty percent last night, seven more threes than the PA than the Thunder seven times three twenty one in a one point game. You win threes by that much, folks. I mean, you're looking on the screen here that Andrew Nemhard banger. Now some of it was luck, obviously, but look at Nemhard between the legs, bang right in Wallace's face, and then he did it to his fellow countryman, shake gilges Alexander.

Well, it's a three point shooting And again this was one of the keys to victory for the Pacers, number one three point shooting team in the playoffs forty percent last night, seven more threes than the PA than the Thunder seven times three twenty one in a one point game. You win threes by that much, folks. I mean, you're looking on the screen here that Andrew Nemhard banger. Now some of it was luck, obviously, but look at Nemhard between the legs, bang right in Wallace's face, and then he did it to his fellow countryman, shake gilges Alexander.

By the way they got into it, we'll also talk about that.

By the way they got into it, we'll also talk about that.

But like, was there some flukiness? Yep, Myles Turner ain't gonna bank in threes right right? Obi Toppin turned into Steph Curry there in the fourth quarter. But ultimately it came down to Tyrese Haliburton. Here's Tyrese after the victory, and.

But like, was there some flukiness? Yep, Myles Turner ain't gonna bank in threes right right? Obi Toppin turned into Steph Curry there in the fourth quarter. But ultimately it came down to Tyrese Haliburton. Here's Tyrese after the victory, and.

We got to stop.

We got to stop.

Uh and coach trust us in those moments to not call timeouts, trust me in those moments. God's trust me and just trying to make a play. So uh, man, that's the Basketball's fun.

Uh and coach trust us in those moments to not call timeouts, trust me in those moments. God's trust me and just trying to make a play. So uh, man, that's the Basketball's fun.

Man, win in is fun. That's that's a great win for us. Basketball is fun.

Man, win in is fun. That's that's a great win for us. Basketball is fun.

I was watching my kids last night and when Sga bricks an eight footer, yeah, the mid range is back right and the Pacers get a shot. I'm watching my kids were all standing up. I'm like, do I get video of myself? Do I do one of those nerdy reaction videos.

I was watching my kids last night and when Sga bricks an eight footer, yeah, the mid range is back right and the Pacers get a shot. I'm watching my kids were all standing up. I'm like, do I get video of myself? Do I do one of those nerdy reaction videos.

Now, let's just watch it.

Now, let's just watch it.

And you Halliburton got the ball and you're like, oh, there's a problem, and it's interesting because against the Bucks, he drove for the layup. Against the Calves, step back against ty Jerome, against the Knicks, mister Robinson, step back three, he didn't the thunder, it scattered him.

And you Halliburton got the ball and you're like, oh, there's a problem, and it's interesting because against the Bucks, he drove for the layup. Against the Calves, step back against ty Jerome, against the Knicks, mister Robinson, step back three, he didn't the thunder, it scattered him.

They knew what was coming, they knew time and situation.

They knew what was coming, they knew time and situation.

Just a pull up jumper, twenty one foot bag from Haliburton, And as soon as it went up, I was like, oh, that's cash, it's over and he hits it.

Just a pull up jumper, twenty one foot bag from Haliburton, And as soon as it went up, I was like, oh, that's cash, it's over and he hits it.

And my kids don't really know Terrese Haliburton.

And my kids don't really know Terrese Haliburton.

You know, he's not a well known superstar, but the legend is growing pretty quickly. And I don't know if you guys have seen this on the internet, but there's this funny mashup because Terrese Haliburton is he's kind of different, right, He's just like kind of a little goofy at times. He's got a funky looking shot. He's always smiling and happy. And there's a mashup of Tyrese Haliburton and Steve Verkele on the internet. I don't know if you guys have seen that, but Steve Verkle of course, Family Matter is Julil White Iconic TGIF show. I don't even know if Alex was born at the time I watched tgif you know, Nerdy Jason, sixth grader watching Steve Rkele, and there should be a new nickname for Tyrese Haliburton. Why not Halliburkele, Because once you see the video of Steve Rkle, remember there was one game where Steve Verkle's going off, Tyrese Haliburton kind of doing the same thing. Halliburkele. Is that gonna stick? Much more on this game later? I promise you we'll come back to it, because I haven't taken my jabs at okay see, and they're coming, folks. But I do need to pivot because there was some big news in the NFL on Thursday. Our long national nightmare mercifully is over. Aaron Rodgers is flying to Pittsburgh today to sign a contract and play for the Pittsburgh Steve next year.

You know, he's not a well known superstar, but the legend is growing pretty quickly. And I don't know if you guys have seen this on the internet, but there's this funny mashup because Terrese Haliburton is he's kind of different, right, He's just like kind of a little goofy at times. He's got a funky looking shot. He's always smiling and happy. And there's a mashup of Tyrese Haliburton and Steve Verkele on the internet. I don't know if you guys have seen that, but Steve Verkle of course, Family Matter is Julil White Iconic TGIF show. I don't even know if Alex was born at the time I watched tgif you know, Nerdy Jason, sixth grader watching Steve Rkele, and there should be a new nickname for Tyrese Haliburton. Why not Halliburkele, Because once you see the video of Steve Rkle, remember there was one game where Steve Verkle's going off, Tyrese Haliburton kind of doing the same thing. Halliburkele. Is that gonna stick? Much more on this game later? I promise you we'll come back to it, because I haven't taken my jabs at okay see, and they're coming, folks. But I do need to pivot because there was some big news in the NFL on Thursday. Our long national nightmare mercifully is over. Aaron Rodgers is flying to Pittsburgh today to sign a contract and play for the Pittsburgh Steve next year.

Whew, it's over. I mean, we had to deal with.

Whew, it's over. I mean, we had to deal with.

What four months of reporters saying this is the week Aaron Rodgers probably said, no, no, not this wee it's next week. I mean, you know, guys just whiffing all over the place because nobody knows what Aaron Rodgers is gonna do.

What four months of reporters saying this is the week Aaron Rodgers probably said, no, no, not this wee it's next week. I mean, you know, guys just whiffing all over the place because nobody knows what Aaron Rodgers is gonna do.

But you gotta be honest.

But you gotta be honest.

Guys, if you're a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, you have to be thrilled, absolutely geeked that Aaron Rodgers waited until the very last moment possible before mandatory appearances were required to.

Guys, if you're a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, you have to be thrilled, absolutely geeked that Aaron Rodgers waited until the very last moment possible before mandatory appearances were required to.

Sign in Pittsburgh.

Sign in Pittsburgh.

You know, usually your quarterback, he's showing up in a new city, showing up with a new offensive coordinator, new wide receiver, new running.

You know, usually your quarterback, he's showing up in a new city, showing up with a new offensive coordinator, new wide receiver, new running.

You've got a lot of newness.

You've got a lot of newness.

He wants to get in the building early, got to hit the ground running, gotta beat my guys.

He wants to get in the building early, got to hit the ground running, gotta beat my guys.

I'm here first in last out. Uh huh.

I'm here first in last out. Uh huh.

Aaron Rodgers is letting you know, right out of the gate, I'm calling the shots.

Aaron Rodgers is letting you know, right out of the gate, I'm calling the shots.

You guys.

You guys.

Obviously remember that great Tom Cruise movie with the Somali pirates and the guy goes, I'm the captain now, Tom Hanks, Tom Hanks, I'm sorry, Tom Hanks. This was Aaron Rodgers essentially saying, Hey, this is my show, Mike Tomlan You're a great coach.

Obviously remember that great Tom Cruise movie with the Somali pirates and the guy goes, I'm the captain now, Tom Hanks, Tom Hanks, I'm sorry, Tom Hanks. This was Aaron Rodgers essentially saying, Hey, this is my show, Mike Tomlan You're a great coach.

Arthur Smith.

Arthur Smith.

I don't know why I'm gonna deal with you, but I'm running the show to Aaron Rodgers said, I'm signing now here.

I don't know why I'm gonna deal with you, but I'm running the show to Aaron Rodgers said, I'm signing now here.

I am, and folks, I don't know how this is gonna go.

I am, and folks, I don't know how this is gonna go.

We got we got a lot of newness in Pittsburgh, and our our staff put together a little chart. So Najie Harris, he gone their number one running back, number one wide receiver. Pickens he just got shipped tight end is the same. They're number two wide receiver.

We got we got a lot of newness in Pittsburgh, and our our staff put together a little chart. So Najie Harris, he gone their number one running back, number one wide receiver. Pickens he just got shipped tight end is the same. They're number two wide receiver.

He's also new.

He's also new.

They're left tackle Broderick Jones. He was not the full time starter last year. Look at all this newness in Pittsburgh. If you guys are looking for a team that's going to be potentially rocky, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers are the one.

They're left tackle Broderick Jones. He was not the full time starter last year. Look at all this newness in Pittsburgh. If you guys are looking for a team that's going to be potentially rocky, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers are the one.

Now.

Now.

We remember Brett Favre when he left Green Bay. He had a pit stop in New York. It went great for half a season, and then oh he goad Zookes, it totally nuked. Then he left for Minnesota found his groove again. I mean, I think he was nearly the MVP of the league. And they lose in the conference championship game. That fateful interception over the middle. One wonders Aaron Rodgers leads green Bay pitstop in New York not great? Will he find the fountain of youth in Pittsburgh. I'm here to tell you that's not happening, and all this Aaron Rodgers far of comparisons, I think we're gonna have to put them in the rearview mirror. Yes, Rogers incredible career. It was a time when he won the two MVPs in Green Bay. I was like, oh, it is a top five quarterback all time.

We remember Brett Favre when he left Green Bay. He had a pit stop in New York. It went great for half a season, and then oh he goad Zookes, it totally nuked. Then he left for Minnesota found his groove again. I mean, I think he was nearly the MVP of the league. And they lose in the conference championship game. That fateful interception over the middle. One wonders Aaron Rodgers leads green Bay pitstop in New York not great? Will he find the fountain of youth in Pittsburgh. I'm here to tell you that's not happening, and all this Aaron Rodgers far of comparisons, I think we're gonna have to put them in the rearview mirror. Yes, Rogers incredible career. It was a time when he won the two MVPs in Green Bay. I was like, oh, it is a top five quarterback all time.

He doesn't have the.

He doesn't have the.

Super Bowls, but man, the arm strength, the stats, the lack of interception.

Super Bowls, but man, the arm strength, the stats, the lack of interception.

I mean, Aaron Rodgers is great, and then in New York you're like, hurt, not awesome.

I mean, Aaron Rodgers is great, and then in New York you're like, hurt, not awesome.

Final year in Green Bay, and Mike Tomlin has this long, amazing.

Final year in Green Bay, and Mike Tomlin has this long, amazing.

Track record of never having a losing record.

Track record of never having a losing record.

I have it as eighteen seasons without a losing record for Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. That's the most consecutive non losing seasons, only behind Bill Belichick, as you can see on the screen of nineteen and Tom Landry, the great Cowboys coach of twenty one. Here's the thing with Tomlin, I think this is gonna be the year they don't hit five hundred.

I have it as eighteen seasons without a losing record for Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. That's the most consecutive non losing seasons, only behind Bill Belichick, as you can see on the screen of nineteen and Tom Landry, the great Cowboys coach of twenty one. Here's the thing with Tomlin, I think this is gonna be the year they don't hit five hundred.

And that's tough because it's gonna reflect poorly on Aaron Rodgers.

And that's tough because it's gonna reflect poorly on Aaron Rodgers.

I mean, remember Tomlin has stayed five hundred or better with a pooh pooh platter of quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired. I'm talking, you know, some jokers out there, okay, and I'm not really feeling this Rogers vibe. We already have seen reports. Hey man, you know Arthur Smith's personality, you know Aaron Rodgers, They're gonna be button heads out of the gate. Okay, Aaron, when he went to New York, they just gave him everything he wanted. Oh you want Randall Cobb, you want Alan Lazard, come on down, you want Nathaniel Hick.

I mean, remember Tomlin has stayed five hundred or better with a pooh pooh platter of quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired. I'm talking, you know, some jokers out there, okay, and I'm not really feeling this Rogers vibe. We already have seen reports. Hey man, you know Arthur Smith's personality, you know Aaron Rodgers, They're gonna be button heads out of the gate. Okay, Aaron, when he went to New York, they just gave him everything he wanted. Oh you want Randall Cobb, you want Alan Lazard, come on down, you want Nathaniel Hick.

Oh yeah, let's do it. Steelers ain't doing that.

Oh yeah, let's do it. Steelers ain't doing that.

So Rodgers is now not going in to a comfortable setting, newness all over the place. I'm very reluctant that the Steelers are a five hundred team. This is signing by Rogers. Win total didn't move. You know, it was probably baked in that he was gonna sign there. But the opener against my Jets is interesting because it pits Justin Fields against Aaron Rodgers. Justin Fields was in Pittsburgh last year Rogers was at the Jets. The line did bump up to Steelers minus three in New York. I'm gonna be heading to Vegas. This weekend, and I would love to bet the Jets not. I'm not gonna unload the bank account, but I'm just telling you right now that Jets pass rush. You don't think those Jets are going to be motivated to go after Rogers the way that tenure went in New York, Folks, it's not gonna be pretty for Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. I mean, I asked the staff ranked the quarterbacks in the division. I mean, he ain't better than Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow, that's for sure. So at best you've got the third best quarterback. Pro Football folk had Pittsburgh twenty first best roster in the league.

So Rodgers is now not going in to a comfortable setting, newness all over the place. I'm very reluctant that the Steelers are a five hundred team. This is signing by Rogers. Win total didn't move. You know, it was probably baked in that he was gonna sign there. But the opener against my Jets is interesting because it pits Justin Fields against Aaron Rodgers. Justin Fields was in Pittsburgh last year Rogers was at the Jets. The line did bump up to Steelers minus three in New York. I'm gonna be heading to Vegas. This weekend, and I would love to bet the Jets not. I'm not gonna unload the bank account, but I'm just telling you right now that Jets pass rush. You don't think those Jets are going to be motivated to go after Rogers the way that tenure went in New York, Folks, it's not gonna be pretty for Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. I mean, I asked the staff ranked the quarterbacks in the division. I mean, he ain't better than Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow, that's for sure. So at best you've got the third best quarterback. Pro Football folk had Pittsburgh twenty first best roster in the league.

That's not great. I don't know.

That's not great. I don't know.

This smells to me like seven and ten Pittsburgh and Aaron Rodgers feels like it's over all right. We have a phenomenal show ahead and coming up next? How can the Thunder bounce back? In Game two Sunday night? They had a lot of mistakes. I'll tell you everything that went wrong next here on the Herd.

This smells to me like seven and ten Pittsburgh and Aaron Rodgers feels like it's over all right. We have a phenomenal show ahead and coming up next? How can the Thunder bounce back? In Game two Sunday night? They had a lot of mistakes. I'll tell you everything that went wrong next here on the Herd.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon eastern non a em Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in noon eastern non a em Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

Back here on the Herd, I will say, having a game last night, extra bounce on my step this morning, couldn't sleep Whileston. I was so geeked over Tyrese Haliburton heroics. We'll have some interesting stories in herdline coming up at about eight minutes. Okay, so I glazed as the young kids say, Haliburton the pacer. So now let me take some shots at OKC. So, growing up, one of my favorite coaches in all of sports was this guy named pat Riley. Had the slick back look on the sideline with the Lakers Armani suits.

Back here on the Herd, I will say, having a game last night, extra bounce on my step this morning, couldn't sleep Whileston. I was so geeked over Tyrese Haliburton heroics. We'll have some interesting stories in herdline coming up at about eight minutes. Okay, so I glazed as the young kids say, Haliburton the pacer. So now let me take some shots at OKC. So, growing up, one of my favorite coaches in all of sports was this guy named pat Riley. Had the slick back look on the sideline with the Lakers Armani suits.

He was the man.

He was the man.

He had a cool mantra. No rebounds, no rings. It's pretty simple, right, rebound the basketball, don't get second chances. O. Casey did something so stupid last time. I just I don't know what they did here. So I even mentioned yesterday. I don't see Hartenstein playing a lot in the series. I don't anticipate a lot of double bigs. Pacers can play five out, everybody can hit threes. So Dagnau pulls his starting center Isaiah Hartenstein and starts keyson Wallace.

He had a cool mantra. No rebounds, no rings. It's pretty simple, right, rebound the basketball, don't get second chances. O. Casey did something so stupid last time. I just I don't know what they did here. So I even mentioned yesterday. I don't see Hartenstein playing a lot in the series. I don't anticipate a lot of double bigs. Pacers can play five out, everybody can hit threes. So Dagnau pulls his starting center Isaiah Hartenstein and starts keyson Wallace.

So on the surface, okay, I guess that makes sense. Here's the interesting part.

So on the surface, okay, I guess that makes sense. Here's the interesting part.

They never started that five man unit before as the starting group in the playoffs.

They never started that five man unit before as the starting group in the playoffs.

I think it will be sixteen.

I think it will be sixteen.

Games to get to the finals. Never use that starting group once, okay, but they still led about fifteen in the fourth right, and then on the stretch for reasons I haven't seen a logical explanation, dag Nault pulled chet home run for Kesem Wallace. So now you have no Heart and Steen and no Chet. So what happens in the final three minutes? The Pacers go on a thirteen to four run score inside at Will grab two offensive boards, put him back.

Games to get to the finals. Never use that starting group once, okay, but they still led about fifteen in the fourth right, and then on the stretch for reasons I haven't seen a logical explanation, dag Nault pulled chet home run for Kesem Wallace. So now you have no Heart and Steen and no Chet. So what happens in the final three minutes? The Pacers go on a thirteen to four run score inside at Will grab two offensive boards, put him back.

It's like, what was he thinking? And you know, listen, you never want to overreact after one game.

It's like, what was he thinking? And you know, listen, you never want to overreact after one game.

I think I referenced the Allen Iverson Lakers game where Iverson hit that shot in overtime steps over Tyron Lou and the Sixers win.

I think I referenced the Allen Iverson Lakers game where Iverson hit that shot in overtime steps over Tyron Lou and the Sixers win.

It was a shocker. I remember with my family we were on a family.

It was a shocker. I remember with my family we were on a family.

Vacation and cause school had just let out, and I was watching it at like wherever we were. I was like, oh my gosh, are the Lakers in trouble? And Lakers steam rolled them the rest of the way. However, here's SGA after the loss.

Vacation and cause school had just let out, and I was watching it at like wherever we were. I was like, oh my gosh, are the Lakers in trouble? And Lakers steam rolled them the rest of the way. However, here's SGA after the loss.

How you lose doesn't really matter. Obviously it sucks last second shot, but the energy and they're in and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, the series is in first to one. It's first of four, so we have four more games together, they have three, and that's just where we are. We got to understand that and we got to get to four before they get the three if we want to win NBA Championship and then is that simple. It's not rocket science. We lost game one. We have to be better.

How you lose doesn't really matter. Obviously it sucks last second shot, but the energy and they're in and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, the series is in first to one. It's first of four, so we have four more games together, they have three, and that's just where we are. We got to understand that and we got to get to four before they get the three if we want to win NBA Championship and then is that simple. It's not rocket science. We lost game one. We have to be better.

So the Pacers out rebounded the Thunder fifty six thirty nine plus seventeen. The Pacers were on the glass. Shout him, out shot him from three. Now, let me take a quick moment. You talk about everybody's favorite basketball player, shake gilges Alexander. Okay, yesterday I compared him to James Harden. I had former NBA players coming at me on social media for this take. I'm like, oh, we guys, settle down, hey, relax. Last night during the game, SGA cooking from the mid range. My buddies are texting me, boy, SGA better than James Harten j Mac all Right, what happened down the.

So the Pacers out rebounded the Thunder fifty six thirty nine plus seventeen. The Pacers were on the glass. Shout him, out shot him from three. Now, let me take a quick moment. You talk about everybody's favorite basketball player, shake gilges Alexander. Okay, yesterday I compared him to James Harden. I had former NBA players coming at me on social media for this take. I'm like, oh, we guys, settle down, hey, relax. Last night during the game, SGA cooking from the mid range. My buddies are texting me, boy, SGA better than James Harten j Mac all Right, what happened down the.

Stretch ladies and gentlemen.

Stretch ladies and gentlemen.

SGA bricks an eight footer Tyreese Haliburton comes down Clutch City. Okay, I'm not a Tyreese Haliburton hater.

SGA bricks an eight footer Tyreese Haliburton comes down Clutch City. Okay, I'm not a Tyreese Haliburton hater.

I'm not. I'm just a realist.

I'm not. I'm just a realist.

On on what planet is forty minutes and three assists for your point guard?

On on what planet is forty minutes and three assists for your point guard?

Like a good game?

Like a good game?

Is he making anybody better? Thirty eight points on thirty shots. That's not efficient, guys. He had a good scoring game for three quarters and in the fourth quarter folded.

Is he making anybody better? Thirty eight points on thirty shots. That's not efficient, guys. He had a good scoring game for three quarters and in the fourth quarter folded.

He was not great.

He was not great.

And this is what's interesting. He was getting frustrated. Our staff came up with some numbers.

And this is what's interesting. He was getting frustrated. Our staff came up with some numbers.

Here.

Here.

SGA, aka the free throw merchant, gets to the line like nobody's business.

SGA, aka the free throw merchant, gets to the line like nobody's business.

He could not get to the line last night. He only got to.

He could not get to the line last night. He only got to.

The free throw line eight times, and eight is the line of demarcation.

The free throw line eight times, and eight is the line of demarcation.

The thunder are four and three in the playoffs.

The thunder are four and three in the playoffs.

When SGA attempts eight or fewer free throws eight or more, they're unstoppable. They're eight and two. One of the keys to this offense is SGA getting in your head, getting your guys in foul trouble. And there was a small moment in the fourth quarter. I don't know if you saw this, the announcers didn't make a big deal out of it. SGA's going against his guy, Andrew Nemhard and you see this play by Netmhard and he was upset. Look what SGA does, reacts with a shove. Referee didn't step in or anything. SGA goes to the foul line. Nemart goes and bumps him off the spot. You like that, boy. Nemhart is a dog. He is becoming one of my favorite guys. But this SGA moment reshoves him. That's the opposite of what happened in the Minnesota series. Remember Jaden McDaniels were so pissed he just shoved SGA and then his comment afterward was like, oh, yeah, you can't really foul him. I wanted to see if you could really out to shove him or whatever it was.

When SGA attempts eight or fewer free throws eight or more, they're unstoppable. They're eight and two. One of the keys to this offense is SGA getting in your head, getting your guys in foul trouble. And there was a small moment in the fourth quarter. I don't know if you saw this, the announcers didn't make a big deal out of it. SGA's going against his guy, Andrew Nemhard and you see this play by Netmhard and he was upset. Look what SGA does, reacts with a shove. Referee didn't step in or anything. SGA goes to the foul line. Nemart goes and bumps him off the spot. You like that, boy. Nemhart is a dog. He is becoming one of my favorite guys. But this SGA moment reshoves him. That's the opposite of what happened in the Minnesota series. Remember Jaden McDaniels were so pissed he just shoved SGA and then his comment afterward was like, oh, yeah, you can't really foul him. I wanted to see if you could really out to shove him or whatever it was.

And I just.

And I just.

I don't want to crush SGA. They may come back and win the series. The Thunder may win the next four. But I was talking with Shady McCoy show before US. I said, I might take Haliburton over SGA if I'm starting a team. Halliburton makes everyone better. And he's like, I don't think I could talk to you anymore.

I don't want to crush SGA. They may come back and win the series. The Thunder may win the next four. But I was talking with Shady McCoy show before US. I said, I might take Haliburton over SGA if I'm starting a team. Halliburton makes everyone better. And he's like, I don't think I could talk to you anymore.

J Mac and we're friends. But I'm being honest here.

J Mac and we're friends. But I'm being honest here.

Tyrese Halliburton. There's something about this guy, and I don't know it's SGA. I don't want to say.

Tyrese Halliburton. There's something about this guy, and I don't know it's SGA. I don't want to say.

Has that clutch gene?

Has that clutch gene?

But people love to say, like, what is the guy's defining moment? Oh, Michael Jordan with the shot against the Utah Jazz, Magic Johnson the hook shot against the Celtics. A lot of guys have defining shots. I mean Tyres Haliburton has an entire postseason or something right now, Okay, has SGA had his moment? Maybe it's coming in the series as possible, But just watching.

But people love to say, like, what is the guy's defining moment? Oh, Michael Jordan with the shot against the Utah Jazz, Magic Johnson the hook shot against the Celtics. A lot of guys have defining shots. I mean Tyres Haliburton has an entire postseason or something right now, Okay, has SGA had his moment? Maybe it's coming in the series as possible, But just watching.

Last night, he got a little frustrated.

Last night, he got a little frustrated.

He missed a potential shot to put him up three with eleven seconds left, and all Tyrese Haliburton does his deliver. So I have some real questions about Okay, See, I did pick Indiana in six and just watching Tyrese operate when it mattered most versus watching SGA is great in that Mike Tyson role. Hey, we're gonna knock you the bleepout, We're gonna put you down twenty.

He missed a potential shot to put him up three with eleven seconds left, and all Tyrese Haliburton does his deliver. So I have some real questions about Okay, See, I did pick Indiana in six and just watching Tyrese operate when it mattered most versus watching SGA is great in that Mike Tyson role. Hey, we're gonna knock you the bleepout, We're gonna put you down twenty.

It's game over. It's laughing on the sidelines.

It's game over. It's laughing on the sidelines.

If they don't get to that they have had problems in close games, SGA might be time to step up in game.

If they don't get to that they have had problems in close games, SGA might be time to step up in game.

Two, Buddy.

Two, Buddy.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and neon eastern non am Pacific.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and neon eastern non am Pacific.

Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together We're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.

Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together We're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.

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No, you've made it when not only did you work for an NBA front office, but you created a stat that everybody references all the time, peer player efficiency rating. Let's bring on John Hollinger of The Athletic, one of the sharp reminds in the NBA. John, good to finally talk to you, man. I was rattled after last night's game. I'm curious your your thoughts in the moment, and now that you've had, you know, twelve hours or whatever to sleep on it.

No, you've made it when not only did you work for an NBA front office, but you created a stat that everybody references all the time, peer player efficiency rating. Let's bring on John Hollinger of The Athletic, one of the sharp reminds in the NBA. John, good to finally talk to you, man. I was rattled after last night's game. I'm curious your your thoughts in the moment, and now that you've had, you know, twelve hours or whatever to sleep on it.

Yeah, I thought it was the most Thank you for thinking. I got twelve hours of sleep last night. This about six times as much as I actually got. But the most shocking Game one Finals game since Nick Anderson thirty years ago. Right just the way it played out, with Oklahoma City seemed in total control and then Indiana rallying right at the end, and Halliburton again at the finish.

Yeah, I thought it was the most Thank you for thinking. I got twelve hours of sleep last night. This about six times as much as I actually got. But the most shocking Game one Finals game since Nick Anderson thirty years ago. Right just the way it played out, with Oklahoma City seemed in total control and then Indiana rallying right at the end, and Halliburton again at the finish.

It seemed like the Denver game. I don't know if you remember the Denver game one comeback. Absolutely, this was like a carbon copy. Denver dominated the glass, Pacers dominated the glass, and then a bit of a coaching meltdown. Were you surprised John that he pulled chet Holmgren with like three minutes left down the stretch and they went no bigs?

It seemed like the Denver game. I don't know if you remember the Denver game one comeback. Absolutely, this was like a carbon copy. Denver dominated the glass, Pacers dominated the glass, and then a bit of a coaching meltdown. Were you surprised John that he pulled chet Holmgren with like three minutes left down the stretch and they went no bigs?

I was not at all.

I was not at all.

I rewatched the game this morning. Chet Holgrin was terrible, so that was one of the reasons he couldn't stick with him. The other thing was he did the same thing at the end of the first half and the Pacers couldn't even run anything against their five smalls. They just turned it over every single time. So I thought that was fine. If you look at the shots they got and the shots Indiana made those last few minutes, I think Oklahoma City lives with that. The problem was they should have been up by twenty five at the.

I rewatched the game this morning. Chet Holgrin was terrible, so that was one of the reasons he couldn't stick with him. The other thing was he did the same thing at the end of the first half and the Pacers couldn't even run anything against their five smalls. They just turned it over every single time. So I thought that was fine. If you look at the shots they got and the shots Indiana made those last few minutes, I think Oklahoma City lives with that. The problem was they should have been up by twenty five at the.

Time, and they were only up eight.

Time, and they were only up eight.

The game was still close enough for Indiana to get by making a couple of unlikely shots, and the thunder missed a couple of open threes and had the lane violation on Siakam's free throw. But those mistakes, it was possible for those to flip the game because Oklahoma City in the first forty five minutes didn't stick the knife all the way in.

The game was still close enough for Indiana to get by making a couple of unlikely shots, and the thunder missed a couple of open threes and had the lane violation on Siakam's free throw. But those mistakes, it was possible for those to flip the game because Oklahoma City in the first forty five minutes didn't stick the knife all the way in.

So that's a good point because this whole knockout punch, this Mike Tyson element.

So that's a good point because this whole knockout punch, this Mike Tyson element.

That Okaye has.

That Okaye has.

Usually they go up twenty twenty five at slights out, but they got stuck around the thirteen fifteen.

Usually they go up twenty twenty five at slights out, but they got stuck around the thirteen fifteen.

They could not push it more than that.

They could not push it more than that.

Is there anything the Pacers were doing to prevent themselves from getting knocked out?

Is there anything the Pacers were doing to prevent themselves from getting knocked out?

Was it just hustling back on defense, no transition points? What was it?

Was it just hustling back on defense, no transition points? What was it?

Oklahoma City shot really poorly at the rim, and I think Miles Turner was a big factor of that. When I rewatched the game, he had several really good contests at the rim.

Oklahoma City shot really poorly at the rim, and I think Miles Turner was a big factor of that. When I rewatched the game, he had several really good contests at the rim.

Jalen Williams shot six and nineteen.

Jalen Williams shot six and nineteen.

Some of them were a little rushed, but some of them were shots that I think would he would be okay taken and he just didn't get to go down. You're shown one of the worst ones there, and again they got nothing from home grid. You're right, the points off turnovers were very low. It was just that they didn't quite get They weren't quite the turnovers that lead to runouts, just the way they happen.

Some of them were a little rushed, but some of them were shots that I think would he would be okay taken and he just didn't get to go down. You're shown one of the worst ones there, and again they got nothing from home grid. You're right, the points off turnovers were very low. It was just that they didn't quite get They weren't quite the turnovers that lead to runouts, just the way they happen.

It's just lucky the draw sometimes with that.

It's just lucky the draw sometimes with that.

But I think if Oklahoma City looks back at this game, they're going to be really disappointed with their offense and especially in the first half, that they just left money on the table.

But I think if Oklahoma City looks back at this game, they're going to be really disappointed with their offense and especially in the first half, that they just left money on the table.

Yeah, I'm looking yet.

Yeah, I'm looking yet.

Chet Holmgrend two of nine, J Dubbs six of nineteen, So essentially John their number two and three guys, whatever order you put those two in. They were eight of twenty eight, but they combined to take fewer shots than SGA. Now I know Sga is bulletproof. You can't say anything negative about him. Everybody loves him. He's like a media darling. I didn't think he was particularly efficient. Thirty eight points on thirty shots, didn't get to the line as many times as you'd expect, and he looked rattled there when he shoved nem Haard in the fourth quarter.

Chet Holmgrend two of nine, J Dubbs six of nineteen, So essentially John their number two and three guys, whatever order you put those two in. They were eight of twenty eight, but they combined to take fewer shots than SGA. Now I know Sga is bulletproof. You can't say anything negative about him. Everybody loves him. He's like a media darling. I didn't think he was particularly efficient. Thirty eight points on thirty shots, didn't get to the line as many times as you'd expect, and he looked rattled there when he shoved nem Haard in the fourth quarter.

Almost looked frustrated.

Almost looked frustrated.

I don't know any takeaways watching the game a second time on SGA.

I don't know any takeaways watching the game a second time on SGA.

Yeah, I thought again, in that first half they were going too quick on offense, too much one on one and there, and there were some forced polls in there. They did a really good job of actually not letting him get all the way to the rim.

Yeah, I thought again, in that first half they were going too quick on offense, too much one on one and there, and there were some forced polls in there. They did a really good job of actually not letting him get all the way to the rim.

He's a good two point jump shooter.

He's a good two point jump shooter.

Uh, this is an outstanding finish he had actually over Sea Oakham that was one exception to that. But yeah, uh, it was relying a lot on his MIDI though, which gonna you're gonna live with that, and then they were able to single cover him too. So one of the reasons it was so much one on one from Oklahoma City was because Nee Smith was able to just stay with Jalen Williams, Nemhard was just able to stay with Shay and they didn't have to bring over help defenders that much.

Uh, this is an outstanding finish he had actually over Sea Oakham that was one exception to that. But yeah, uh, it was relying a lot on his MIDI though, which gonna you're gonna live with that, and then they were able to single cover him too. So one of the reasons it was so much one on one from Oklahoma City was because Nee Smith was able to just stay with Jalen Williams, Nemhard was just able to stay with Shay and they didn't have to bring over help defenders that much.

Yeah, I noticed that thirteen assists feels criminally low, only three for SGA. So is again I'm just guessing, but Rick Carlisle a master, might be saying, Hey, we're gonna give SGA whatever he wants.

Yeah, I noticed that thirteen assists feels criminally low, only three for SGA. So is again I'm just guessing, but Rick Carlisle a master, might be saying, Hey, we're gonna give SGA whatever he wants.

We're not gonna let everybody else in a billion threes? Is that Do you think that might be the strategy?

We're not gonna let everybody else in a billion threes? Is that Do you think that might be the strategy?

I think that's definitely part of it.

I think that's definitely part of it.

The other thing with Oklahoma City was with them matching up small Heartstegin only played seventeen minutes. A lot of them were with the second group. He's their best screener, he's the guy who can get Neamhard off of SGA's body, who can get Nie Smith off of j Dubb And you know, were they too cute by half not going with Heart and Signed. I know they they've been going away from those two big lineups, but I just wonder Casey Wallace ended up playing I think thirty two minutes to Heart and Sign seventeen. Wallace wasn't good at the offensive end either, and so I think if when Mark Dingall rewatches this game, I think he's gonna think I should have gotten Heart Signed in there more, and that if I was gonna stay small. The other guy we didn't really see, just for ninety seconds was Kenrich Williams, who played a ton when these teams played in March and Oklahoma City blew them out. So I could see, even if he doesn't go that much more to Heartsteinn, I could see a lot more of Kenny Hustle and uh less of Wallace.

The other thing with Oklahoma City was with them matching up small Heartstegin only played seventeen minutes. A lot of them were with the second group. He's their best screener, he's the guy who can get Neamhard off of SGA's body, who can get Nie Smith off of j Dubb And you know, were they too cute by half not going with Heart and Signed. I know they they've been going away from those two big lineups, but I just wonder Casey Wallace ended up playing I think thirty two minutes to Heart and Sign seventeen. Wallace wasn't good at the offensive end either, and so I think if when Mark Dingall rewatches this game, I think he's gonna think I should have gotten Heart Signed in there more, and that if I was gonna stay small. The other guy we didn't really see, just for ninety seconds was Kenrich Williams, who played a ton when these teams played in March and Oklahoma City blew them out. So I could see, even if he doesn't go that much more to Heartsteinn, I could see a lot more of Kenny Hustle and uh less of Wallace.

I think, all right, so you were in an NBA front office.

I think, all right, so you were in an NBA front office.

I'm just curious if you're having a great postseason run, your coach is pushing all the right buttons, and he comes to you before Game one of the finals and says, hey, guys, I'm gonna go with the starting lineup that we haven't started in this postseason. Is there gonna be pushback? Would you have said, wait, what are we doing here? Because I know it looked good for you know what they led for forty six minutes or what have you. It just felt like they were we're gonna adjust to the pacers as opposed to make the pacers adjust us.

I'm just curious if you're having a great postseason run, your coach is pushing all the right buttons, and he comes to you before Game one of the finals and says, hey, guys, I'm gonna go with the starting lineup that we haven't started in this postseason. Is there gonna be pushback? Would you have said, wait, what are we doing here? Because I know it looked good for you know what they led for forty six minutes or what have you. It just felt like they were we're gonna adjust to the pacers as opposed to make the pacers adjust us.

You know, I would rather have a coach do it too early than too late, though, where the coach doesn't make the adjustment until the team is already down two to oh and they have one foot in the grave, which I've seen so many times that way, So I would live with that.

You know, I would rather have a coach do it too early than too late, though, where the coach doesn't make the adjustment until the team is already down two to oh and they have one foot in the grave, which I've seen so many times that way, So I would live with that.

You know.

You know.

Should he have maybe tried it for a half and then you know, gone to it coming out a halftime, which he has already done a couple times this playoffs. He started this lineup in third quarters before, so I didn't have a big problem with that. And again they dominated the first half. I just think they needed to get back to Hartenstein at some point, especially with Chet having such a bad game.

Should he have maybe tried it for a half and then you know, gone to it coming out a halftime, which he has already done a couple times this playoffs. He started this lineup in third quarters before, so I didn't have a big problem with that. And again they dominated the first half. I just think they needed to get back to Hartenstein at some point, especially with Chet having such a bad game.

Yeah, any idea why Chet played so poorly? Is it just like, hey, you know, is his game one of the finals. He's a young guy, him and Ja Dove. I don't want to say the moment looked too big, but were they wide eyed or was it just the Pacers harassment.

Yeah, any idea why Chet played so poorly? Is it just like, hey, you know, is his game one of the finals. He's a young guy, him and Ja Dove. I don't want to say the moment looked too big, but were they wide eyed or was it just the Pacers harassment.

On defense, I think we have to give Miles Turner some credit for the defense he played on Chet. If you look at some of the shed is really effective off the dribble, usually attacking bigs, and he was.

On defense, I think we have to give Miles Turner some credit for the defense he played on Chet. If you look at some of the shed is really effective off the dribble, usually attacking bigs, and he was.

He wasn't able to get.

He wasn't able to get.

Anything on Turner that way, So give Miles his flowers for that. The other thing, I think again, because there was so much one on one. You know, Chet's guy who's getting his baskets in the flow. There's a pass, there's another pass, the ball kicks out to him, or he's cutting to the rim. He flies in for a dunk, and those players weren't there because it was just one on one. And okay, so he's shooting a jump shot, so I think schematically it kind of took him out of the game a little bit.

Anything on Turner that way, So give Miles his flowers for that. The other thing, I think again, because there was so much one on one. You know, Chet's guy who's getting his baskets in the flow. There's a pass, there's another pass, the ball kicks out to him, or he's cutting to the rim. He flies in for a dunk, and those players weren't there because it was just one on one. And okay, so he's shooting a jump shot, so I think schematically it kind of took him out of the game a little bit.

All right. Speaking of Flowers, John, let's give some to Halliburton, who is having the most plus postseason run we've ever.

All right. Speaking of Flowers, John, let's give some to Halliburton, who is having the most plus postseason run we've ever.

Seen in basketball.

Seen in basketball.

I mean, it's fair to say that he just is unstoppable when it matters most. This is a guy who was on the Olympic team but barely played, kind of laughed about barely playing.

I mean, it's fair to say that he just is unstoppable when it matters most. This is a guy who was on the Olympic team but barely played, kind of laughed about barely playing.

Then he was voted most overrated in.

Then he was voted most overrated in.

Some goofy pole I think by the Athletic and now he is, I mean, he's a top ten player in the league.

Some goofy pole I think by the Athletic and now he is, I mean, he's a top ten player in the league.

I don't know what's going on here.

I don't know what's going on here.

Yeah, you know he was.

Yeah, you know he was.

He was dealing with that hamstring injury the whole second half of last year. I think it carried into his summer and then even into the beginning of this year when the Pacers started nine to fourteen, and somewhere around the middle of the year he turned into the old Halley that he was in the first half of last season and their offense got to another gear. And what I love about Haliburton is he such a killer. If you look like the Cleveland game, the New York game, he tried to do it.

He was dealing with that hamstring injury the whole second half of last year. I think it carried into his summer and then even into the beginning of this year when the Pacers started nine to fourteen, and somewhere around the middle of the year he turned into the old Halley that he was in the first half of last season and their offense got to another gear. And what I love about Haliburton is he such a killer. If you look like the Cleveland game, the New York game, he tried to do it.

They were down too, He went for the three to get the win. They were down one.

They were down too, He went for the three to get the win. They were down one.

Last night, he drove, He drove a little closer and got to the pull up two pointer for the win. Like he's playing to the score in these situations too, which I think is really impressive. That drive against Milwaukee was another one there there you see the step back. You see he didn't go into the pain because he knew they were down too. If he got the three, he'd get the win. It's just been so impressive to see him do this this whole offseason, offseason, postseason.

Last night, he drove, He drove a little closer and got to the pull up two pointer for the win. Like he's playing to the score in these situations too, which I think is really impressive. That drive against Milwaukee was another one there there you see the step back. You see he didn't go into the pain because he knew they were down too. If he got the three, he'd get the win. It's just been so impressive to see him do this this whole offseason, offseason, postseason.

Again his historic Yeah.

Again his historic Yeah.

Now, obviously you're an analytics guy. This is one of those things like, I mean a pull up twenty one footer. I know that's probably a good shot for him, but not a great shot in the NBA currently.

Now, obviously you're an analytics guy. This is one of those things like, I mean a pull up twenty one footer. I know that's probably a good shot for him, but not a great shot in the NBA currently.

Just is this sustainable at all?

Just is this sustainable at all?

Or I mean, it's just just a historic run in Hey, this is who was the guy in the bubble who was averaging like fifty points a game.

Or I mean, it's just just a historic run in Hey, this is who was the guy in the bubble who was averaging like fifty points a game.

I'm spacing on.

I'm spacing on.

His name, TJ Warren.

His name, TJ Warren.

TJ Warren, thank you he went off for the Bubbles. Like, oh, you got to give this guy a MAX deal. Is this one of those historic runs that halla Barton's on.

TJ Warren, thank you he went off for the Bubbles. Like, oh, you got to give this guy a MAX deal. Is this one of those historic runs that halla Barton's on.

Yeah, I mean, obviously he's gonna miss one of these at some point, right, Like nobody's say this forever. But one of the things is like, when you're down one, the extra point of the three doesn't matter anymore. So yeah, it's okay to dribble in and take that twenty won footer then, and I think he's he's really smart about playing to the score that way.

Yeah, I mean, obviously he's gonna miss one of these at some point, right, Like nobody's say this forever. But one of the things is like, when you're down one, the extra point of the three doesn't matter anymore. So yeah, it's okay to dribble in and take that twenty won footer then, and I think he's he's really smart about playing to the score that way.

All right, macro big picture.

All right, macro big picture.

You know, Pacers and Thunder both built differently than most of the loaded teams in the league. A lot of guys, I mean, Memoir it's making two million dollars a year and he's playing phenomenal. Do you think we'll see that transition over to the off season when it comes time to make a play for Giannis, make a play for Kevin Durant. Nobody's given five first round picks for KD the way McHale Bridges got five.

You know, Pacers and Thunder both built differently than most of the loaded teams in the league. A lot of guys, I mean, Memoir it's making two million dollars a year and he's playing phenomenal. Do you think we'll see that transition over to the off season when it comes time to make a play for Giannis, make a play for Kevin Durant. Nobody's given five first round picks for KD the way McHale Bridges got five.

You know, I think Giannis could easily get something in in that range. Yeah, if he becomes available, you're you're gonna, yeah, You're gonna see some crea. I mean, Katie is in his late thirties, he has one year left on his deal. I p assume he'll get extended as part of any trade. But yeah, the market for him is isn't gonna be like that?

You know, I think Giannis could easily get something in in that range. Yeah, if he becomes available, you're you're gonna, yeah, You're gonna see some crea. I mean, Katie is in his late thirties, he has one year left on his deal. I p assume he'll get extended as part of any trade. But yeah, the market for him is isn't gonna be like that?

What do you think that we could see Yannis?

What do you think that we could see Yannis?

I mean, somebody floating Henry Abbott floated to me, like, listen, Jannis makes the most sense in OKC because they have the assets and the young guys, and they can afford him.

I mean, somebody floating Henry Abbott floated to me, like, listen, Jannis makes the most sense in OKC because they have the assets and the young guys, and they can afford him.

I don't.

I don't.

I mean, we think Oklahoma stait. He's probably gonna still win the finals. But do they do something dramatic if this falls apart.

I mean, we think Oklahoma stait. He's probably gonna still win the finals. But do they do something dramatic if this falls apart.

I don't think that's Sam Press's DNA at all. I think he'd run it back with these guys, make one or two deals around the edges.

I don't think that's Sam Press's DNA at all. I think he'd run it back with these guys, make one or two deals around the edges.

But this is Shay's team. I think that's too.

But this is Shay's team. I think that's too.

Almost too much like you're building a team around Giannis instead of Shay at that point.

Almost too much like you're building a team around Giannis instead of Shay at that point.

So I don't see that happening.

So I don't see that happening.

I think the end game for Gianni is to if he's gonna leave Milwaukee's probably San Antonio or Houston. I mean, they have the assets to do the deal. The teams are good enough now where he's joining, he'd be joining.

I think the end game for Gianni is to if he's gonna leave Milwaukee's probably San Antonio or Houston. I mean, they have the assets to do the deal. The teams are good enough now where he's joining, he'd be joining.

A really good team. Those are the two that make the most sense to me.

A really good team. Those are the two that make the most sense to me.

And what about Kevin Durant?

And what about Kevin Durant?

Is there a team out there that you I mean, it feels like Kevin Durant's agent is just trying to get him out of there as soon as possible. He's floating the Spurs, And then we were hearing, oh the Knicks, one of them at the deadline. Meanwhile, four months ago, nobody had that. It just feels a little suspicious. This gave the stuff.

Is there a team out there that you I mean, it feels like Kevin Durant's agent is just trying to get him out of there as soon as possible. He's floating the Spurs, And then we were hearing, oh the Knicks, one of them at the deadline. Meanwhile, four months ago, nobody had that. It just feels a little suspicious. This gave the stuff.

I could see a fit there with Minnesota.

I could see a fit there with Minnesota.

It's a little tough with the tax Aprons, but it can be done, especially if it ends up being a three team deal. And Minnesota did tribes it did at least make some effort to get him at the trade deadline.

It's a little tough with the tax Aprons, but it can be done, especially if it ends up being a three team deal. And Minnesota did tribes it did at least make some effort to get him at the trade deadline.

I do think they need.

I do think they need.

One more elite offensive player to go with ant. It's one of the things they missed not having Towns this year. And they're definitely like a win now team too, So yeah, I think Minnesota is a place for him.

One more elite offensive player to go with ant. It's one of the things they missed not having Towns this year. And they're definitely like a win now team too, So yeah, I think Minnesota is a place for him.

All right, John Hollinger The Athletic Great Stuff Analytics, Maven Day, you rewatched the game this morning. That's dedication, man, I probably should do that after the show.

All right, John Hollinger The Athletic Great Stuff Analytics, Maven Day, you rewatched the game this morning. That's dedication, man, I probably should do that after the show.

We're I'll sleep one of those two. Thanks a lot, John, thanks for having me on the show. All right, good stuff, interesting takes from mister Hollinger.

We're I'll sleep one of those two. Thanks a lot, John, thanks for having me on the show. All right, good stuff, interesting takes from mister Hollinger.

I'm trying to crystallize some of it in my head, Alex and think, like, huh, why was Chet Homeward so bad?

I'm trying to crystallize some of it in my head, Alex and think, like, huh, why was Chet Homeward so bad?

Lesson?

Lesson?

Like, I mean, if he's your third best player and you're kind of benching him. That's weird, all right, coming up next, it's risky.

Like, I mean, if he's your third best player and you're kind of benching him. That's weird, all right, coming up next, it's risky.

You know.

You know.

People look at me like I got two heads. Yeah, Halliburton over SGA.

People look at me like I got two heads. Yeah, Halliburton over SGA.

Why not.

Why not.

We'll do that next year, probably on the hurt

We'll do that next year, probably on the hurt