After taking a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers‘ high-octane offense only managed 94 points in a Game 5 loss in New York. As Jamal Collier of ESPN writes, that total was a playoff-low for the Pacers, who also turned the ball over 20 times, the most turnovers they’ve committed in a game this postseason.
“We’re a resilient group,” star point guard Tyrese Haliburton said after the game. “We always want to respond when things don’t go well after a game like that. We understand what the stakes are. … We’re fine. There’s no need to panic or anything.”
Despite the wire-to-wire defeat, All-Star forward Pascal Siakam is confident Indiana will rebound with a strong home showing tonight in Game 6, according to Collier.
“You’re going to have bad games,” Siakam said. “This is the NBA, and there’s going to be times where a team is going to play hard. In fact, they’re going to beat you.
“It is just all about us, man. It’s always been us against the world, and I don’t expect it to change. … We are 3-2 in a series, and we have an opportunity to go back home and show what we’re made of.”
Here are a few more notes from around the East:
- ESPN insiders Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Zach Kram and Chris Herring list some keys to watch ahead of Game 6. Kram views the health and play of Aaron Nesmith as the Pacers‘ biggest X factor, while how well Jalen Brunson holds up on defense will be critical for the Knicks.
- Rival executives believe the Hornets will target V.J. Edgecombe if he’s still available at No. 4 in next month’s draft, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, who hears the Baylor guard had an “excellent” interview with Charlotte. Unsurprisingly, O’Connor has the Hornets selecting Edgecombe — who’s also the fourth-rated prospected on ESPN’s big board — at No. 4 in his latest mock draft.
- According to O’Connor, several rival teams think the Raptors are leaning toward selecting a prospect who can contribute right away rather than a long-term project with their lottery pick. Toronto holds the No. 9 pick in June’s draft. For what it’s worth, O’Connor has the team picking Washington State wing Cedric Coward.
Hornets should grab Queen at 4. I love VJ’s game but Charlotte need a vet guard to handle opposing lead guards, not a 19yo rookie. Queen has 20/10 potential. That’s the type of guy you wanna be drafting top5. If Cha sees VJ as a nice complement to Melo/BMiller like media does then 4 is way too high to be drafting that type of guy, especially when he won’t be good at what you’re asking him to do from the jump. VJ struggled to impact winning on a consistent basis at Baylor. That’s not to say he won’t eventually be a big time player. I actually think he will. But Charlotte isn’t the team that should be drafting a pg of the future. They should be looking to balance their backcourt firepower with some frontcourt scoring. Mark Williams is a talented young 5 but obv they just tried to trade him. Plus Williams obv has more injury concerns than the average guy. But even if they still love Williams (they should), Queen is a much different type of big. They could even play together. But for a team like Charlotte I’d def lean toward the more NBA ready prospect & Queen is def more ready to contribute than VJ rn
Teams should draft the best available player, not by position. Trades can always be made.
Exhibit A: Knicks selection based on need and system/style in the 2017 draft, and what they passed up.
Hornets are probably going to try and move Williams again. Players do know its a business but to be traded and then return due to “Failed physical” basically buyers remorse is awkward.
Hornets need size/physicality.
Hornets can trade the 4 pick for a ready to play player like Kuminga another rookie long term project like last year pick Salum could be a desaster and Lamelo would request a trade.
Kuminga is not worth the 4th overall pick. GSW didn’t even play him until they were forced to in the playoffs. I do agree they can move the pick for a ready now player.
I’m not saying that Kuminga’s a bust, but he is bust adjacent. He’s been solid at times, but for all the belief that he should be an All-Pro, he’s nowhere near that.
smh yet another terrible take
How is that SMH, compared to expectations, he has been a bust so far. Kid is young, so he’s got time to turn it around.
Hornets are a mess. They are clueless. Been in lottery for ever and still can’t grasp it. Who cares what they do ……
This draft will all come down to. What Spurs and Sixers do. There could be plenty movement this draft. Soxers don’t have any use for 19 yr old with upside. Unless it’s Harper. Which ain’t happening. They are better off trading down for a ready player. Or just trading the pick for more MBA talent. I would trade down for Sorber pick up extra pick. Then they can move Drummond for a shooter. Lakers wouybe interested in Drummond.