OMAHA, NE ― Day 4 in Omaha was the wildest one yet.

The early game brought one of the best Men’s College World Series pitching performances ever with Gage Wood’s 19-strikeout no-hitter. Game 2 looked to finally bring some of the offense that had been lacking the entire time, but the game was suspended after three innings due to rain with LSU leading UCLA, 5-3. That game will be resumed Tuesday, June 16 (11 a.m. ET) with the two previously scheduled games to follow.

Here are winners and losers from the day:

WINNERS

Gage Wood

Who else would take the top spot but Gage Wood? Wood threw a 19-strikeout no-hitter against Murray State to keep his team’s season alive.

Wood’s no-hitter was the first in Omaha since 1960. He also set the Men’s College World Series record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game. (Ohio State’s Steve Arlin struck out 20 in a 15-inning game in 1965.)

Murray State

How could Murray State be a winner when they went 0-2 in Omaha and got no-hit in historic fashion?

Well, the Racers brought plenty of attention and prestige to their program. And coach Dan Skirka continuously emphasized in the postgame press conference how happy his team was to be there, no matter how brutal the ending.

‘You say, at the end of the year only one team’s happy,’ Skirka said. ‘That ain’t the case this year. There’s definitely more than one because these guys, the run they went on, and you’re not going to be able to wipe the smile off their face for a really long time.’

Roch Cholowsky’s defense

Before the UCLA-LSU game was suspended, star Bruins shortstop Roch Cholowsky was already showing off the glove, making two strong plays to rob the Tigers of hits. Though Cholowsky was 0-for-2 at the plate, he did score a run after reaching on a fielder’s choice.

LOSERS

The fans who stayed through the rain delay

Respect to the fans who waited out a delay of nearly three hours at Charles Schwab Field, but they might have regretted their decision after play was suspended for the night, to resume the morning of June 17.

These loyal fans waited under sheltered areas of the ballpark, purchased concessions, and some even ran up and down the stands hoping to see UCLA and LSU resume play. Now, if they want to see the game conclude, they’ll have to get up early.

The UCLA vs. LSU loser

At the time Game 2 was suspended, LSU led, 5-3. Whichever team loses might be in for a tough time, though, as that team will have to turn around and play the same night in an elimination game.

Teams are used to this, of course, as it’s the same setup teams in the losers’ bracket must endure in NCAA regionals. But in Omaha, typically, teams play only one game per day, and that losing team must face Arkansas, which will have a well-rested bullpen after the no-hitter.

Kumar Rocker

Former Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker is currently pitching in MLB with the Texas Rangers. But Rocker is a loser because who would’ve thought it would take just six years for someone to equal his most famous performance?

In 2019 as a freshman, Rocker threw a 19-strikeout no-hitter in a super regional game against Duke. Like Wood’s game, that game also ended with a final score of 3-0. The Commodores went on to win the national championship that season while Rocker was named College World Series Most Outstanding Player.

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

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.

Game 6 is Thursday, June 19, with the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the Indiana Pacers 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. And here’s what you need to know:

OKC is one victory from its first title since the franchise moved from Seattle in 2008. The Pacers are two victories from winning their first championship in franchise history. And before we disclose any championship parade route information, there are some questions to ponder.

Can Tyrese Haliburton and his injured right leg bounce back after a poor showing in Oklahoma City’s 120-109 victory over Indiana in Game 5 on Monday, June 16, in Oklahoma City?

If not, any chance Indiana Fever star Caitin Clark can suit up for the Pacers? (After all, the Fever and Pacers are owned by the same people, play in the same arena and, boy, the Pacers could use a few of those logo 3s if Haliburton is misfiring again.) If not, she’ll have to continue to serve as a good-luck charm.

Regardless of which team wins, city planners should have a dusty map of the parade route ready. After all, the Thunder made it to the NBA Finals in 2012 before losing to the Miami Heat, and the Pacers reached the Finals in 2000 before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But enough about the teams. What about the fans?

The Thunder faithful were color coordinated in their white-and-blue T-shirts during Game 5 and belting out those spirited chants of “OKC!” Everybody, on three, “Awwwww.”

How long are we going to be able to tolerate the chants of “OKC!’’ All joking aside, suck it up, sports fans, because they’ve earned the right to chant as long as they want if they win Game 6 or Game 7.

“Unreal,’’ coach Mark Daigneault said about the Thunder’s home crowd after his team won Game 5. “They’ve been unreal forever, but they just put the wind at our back and we have to give the reason to.’’

Small-market teams do not lack zealous fans. The Pacers faithful at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Thursday night are at risk of vocal cord damage if that’s what it takes to propel their team to victory and force a deciding Game 7.

It’ll all be worth writing about, fellow historians, especially if you’re equipped with a quill pen.

(This story has been updated to add a new video).

There was no name-calling, finger-pointing or ugly accusations when the Boston Red Sox front office tried to explain why they traded their biggest star and face of the franchise a day earlier.

Yet, Red Sox president Sam Kennedy and Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made it clear during their 40-minute call with reporters that there was one, and only one reason, why Rafael Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants.

“In the end, I think it’s pretty clear that we couldn’t find alignment with Raffy,’ Kennedy said. “We all worked at it over the last several months, going back to the offseason. We worked at it. We had a different vision for him going forward than he had. And we couldn’t get there. We couldn’t find alignment.

“We reached an inflection point and made the decision to make a big move.’

Simply, once Devers refused to play the field even after first baseman Triston Casas underwent season-ending knee surgery in May, and third baseman Alex Bregman injured his right quad weeks later, the Red Sox knew they had to trade Devers.

Breslow said that Devers, 28, never formally demanded a trade, but his agents made it clear that it would be best for all parties for a fresh start elsewhere. That fresh start began when they informed Devers on the team plane that he was traded to the San Francisco Giants for pitchers Kyle Harrison, reliever Jordan Hicks, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and rookie pitcher Jose Bello. The Giants also agreed to assume the remainder of Devers’ $313.5 million contract – about $260 million.

Breslow acknowledged that the timing stunk considering the Red Sox just won five consecutive games and swept the Yankees, but pushed back on the idea that they are giving up on contending for a playoff berth this season. They opened the night with a 37-36 record, 6 ½ games behind the New York Yankees, just one-half game out of a wild card berth.

“This is no way signifies a waving of the white flag in 2025,’ Breslow said.

Breslow, even after losing one of the game’s finest sluggers, insists they may be a better team without Devers once the smoke clears.

“I understand why the initial reaction would be that it would be tough to sit here and say, ‘When you move a player of Raffy’s caliber, how could I sit here and say that we’re a better team?’’ Breslow said. “I acknowledge that on paper, we’re not going to have the same lineup that we did, but this isn’t about the game that is played on paper. This is about the game that is played on the field and ultimately about winning the most games that we can.

“I do think there’s a real chance that at the end of the season, we’re looking back and we’ve won more games than we otherwise would have.’

The Red Sox, who have won four World Series titles since 2004 – more than any team in baseball – believe that while they may be less talented, Devers’ behavior could bring down the entire team, particularly loaded with young players.

They were incensed originally this spring when Devers, the last remaining member of the Red Sox’s 2018 championship team, refused to switch positions when they signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract. Devers kept insisting he was their third baseman, and when he finally relented, saying he’d be their DH, he was seething when the Red Sox asked him to return to the field after Casas’ season-ending injury.

“I know I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time,’ Devers said in May, “they can’t expect me to play every single position out there.’

The Red Sox tried to persuade him to change his mind, even with owner John Henry flying to Kansas City with Kennedy and Breslow to meet in person, but Devers refused to budge.

The Red Sox waited for Devers to relent, but he never did. They began engaging with other club, and after weeks of exchanging trade proposals with the Giants, decided it was a move they needed to make. Several GMs were puzzled why the Red Sox didn’t shop him, but Breslow defended the strategy, saying they had conversations with other teams to understand his value.

“We did have conversations with other clubs… ,’ Breslow said. “It’s not that this was the best deal that we could get, because the best deal that we could get may not necessarily be good enough to trade a player like Raffy Devers.

“But when you consider all the factors here, this is the one that made sense.’’

The Giants, whose first-base production is the fourth-worst in baseball, didn’t hesitate, getting a three-time 30-home run hitter who’s hitting .272 with a .401 on-base percentage, .504 slugging percentage with 15 homers and 58 RBI.

“We’re excited about adding one of the best hitters in all of major league baseball to our lineup,” Posey said in a conference call. “We’re obviously taking on a lot of dollars, but there’s a belief that adding a guy like this puts us in a good position keep winning ballgames, get into the playoffs and try to win a World Series, which is our ultimate goal.”

The Red Sox insist it’s still their goal, too, with Breslow saying they’re a more functional team now with more flexibility, and an environment that will permit their young players to thrive. They didn’t promise they’re going to go out and spend the money this winter on free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker or someone else. This doesn’t mean they’re going to use the money to keep Bregman after the season. They simply said they have a “more functional roster’ and will use the money to address future needs.

Still, no matter what transpires moving forward, the spotlight will be on Breslow. He’s the one in charge. He’s the one responsible for making sure the communication between the players and the front office is strong. And he certainly deserves the bulk of the blame for the relationship between Devers and the organization becoming fractured beyond repair.

“This is not the outcome that we had expected,’’ Breslow said, “and it’s forced me to reflect on the interactions that I’ve had, not just with Rafi, but with other players and opportunities to communicate differently. … I need to own things that I could have done better.

“I don’t know if this outcome would have played out any differently. I think that there’s a decent chance that it wouldn’t have, but I absolutely need to have the humility to think back on the interactions and figure out what I could have done better.’

Still, it’s not as if this is just an isolated case. The Red Sox traded away their biggest star before the 2020 season in future Hall of Famer Mookie Betts, believing they couldn’t sign him. They walked away from All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts after the 2022 season when he badly wanted to stay, and likely would have signed for at least $100 million less than the $280 million he eventually received from the San Diego Padres. And now, Devers is gone, too.

“We understand that many fans may be feeling disappointment … ‘ Kennedy said. “As Brez said, maybe we need to look back at things we could have handled better. But it’s definitely a two way street, and we didn’t get to the alignment that we needed in the best interest of the of the Boston Red Sox. So, so we made the decision that we made. …

“We did what we felt was in the best interest of the Red Sox, on and off the field, to win championships, and to continue to ferociously and relentlessly pursue a culture that we want everyone in in that clubhouse to embody.’’

While the Red Sox front office kept reiterating that it was a pure baseball trade, the honest truth is that it was a culture trade. They didn’t believe they could win another championship with Devers. They believed he was the wrong guy to be the centerpiece of the franchise. They didn’t think he would become a leader.

So, he is gone.

And becomes the latest sta to depart Boston.

“It’s ok, this sometimes happens in a long-term relationship,’’ Kennedy said. “We hopefully did the absolute best thing in the best interest of the Boston Red Sox, and in this case, in Rafael Devers. …We just didn’t have the same shared vision for roles in the best interest of the team on the field.’’

Time will tell whether it was a decision that will haunt the Red Sox for years like Betts, or if it was a move that will be instrumental to the club’s future.

For now, it’s an ugly divorce with no winners or losers, just a whole lot of pain.

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

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.

The injury complicates matters further; Haliburton stumbled midway through the first quarter and immediately favored his right calf, the same leg he hurt in the previous round. Haliburton said he wasn’t sure if this injury was related to the previous round’s but acknowledged it was to the same area. Regardless, he insisted he will not miss time.

“It’s the Finals, man,” Haliburton said after the game. “I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can.

“I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. … Got to be ready to go for Game 6.”

Haliburton, more than any other player in this postseason, has shined in the clutch, bewildering opponents with his shot making and facilitating. Monday night, however, showed how deep and talented the Thunder are for Haliburton to be relegated a secondary player.

Thunder forward Jalen Williams dropped a playoff career-high 40 points on 14-of-25 shooting and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the NBA Most Valuable Player — coasted to 31 points and 10 assists. Backups Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso have continued to contribute.

The common thread with Haliburton’s issues are slow starts.

Injury aside, Haliburton has started games in the NBA Finals far too slowly — at least with his scoring. Through five games, he is averaging just 5.8 points in the first halves on 11-of-28 (39.3%) shooting.

Haliburton is a player who often defers to his teammates, passing up open looks to get others going. While the injury might have impacted Haliburton’s aggression in Game 5, his six shot attempts are also a career postseason low, after he had averaged 14.5 attempts per game over the previous four games in the Finals.

Granted, Haliburton has excelled in second halves, but it’s difficult at times — especially against a historically good defensive team — to find a rhythm late in games.

Monday night was a perfect example of the problems that arise when a player like Haliburton is forced to catch fire late in a game in which he had been quiet.

Thanks largely to the play of backup point guard T.J. McConnell and forward Pascal Siakam, the Pacers closed the deficit to two points with eight-and-a-half minutes left. Normally, that would be the time when Haliburton would take over.

In 9:00 in the fourth, however, Haliburton didn’t attempt a single shot, though he did convert a pair of free throws.

Turnovers are another problem. Haliburton led the NBA during the regular season in assist-to-turnover ratio (5.61), but has averaged four turnovers per game in the Finals. He committed three of Indiana’s 23 on Monday night.

The Thunder, to be clear, are a dominant defensive team. Haliburton often draws the toughest assignments, with Thunder stopper Lu Dort usually tasked with guarding Haliburton.

McConnell, who scored 13 of his 18 points Monday night in the third quarter, has been stellar in lifting Indiana when Haliburton has struggled to score. Backup forward Obi Toppin (12 points) has also provided a spark. Siakam has been Indiana’s best offensive player.

The problem for the Pacers is that Haliburton at times has been third- or fourth-best on the team.

The immediate concern now turns toward Haliburton’s potential availability for Game 6 on Thursday, June 19.

“He’s not at a hundred percent,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after Game 5. “It’s pretty clear. But I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game. We were concerned at halftime, and he insisted on playing.

“I thought he made a lot of really good things happen in the second half. But he’s not a hundred percent — there’s a lot of guys in the series that aren’t.”

Carlisle added that the Pacers would “evaluate everything with Tyrese” and would continue to monitor him. With Indiana’s season hanging in the balance, however, it’s difficult seeing Haliburton sitting, barring some major setback.

But, even if he plays, Indiana won’t just merely need him to be on the floor; for the Pacers to have a shot to tie the series and set up a Game 7, they will need him to shine.

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

The Stanley Cup will be in the building in Sunrise, Florida, for Game 6 on Tuesday, June 17, as the Florida Panthers try to wrap up a second consecutive NHL championship.

If the Edmonton Oilers win, the players, coaches and the trophy will make the trip to Alberta for winner-take-all Game 7.

Once the championship is determined and the players go through the handshake line, the presentation ceremonies begin. The Conn Smythe Trophy is first awarded to the MVP of the entire playoffs. Then the Stanley Cup is carried onto the ice to be officially awarded by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Players, one-by-one, celebrate on the ice by lifting and skating with the trophy.

Here’s what to know about the Stanley Cup:

How much does the Stanley Cup weigh?

The Stanley Cup weighs 34.5 pounds.

How tall is the Stanley Cup?

The Stanley Cup is 35.25 inches tall.

How old is the Stanley Cup?

The original bowl, which sits in the Hockey Hall of Fame, was donated in 1892 by Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston, to be presented to ‘the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada.’ The trophy has been given solely to NHL champions since 1926. Bands, engraved with the names of players and others from the winning team, have been added over the years to give the trophy its current look. Older engraved bands are retired to make room for new bands.

Who is presented the Stanley Cup?

Unlike most other major sports, where the championship trophy is handed to the team owner, the Stanley Cup is handed to the team captain, who gets to lift it first. One notable exception: Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic accepted the Stanley Cup and handed it to star defenseman Ray Bourque for the first hoist.

Who is the Keeper of the Cup?

Phil Pritchard, the curator for the Hockey Hall of Fame, is known as the Keeper of the Cup. His social media handle is @keeperofthecup. He helps bring out the trophy for the presentation ceremony and is known for his white gloves.

Other Hall of Fame employees also travel with the Stanley Cup. The trophy is carried in a nondescript case.

Who gets to celebrate with the Stanley Cup?

Each member of the winning team gets a day with the trophy.

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 

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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.” 

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