Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Pacers eliminated the Knicks in Game 6, advancing to the NBA Finals

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The Pacers chopped down the Knicks in Game 6 to advance to the NBA Finals. They were greyhounds in transition, they punished New York’s 17 giveaways with 34 digits, and Pascal Siakam terrorized them at short, mid and long range.

 

The Pacers’ faithful supporters celebrated their second trip to the NBA Finals and first in 25 years. Siakam won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP named after Larry Bird and it was handed to him by Pacers great Reggie Miller.

 

Coach Rick Carlisle said that Game 1’s fluky ending put them in position to lead. He also said Thomas Bryant, who added three treys off the bench in Game 6, contributed to the win. 

 

Early on, Tyrese Haliburton missed all four shots yet had four offerings to three teammates in the first quarter. The Knicks were on the Pacers’ heels but fell into Indiana’s trap by playing at their speed. 

 

Siakam ran in two more fastbreak baskets and nailed a pull-up trey over Karl-Anthony Towns, plus Haliburton added eight points from deep and short range. Yet the Knicks never fell behind by more than five in the period because of Towns and OG Anunoby’s paint pressure.

 

The Pacers went to halftime ahead 58-54, with five extra made 3-pointers than their visitors. Then they came out of the break like racers of the Indy 500, taking a 15-point lead five minutes in and forcing four turnovers. Siakam added another 10 points on jumpers and layups, and Haliburton minced coverages with his passing. 

 

Eventually, the Knicks cut the lead to nine with 10 minutes left, but Andrew Nembhard’s defense slowed down Jalen Brunson, and Haliburton targeted  Towns twice on screen rolls, and pierced the lane two extra times, preventing any chance of a comeback. 

 

The Pacers couldn’t be stopped in transition and won 125-108. Their defense halted New York’s half-court attack to 93.5 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 39th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.

 

After the game, Siakam praised Nembhard’s defense and could tell by the look in his eyes that he was ready. “That guy is special.”

 

Carlisle said his team can’t celebrate too much. “Getting to the NBA Finals is an achievement, but if you start looking at it that way, you’ll go into it with the wrong mindset.” 

 

The Pacers, who are winners of three ABA Finals (1970, 1972, 1973)  will play the Thunder in Game 1 of the Finals on June 5. Teams that win Game 1 of the Finals win the series 70.5% of the time.

 

 

Breaking Down the Pod: The Truth About the Miami Heat, Spending, The Tax and Results

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💸 Breaking Down the Pod: Are the Miami Heat Actually “Cheap”? A Look at NBA Luxury Tax Spending Since 2012

Welcome back to Breaking Down the Pod, your fan-first breakdown of the Five on the Floor podcast. In this episode, Ethan Skolnick and Greg Sylvander dig into one of the more heated narratives surrounding the Miami Heat: Does the front office spend enough to win? And how does that compare to the rest of the NBA?

🎙️ Episode Review: NBA Luxury Tax Spending — How It Matches Up with Wins

Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Greg Sylvander
Main Question: Are the Heat truly being outspent—or are fans misreading the big picture?
Data Source: Chart via @NBA_University (May 27, 2025)
Sponsors: PrizePicks.com (code: five), Water Cleanup of Florida
Special Offers: CigarsInternational.com (code: FIVE20), Mood.com (code: FIRST20)

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Image Used for Discussion via @NBA_University Image

Unpacking the Price of Success: 

The Miami Heat’s Financial and On-Court Performance Since 2012 

The Miami Heat have a funny way of being right in the middle of the pack when it comes to a lot of things—especially lately. It turns out they’re in that same middle tier when it comes to luxury tax spending since 2012. But “middle of the pack” doesn’t always tell the full story—especially when your results far exceed what others in your spending bracket have to show. 

 📊 Key Stats (2012–2025) 

  • Win %: 58.5% 
  • Playoff Wins: 92 
  • Championships: 2 
  • Luxury Tax Years: 6 
  • Highest Tax Year: 2013 
  • Total Tax Paid: $74,189,772 

 🔍 What the Data Reveals 

A recently compiled dataset from @NBA_University offers a fascinating glimpse into the correlation between luxury tax spending and competitive success. While some teams swing big financially for minimal return, others—like the Miami Heat—make every dollar count. 

Miami’s 58.5%-win rate since 2012 is impressive, but it’s their 92 playoff victories that place them in rare company. Only a handful of franchises can claim that level of postseason experience in that time. And perhaps most crucially, they’ve secured two NBA championships in this span, tied for second most in the league. 

💰 Spending Without Waste 

Financially, the Heat have taken a balanced approach. They’ve paid the luxury tax in six different seasons, peaking in 2013. Their total tax bill: $74 million—a substantial figure, yet modest compared to teams like the Warriors who’ve spent over $750 million. 

But unlike some franchises that have overspent into irrelevance, the Heat’s spending has been measured, strategic, and often effective. They’re firmly in the top half of tax-paying teams, but they haven’t overcommitted. This middle-ground approach has allowed them to stay competitive while retaining flexibility—something many luxury-tax teams envy. 

Now there have been many bad moves that have maybe even further limited the Heat’s success and ability to add more championships, Rozier, Whiteside, Duncan, injuries. But that is all part of the game. These deals must be assessed and criticized but the bigger picture remains.

What Ethan and Greg Had to Say

They organize the teams by tax brackets. They mention the success of the Pacers, Hawks, and Grizzlies. Paying no tax doesn’t mean that you will “suck”, but it doesn’t really equate to winning, but remember as I was told in business statistics, correlation does not mean causation. The top taxpayers are highlighted by the Warriors who have the most titles, playoff wins, and tax years all for an extra $750 million yet it’s paid off. Ethan believes that most anyone will take the tax years if the owner can handle it for the Warriors success. Value goes up etc., its business, winning brings revenue and winning builds culture.

They then go into the Clippers who just can’t get across the finish line, all this money spent with nothing to show for it (poor money spent).

Ethan- “Just spending is not enough, look at the Nets. They have been worse than the Hawks!”

Greg- “Thye are the biggest example of completely overspending and having nothing to show for it.”

Ethan was direct about two narratives that don’t hold up under scrutiny:

“There’s two cases you cannot make here—not if you’re being intellectually honest. The first is that they’re cheap. This chart doesn’t indicate that. It doesn’t show they’re the biggest spenders, but it certainly doesn’t show they’re cheap. They’ve spent when appropriate.”

He continued:

“Sometimes they’ve even tried to overspend. Giving Caleb Martin that money last year would’ve been a disaster in retrospect. They’ve generally spent in the upper third of the league—around 12th overall. So no, you can’t make the ‘cheap’ case.”

“And the other case you absolutely cannot make—and if someone is making it, I can’t respect their opinion—is that this team has been consistently mismanaged. Argue they should spend more? Fine. But say they’re mismanaged? No way.”

Greg reminds everyone how anyone would like to be in Miami’s shoes, they are the image that the league looks towards.

🗣️ What I Have to Say

This chart is revealing in all the right ways. It doesn’t just show who spends the most—it shows who spends well. And despite being in the “middle” financially, Miami shines near the top in performance. That’s no accident.

Even through some tough stretches—the Whiteside years, the injury-plagued 2020 Finals run (remember Bam and Goran?), the Rozier trade that didn’t pan out—this team has stayed competitive. They’ve missed on moves like anyone else, but those misses haven’t defined them.

This chart doesn’t tell us everything. It doesn’t account for injuries, bad luck, or market dynamics. But what it does show, loud and clear, is organizational competence.

Miami is a franchise that knows how to spend, when to spend, and when to walk away. The fact they’ve done all this without hitting Warriors-level tax numbers is even more impressive. There are at least 20 other franchises that would trade places with the Heat today, and that’s saying something.

For me this chart may not show the causation and the deeper issues, but I can promise you one thing just like Ethan said it shows you who is good at their job. 

🧭 It’s All About Perspective

In sports, everyone swings and misses—from the security guards to the concession workers, players, coaches, scouts, and even journalists. Mistakes are part of the game. Sometimes a decision doesn’t pan out. Sometimes the lights are too bright. But when missteps become patterns, that’s when there’s a problem.

Winning? There’s nothing wrong with that.

The Miami Heat aren’t in a perfect position right now, but they’ve earned the respect of everyone in the league. They’ve been here before. And if history tells us anything, it’s that they usually find a way through.

Haven’t Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra earned that trust?

It’s okay to question decisions. That’s part of being a fan, reporter, and even just a human being, its natural. But it’s not okay to say this franchise is cheap or mismanaged—because there are at least 20 other franchises that would gladly trade places with the Miami Heat, even going back further than this chart shows.

🧠 Final Analysis: Respect Where It’s Due

The Miami Heat have not spent like the Warriors—but they haven’t needed to. They’ve maintained championship-level relevance for over a decade, and they’ve done it with fewer financial swings. Even through missteps (Rozier trade, injury years, the Whiteside saga), the franchise has stayed in the hunt.

Are they cheap? No. Are they the biggest spenders? Also no. But are they mismanaged? Absolutely not.

What this chart really shows is who knows how to build a culture, find value, and maintain competitiveness. Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have earned that trust, and this data reinforces why.

What is your biggest takeaway from this chart?

Breaking Down the Pod: Miami Heat Strategy — Shift Back to a Midrange Emphasis?

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🎧 Breaking Down the Pod: Should the Heat Embrace the Midrange Again?

Welcome back to Breaking Down the Pod—your go-to spot for sharp, fan-first insights on the Five on the Floor podcast. This time, Ethan Skolnick and Brady Hawk dig into one of the most debated topics surrounding the Miami Heat: is it time to lean back into the midrange game?

🎙️ Episode Review: Miami Heat Strategy — Shift Back to a Midrange Emphasis?

Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Brady Hawk
Main Question: Should the Heat reintroduce more midrange action, especially for Tyler Herro?
Sponsors: CousinsUSA.com/5RSN, PrizePicks.com (code: five)
Special Offers: CigarsInternational.com (code: FIVE20), Mood.com (code: FIRST20)

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🔍 Why Midrange? Why Now?

As we get deeper into the NBA playoffs, one thing is clear: the best teams—and their stars—score from all three levels. Despite analytics pushing teams toward threes and rim attempts, many of the game’s elite still thrive in the midrange. That’s no coincidence. Open midrange shots are available, and great players can punish defenses when given that space.

That sets the stage for this episode, which was sparked by a key question Brady Hawk asked Tyler Herro at the Heat’s end-of-season press conference:

Brady Hawk:
“Tyler, you were talking about your offensive role heading into the season and how much it changed. I know there’s been some back and forth on whether the mid-range shot would be a major part of your offense. Do you see the way you’re being guarded now as a reason to go back to it—where the midrange is actually a good shot for you in the half court?”

Tyler Herro:
“Yeah… Me and Spo go back and forth on it. He wanted me to play more off the ball this season.
But with the way I’m guarded sometimes, the midrange is the shot to take.
What matters most is making the right play—and whatever that leads to, hopefully it leads to wins.”

🧠 Breaking It Down

That moment becomes a launchpad for the pod’s broader conversation. Ethan and Brady dig into the following:

🔄 Why the Heat shifted away from midrange

Spoelstra has clearly leaned into a more modern, three-point-heavy approach. But that shift may have come at the cost of some of the team’s natural strengths—especially players like Herro, who excel in that 15–18 foot zone.

Ethan:

“What they give you sometimes ends up being the best shot if it’s open—and that is the mid-range. Kawhi Leonard won a championship in Toronto knocking down midrange jumper after midrange jumper.”

🧱 Herro’s fit in the offense

Herro’s increased off-ball role may not unlock his full potential. He’s proven he can hit midrange shots—especially when defenses run him off the three-point line or wall off the rim. When the spacing isn’t there, the midrange often is.

🔄 Roster identity & fit

Brady compares the situation to what works for stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). The Thunder surround him with scoring threats so he can operate freely at all three levels. That hasn’t consistently been the case in Miami.

Brady:

“If Miami builds around Tyler and Bam, they have to get scoring on the outside”

That’s how you unlock three-level scoring—and take the pressure off Herro and Adebayo to do everything.

🔁 What Comes Next?

The midrange question is really an identity question:
Do the Heat adjust the scheme to fit their personnel—or force players like Herro to fit the scheme?

Ethan:

“I just want players shooting the shot that’s most comfortable for them.”

That’s a simple idea with big implications. If the midrange is open, and the player is confident—why not take it?

👀 The Wiggins Factor

They also talk about Wiggins—someone who never quite found a consistent role to help evaluate his impact. He’s used to adjusting, but injuries and inconsistency held him back.

Brady:

“It’s not just about where Wiggins gets his shots—it’s about how many he takes. When he’s assertive, the offense flows better.”

The same principle applies to Herro: he’s got to be the bucket-getter, and it will be easier for him with a better constructed roster and other willing but most importantly capable scorers.

📌 Final Thoughts

Miami has some real offensive deficiencies—and the midrange debate won’t be fully settled until the roster is set. But one thing is clear: if the Heat want to build around Tyler Herro, they need to add shooters who create space and give him room to operate.

Defensive pressure has taken away some of Herro’s three-point volume, making it harder to stick with the modern “threes and layups” model. More spacing = more freedom. The midrange becomes a viable option again when there are consistent threats both inside and out.

Brady even suggests Miami might look for outside shooting in the draft. That could be key.

Another concern? Free throws. Miami lacks a true foul-drawer right now. That hurts the offense—and limits the value of midrange play unless you’re getting to the line, too.

Could that be Bam’s next evolution? It should be.

So should the Heat embrace the midrange?
Maybe—but only if they build the right roster around it. The stars can thrive in that space. The role players need to clear the way.

Should the Dolphins Trade Jonnu Smith or Pay Him?

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A Breakout Season on a Bargain Deal

Jonnu Smith was signed last offseason on a two-year, $8.4 million “prove-it” deal—and prove it he did. Smith brought new life to a position that has been historically dormant in the Dolphins’ offense, breaking Miami’s single-season tight end records in receptions (88), yards (884), and touchdowns (8).

Smith thrived in Mike McDaniel’s system, especially when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was healthy. He became a security blanket over the middle, stretched the field, and played well above his contract. Naturally, after a Pro Bowl season, Smith now wants a raise—while still remaining a Dolphin.

As NFL insider Ian Rapoport said:

“I know he wants more money but would like to stay [in Miami]. I know he wants a lot.”
— @PatMcAfeeShow

Contract Talks and Trade Rumors

Despite his desire to stay, contract negotiations have hit a snag. Smith is due $4.8 million this season and is seeking a restructured deal that better reflects his production.

Per Adam Schefter:

“The Dolphins have had trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers… after Smith expressed interest in reworking his deal… His preference is to stay in Miami under a reworked deal.”
— @AdamSchefter

Just months ago, the narrative around Miami’s offseason centered on stars like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey. Now, the front office faces a difficult decision regarding its only 2024 Pro Bowler.

Miami’s Tight End Expectations

The Dolphins reportedly want more from their tight ends in the blocking department. While Smith’s receiving skills are elite, his run-blocking has been inconsistent. To address this, Miami signed Pharoah Brown, a more traditional inline blocker.

Still, questions linger: If Miami was considering moving on from Smith, why didn’t they draft Penn State’s Tyler Warren—arguably the best all-around TE prospect left on the board? The answer isn’t clear, but it adds to the confusion.

Let’s break down both sides of the debate.

Case to Keep Jonnu Smith

There’s no denying Smith earned a raise. He was “Mr. Reliable” in 2024, delivering elite production and leadership without the off-field noise associated with other stars.

With the addition of Pharoah Brown to help handle blocking duties, Miami could deploy Smith primarily as a receiver—his strength.

Smith hasn’t requested a trade and has remained committed to Miami. He’s a valuable veteran presence for a roster filled with young talent and developmental players. If the Dolphins are serious about rebuilding their culture, rewarding a player like Smith—who’s produced, led, and stayed drama-free—is essential.

As long as a lot isn’t A LOT this should be a no brainer.

Case to Trade Jonnu Smith

At the same time, there are valid reasons to consider a trade.

Smith is entering his age-30 season, and the Dolphins are in one of the worst salary cap positions in the league. Years of bad contracts and questionable roster management have forced the team into tough choices. Trading Smith now—while his value is at its peak—could help Miami recoup assets or fill other roster holes.

There’s also the financial disparity: Smith is currently the 32nd highest-paid tight end by average salary, yet produced like a top-10 player. Nine TEs are making at least $12 million per year; two make $19 million. Smith deserves a raise—but can Miami afford to pay that premium?

Additionally, Miami’s signing of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine—an underrated physical pass catcher—may signal a desire to shift the offense toward more traditional wide receiver targets. Westbrook-Ikhine can replicate some of Smith’s role while a tight end like Brown or one acquired in a trade can handle the blocking and the simple route tree of a traditional, fully rounded tight end.

Final Thoughts

There’s no easy answer. Jonnu Smith’s resurgence was one of the best stories of Miami’s 2024 season, and his departure would sting. But this is a cold, cap-driven league. Unless both sides can find a middle ground, the Dolphins may be forced to move on from their record-setting tight end.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: “I’m going to be all over the film”: The Pacers dropped Game 5 in New York

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The Pacers were outhustled and outmuscled, plus Jalen Brunson turned into Rambo in Game 5, shifting the series back to Indiana. He scored 32 digits on 66.7% shooting, which included a 16-point blaze in the third quarter on blow-bys and jumpers.

 

Coach Rick Carlisle said his team didn’t play with the force needed, and they couldn’t generate enough traction to get out of the hole. One of the early warnings that the Pacers weren’t sharp was Andrew Nembhard aborting a layup for a pass to the corner that missed. 

 

The Pacers never led, were shut down at the rim, and were beat in two key areas: paint points 60-34 and second-chance points 13-7. Brunson and Mikal Bridges also made six shots at mid-range. 

 

Tyrese Haliburton was pressured and unable to hit shots on the move. Pascal Siakam was outplayed by Karl-Anthony Towns, who bulldozed into the lane for nine baskets. New York also won the 50-50 balls and, at one point, was in such control that they played Landry Shamet and Precious Achiuwa, their 10th and 11th men in playoff minutes.

 

The Pacers emerged from halftime down 11 and didn’t help themselves by recording more turnovers (8) than field goals (7) in the third quarter, four coming from poor passes. On top of that, the Knicks extended their edge to 22 as Deuce McBride nailed a step-back jumper over Bennedict Mathurin on the baseline at the end of the period.

 

A 12-point deficit was the closest the Pacers could get in the fourth quarter, but Josh Hart drove left on Andrew Nembhard for a two-footer and cut up the baseline for a layup, freezing Indiana’s progress. 

 

It didn’t matter that the Knicks weren’t a factor from a long-range because their inside action was like repetitive shots to the spleen, kidneys, and liver, which eventually caved the Pacers in. On the other side, the visitors were impeded in the half-court to 89.3 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 31st percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. 

 

Siakam was off target on drives and jumpers, but he was the only visiting starter to break double-figures (15) and no other logged above eight points. Their five-man unit only splashed three trifectas, too. 

 

The Pacers lost 111-94. They had their most turnovers of the playoffs (20) and made only a third of 3-point attempts.

 

After the game, Siakam said, “We fought tonight, and they were the better team…”

 

Haliburton said, “We gotta be better as a group. I think our pace has to be better, and that starts with me.”

 

Game 6 is on Saturday.

 

 

 

Still One of Them Ones? Tyreek Hill’s Quest to Reclaim His Role

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Tyreek Hill: Always the Center of Attention

Tyreek Hill is generally the center of attention wherever he is, whether on or off the field. His time as a Dolphin has highlighted this to the extreme — from being arrested pregame, to forming a dynamic force with Jaylen Waddle, to quitting on his team, to dealing with allegations, to defending Tua (among other social media stories), to costly drops, and to whatever else has made headlines. But through it all, one thing remains true: Tyreek Hill is still one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL.

A Rough Ending and a Noisy Offseason

Last season, Hill said he would be open to leaving Miami and also decided to remove himself from the Dolphins’ Week 18 loss to the Jets left a bitter taste for many fans.

“Emotions were high, but at the end of the day, I’m just looking to move forward from that,” Hill said. “I’m hoping that I can prove to my teammates that I’m still one of them ones. Still chasing [2,000 yards], still chasing playoff dreams.”

His words, while measured, echo the reality that many in the locker room once viewed him as a leader — and that trust doesn’t rebuild itself. So far, he has done a good job, but this must continue even when times get challenging, both on and off the field.

Changing the Narrative

The 2024 offseason hasn’t helped. From Hill’s missteps to Jalen Ramsey’s off-field distractions, fans have grown weary. Some even want Hill traded. But to the surprise of many, Hill has taken a different tone.

“I gotta prove myself,” Hill admitted during OTAs. “This OTAs, training camp, I gotta prove myself. I gotta show up different. The mindset’s gotta be different. I don’t feel like I deserve [to be captain], and if I didn’t get it, I wouldn’t dwell on it, I wouldn’t sweat it, because I put myself in that position.”

Hill has taken the high road and acknowledging his missteps are essential to recementing himself as a leader on this team. His self-awareness and accountability are great signs, but once again they must continue.

A Slimmer, Sharper Tyreek

This version of Hill feels different — thinner, more self-aware, and seemingly humbled.

“I’m down from 197 pounds when I got here to 183. It’s something I wanted to do,” Hill explained. “Having that endurance is important. I’m committed to eating right and training hard… Obviously I can run with anyone, but I wanted to lose weight so I wouldn’t get tired on third downs.”

Last season Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for that matter saw themselves off the field on a lot of crucial downs. Part of this was due to the route concepts they were running and the lack of depth from the Dolphins receiver core. Hill and Waddle both gathered a lot of attention, and no one really stepped up for Miami to help support their dynamic duo. If Hill can commit to being an every down receiver even at his older age, this will just be another sign of him maturing and regaining trust of an entire city.

McDaniel’s Support

Head coach Mike McDaniel took notice of Hill’s commitment.

“Tyreek has done a great job of being proactive with when he got the surgery done and then making sure that he is able to do as much as he can with the team,” McDaniel said. “Whether he’s able to run routes and not block, quarterbacks have gotten used to him getting routes run… he’s been participating above and beyond. From whatever he can do, he has been doing.”

Mike McDaniel himself has to earn the respect of an entire locker room. Rumors of players being late to meetings and other internal issues have led some to question his leadership. So, for him to publicly acknowledge Tyreek Hill’s positive demeanor so far is a good sign. McDaniel must continue to evolve as a coach in this league and having veteran players support him and embody his standards is essential—especially as a younger coach.

Production Never in Doubt

Statistically, Hill remains elite. In 2023, he hauled in 119 receptions for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. Even a “down” 2024 by his standards — 81 catches for 959 yards — still made him one of Miami’s most productive players. Hill will still be an essential factor in the success of Miami’s offense in 2025, but he has a long road to climb in regaining the trust of his peers.

More Than Stats: A Redemption Arc

But numbers don’t tell the whole story anymore. Hill has turned to therapy, church, and a more reflective outlook.

“I want to be part of something special. I want to win,” he said. “Every day I’m trying to prove myself as one of those guys that this team can depend on in crucial moments.”

It’s clear: Tyreek Hill is fighting for redemption in Miami — not just in stats, but in stature.

Waddle’s Moment — and Hill’s Responsibility

For me, this season is an important turning point — not just for Tyreek Hill, but for Jaylen Waddle. It’s time for Waddle to emerge as the true No. 1 receiver. This isn’t a knock on Tyreek. In fact, a fully engaged Tyreek Hill alongside a fully developed Jaylen Waddle could propel the Dolphins’ offense back to the top of the league.

But for Hill, this recent positive trend — the slimmer physique, the humbled tone, the accountability — must continue. It’s the only way he can truly regain the trust of his teammates and, just as importantly, the fans who once had his back.

‘This Is as Good as It Gets’: Panthers Prepared To Play Their Game in Potential ECF Finale

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RALEIGH, N.C. — The Panthers are well aware they strayed away from their brand of hockey in Game 4.

 

On Monday in Sunrise, the Carolina Hurricanes came out with their best performance of the series to finally get a win on the board against Florida.

 

After failing to sweep the Hurricanes on home ice, the Panthers look to get back to their game and play spoiler to claim their third straight Prince of Wales Trophy on Wednesday night in Raleigh.

 

“We always have a ton of belief,” Matthew Tkachuk said ahead of Game 5. “It’s our preparation that allows us to have that belief, but we got to go out there and execute it tonight. We got to get back to our game. We have to be physical, we have to be fast. We can’t be looking to break anything open. We’ll earn our opportunities when they’re there, but just be hard.”

 

He added: “We always prepare for that seventh game, we’ve said it for years. So tonight’s no different but there’s a little extra energy in here tonight — coming on the road with a chance to win a conference championship. This is as good as it gets, so we’re really excited.”

 

The Panthers are no strangers to closing teams out away from home. This postseason alone they sent the Lightning (Game 5) and Leafs (Game 7) into an early vacation as the road team.

 

Florida will try to be the villains again — if they haven’t already established themselves as that around the league — on Wednesday night in North Carolina. Up 3-1 in the series and a chance to make a third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers aren’t going to let their mindset waver despite the circumstance.

 

“Well, fighting to not have your mentality shift is the key piece,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said when asked if there’s a mentality shift when holding a 3-1 lead. “So to cement an idea, make it part of your identity, you have to have success and your failures in that. In each of the three series prior we [had] blocks of games that we really liked where we’re at, and then you have a setback, because the other team gets paid too. And then the further out you go, you know they’re pretty good teams. So a loss isn’t a failure.”

 

“If you lose a game there’s a reason for it, and being able to identify the reason — hopefully it’s not something that you haven’t seen before… The mentality of a seven game series, it relates to our style of play. It really relates to handling every day.”

 

A win would make Florida just the ninth franchise in NHL history to reach the Stanley Cup Final in three or more consecutive seasons.

 

The lessons learned from their lackluster performance in Game 4 has the team ready to return to Panthers hockey in Wednesday’s potential Conference Finals clincher.

 

“I think it’s just getting back to our game,” Jonah Gadjovich said about what the team needs to do in Game 5. “You know, having fun with it, enjoying coming to the rink and just enjoying this opportunity that we have in front of us.”

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Haliburton’s historic night leads the Pacers to a 3-1 lead over the Knicks

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Tyrese Haliburton’s signature performance- 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds and zero giveaways- propelled the Pacers to a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. He became the first player since turnovers were recorded (1977-78) to put up such a mammoth stat line. The Knicks will try holding them off in Game 5, but they come with bad intentions and the psychological edge that they can’t be stopped at Madison Square Garden.

 

New York matched Indiana’s three-point shooting but couldn’t hang when the afterburners were activated. The hosts were also surgical in the half court, scoring 112.6 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 87th percentile per Cleaning the Glass.

 

Coach Rick Carlisle said his crew had a difficult film review on Monday, but the painful honesty recalibrated their focus.

 

Haliburton was one rebound shy of a triple-double when the hosts led 69-64 at halftime. His fingertips were smoking like the end of a discharged barrel after breaking  coverages in the fast lane and raining four trifectas.

 

Additionally, Aaron Nesmith was barely affected by his right ankle sprain as he got over screens and buried a dozen points before intermission. Carlisle said, “I was really concerned after Game 3 what today was going to feel like for him. He got a lot of treatment yesterday… He was determined to be in this game.”

 

The Knicks had kept it close because they went on a 16-8 run when Haliburton rested at the beginning of the second quarter, and OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson plus Karl-Anthony Towns countered with baskets from short, middle and long range.

 

Then Haliburton had four assists to four teammates, and targeted Brunson plus Towns for a blow-by and shot against drop coverage in the third. The Pacers eventually took a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter, but had it reduced to six with over four minutes left as they sloppily committed three turnovers, put the Knicks on the line for 10 attempts (seven made) and were burned by two closely covered 3-pointers.

 

Nonetheless, Andrew Nembhard, who was gun shy in Game 3, was colder than a corpse, but doghouse escapee Bennedict Mathurin tallied 20 bench points, including seven in the fourth quarter. In crunch time, Haliburton burst into the lane for a layup through the middle and set up former Knick Obi Toppin with an inbound pass that was the bayonet through New York’s heart.

 

The Pacers won 130-121. They also had 20 points off turnovers, 16 via second chances and 22 on the break. Haliburton said he let the team down in Game 3 but was pleased with his effort on Tuesday. He also said, “This is a big win for us because if we go back down there [tied at] 2-2, that’s probably a little different momentum-wise.”

 

Game 5 is on Thursday.

 

Five Players to Watch as Dolphins’ Camp Ramps Up

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Five Players to Watch as Dolphins’ Camp Ramps Up

As the Miami Dolphins kick off OTAs, they’ve already made a notable roster move—placing cornerback Jason Maitre on season-ending injured reserve and signing Ryan Cooper Jr. in his place. Maitre was a name to watch this offseason after flashing potential last preseason as a nickel corner. With depth concerns in the secondary, two players to watch this camp come directly from this position group.

This season is pivotal for the Dolphins, a true litmus test for the team’s leadership at head coach, general manager, quarterback, and on both lines of scrimmage. A return to the playoffs hinges in large part on the development of the following five players:

1. Storm Duck – CB

Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Duck made three starts and impressed during preseason with his instincts and tackling. Now entering his second year, he’ll have the benefit of going up against elite receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle every day in camp—a major opportunity for growth. With Jaylen Ramsey’s potential departure looming, Duck’s emergence could be crucial to stabilizing Miami’s secondary.

2. Cam Smith – CB

The former second-round pick is entering his third NFL season without recording a single interception. General Manager Chris Grier recently emphasized the need for Smith to step up. The South Carolina product possesses the athleticism, instincts, and versatility to thrive, but has been slowed by injuries and inconsistent play. With holes in the secondary, Smith must take a leap or Miami’s defense risks being exposed through the air.

3. Patrick Paul – LT

Paul is the obvious candidate here, with Terron Armstead’s retirement opening the door for him to take over at left tackle. While physically gifted and a potential long-term starter, Paul has struggled with leverage and hand placement—areas he must clean up to become a consistent pass protector. His progress could determine not only the strength of the offensive line but also the health of Tua Tagovailoa.

4. Jaelan Phillips – OLB

Phillips made an immediate impact on Day 1 of OTAs, earning the orange jersey—an early sign he’s back in form. However, the bigger question is durability. Coming off both an Achilles and an ACL tear, his explosiveness and staying power remain to be seen. If healthy, Phillips, alongside Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson, could anchor one of the league’s most feared pass rushes.

5. Jonah Savaiinaea – G

A rookie second-round pick from Arizona, Savaiinaea is projected to start right away. His development is vital for two reasons: bolstering the Dolphins’ underwhelming run game and protecting Tua. In camp, he’ll be tested daily by one of the best front sevens in football. Under the guidance of offensive line coach Butch Barry, the Dolphins hope Savaiinaea can grow into a foundational interior lineman.

Final Thought:
With high expectations and key transitions on both sides of the ball, Miami’s success in 2025 will be tied directly to the development of its young core. These five players represent the difference between another playoff run—or another missed opportunity.

 

This is not a drill: Inter Miami are officially in crisis mode.

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Since welcoming the arrivals of manager Tata Martino and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, Inter Miami have grown accustomed to blowing the competition out of the water. They won the first-ever Leagues Cup in 2023 and reached the U.S. Open Cup Final that same year, whilst 2024 would see them finish with the most regular season points in the history of Major League Soccer, only to lose to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.

 

Despite losing midfield warrior Diego Gomez to Brighton in the offseason, many pundits like Derek Rae and Taylor Twellman considered Miami the team to beat going into the 2025 MLS season. However, there was nevertheless a healthy dose of skepticism for their coaching choice: Javier Mascherano.

 

After a glorious 17-year playing career that saw him win the Champions League with Barcelona and reach the World Cup Final with Argentina, Mascherano hung up his boots in 2020 and moved into coaching. He struggled to convince in his first position as manager of Argentina’s U20 side, with the Albiceleste failing to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup only to be given a reprieve after previously selected hosts Indonesia were kicked out after refusing to host Israel. They were given hosting privileges but nevertheless lost 2-0 to Nigeria in the Round of 16, whilst the following year would see Argentina lose to hosts France in the quarterfinals of the Summer Olympics.

 

It was far from the most auspicious start to his coaching career, but it didn’t stop Inter Miami from giving him the first-team manager role on November 26, 2024. On the face of it, it seemed to be rooted in favoritism, solely to appease Messi, who played with Mascherano at Barcelona and Miami, as well as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, who also suited up alongside him in a Blaugrana kit. Nevertheless, Miami kicked off the Mascherano era on a strong note, escaping their league opener vs. New York City FC with a 2-2 draw despite playing down a man for 90 minutes, brushing past Sporting Kansas City and Jamaican side Cavalier in the first rounds of the Concacaf Champions Cup, and beating Houston Dynamo, Charlotte FC, Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union. Miami would suffer their first defeat of 2025 on April 2, with Nathan Ordaz’s goal giving Los Angeles FC a 1-0 win, but they would erase the first-leg deficit and win 3-1 at home to advance to the next round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

 

However, the cracks started to appear for the Herons, who drew to Toronto FC and Chicago Fire before eking out a 1-0 win at Columbus Crew. The final week of April brought a dismal run of affairs for Miami, who relinquished a 3-1 lead and lost 4-3 at home vs. FC Dallas in league play, and who were eviscerated 5-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup over two legs. They bounced back by thrashing New York Red Bulls 4-1 at home – the very next game, Minnesota United gave them a taste of their own medicine by winning 4-1 at home. Despite taking the lead within a minute at San Jose, they coughed up the equalizer immediately and succumbed to a 3-3 draw, before being caught on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat to Florida rivals Orlando City. Miami’s defensive woes continued on Saturday, going into halftime down 2-0 at Philadelphia Union, only for Tadeo Allende to pull one back at the hour-mark. Tai Baribo restored the hosts’ advantage, but Messi would cut the deficit to one in the 87th minute, whilst Telasco Segovia snatched a point at the death for the visitors.

 

The reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield champions currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, and unless they can find some form in their next two matches vs. Montreal and Columbus Crew, they could end the month outside of the playoff positions. For all their attacking firepower, it is evident that Miami are severely lacking in the defensive department – they don’t have a single elite defender in their squad like Nashville’s Walker Zimmerman or Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon or D.C.’s Lucas Bartlett. Whilst Miami have been linked with a move to Luka Modric, who is out of contract after departing Real Madrid, they might be better served going for a fullback or center back. As one of the 32 teams that will be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, Miami will be able to sign up to six new players exclusively for the tournament between June 1 and June 10, although they’ll need to also remain wary of the current MLS salary cap rules and regulations as well. Above all, they’ll need to focus on which holes are most noticeable in their squad – not which available players have the highest profile.

 

“You could see it in that game versus Vancouver, there are definite holes in this team… if you can frustrate and eliminate Messi and his impact on the game, if you can force the other players to be the difference-makers, that’s where you can win,” stated Herculez Gomez, who won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders. “Messi is the greatest of all time, but he’s still human, and he’s going to have moments where he needs help from other players. They don’t have those other playmakers: it’’s Messi and friends. And at the expense of Messi and friends, it’s not a situation like Argentina where 10 guys work for Messi, where they have legs for Messi. You’ve got some big holes here for other guys who need legs like Suarez, Busquets and Alba.”

 

“It’s more than just running for Messi, it’s other needs that must be addressed,” added Gomez. “Unless they address those, I don’t see this team lifting a lot of hardware this season. Why is Mascherano the coach? Because he’s Messi’s friend. There are no fundamental merits about his hiring that make you say, ‘Okay, this is something that could be productive.’ They’ll be a team that entertains and wins some games, because that’s Major League Soccer, but we’ve seen it in the past with the Concacaf Champions Cup two years in a row and in the MLS Cup playoffs vs. Atlanta. If this team doesn’t get its act together in terms of construction, it’s gonna be another long season.”

 

Miami have just two games to get back to top form before hosting Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the first match of the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14. If they fail to turn things around in the upcoming international tournament, Mascherano could be bidding farewell to his Miami job after just a couple of months in South Florida.