Author: thien8

After 9 years – The NBA gets a Game 7 Finals – No Room for Mistakes – History belongs to ONE – Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder – Who will rise as the Hero?

Three minutes into Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle strode onto the court and called a timeout. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams had just completed a dunk, and the Pacers were down 8-2.

For a moment, it looked like the beginnings of OKC’s coronation as NBA champions, even in the hostile environment of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers had missed their opening six shots, a streak that eventually grew to eight.

But Pascal Siakam hit a free throw line jumper and then a circus and-1 layup. Andrew Nembhard buried back-to-back 3-pointers. Indiana erased an eight-point Thunder lead and stormed in front. And instead of a back-and-forth contest, the Pacers’ early surge was a precursor of an onslaught.

Rather than this night being about Oklahoma City finally celebrating a championship after years of close calls and a dominant regular season and playoffs, it became a celebration of how this Pacers team, yet again, defied expectations.

The Pacers did it the same way they have so many times before: with a collective effort. Tyrese Haliburton, playing despite a calf strain, was one of six players to score in double figures after missing all six shots he took in Game 5 in Oklahoma City. Indiana had seven players make at least one 3-pointer, and became the first team in NBA history to have at least eight players score at least 200 points in a postseason — showing off the balanced attack that has made the Pacers such a tough opponent to beat.

Oklahoma City, meanwhile, couldn’t have looked worse in its first Finals closeout game. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a postseason career-high eight turnovers. Only three players (Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein) scored in double figures. The Pacers obliterated the Thunder in the possession game, finishing with 18 more shots.

As a result, this series is headed back to OKC for the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 2016 — one of the greatest games ever played: The Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors at Oakland’s Oracle Arena.

That game cemented LeBron James’s legacy, bringing Cleveland its first championship and completing a series comeback from down 3-1 against the 73-win Warriors. Who knows what Sunday’s 48 minutes will bring? But after Game 7, either Oklahoma City or Indiana will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time. — Tim Bontemps

 

Game 6: Pacers 108, Thunder 91

Haliburton, McConnell step up with series on the line

With their season on the line, the Pacers played a near-perfect game. They dominated the turnover battle, controlled the pace, limited the Thunder’s passing game, and won the battle at the 3-point line. Indiana even got a strong performance from Haliburton, who was playing despite a right calf strain. Haliburton put up 14 points, 5 assists and 2 steals, and T.J. McConnell sparked the team again with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. This game marked Indiana’s 10th win as an underdog this postseason, tied for the most in a single postseason in the past 35 years. — Jamal Collier

Turnovers define tough night for Thunder

What didn’t go wrong for the Thunder? With a chance to clinch a championship, Oklahoma City was thoroughly dominated in pretty much every aspect. The Thunder were getting ready for Game 7 by the start of the fourth quarter, when all of Oklahoma City’s starters were sitting. Maybe the most surprising facet of this blowout was the turnover battle. The Pacers had a 12-2 edge at halftime against an OKC squad that entered Game 6 plus-126 in that category in the playoffs, by far the best turnover margin for a team during a postseason since the ABA-NBA merger. — Tim MacMahon

What to watch for Game 7

The adage about the two most exciting words in sports are “Game 7” goes double in the NBA Finals, which have had just three Game 7s in the past two decades — all instant classics full of tension and drama. The Cavaliers upset the Warriors in 2016, the Miami Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs in 2013 and the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Boston Celtics in 2010.

Indiana hopes that the most recent of those games will play out again, with a Central Division underdog clinching the title against a historically great Western Conference team on the road. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, will aim to continue replaying its second-round series against Denver. That series and the Finals have been in lockstep so far for the Thunder: a heartbreaking last-second loss in Game 1, a comfortable win in Game 2, another blown fourth-quarter lead in Game 3, gut-check wins in Games 4 and 5, then a double-digit loss in Game 6. Oklahoma City beat Denver by 32 points in Game 7.

That last win is symptomatic of another trend that could determine Game 7 of the Finals — especially after Oklahoma City scored its fewest points this season Thursday. The Thunder have been much better at home in the playoffs, with a 10-2 record — which would be 12-0 if not for those last-second stunners — and plus-20.6 point differential at the Paycom Center. On the road, conversely, they’re 5-5 with a minus-6.7 point differential. The Thunder have also made 37.5% of their 3s at home in the postseason, versus a miserable 29.9% on the road.

For comparison, the Pacers have a more even playoff split, but have still been better at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with an 8-3 record and plus-5.9 point differential at home, versus a 7-4 record and minus-0.5 point differential on the road.

Those signs suggest the Thunder should be favored to win Game 7 at home. But the stakes will be as high as possible Sunday. To cap a fun back-and-forth series, we’re due for another classic. — Zach Kram

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Prince William – A Heartfelt Message from King Charles and Princess Kate from her Sickbed, along with a Never-Before-Seen Photo that’s gone viral!

King Charles has lead the tributes to Prince William on his 43rd birthday, sharing a believed-to-be unseen image of the heir – as well as a sweet message – via the Royal Family‘s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

In the casual snap, the Prince of Wales is seen looking pensive as he sits outside in a field of grass in a rural setting.

Dressed in a button down pale blue shirt, as well as navy slacks, the royal’s informal look is further enhanced with his light beard.

The image was accompanied by a simple caption which read: ‘Happy Birthday to The Prince of Wales!’.

Many royal watchers took to the message to share their own well-wishes with the future king.

One wrote: ‘Happy birthday to our handsome and loyal Prince. Well done, your Majesty!’

Another added: ‘Happy 43rd Birthday to HRH The Prince of Wales! Your dedication to service and family is truly inspiring. Wishing you a joyful day surrounded by loved ones!’

‘Happy Birthday, William, The Prince of Wales,’ said another social media user, keeping it short and sweet.

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Prince William (pictured) turns 43-years-old today. This new portrait was launched to mark his birthday

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Marking the passage of time, a further X user added: ‘Happy Birthday!! Future King! I still remember you as a little boy. Hard to believe we are in the future. May you have a wonderful Birthday!!’

And another said: ‘And another said: ‘Happy Birthday to His Royal Highness, Prince William, the Prince of Wales. Wishing him a remarkable day filled with joy, surrounded by his loved ones and friends. @RoyalFamily.’

Meanwhile Charles’ post was followed by a tribute shared by Kate Middleton, 43, who also shared a snap and short written message.

The adorable image posted by Kate via the Wales’ Kensington Royal social media account shows the heir sitting in a field, while playing with a group of small puppies, whose mother is believed to be Orla, the Wales’ family dog.

In the image, the father-of-three is dressed casually, wearing jeans paired with a long-sleeved green button down shirt, as the puppies crawl over him sweetly.

The photograph is accompanied by a caption from the Princess of Wales and other members of their family.

It says: ‘Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!’

The Prince of Wales has enjoyed a busy week in the lead-up to his birthday after last weekend’s Trooping The Colour and joining the Royal Ascot carriage procession on Wednesday.

The photo shared by the Royal Family on Saturday was accompanied by a simple caption wishing William a happy birthday

However, he wasn’t joined by his wife at the Berkshire racecourse as expected after she pulled out of the event at the 11th hour.

She was said to be ‘disappointed’ at not attending the famous social and sporting occasion with her husband Prince William and the King and Queen.

Racegoers had been hoping to see the Princess after the Prince of Wales was named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during the second day of the meet.

Ascot officials had confirmed at 12pm that the Princess was due to be in the second carriage in the royal procession with William, in a published carriage list.

But less than half an hour later, Kensington Palace confirmed just before 12.30pm that Kate would not be attending – and a revised carriage list was published by Ascot.

MailOnline understands the Princess was ‘disappointed’ not to be in attendance ‘but she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements’.

In the past week Kate has attended three high-profile events – Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London.

It is a tradition for senior royals to have their birthdays marked with the release of photographs and messages.

Numerous royal watchers took to the comments’ section of the X post, to share their own well wishes with the royal

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Wish Prince William a happy birthday!

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Last year, the Royal Family wished the Prince of Wales a happy birthday with a sweet throwback snap on social media.

A young William is pictured in an adorable black and white shot with his father, King Charles III, to celebrate his eldest son turning 42.

The caption reads: ‘Wishing the Prince of Wales a very happy birthday!’

This year’s birthday post comes almost after the Wales family were seen at Trooping the Colour – the annual celebration of the monarch’s official birthday.

William played a starring role in the event, riding on horseback alongside Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh.

And he was elaborately dressed for the occasion, donning  the Full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Welsh Guards, and a bearskin hat.

The prince also donned the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George and a Welsh Guards Sword.

His outfit included his four, full size medals – the Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals, plus the Coronation Medal.

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Kate Middleton’s birthday post to Prince William (pictured) showed the royal playing with puppies

In a caption accompanying the photo Kate shared to mark Prince William’s birthday, she wrote: ”Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!’

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Prince William’s birthday comes just a week after at Trooping the Colour (pictured) where he rode on horseback

Meanwhile, his wife and children travelled by carriage.

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales was born second in line to the throne at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, at 9.03pm on June 21 1982. He weighed 7lb 1 1/2oz and was the first-born son of the then-Prince and the Princess of Wales.

At just nine months old, he accompanied his parents on a six-week official visit to Australia and New Zealand, which was a break from tradition with royal babies usually left at home in the care of nannies.

His mother Diana, who separated from the then-Prince of Wales in 1992, di3d in a car crsh in Paris in 1997.

William was just 15 and his brother Prince Harry 12, and the boys walked behind the princess’s coffin during a fun3ral procession through London.

The prince met Kate Middleton at St Andrews University in Fife, and the pair married at Westminster Abbey in 2011 after dating for more than eight years.

They welcomed their first child George in 2013, followed by Charlotte in 2015, and then Louis in 2018.

After the d3ath of the late Queen in 2022, the King announced in his first historic address that he had made William and Kate the new Prince and Princess of Wales.

William has a long-running rift with his brother the Duke of Sussex, with no sign yet of a reconciliation.

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Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales was born second in line to the throne at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, at 9.03pm on June 21 1982 (pictured with his mother and brother Harry in 1989)

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In 2023, William launched Homewards, his five-year drive to eradicate homelessness in six locations around the UK (pictured as a baby, with his mother)

The fallout originated ahead of Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex.

It worsened after the accusations Harry publicly levelled at his brother in his double tell-alls: his Netflix documentary and his memoir Spare.

Despite years elapsing since that time, the once reportedly close siblings are still estranged from each other.

This has prompted some to wonder whether the rift between the two will ever be healed.

Since becoming the Prince of Wales, William has kept himself busy with some major initiatives.

In 2023, he launched Homewards, his five-year drive to eradicate homelessness in six locations around the UK.

And he has continued to work on his other passion projects.

These include raising mental health awareness, and the Earthshot Prize, his £50 million environmental competition to find solutions to help the planet.

Has the WNBA forgotten Nyara Sabally? – No less than Caitlin Clark, she deserves fairer Media attention!

It was a good thing for the New York Liberty that Nyara Sabally was able to step in and play with head coach Sandy Brondello’s starting five against the Atlanta Dream. Sabally provided a much-needed boost to the lineup, while Jonquel Jones also delivered in the clutch.

Sabally only scored eight points in the game, but her on-court effort played a role in helping the Liberty wipe out a 17-point deficit and beat the Dream 86-81 on Tuesday at Barclays Center. She had missed six games with a knee injury.

Jones, who won the WNBA Finals MVP award last season, scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as she returned, too, from injury. Sabrina Ionescu led the 10-1 Liberty with 34 points, while Breanna Stewart added 23.

While Sabally struggled to score, she proved her mettle on the defensive side. She managed to get a key third-quarter steal from Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard and the Liberty turned that into a fastbreak basket. This set the stage for the Liberty’s big comeback.

Brondello expressed joy in seeing  Sabally back on court

Brondello was very impressed with Sabally’s effort against the Dream.

“We think her ceiling is so high, and it’s just about keeping her healthy,” Brondello said, according to Sports Illustrated.

“I overplayed her in that last game [on Saturday against Indiana], so today was just about limiting her minutes, sharing with JJ (Jonquel Jones), because I didn’t want to kill her either. She hasn’t played for a while, but we believe in her, and she’s got this big, physical body.”

Allisha Gray had 14 points for the Dream (7-3), while Brionna Jones and Howard added 13 each.

Sabally was happy to be out there on the court with Jones.

“It was cool,” she said after the game. “I always like playing with [Jones] together on the floor. I feel like it makes stuff easier for me. There’s so much focus on her, so I always enjoy playing with her.”

The Liberty now have a Thursday night matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. For Nyara, it’s also going to bring about a reunion with her sister Satou, who plays for Phoenix, at Barclays Center.

Ace Bailey leaves NBA fans questioning – Is his talent driven by Genius or Discipline?

The NBA Draft begins on Wednesday, June 25 at 8 p.m. ET. This gives prospects limited time to try to strut their stuff and impress teams enough to be selected as highly as possible.

While it does seem like the rest of the draft prospects are competing to be No. 2 behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg, there are still intriguing prospects in this year’s class. Rutgers star freshman Ace Bailey is hoping to become the first top-five pick in school history. Bailey was the No. 2 player in the 2025 class, and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Third-team All-Big Ten.

Bailey was consistently mocked during the season as a top-three pick in the NBA Draft, but as it nears, he isn’t doing himself any favors. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding him, although it has solely pertained to how he acts during workouts and the fact that he hasn’t scheduled any interviews with teams. It has franchises scratching their heads, and many are wondering what is going on behind the scenes with Bailey and his agent, or if this is just an attempt to avoid being selected early by a bad team.

 

Here is more on why Bailey’s NBA Draft stock could be falling.

 

Why is Ace Bailey skipping workouts?

Ahead of the actual draft, prospects will undergo workouts at the NBA Draft Combine and also participate in private workouts for interested teams. Part of the private workouts includes interviews, so teams can ensure that the player fits the team’s culture and will be additive rather than combative with the way the team operates.

With less than a week to go until the draft, ESPN reported that Bailey hasn’t scheduled any workouts. In fact, Bailey’s camp has gone as far as to cancel or decline workouts offered.

Per ESPN, “Bailey’s predraft workout strategy has perplexed some observers, as he has yet to conduct a single known workout to date, having declined invitations from several teams within his draft range.” Sources also told ESPN that Bailey’s camp believes he is a top-three player, thinking that interested teams will trade up to get him.

It feels like this is a combination of Bailey trying to avoid going to a bad team that is rebuilding or where he won’t see minutes, while also maybe hearing from teams lower in the top-10 that they will draft him if he falls. Bailey was scheduled to work out with the 76ers – who currently hold the No. 3 pick – but cancelled it.

Being a top option also brings with it a lot of scrutiny. Sources told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, that Bailey is considered immature, but not in a super negative way — mainly that he is very on-brand for being an 18-year-old. He is known to “dance in drill lines”, which could have teams thinking that he isn’t ready to be a professional.

While it sounds like that isn’t a big deal, cancelling the interviews doesn’t give him the chance to show his professionalism or counter the immaturity claims with teams.

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Who is Ace Bailey’s agent?

Bailey’s agent is Omar Cooper. He is the CEO and founder of LifeStyle Sports Agency. Bailey is one of only three clients, along with Babatunde Akingbola and Tariq Francis. Akingbola is an unrestricted free agent in the NBA, and Francis is draft-eligible in 2027.

Cooper reportedly wanted to get paid to do on-camera interviews this past season, per Jeff Goodman. Many analysts feel that Bailey is getting some bad advice from Cooper.

LifeStyle Sports Agency has reportedly said that they want Bailey to play for a team on the East Coast, geographically between Atlanta and New York, per Pompey. Looking at the NBA geographical map below and assuming the agency is being literal, that means that they want Bailey to land with the Hawks, Hornets, Wizards, 76ers, Nets or Knicks. Notably, the 76ers, Hornets and Nets all have picks in the top-8.

Ace Bailey NBA Draft

Bailey was consistently considered a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With Flagg all but assured to go No. 1, all eyes are on the Spurs and what they’re going to do at No. 2. NBA.com has Bailey’s consensus mock draft going to the Hornets with the No. 3 overall pick.

The guard was previously linked most with the 76ers, but the assumption now is that the cancelled workout would negatively impact how Philadelphia views him.

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony – who had the report on Bailey cancelling and declining workouts – had Bailey falling to the Wizards at No. 6.

NBA Game 7: Prediction – Who will BREAK the CURSE? the undefeated Pacers or the invincible-at-home Thunder?

For the first time in nine years, there will be a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

The Pacers dropped consecutive games for the first time this postseason to fall into a 3-2 deficit ahead of their final home game of the year, but Indiana answered the call with its season on the line, dominating its way to a 108-91 win over the Thunder.

It was a night to forget for Oklahoma City, who did not look the part of a team that was one win away from an NBA title. The Thunder came out of the gates firing, and their night peaked with an early 8-2 lead. Things went downhill from that point forward.

 

OKC lost the first quarter for the first time this series and entered the halftime break trailing by 22 points. That deficit ballooned to 30 points by the end of the third quarter, prompting head coach Mark Daigneault to wave the white flag and pull the Thunder’s starting unit.

While it squandered an opportunity to win a title Thursday, OKC now has an opportunity to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy in front of its home fans in Game 7. Here’s why the Thunder should — and shouldn’t — be worried about the task at hand.

 

Why the Thunder should be worried about Game 7

Indiana seemed to have figured something out with their performance in Game 6.

As noted by Indiana basketball expert Caitlin Cooper, the team dialed down its full-court pressure and instead employed more pressure in the halfcourt. The result was a very stagnant — and sometimes ugly — Thunder offense.

In the first half, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (15) and Jalen Williams (16) combined to score 31 points on 12-of-21 (57.1 percent) shooting, but the rest of the team was held to 11 points on 5-of-17 (29.4 percent).

Speaking to the offensive stagnancy, OKC assisted on just three of its 17 field goals, and the team shot an icy 1-of-11 (9.1 percent) from 3-point range.

And while those numbers could be viewed as being anomalies, they were a repeat of the same issues of the flaws that plagued the Thunder throughout Game 4, a game they somehow found a way to win.

The Pacers have a blueprint to follow, and Game 7s are historically ugly games that require a team to grind out a victory. Indiana may very well be better equipped to grind out wins in ugly ways, something it has done all postseason.

Game 6 could be a sign that OKC’s good fortune has run out, and a reminder that Indiana seemingly has an endless amount of it.

Why the Thunder shouldn’t be worried about Game 7

They’re returning to the confines of the Paycom Center.

No, the Thunder should not expect a win to be gifted to them — and they certainly won’t see the Pacers lay down — but OKC’s home-court advantage is very real. It’s even in the numbers.

This season, the Thunder posted a 35-6 home record, and during the playoffs, they’re 10-2, with both losses coming after unlikely late comebacks. Even in this series, OKC has been a completely different team at home than on the road.

After shooting 8-of-30 (26.7 percent) from deep in Game 6, the Thunder will finish the Finals shooting 21-of-68 (30.9 percent) from 3-point range on the road. At home? OKC is 39-of-98 (39.8 percent) in the series, a stark contrast over the same three-game sample size.

It’s far from a given, but the Thunder will look to count on improved play from role players when the series shifts back to Oklahoma City. Game 6 stats are murky due to the Thunder’s decision to throw in the towel after three, but the team did not get what it needed from Alex Caruso, who was minus-33 in the box score, Aaron Wiggins, or Cason Wallace.

On the topic of being much better, Chet Holmgren cannot play any worse than his four-point, six-rebound performance in Game 6. He’s looked the part of a young player figuring things out, but he’s far too talented to continue to struggle at this level.

Above all else, the Thunder have the best player in the series. Gilgeous-Alexander is on the precipice of completing one of the greatest individual seasons in league history, and it’s largely because he has stepped up each time his team needed him most.

As the game wound down, a poised Gilgeous-Alexander looked ahead to Game 7 being “for all the marbles,” and he’s one player you can trust when the stakes are at their highest.

If nothing else, the Pacers’ run of incredible surprises has to end at some point, right? Game 7 has the ingredients to be an instant classic.

NBA FINALS 2025: The Peak of “Mediocrity”? – Why Thunder vs Pacers Might be the Most Watchable Championship Yet?

It may not be the championship series everyone expected, but it should be a damn good one. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will take on Tyrese Haliburton and the run-and-gun Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. As you might expect, tickets have been selling fast.

If you like young, smart, athletic teams, this one’s for you. Reigning Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault has a true powerhouse in his Thunder, who have been dominant on both sides of the court all season long. But the Pacers don’t back down to anyone, and they can run just about any team out of a game when they catch fire.

SGA has been amazing for OKC, but Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have also been instrumental to this run at the title. And who can forget about Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace? It’s a mrd3rer’s row of a core rotation, which has helped OKC to a staggering 43-7 record at Paycom Center since the start of the season.

Indiana has enjoyed home cooking, too. The Pacers are 6-2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this postseason. Haliburton — aka Playoff Hali — just seems to keep getting better in the biggest moments. At 23, he led Indy to the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. At 24, he checked the Eastern Conference Finals and Olympic gold off his bucket list. Now, at 25, he’s helped the Pacers go 12-4 en route to the NBA Finals.

Of course, Hali has a great squad around him, too. ECF MVP Pascal Siakam led the Pacers in scoring vs. the Knicks. Myles Turner’s rim protection has been invaluable. Three-and-D maestro Aaron Nesmith has enjoyed a full breakout. This team has speed, depth and athleticism, a perfect squad to match up with OKC.

Interested in witnessing part of this exciting championship series in person? Here’s everything you need to know about Thunder vs. Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals, including ticket prices and the full schedule for the best-of-seven series.

Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals tickets 2025

Tickets to see the Thunder vs. Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals are available on StubHub. As you might expect, they’re in high demand.

With Game 7 officially set, ticket prices start at $930. Club seats start at $2,350, lower bowl at $2,250 and terrace seats at $4,150.

Click the link below for up-to-date pricing and availability.

 

Caitlin Clark Reassures Fans after Loss – Vows Revenge Game as a GIFT in Place of an Apology!

Caitlin Clark did not have the best of games in her first time in San Francisco. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year was held to just 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting on Thursday as the Indiana Fever fell to the Golden State Valkyries, 88-77.

This was also Clark’s first time to play at Chase Center, which is also the home stadium of Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. While the Valkyries might not have as strong a following as the Warriors, there’s no denying that the fans have shown their unwavering support for the WNBA’s newest expansion team.

Clark was asked to share her thoughts on the Valkyries faithful before Thursday’s game, and the 23-year-old had nothing but praise for the fans.

“These people aren’t just showing up to sit in a seat and check a box of being here,” she said. “They really seem like they’re here to support and cheer and appreciate women’s basketball. I think that’s the coolest thing.

“They love it and wanna be a part of it. They kinda want to be the sixth player for this team to help them win. I feel like they have done that to this point. It’s just been really cool to see. Obviously, as a player, you really do appreciate that.”

Clark would have loved to mark her first game at Chase Center with a win, but this just wasn’t the case on Thursday night. The Valkyries turned in a total team effort to hand the Fever their first loss in three games–much to the delight of the adoring home crowd.

Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) defends against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (left).

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Indiana’s next trip to the Bay Area will be on Aug. 31 as Clark and Co. return to Chase Center to try and even the score. This will be an opportunity for Clark to get some revenge against the Valkyries and turn in a much better performance in front of their home supporters.

BREAKING NEWS: LeBron James sparks controversy after comparing NBA and NFL.

Sometimes LeBron James seems more interested in the NFL than his own sport. But his latest take is off the mark. James says “ring culture” has infected the NBA, but is not part of the discussion for football.

“I don’t know why it’s discussed so much in our sport and why it’s the end-all-be-all of everything,” James said on his Mind the Game podcast. “You tell me Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley and Steve Nash weren’t f—n’ unbelievable? They can’t be talked about or discussed with these guys because this guy won rings? It’s like saying Peyton Manning can’t be in the same room with [Tom] Brady or [Patrick] Mahomes because he only has one ring [he has two]. They don’t ever discuss that in their sport. Or telling me that Dan Marino is not the greatest slinger of all time or he can’t be in the room with those guys because he didn’t win a championship.”

James is wrong about quarterbacks. They are defined by championships just as much as NBA superstars. No one discusses Marino’s legacy without mentioning that he didn’t win a Super Bowl. The only reason Brady is considered a greater quarterback than Manning is because he has seven titles compared to Peyton’s two. Eli Manning will eventually get into the Hall of Fame because he has two rings. John Elway was a better player early in his career but finally winning championships at the end meant everything.

Quarterbacks touch the ball on every offensive play. They are supposed to elevate their teammates through leadership. It’s a team sport, but they are most responsible for winning and losing. A QB without a title is immediately knocked down a peg on the all-time list.

The No. 1 storyline heading into the 2025 season is: Will the last two MVPs take the next step and win it all? But they’re not alone. Every top-tier QB is what LeBron would consider a victim of ring culture.

Here are the top 10 quarterbacks under the most pressure to win their first Super Bowl…

Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow

Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK (Jackson), Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images (Allen), Joe Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images (Burrow)

Ring or Bust

1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Jackson is the only two-time MVP winner without a title. He narrowly missed capturing his third MVP last season, falling just short of Josh Allen in voting. Jackson, 28, is still improving. He’s coming off his best statistical season (career high 119.6 passer rating) and has a great chance to win even more MVPs. If he doesn’t have a ring to complement individual awards, his career would be a disappointment.

There’s even more pressure to win for Jackson because he’s in Baltimore, an organization that knows how to win at the highest level. He doesn’t have the built-in excuse of playing for Buffalo or Cincinnati, teams that have never won a Super Bowl. Jackson’s own shortcomings in the postseason add to the scrutiny. We used to be able to say that he didn’t have any receivers or that he had the wrong offensive coordinator. The Ravens have fixed those problems. And this season, their defense should get back on track.

Jackson’s legacy is on the line every season from here on out and the only way to meet expectations is to win the Lombardi Trophy. Good news for Ravens fans: Jackson told reporters earlier this week that “we’re going to have vengeance on our mind” after last season’s disappointing playoff loss.

2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Before Peyton Manning won his first ring, he lost two playoff games to Brady. Allen is 0-4 against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the postseason. Just because Mahomes keeps getting in his way and Buffalo’s defense has come up short in big moments, that doesn’t change the standard for Allen — he will be judged on his ability to win a championship.

Allen has played well in the playoffs. He’s 7-6 with a 101.7 passer rating. But the margin of error is so slight at that level and a couple of ill-fated mistakes cost the team. He has to play better in the final moments come January.

Getting close this often and not finishing the job stings even more for the Bills, who haven’t had this kind of success since they lost four straight Super Bowls in the early ‘90s. Allen puts plenty of pressure on himself. Add in burning desire of one of the NFL’s most loyal fan bases and there’s a lot riding on Allen’s play.

3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow is as talented as Jackson or Allen. And unlike them, he’s been to a Super Bowl. He falls on this list because he’s handicapped by an organization that doesn’t always do the right things to win a championship.

The Bengals did re-sign Burrow’s top receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but they don’t want to pay their star defensive player Trey Hendrickson and have done very little to address that side of the ball.

Cincinnati feels like it’s moving away from a title instead of toward it. The Bengals wasted an all-time quarterback performance from Burrow last season. He threw for 4,918 yards, 43 TDs and just 9 INTs while completing 70.6% of his passes and they still missed the playoffs.

The team’s struggles raise questions about Burrow’s future. If Burrow wants to win a championship, will he have to emulate his fellow Ohio native LeBron and leave his home state? Carson Palmer got frustrated with the Bengals and left at 31. While Burrow seems content now, he is too good to not win at the highest level before his career is over.

Ring Sure Would Be Nice

4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Blame Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers coach told the Rich Eisen Show that he “must get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame.” Harbaugh and Herbert felt pretty far from that goal when he threw five interceptions in the playoff loss to the Texans. But his regular-season peaks and obvious arm talent are enough to earn this level of expectation.

Justin Herbert

© Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

While the playoff results haven’t been there, Herbert could be in the right spot to make a leap. Harbaugh was ahead of schedule getting L.A. to the playoffs in his first season. Now Harbaugh has been able to build more of his style of team and can put Herbert in a better position. Harbaugh got San Francisco to the Super Bowl in his second year and could help Herbert take that step before long.

5. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

The pressure for Goff is about his situation more than who he is as a player. When a driver has the best car in the race, they’re supposed to win. Goff is tasked with steering a Ferrari of an offense in Detroit. If the trajectory of the Lions continues despite losing both coordinators, Goff has to take them to a title. If he gets there, Goff, who turns 31 in October, will leap into the illustrious “elite quarterback” conversation.

6. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

You can argue Purdy is a system quarterback. That doesn’t change the assignment in San Francisco. He has to win it all or his career, his head coach Kyle Shanahan and this team will be considered a letdown. Purdy was a play or two away from getting it done in ’23. He’s surrounded by stars like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk. The Niners signed their quarterback to a five-year, $265 million extension. Only a Super Bowl victory will be enough to make that investment pay off.

Dak Prescott and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

7. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Right now Prescott’s reputation has more to do with his salary than his performance. If he stopped playing today, he’d be considered good but wildly overpaid at $60 million per season. To fix that narrative, Prescott needs postseason success. Dallas hired a coach Prescott is comfortable with in Brian Schottenheimer and added a potential strong No. 2 receiver in George Pickens. With how his career has gone so far, Prescott needs a ring to get serious consideration for the Hall of Fame.

The Next Wave

8. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

After Stroud took a step backward in his second season, the Texans got aggressive to support their young quarterback. They fired their offensive coordinator and reworked the offensive line. Even with their failure to protect him last season, Stroud has led the Texans to two straight playoff trips. With a potentially dominant defense, Houston could eventually put everything together and make a championship run.

9. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Daniels is coming off arguably the greatest rookie season by any quarterback in NFL history. He threw for 3,568 yards, 25 TDs and 9 INTs, while adding 891 yards and 6 TDs on the ground. When you reach the NFC Championship game in your first season, a future ring is the only goal that matters.

10. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

Love can thank Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers (and Bart Starr) for setting the bar at championship in Green Bay. In ’23, Love and the Packers had eventual NFC champion San Francisco on the ropes in the playoffs. Last season, Love hurt his knee in Week 1 and the team never really got back on track. He’s on this list because he makes plays that are reminiscent of Rodgers and Favre. Love needs to develop more consistency to fulfill the promise he’s shown early in career.

“Where is Michael?” – Fans confused by GMA host Michael Strahan’s unexplained absence – “What are you up to, Michael?

Michael Strahan’s fans have voiced their concern for him as Good Morning America steps into another week without him.

The star was noticeably absent on Monday with Linsey Davis standing in for him, but viewers want to know when he’ll return.

Michael hasn’t updated his Instagram in a week, and he’s not been on Fox NFL Sunday either.He’s been inundated with questions from his fans who asked: “Where are you? Haven’t seen you on GMA or Fox football,” as another suggested: “Family personal matter,” and a third commented: “Hope you are okay Stray!! Miss you on NFLonFOX.”

His twin daughters, Isabella and Sophia, have also been quiet on social media and didn’t post on their 19th birthdays at the end of October.

Hopefully, Michael is just consumed with juggling all the avenues of his career as he also hosts The $100,000 Pyramid game show and manages his skincare and clothing brand too.

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Michael is missed on GMA and Fox NFL Sunday

He’s previously confessed that fall is the busiest time of the year for him and needs to stick to a schedule to coast through it.

Speaking to People, he said: “The fall is the busiest time of the year, between my weekday work for GMA and my weekends on FOX NFL Sunday. The days are action-packed, so I have to get my routine down and still have fun while we do it.”

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Linsey Davis (right) has been stepping in for Michael along with Rebecca Jarvis

He added: “Whether I’m getting ready for a live shot like this or on GMA, or an action-packed studio show on FOX NFL Sunday, I have to put in the work to prepare.”

Michael is also committed to his appearance and prioritizes his skincare and his workouts.

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Michael is a busy man and recently guest-judged on DWTS

“While my playing days [NFL] are over, I still hit the gym to stay fit and feel healthy,” he said. “Health is  wealth, I am always making sure to get my workout in to keep the body and mind right.”

As for keeping his complexion clear, Michael, 51, explained: “With the bright lights of TV shining, I need to take care of my skin. This is a big reason why I started the Michael Strahan skin and shave routine. I wash up after getting off set with my hydrating face and beard wash, put on a little moisturizer and beard oil to keep my face feeling smoooooth.”

© Instagram/Michael Strahan
Michael with daughters and girlfriend Kayla Quick

Despite no longer playing football, it’s still a big part of his life. “If there is a football game on, I am watching it,” he said of his down time. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Monday, Thursday or Sunday — I still love the game and enjoy watching the next generation of players do great things on the field. I’m a fan just like all of you.”

OVER THE MOON – David Muir WINS PRESTIGIOUS TV AWARD that leaves fans overjoyed – What do Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Ginger Zee and Lara Spencer think?

David Muir put his best foot forward, quite literally, on Sunday November 5, as he joined his ABC colleagues at the New York Marathon.

The World News Tonight with David Muir host was part of a 12-person relay team, consisting of stars including Deborah Roberts, Robin Roberts, Ginger Zee, DeMarco Morgan, who were all running to the 26.2 miles between them in conjunction with Team for Kids.

David was pictured posing with his running partners in a group shot posted by Deborah Roberts during the fun-filled day in the city, and looked sporty dressed in a pair of gray shorts teamed with sneakers and a Team for Kids charity running shirt.

Deborah – who was cheered on by doting husband Al Roker in the crowds (who was also there to support Today co-host Sheinelle Jones) – shared an upbeat message alongside the photo to summarise the experience.

“When we’ve done the last mile of the way…it’s sweet. What a #joy to run the relay race with my @abcnews colleagues for @nyrr team kids! Fabulous way to end the #weekend Congrats #team.”

David Muir looked sporty as he posed with his fellow ABC relay team at the New York Marathon

David’s former 20/20 co-host, Amy Robach, and her boyfriend T.J. Holmes were also among those taking part in the New York Marathon on Sunday.

Amy co-hosted 20/20 alongside David from 2018 until 2022, when she was dismissed from ABC following her high-profile affair with T.J.

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are also taking part in the New York Marathon

The pair formed a close bond during the time they worked together and while it is unsure if they are still in touch, Amy’s 20/20 replacement Deborah appears to have via a telling message from Al last week.

The Today host congratulated Amy and T.J. after they announced their return to work with a new podcast, Amy and T.J.

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David Muir has had an exciting year in his career

He simply wrote: “Welcome back!” David had said in the past that he hoped he and Amy were “able to break through that noise and give these people the voice they deserve,” while hosting together. The pair not only worked on 20/20 together, but Good Morning America too.

David regularly fills in on the popular morning news show, and back in 2021 he even took his long-running segment, American Strong, to GMA for a month.

Deborah Roberts is David Muir’s new 20/20 co-host

At the time, Amy wrote a message on social media which read: “A big welcome to @davidmuirabc to the @abcgma3 family – making his debut appearance today to kick off his inspiring and heartwarming #americastrong series on all @abcnews platforms!

“I never miss David’s incredible stories of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary work on @abcworldnewstonight.” David’s had a successful year at work, and just recently was named as the upcoming recipient for the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

David Muir and fellow ABC relay teammate Robin Roberts

The Cronkite Award is named after the late CBS anchor, Walter Cronkite, and has been honoring journalists and media executives since 1984.

David is the latest in a list of high-profile recipients, including Al Roker, Robin Roberts, Gayle King, Lester Holt, Anderson Cooper and Scott Pelley.

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David Muir lives in New York

Upon hearing the news of his accolade, David said: “Walter Cronkite famously guided this country through some of the most trying moments in modern U.S. history and he did so by trusting his own compass, his deep commitment to journalism and the truth, and his willingness, in the darkest of times, to share his own humanity.

“To be honored in Cronkite’s name, is not only deeply humbling, it’s a call for us all to live up to those standards especially when they’re needed most.”