The Oklahoma City Thunder are one victory away from winning the NBA Finals.

They needed to fend off a second-half charge from the Pacers — Indiana would close the deficit to two points — but Oklahoma City led nearly wire-to-wire and prevailed Monday, June 16, 120-109, to take a 3-2 series lead.

That means the Thunder will have a closeout opportunity in Game 6 on Thursday, June 19, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Thunder moved to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008, where they were the SuperSonics and won an NBA title in 1979.

After Indiana forward Pascal Siakam’s 3 cut Oklahoma City’s lead to 2 with eight-and-a-half minutes to play, the Thunder ripped off an 18-4 run to pull away. Oklahoma City smothered on defense and forced the Pacers into turnovers, leading to quick transition chances on the other end.

Thunder forward Jalen Williams recorded the best game of his playoffs career, dropping 40 points on a wildly efficient 14-of-25 shooting night. He added six rebounds and four assists. NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was steady and got to the line with ease in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and added 10 assists, but his scoring was bolstered by a 13-of-14 night from the stripe.

Indiana got strong games from Siakam (28 points, six rebounds, five assists) and bench players T.J. McConnell (18 points) and Obi Toppin (12 points), but it was their star player who disappointed.

Point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered an apparent right calf injury in the first quarter, struggled significantly throughout the game, scoring just four points and dishing out six assists.

Not only did this mark the first time in Haliburton’s playoff career that he was held scoreless in a first half, he failed to make a single field goal, missing all six of his attempts, four of which were from beyond the arc.

The Pacers also folded under Oklahoma City’s pressure, committing 23 turnovers, compared to just 11 for the Thunder; not surprisingly, the Thunder outscored the Pacers on points off turnovers by an overwhelming margin of 32-9.

NBA Finals Game 5: Highlights

Game 6 creates historic moment for small-market teams

NBA historians, fill up the inkwell and prepare your quill pens.

History is arriving as fast as Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fills up a box score.

A couple of teams from small markets are about to do something gigantic. Well, one of them anyway, as the NBA Finals shift back to Indianapolis. — Josh Peter

With Tyrese Haliburton hobbled, Pacers’ title hopes are fading

This was the first time in his postseason career that he was held without a single point in a first half.

It also marked the first time Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton — who was slowed by a lower right leg injury, an issue that has lingered since the Eastern Conference finals — failed to make a single basket in an entire playoff game.

His four points matched a career playoff low.

If there was one revelation to come from Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 16 — a 120-109 Oklahoma City victory that put the Thunder one win from a title — it’s that the Pacers, simply put, cannot win these NBA Finals if this is the Tyrese Haliburton that they are going to get. — Lorenzo Reyes

Final: Thunder 120, Pacers 109

The Pacers cut the lead to two, at 95-93 with 8:30 remaining on a Pascal Siakam 26-footer, but that’s as close as they would get. The Thunder responded, capitalizing off turnovers – the Pacers made four in a row at one point in the final frame – and blocking shots. Alex Caruso’s dive and slide for a loose ball – which gave him floor burns for certain – helped define the effort that pushed the Thunder to the win. Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a lower right leg injury in the first quarter, was held to four points.

Q3: Thunder 87, Pacers 79

Count out the Pacers at your own risk. Down by as many as 15 points, they stormed back behind T.J. McConnell. Seriously, T.J. McConnell. The team’s backup point guard had 12 points in the quarter and he pulled the Pacers within five points late in the quarter. But it’s going to take more than McConnell, with Jalen Williams scoring 13 points in the quarter. Oh, wait. And Tyrese Haliburton scored his first points on a pair free throws! — Josh Peter

NBA commissioner attends Finals Game 5

NBA commissioner Adam Silver was spotted in Paycom Arena for Game 5 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The small-market teams in the Finals are partly a product of the league’s latest collective bargaining agreement that helped put an end to dynasties and roster building through mega-contracts. Silver has said as long as every fan base believes its team has a chance to win the title, he is happy with the balance and competition. — Heather Tucker

Tyrese Haliburton scores first points on FTs

Haliburton was fouled with 7:07 remaining in the third quarter on a drive to the basket and a left-handed layup attempt. He missed the shot, but made both free throws for his first two points of the game. Haliburton is 0-for-6 from the floor and 0-for-4 on 3-pointers. — Heather Tucker

Tyrese Haliburton starts second half

The Pacers’ All-Star guard, who appeared to hurt his lower right leg during a drive to the basket in the first quarter, started the second half. He remains scoreless. — Heather Tucker

Halftime: Thunder 59, Pacers 45

Considering Tyrese Haliburton scored zero points in the first half – the first time that has happened in his playoffs career – the Pacers trail by just 14 points at halftime.

Haliburton appeared to injure his lower right leg on a drive to the basket in the first quarter and didn’t return until nearly 4 minutes were gone in the second. He finished the half 0-for-5.

The Thunder led by as many as 18 points, thanks in part to their two stars. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 13 points and five assists, and Jalen Williams has a game-high 16 points along with three rebounds and three assists. But the supporting cast has delivered too, with the Thunder shooting a combined 8-for-17 from 3-point range.

Indiana star Pascal Siakam kept the Pacers from falling too far behind for a possible comeback. Good news for Pacers: They committed only three turnovers in the second quarter after committing seven in the first quarter. Hey, gotta look for silver linings.

Oklahoma City is running the blistering pace and suffocating defense that got it here. The Thunder have scored 15 points off turnovers. The Pacers are winning the rebound battle, 34-27, but have little to show for it. — Heather Tucker and Josh Peter

Tyrese Haliburton returns to game after apparent lower leg injury

Tyrese Haliburton went back to the locker room in the first quarter of Game 5 after suffering a lower right leg injury. 

Haliburton appeared to be shaken up after he tripped while driving to the basket. He rubbed his right calf area following the play and briefly walked back to the locker room. 

He returned to the bench and checked back into the game with 8:27 remaining in the second quarter. He was wearing a wrap of some form on his leg on the sideline.

Haliburton has previously dealt with a lower leg injury in the championship series. Following Oklahoma City’s 123-107 victory in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 8, Haliburton walked with a noticeable limp. He said he was fine, other than a “lower leg thing” and hasn’t missed any games in the NBA Finals. 

He’s been seen since getting some form of electric pulse treatment near his right ankle and has been wearing black tape on the ankle. — Cydney Henderson and Dustin Dopirak, The Indianapolis Star

Q1: Thunder 32, Pacers 22

It was a fast-paced start, and the Pacers did more than their share of fumbling and stumbling with seven turnovers. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle lost his cool with 9:08 left in the quarter when he erupted after an apparent foul on Andrew Nembhard went uncalled. Oh, and Tyrese Haliburton went scoreless. And OKC? Well, the Thunder just keep draining shots – 12 for 25 overall and 4-for-6 from 3-point range.

Lisa Salters returns to ABC broadcast after personal leave of absence

Lisa Salters is back on the sidelines. 

The veteran reporter rejoined ABC’s broadcast of Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers on Monday after missing Games 2, 3 and 4 due to a personal matter. ESPN previously disclosed that Salters’ mom was facing “serious health issues.’

Salters has been part of the network’s NBA coverage since 2005 and has served as the lead sideline reporter for the NBA Finals since 2022. Salters is also the lead sideline reporter for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” where she’s the longest-tenured sideline reporter in program history.

During Game 2, ABC’s lead on-court voice Mike Breen said he was sending love to Salters and her mother. 

ABC puts starters in the spotlight

A low rumble of boos for the visiting Pacers. Cheers for the hometown Thunder. An oversized OKC flag waving. Music pumping. Lights flashing.

TV viewers were treated to something unseen for more than a decade during the NBA Finals when ABC televised the introduction of starting lineups. It was the first time it’s happened since 2013. In that Finals, LeBron James led the Miami Heat past the San Antonio Spurs in seven games. This time, during introductions, the spotlight fell on OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and the eight other starters. — Josh Peter

What time is Thunder vs. Pacers game today?

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers for Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Where to watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 5

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
TV: ABC
Stream: Fubo, Sling TV

Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo

Pacers, Thunder reflect on two-day break between Games 4 and 5

There was only one day of rest between Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals — the only time in the series with that quick of a turnaround. Initially, that might not seem significant, but at this stage of the playoffs, a short rest can feed fatigue and give an edge to the better conditioned team.

Both coaches reflected on how their teams have been using the additional day before Game 5.

“At this point, the extra time allows extra analysis,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “So we spent a lot of time looking at the previous game, and many cases, looking at other games that were previous. Sometimes you look at stuff during the regular season, et cetera, et cetera.

“But I don’t think there’s a big difference between how much film we’re looking at with a two-day break as there is a one-day break. I think every coaching staff in the NBA is going to be on top of it as best they can, they are going to look at everything, and try not to overanalyze.”

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was a little more coy about his team’s approach.

“I do twice as much parenting,” he said, “not twice as much work.” — Lorenzo Reyes

NBA Finals Game 5: Pacers starting lineup

Tyrese Haliburton, G
Andrew Nembhard, G
Aaron Nesmith, F
Pascal Siakam, F
Myles Turner, C

NBA Finals Game 5: Thunder starting lineup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G
Lu Dort, G
Jalen Williams, F
Chet Holmgren, F
Isaiah Hartenstein, C

Jarace Walker injury update: Will he play?

Jarace Walker is out with a right ankle sprain, according to the latest injury report on Monday, June 16.

Pacers coach calls out criticism of NBA referee Scott Foster

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took exception Sunday to the criticism being levied at officiating during the NBA Finals, specifically the rebukes against Scott Foster.

“I think it’s awful some of the things I’ve seen about officiating, and Scott Foster in particular,” Carlisle said Sunday, June 15. “I’ve known Scott Foster for 30 years. He is a great official. He has done a great job in these playoffs. We’ve had him a lot of times. The ridiculous scrutiny that is being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid.”

Many Pacers and NBA fans had taken to social media to criticize Foster for his performance Friday night in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, an eventual 111-104 Oklahoma City Thunder victory that evened the series at 2-2. — Jeff Zillgitt and Lorenzo Reyes

NBA 3-pointer reigns supreme for championship teams

The NBA’s 3-point shot has enemies. Too many 3s, they say. The shot is ruining the game, they say.

And those critics of the 3-point shot found ammunition in the Eastern Conference semifinals of this season’s playoffs when the Boston Celtics attempted 60 3-pointers and missed 45 against the New York Knicks. The guffawing ignored the fact that Boston’s 3-point shooting was instrumental in its 2023-24 championship season and in its 61-21 record this season.

NBA Finals ratings: Pacers vs. Thunder

INDIANAPOLIS — The NBA Finals TV ratings discussion is a classic struggle between the optimist and the pessimist.

One headline: ‘NBA Finals have been most-watched programs since first week of May.”

Another headline: “NBA Finals ratings down 24%.”

Two things can be true in this season’s Finals between “small-market” Indiana and Oklahoma City.

Yes, ratings are down from last season’s Finals between Boston and Dallas, and yes, the Thunder-Pacers Finals have brought in millions of viewers, including a peak of 11.54 million at 11 p.m. ET of Game 3 on Wednesday, June 11.

Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the TV ratings for the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder.

Opinion: Pacers may regret Game 4 loss

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers needed Game 4. They had Game 4. At least it looked that way for three quarters. Felt like Indiana was headed for a 3-1 series lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Felt like Indiana was in control. And they were. Until they were not. USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Zillgitt looks at the Pacers’ Game 4 loss.

Opinion: NBA wanted parity. The league got it.

If the NBA Finals matchup of the league’s 23rd and 27th-ranked media markets is supposed to spell doom for the league, it is a doom the NBA’s owners intentionally brought on themselves. 

While two glitz-free Midwestern cities in the Finals might not have the celebrity pull the NBA has largely enjoyed through its historically successful franchises, it was an inevitable outcome once the league designed a collective bargaining agreement that dismantled its traditional cycle of superteams and dynasties. 

Welcome to the new NBA, where championship windows are smaller, the life cycle of a roster is shorter and the number of teams that can win a title in any given year is beyond anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. — Dan Wolken Read Wolken’s full column here.

Where is Game 5 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder?

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers for Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. 

Thunder vs. Pacers odds: Game 5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to take a 3-2 lead in the series vs. the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of Monday, June 16):

Spread: Thunder (-9.5)
Moneyline: Thunder (-450); Pacers (+340)
Over/under: 224.5

NBA championship odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 5 as the favorite to win the 2025 NBA Finals over the Indiana Pacers, according to BetMGM (odds as of Monday, June 16).

Series winner: Thunder (-625); Pacers (+450)

Thunder vs. Pacers predictions, expert picks for NBA Finals Game 5

USA TODAY: Most pick Thunder in Game 5

Scooby Axson: Thunder 121, Pacers 116
Jordan Mendoza: Thunder 112, Pacers 106
Lorenzo Reyes: Pacers 121, Thunder 106
Heather Tucker: Thunder 131, Pacers 118
James Williams: Pacers 110, Thunder 107
Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 115, Pacers 105

Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals picks: USA TODAY staff predictions

USA TODAY: Every expert picked the Thunder

Ahead of the series opener, all of the NBA experts at USA TODAY Sports picked the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals

Scooby Axson: Thunder in five
Jordan Mendoza: Thunder in six
Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six
Heather Tucker: Thunder in five
James Williams: Thunder in six
Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five

Thunder vs. Pacers Game 5 TV channel

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers at 8:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ABC.

How to stream NBA Finals Game 5: Thunder vs. Pacers

Game 5 between the Thunder and Pacers is available on ABC. Fans can also stream the action with Sling TV and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 5 starting lineups

ABC is set to broadcast the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers starting lineups introductions ahead of Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals for the first time since 2013, ESPN reported on Monday.

NBA Finals schedule: Thunder vs. Pacers

All times Eastern; *-if necessary

(Thunder lead series 3-2)

Game 1, June 5: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
Game 2, June 8: Thunder 123, Pacers 107
Game 3, June 11: Pacers 116, Thunder 107
Game 4, June 13: Thunder 111, Pacers 104
Game 5, June 16: Thunder 120, Pacers 109
Game 6, June 19: Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.
Game 7, June 22: Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8 p.m.*

NBA playoff bracket 

Eastern Conference finals 

No. 4 Indiana Pacers def. No. 3 New York Knicks, 4-2

Western Conference finals 

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder def. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves, 4-1

NBA Finals

No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder (Series tied 2-2)

Who are the referees for Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 5?

Official assignments are announced at 9 a.m. on the day of the game. Here are the referees assigned to Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Monday.

John Goble (ninth Finals, officiated Game 1)
Marc Davis (14th Finals, officiated Game 1)
James Williams (fifth Finals, officiated Game 2)

Updated NBA Finals MVP odds

Odds via BetMGM on Monday, June 16.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-600)
Pascal Siakam (+800)
Tyrese Haliburton (+900)
Jalen Williams (+3500)
Alex Caruso (+15000)
Chet Holmgren (+30000)

How many Finals have the Thunder won?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have one NBA championship. However, it came in 1979 when the team was the Seattle SuperSonics. They have not won a title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008.

How many Finals have the Pacers won?

The Indiana Pacers have not won an NBA championship. They have two Eastern Conference titles (2000, 2025).

Lu Dort stats

Dort averaged 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 71 games (all starts) this season. Dort is averaging slightly lower than his regular-season stats in the 2025 NBA Finals, averaging 9.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists through four games.

2025 All-NBA team 

Oklahoma City Thunder guard and league Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic were unanimous selections from a panel of 100 global reporters and broadcasters who cover the NBA and voted on the squad. View the complete list. 

NBA Finals champions by year

Here’s a look at the winners over the past 20 years. For a full list of champions, visit NBA.com.

2023-24 — Boston Celtics 
2022-23 — Denver Nuggets
2021-22 — Golden State Warriors
2020-21 — Milwaukee Bucks 
2019-20 — Los Angeles Lakers 
2018-19 — Toronto Raptors 
2017-18 — Golden State Warriors 
2016-17 — Golden State Warriors 
2015-16 — Cleveland Cavaliers 
2014-15 — Golden State Warriors 
2013-14 — San Antonio Spurs 
2012-13 — Miami Heat 
2011-12 — Miami Heat 
2010-11 — Dallas Mavericks 
2009-10 — Los Angeles Lakers 
2008-09 — Los Angeles Lakers 
2007-08 — Boston Celtics
2006-07 — San Antonio Spurs 
2005-06 — Miami Heat 
2004-05 — San Antonio Spurs 

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani has taken the mound as a Los Angeles Dodger. 

The three-time MVP made his pitching debut on Monday, June 16, starting against the San Diego Padres in his first appearance as a pitcher since August 2023.

It wasn’t the prettiest outing, as he allowed one run after surrendering hits to the first two batters of the game and a sacrifice fly. The defense then made plays to get him out of the inning. It would be the only inning he’d pitch in front of an eager Dodger Stadium crowd.

Still, Ohtani was productive with the bat with two hits and two RBI as a five-run fourth inning propelled the Dodgers to a 6-3 win over their division rival.

Ohtani’s first outing came to fruition quickly as he worked his way back to the mound. After he rehabbed his arm during his 2024 MVP season as he recovered from his torn ulnar collateral ligament he suffered with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani made progress with simulated games in recent weeks. The expectation was he’d pitch after the All-Star break in July, but the team opted to give Ohtani the early green light.

Shohei Ohtani pitches one inning

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers pitching debut for Ohtani lasts one inning.

After giving up consecutive singles to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez, Manny Machado hits a sacrifice fly out of the zone to give San Diego an early lead. The defense then helped Ohtani as Gavin Sheets grounded out to second base and Xander Bogaerts grounded out to third base to end the inning.

Ohtani threw 28 pitches for 16 strikes. His fastball and sinker were hovering around 98 mph with the sweeper around 89 mph. He touched 100 mph once in the frame as he gave up one run on two hits.

Anthony Banda comes in for Los Angeles in the second inning to end Ohtani’s night on the mound.

Shohei Ohtani has multi-RBI night

Runs given up by Ohtani? One. Runs scored by Ohtani? Two.

The Dodgers star seems to be well at the plate as he knocked it in his second RBI of the night in the fourth inning, with a single bringing in Andy Pages. It was part of a five-run inning for Los Angeles to take a 6-2 lead.

Shohei Ohtani gets RBI, off the hook

He gives up one run, he gets one right back.

Ohtani prevented him from possibly getting the loss with a RBI double in the third inning to score Andy Pages. It makes it a 1-1 game and Ohtani will get the no decision for pitching.

Shohei Ohtani strikes out

Ohtani stays in the leadoff position after coming off the mound. He strikes out swinging to Padres pitcher Dylan Cease.

Manny Machado hits sacrifice fly

Ohtani nearly strikes out Machado on a checked swing. Machado hits an out to center fielder Andy Pages and Fernando Tatis tags up and just gets to home before Will Smith gets the tag to give San Diego a 1-0 lead.

Luis Arraez singles

Back-to-back hits off Ohtani to put runners on the corners with no outs.

Shohei Ohtani gives up hit to Fernando Tatis Jr. in first at bat

After fouling off the first pitch of the game, Ohtani gets to a full count but Tatis hits a single to shallow center field. He then takes second on a wild pitch.

Watch: Shohei Ohtani first pitch as Dodger

Shohei Ohtani takes the mound

The two-way star takes the mound for his first pitching start as a Dodger.

How to watch Dodgers vs Padres

The San Diego Padres travel to Dodger Stadium to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night.

Date: Monday, June 16
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
TV: MLB Network
Location: Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles)

How many innings will Shohei Ohtani pitch?

LOS ANGELES — The expectation pregame was that Ohtani would pitch one inning on Monday, and he’s not on a pitch count. Roberts said he expects extra adrenaline, but his focus will be on Ohtani’s command, delivery and stress to determine how long he goes.

The day will also serve as a starting point for how he feels after outings, and they will talk about his pitching duties on a day-by-day basis. 

While the plan is to get him stretched out as a starter by the time October rolls around, Roberts doesn’t expect Ohtani to pitch every five days. The Dodgers skipper thought about moving him off the leadoff spot, but Ohtani said he has no issues with coming straight off the mound and into the batter’s box.

“We’ll see how it responds, and we’re still gathering information. I think that going forward, it’ll be helpful to what decisions we have” Roberts said.

Dodgers lineup today vs. Padres

Shohei Ohtani (L) P
Mookie Betts (R) SS
Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
Teoscar Hernández (R) RF
Will Smith (R) C
Max Muncy (L) 3B
Andy Pages (R) CF
Michael Conforto (L) LF
Tommy Edman (S) 2B

Padres lineup today vs. Dodgers

Pitcher: RH Dylan Cease – 2-5, 4.28 ERA, 96 SO

Fernando Tatis Jr. (R) RF
Luis Arraez (L) 1B
Manny Machado (R) 3B
Gavin Sheets (L) LF
Xander Bogaerts (R) SS
Jake Cronenworth (L) 2B
Trenton Brooks (L) DH
Tyler Wade (L) CF
Martín Maldonado (R) C

Shohei Ohtani pitching stats

2018: 4-2, 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 51 ⅔ innings pitched 
2019: Did not pitch (injury)
2020: 0-1, 37.80 ERA and three strikeouts in 1 ⅔ innings pitched
2021: 9-2 with 3.18 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 130.1 innings pitched
2022: 15-9 with 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts in 166 innings pitched
2023: 10-5 with 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings pitched
2024: Did not pitch (injury)

When did Shohei Ohtani last pitch?

Ohtani hasn’t pitched since Aug. 23, 2023. As a member of the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani pitched 1.1 innings against the Cincinnati Reds with one walk and two strikeouts before he left the game with injury. He ended up needing surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which has prevented him from pitching since then.

How many Tommy John surgeries has Shohei Ohtani had?

Ohtani has had two Tommy John surgeries in his career. He had his first one in October 2018 at the end of his rookie season, and in September of 2023 in his final season with the Angels.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Boca Juniors fans are loud and proud. They’ll sing and dance, and cheer for the Argentine team — anywhere they are.

Thousands of Boca fans arrived on a beach in Miami on June 15 for a banderazo, or a festival to congregate a day before games to show support for their favorite team.

Boca fans even serenated shoppers inside a Walmart across the street from Hard Rock Stadium with chants before the club’s first match in the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, June 16.

Once they entered the security gates, walked up the concourse and got to their seats, they made the home stadium of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins shake like “La Bombonera” — their beloved venue in Buenos Aires. Their passion and pride poured out of their souls as they waved their arms and jumped up and down to cheer.

The devotion of the Boca Juniors fans is so passionate, they wouldn’t even celebrate for the two players on their Portuguese opponents who helped Lionel Messi win the Qatar World Cup and two Copa America titles. They even booed them.

Ángel Di María scored a penalty just before halftime, and Nicolás Otamendi scored the equalizer with a header in the 84th minute to help SL Benfica steal a 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors in the first group stage match for both clubs.

Those were the only times Boca fans were quiet Monday.

“It’s the folklore of Argentine football,” said Otamendi, who proudly celebrated his game-tying score. “Obviously, they whistled at me the whole game. It just so happened that I scored the goal, so I was very happy. I shouted a lot, like all the goals I score.”

Added Di María: “If they boo me, that’s logical — I’m wearing a different jersey. … Soccer is a game that everyone understands. When I wore the national team jersey, I received ovations. And now, if I wear a different jersey, it’s obvious that it could happen.” 

Miguel Merentiel (21’) and Rodrigo Battaglia (25’) scored in the first half for Boca Juniors. Several chants like “Dale Boca. Dale, dale Boca” — Go Boca. Go, go boca. — filled the air as an announced crowd of 55,574 fans attended the 6 p.m. ET match.

Even though the result was spoiled, the Boca fans still cheered as the final whistle blew and clapped for their club as they walked off the field.

“The truth is that we’re leaving with a bitter taste in our mouths,” Battaglia said. “I think that given how the game went, we could have seen ourselves winning. Anyway, we’re thankful to the people who came to support us here and to my teammates, who gave it their all.”

Added Merentiel: “The result, to be honest, doesn’t favor us.”

The drama in Group C of the tournament could come down to how much Boca Juniors and Benfica can score against Auckland City FC — the club from New Zealand filled with amateurs filling the Oceania region’s bid in the Club World Cup.

German giants FC Bayern München beat Auckland City FC, 10-0, on June 15 in Cincinnati. Expect both clubs to tee off on Auckland, while trying to get a result against Bayern.

Benfica gets the first crack at Auckland on Friday at noon ET inside Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium, while Boca plays Bayern at 9 p.m. ET inside Hard Rock Stadium in the second matches for the clubs.

At least Boca Juniors knows their fans will still be in South Florida for the next match.

“The truth is that it’s crazy how people cheer. Every time you hear a shout, it makes you want to play, to give your all,” Boca Juniors substitute Tomás Belmonte said.

“We’re very happy, very grateful to them, because all the effort they put in. We’re going to give our all for them and for the whole team, because they really deserve it.”

Argentine World Cup winner Diego Maradona famously played for Boca Juniors, winning his only domestic title with the club in 1981. They have a rich history, dating back to their inception in 1905.

Boca rose to prominence in the early 2000s, winning Copa Libertadores titles in 2000, 2001 and 2003. They also beat Real Madrid in the 2000 Intercontinental Cup.

“To be a Boca fan, is to be a real Argentino,” fan Nicholas De Oliveira said as he kissed the Boca Juniors logo on his jersey before the match. “I love it. It feels so personal. These people are my family.”

One thing to know about Boca Juniors: The club resonates with the lower- and middle-class, Robinson Rodriguez said before the match.

You also don’t have to be Argentine to support them.

“Boca is for the people,” said Rodriguez, a Colombian. “We have probably one of the best followings in the world.”

The Boca fans will surely make their presence felt again in the days leading up to their club’s must-win match against Bayern on Friday.

“Boca is a passion. It’s like a feeling. I can’t explain it,” said Luis Rey, from Panama. “We came a long road to come here and support our team. It’s nice to hear all our songs, supporting Boca.”

“Being a Boca fan is one of a kind. You will never get this kind of atmosphere anywhere else. So imagine, it’s like they brought Argentina over here,” fan Francis Gonzalez added. “I’m Ecuadorian but I feel like I’m part of them. I really hope you get to experience it as well.” 

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.

It took until the fourth full day of the 2025 College World Series for one of the defining traits of college baseball’s championship tournament to appear, but once it did, it had an impact.

Rain fell from the sky, lightning illuminated the Omaha, Nebraska cityscape and a CWS game entered a lengthy weather delay.

After the third inning of No. 6 LSU’s game against No. 15 UCLA on June 16, and with the Tigers holding a 5-3 lead, the field was cleared and the NCAA declared a weather delay, with lightning nearby and the greater Omaha area under a severe thunderstorm warning. 

It wasn’t a momentary pause, either. About three hours after the game was stopped, at 11:14 p.m. ET, the NCAA announced that the contest would resume on Tuesday, June 17.

It capped off an eventful Monday night at Charles Schwab Field. LSU and UCLA combined for seven runs in the first inning, with the Tigers fighting back from a 3-0 deficit to take a one-run lead before tacking on another run in the bottom of the third inning, shortly before the game was halted.

Here’s a closer look at the updated schedule for the 2025 College World Series after the LSU-UCLA postponement:

When will LSU vs UCLA College World Series game resume?

With rain and thunderstorms continuing on Monday night near Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, the NCAA announced that LSU and UCLA’s College World Series game will resume on Tuesday, June 17. The announcement came about three hours after the weather delay began.

First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET.

The contest will pick up where it left off, with the Tigers holding a 5-3 lead entering the top of the fourth inning.

Whoever loses the game will have a jam-packed Tuesday, as they’ll have to take part in an elimination game against No. 3 Arkansas later that day at 7 p.m. ET. 

The other previously scheduled game on Tuesday won’t be impacted by the LSU-UCLA delay, either, with No. 8 Oregon State and Louisville set to begin their elimination game at 2 p.m. ET.

College World Series Tuesday schedule

With the remainder of the LSU-UCLA game pushed back a day, here’s a look at the revised schedule for Tuesday, June 17 at the College World Series:

All times Eastern

No. 6 LSU vs. No. 15 UCLA | 11 a.m. | TV TBD
No. 8 Oregon State vs. Louisville | 2 p.m. | ESPN
No. 3 Arkansas vs. LSU/UCLA loser | 7 p.m. | ESPN

A WWE champion appears to have suffered a serious injury.

Liv Morgan — one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions — suffered a legitimate injury during Monday Night Raw on June 16, and she could possibly be sidelined in the future.

Morgan faced Kairi Sane in a singles match at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Early in the contest, Morgan approached Sane when dropped to her knees for a single-leg takedown. Morgan went face first on the mat as did her right shoulder. Morgan immediately yelled in pain and rolled out of the ring as the referee blocked Sane from performing any other move.

Morgan went down and held her shoulder as medical personnel came to check on her. The match was eventually called off as Morgan was escorted out of the arena. Sane was declared winner by forfeit.

What injury did Liv Morgan suffer?

WWE commentator Michael Cole said Morgan suffered a dislocated shoulder. While it’s unknown how it could affect a wrestler, it typically is an injury that can sideline athletes for months.

What determines the timeline of return depends on the severity of the injury and if surgery happens. Without surgery, the Mayo Clinic says, the shoulder would improve ‘over a few weeks,’ but if surgery is performed, full recovery can take five to six months.

Regardless, it looks to be a tough break for one of the workhorses in the women’s division. Morgan is currently a record four-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Raquel Rodriguez. The duo won the titles at Raw After WrestleMania on April 21 and they lost them to Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch one day earlier at WrestleMania 41.

Recently, it had been hinted Morgan would have a storyline with current Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, who returned to programming on June 9.

The two-time Women’s World Champion has suffered shoulder injuries before. In 2023, she missed six months of action after she dislocated her shoulder in a match with Rhea Ripley. It was revealed to be a labrum tear and she required surgery.

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.

LOS ANGELES — The day everyone in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization has waited for arrived quickly.

More than 14 months after he made his team debut, Shohei Ohtani will make his Dodgers pitching debut Monday, June 16, hoping to return to the elite arm Los Angeles envisioned when they signed him and continue to be the ultimate unicorn of baseball.

Pitching wasn’t a thought in 2024 since Ohtani spent it recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. It wasn’t a concern as he slugged his way to the 50-50 club, won his third MVP and the 2024 World Series. 

When the season started, it was a matter of when, not if Ohtani would pitch.

The plans formed quickly. Prior to the Sunday, June 15 game against the San Francisco Giants, manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani would likely pitch one more simulated game during the week before making his debut. After the 5-4 victory, Roberts told reporters around 7:15 p.m. local time Ohtani would pitch at some point during the series against San Diego.

At 7:30 p.m., the team made it official that he’d start in just under 24 hours.

It’s a much different tone than a few weeks ago when the assumption was Ohtani would be pitching after the All-Star break in mid-July.

General manager Brandon Gomes said the idea came out a few days prior to Monday, and it was finalized within the past 24-48 hours. It not only stunned fans, but the players in the clubhouse too, reliever Alex Vesia told USA TODAY Sports.

“I had no idea that today was going to be today,” he said. “It was news to me.”

Gomes said conversations have been fluid throughout the rehab process, and after seeing how Ohtani looked in simulated games, it became clearer to get him in. This could be viewed like a rehab assignment, since his bat is too valuable to send him down to the minors. 

“It got to the point where, hey, it feels like we should take that next step and almost look to finish the rehab at the major league level,” Gomes said. “There is no playbook for this, so it has to be an ongoing conversation.”

Gomes didn’t say how much injuries played a role in the decision, but it sure forced the team’s hand. It started the season with arguably one of the top rotations in baseball, but before April ended, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell were put on the injured list. They haven’t pitched since, and the timetable for their return is unknown.

The injuries only continued from there. Rookie Roki Sasaki went down in May and the rest of his season is unclear, while Tony Gonsolin went on the injured list June 7. That doesn’t include the key bullpen arms out, such as Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol, plus Evan Phillips is done for the season.

Luckily, the team got Clayton Kershaw back for his 18th big league season and he has looked solid, but he is the only solidified rotation arm alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Dustin May.

Gomes said the amount of injuries likely had Ohtani “chomping at the bit,” but reiterated the team wanted to be smart and not jeopardize his future. Roberts did add Ohtani felt like he had done what was needed to pitch and was ready for the role.

“It’s more like, ‘well, I don’t think there’s anything else to do. I’m ready to go. What else do I need to do to get on a major league mound?’” Roberts recalled.

Is Shohei Ohtani on a pitch count?

The expectation was that Ohtani would pitch one inning against the San Diego Padres. Roberts said he expects extra adrenaline, but his focus will be on Ohtani’s command, delivery and stress. 

The day will also serve as a starting point for how he feels after outings, and they will talk about his pitching duties on a day-by-day basis. 

While the plan is to get him stretched out as a starter by the time October rolls around, Roberts doesn’t expect him to pitch every five days. The Dodgers skipper thought about moving him off the leadoff spot, but Ohtani said he has no issues with coming straight off the mound and into the batter’s box.

“We’ll see how it responds, and we’re still gathering information. I think that going forward, it’ll be helpful to what decisions we have” Roberts said.

Given how eager Ohtani was to pitch, Roberts expects the right-hander to test how long his leash is – not just in his pitching debut, but in subsequent starts. No matter what Ohtani wants, the team is going to be careful with him and likely leave him wanting more.

“We’re going to still be cautious going forward with, obviously, his value and importance to the organization, and most importantly, his health too,” Roberts said. 

But Dodgers hope it’s the start of another MVP-level contribution. 

“We signed him to be a two-way player,” Gomes said. “He’s very much of the mindset that he wants to do that for a very long time.’

MIAMI — FIFA president Gianni Infantino has a vision that in 100 years people will remember this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, and have a centennial celebration for the tournament.

Call him overly optimistic – or even crazy. But he may be onto something.

The opening weekend of Club World Cup 2025 alone saw:  

A sea of Argentineans loudly singing and cheering as they descended in droves on a beach in Miami on Sunday to support Boca Juniors before their first match in the tournament.  
Huge crowds of Brazilian fans supporting Palmeiras, followed by Tunisian fans supporting Espérance, overtaking Times Square in New York City.  
Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain beating Atlético Madrid 4-0 in front of 80,619 fans at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
World Cup champion Lionel Messi of MLS club Inter Miami nearly scoring two goals in the opener Saturday in front of 60,927 fans predominantly wearing red to support Egyptian opponent Al Ahly in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

“The FIFA Club World Cup is conquering the world, and soccer is conquering America,” Infantino said in a video posted to his Instagram account Sunday. ‘It is already epic, and will become better and better. Stay tuned.”

One year before World Cup 2026 descends on the U.S, Canada and Mexico, the 2025 Club World Cup has 32 of the best teams in the world competing for a $1 billion prize pool.

It’s taken some time for brand awareness to register – particularly in a host nation where football (not soccer), basketball, hockey and baseball are the predominant sports garnering fan attention.

However, soccer is the prevailing sport above all those worldwide. People from around the globe have arrived in the United States, and are carrying the tournament from a fan perspective.

“There are huge teams coming from all over the world, and that moves a lot of people everywhere. We’re talking about great teams with very important players that people love to watch,” Messi said during an interview with FIFA before the tournament. “So, it’s a great opportunity to watch the best players play out here in the United States, and it’s an amazing opportunity to do this.”

The general public has easy accessibility to games with every Club World Cup match is available to live stream for free on DAZN’s website or app. Outside of downloading an app and registering login information, there’s no need to enter a credit card number – unless you wish to unlock premium features like watching the games in higher definition (1080p instead of 720p).

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN. Sign up now.

FIFA has also introduced referee cameras, giving fans a never-before-seen view of all the action directly on the field from the referees’ perspective. The videos shared on social media, during the broadcasts and inside the stadiums have been well received.

The elaborate basketball-lineup introductions of players before matches, however, have not because they aren’t typical in soccer matches.

Hey, not everything FIFA is trying out is going to work or be embraced by soccer purists.

The Club World Cup has drawn criticism for being a cash grab – $1.5 billion of FIFA’s $2 billion revenue target has already been grabbed.

DAZN paid $1 billion to broadcast the tournament, and $500 million in marketing rights were already secured before the tournament. The other $500 million, if it reaches that, will come from hospitality rights and ticket sales.

Will there be some empty seats in the stands for some matches? Sure. But it won’t hurt worldwide viewership.

“When it comes to revenues, everything is perfectly secured,” Infantino said before the tournament.

The Club World Cup has also been criticized for overloading the calendar for soccer teams, raising questions about whether the players would compete with the same fervor and energy they do during their regular seasons.

The 32 participating clubs will play three matches minimum – before half are sent home when the knockout stage begins June 28. Only two clubs will play seven total matches when they reach the July 13 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Although the Club World Cup falls after regular seasons for most of the teams involved, MLS is in the middle of its season.

The Seattle Sounders, one of three MLS clubs in the field, along with Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC, had Brazilian champion Botafogo desperately waiting for the match to end. The Sounders admirably pushed for a draw against one of the best clubs in South America before falling 2-1 on their home turf at Lumen Field in Seattle.

“We show that not only can we compete, not only from an intensity and an athletic standpoint but from a tactical standpoint … that this league is good enough at the world stage,” Seattle’s goal scorer Cristian Roldan said after the loss. ‘I think that’s what this tournament is all about.’

LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said he believes this summer’s Club World Cup and next year’s World Cup will inspire young fans to love the sport – just like watching the 1994 World Cup did for him.

‘It had a profound effect in 1994, when I was a kid in the stands at the Rose Bowl, watching games live. It really planted the seed for me that has guided my life since that day,” Cherundolo said during a FIFA interview before LAFC plays English Premier League standout Chelsea on Monday in Atlanta.

“It should have a very profound effect and positive effect on our sport – or the world sport – in our country.”

OMAHA, NE ― Everyone in the Arkansas dugout knew to give the silent treatment − except the batboy.

Gage Wood was in the midst of arguably the best-pitched game in College World Series history, a 19-strikeout no-hitter where the lone batter who reached base was hit by a pitch. It was the first no-hitter in Omaha since 1960 and only the third ever as Arkansas won, 3-0, against Murray State.

‘No one talked about it in the dugout except for G-Baby, our batboy,’ outfielder Charles Davalan said. ‘ … He came back after at the eighth and we went one, two, three. G-Baby said, ‘Is Gage going out for the no-no?”

Wood knew that he had a no-hitter going. He had a perfect game that ended with the eighth-inning hit batter, a moment about which he said, ‘I screwed it over.’

But coming off the mound, he had only one thought.

‘We’re not going home,’ Wood said.

Wood’s gem came in an elimination game after the Razorbacks lost their CWS opener to LSU. With the win, Arkansas will face LSU or UCLA on June 17 for a spot in the semifinals.

Catcher Ryder Helfrick called his own game, something that’s unusual in college. In most cases, a coach will call pitches. But Helfrick got to call his own with an assist from what coach Dave Van Horn called ‘educated suggestions.’

The primary set-up pitch for Wood was his fastball, which touched as high as 98 mph with what Murray State players described as a rising effect.

‘It was really special, I’d say,’ Helfrick said. ‘I think for him to do that and just be able to catch the last ball, give him a big hug. It was awesome. I think everybody was really fired up for him. The main thing is we’re still here and we’re still playing.’

The Racers made their name as the scrappy underdogs, a No. 4 seed that ran through the Oxford Regional against Ole Miss and Georgia Tech and the Durham Super Regional against Duke to reach Omaha for the first time ever. Murray State has a strong offense, but those players simply couldn’t touch Wood, who threw 83 strikes in 119 pitches.

‘The strikes weren’t just over the heart,’ Racers leadoff hitter Jonathan Hogart said. ‘ … I got maybe got one or two pitches over the plate the entire day.’

After the game, Wood exchanged hugs with Murray State players, including one, Conner Cunningham, who attended the same high school.

Wood, considered a potential first-round pick in next month’s MLB draft, wasn’t a sure thing to be here. He suffered an injury in February and missed nearly two months. Van Horn admitted he hadn’t known then whether Wood would be able to return this season. Even still, he had no hesitation letting Wood finish the game, even at well over 100 pitches.

‘There’s nothing being said or talked about our dugout whatsoever,’ Van Horn said. ‘We’re just going to let him roll. And, no, there was no chance he was coming out after eight. And he did a super job. So proud of him.’

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.