Five reasons the New York Knicks lost the Eastern Conference finals

Five reasons the New York Knicks lost the Eastern Conference finals

TheNew York Knickswill have plenty of time to dissect whatwent wrong in the Eastern Conference finals. New York was trying to make its firstNBA Finalssince 1999, and, after being eliminated in consecutive years by theIndiana Pacers, the Knicks must be proactive and honest about changes they will need to make to break through. For one, the team relies so significantly on All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson that he's often tasked with saving New York. But that's just the beginning. OPINION:Small-market Pacers party down in big way with NBA Finals trip MORE:Pascal Siakam named Eastern Conference finals MVP after Pacers down Knicks Five reasons why the New York Knicks lost the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers: Teams simply cannot gift games during the postseason, especially during the conference finals. Game 1, when the Knicks held a nine-point lead with 58.8 seconds left to play, was the epitome of a missed opportunity. The Knicks actually held a 17-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, but they became complacent and could not answer Indiana's pace. It was bad enough for the Knicks to drop the series opener at home, but it was even worse when they dropped Game 2 in the Garden to fall behind 0-2 headed to Indiana. From Game 1, it appeared that Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau's preference was to try to match Indiana's speed, rather than to grind games down. It would turn out to be misguided. The Knicks ranked 27th in the regular season in pace, generating 97.64 possessions per 48 minutes. Indiana ranked seventh (100.76). While the Knicks sometimes did have success against theDetroit PistonsandBoston Celticsin the earlier rounds when pushing tempo, New York would've been far better off slowing the game against the Pacers because this was exactly how Indiana wanted to play. The Knicks committed more turnovers than the Pacers in all but one of the games, and New York lost the turnover margin overall, 93-75. In itself, that's pretty bad, but it gets worse. Because of the speed with which the Pacers play, those turnovers turned into easy offense: the Pacers posted a crushing 140-61 advantage in points off turnovers throughout the series. The previous point feeds somewhat into this. But whether it was off of turnovers, missed shots or even out of inbounds passes on made attempts, New York did not sustain precise focus on spotting Pacers leaking out in transition. While physically demanding, Thibodeau could've done more to tweak strategy, insisting that players drop back to prevent fastbreak chances. The Pacers registered more fastbreak points than New York in every game this series. Frankly, that was always going to be the likely outcome; the margin is what was concerning. The Pacers scored 106 fastbreak points across the six games, while the Knicks put up just 48. It wasn't until Game 3 of the series, after the Knicks were already desperate and down 0-2, that Thibodeau tweaked the rotation to match up better with Indiana. Thibodeau has always been a coach set in his ways, and his reluctance to go with fresher legs — against a team that sprints up and down the floor — was baffling. This is magnified further because guards Delon Wright and Landry Shamet are known to be plus-defenders, something New York sorely needed earlier in the series when Indiana's guards were scoring at will. Thibodeau did receive some credit when he eventually extended his rotation; it came far too late. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:New York Knicks: Eastern Conference finals loss explained

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June 01, 2025

Five reasons the New York Knicks lost the Eastern Conference finals

Five reasons the New York Knicks lost the Eastern Conference finals TheNew York Knickswill have plenty of time to dissect whatwent wrong in ...

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PSG set a new benchmark in the Champions League, but can it stay at the top of European soccer?

PSG set a new benchmark in the Champions League, but can it stay at the top of European soccer?

MUNICH (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain's ascent to the top of European soccer is complete. Staying there is another matter entirely. Saturday'sChampions League triumphconfirmed what many observers had suspected for some time - that PSG's moment had finally come. Years of frustration in European club soccer's elite competition was blown away in one glorious and historic night in Munich. Not only did PSGend its long wait for the trophyit prized most of all but it produced a statement performance and set a new benchmark for what it is to win the Champions League title. The 5-0 rout of Inter Milan was officially the biggest winning margin of any final in the competition's 70-year history. And it could have been so much more emphatic had Bradley Barcola been clinical in front of goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia taken more than just one of his chances or Désiré Doué stayed on the field for longer than 67 minutes having scored two and set up another. Star striker Ousmane Dembele didn't even get a goal to his name. As impressive as PSG's victory was, it could have been even better. In other words, this is a team that is yet to reach its peak. Work in progress With an average age of 24.8 years old, PSG's starting lineup was packed with youth, which was in stark contrast to an Inter team with an average age of over 30. At 31, captain Marquinhos was PSG's only starter over 30, while Doué was one of three teenagers to play, along with substitutes Senny Mayulu and Warren Zaire-Emery. "We have a lot of young players - players who need to develop and I'm one of them," Doué said. "We are always going to strive to get better." Keeping young teams together is easier said than done when Europe's biggest clubs come calling. That should not be a concern for Qatar-backed PSG, which is one of the richest clubs in the world and in recent years has focused on picking up the best young talent - from France in particular. Ambition It seems there is little danger of PSG settling for just one Champions League title. "We are ambitious, we are going to continue to conquer the football world," a triumphant Luis Enrique said Saturday night after winning the trophy for the second time as a coach, 10 years after leading Barcelona to the trophy. He sounds like a man who has his sights set on building a new era of dominance and quickly turned to adding to the treble of trophies already won this season. Next up is the newly expanded Club World Cup. "I think it is an incredible competition. Maybe not now in its first edition, but it will become an incredibly important competition to win," he said of the tournament that kicks off in the United States this month. "We want to finish the season in style with the cherry on the cake." Luis Enrique The 55-year-old Luis Enrique has established himself as one of the finest coaches in the world after winning a second Champions League title. PSG has entrusted him to build a team in his image, rather than a selection of superstars and it has paid off. He has turned PSG into a Champions League winner while playing arguably the most exciting soccer in Europe, with Barcelona possibly the only team to rival it in the entertainment stakes. Yet while Barcelona was picked off by a wily Inter in the semifinals, the Italians were blown away by PSG. Liverpool, which ran away with the Premier League title this season, was eliminated in the round of 16, while Manchester City and Arsenal were beaten as well. Luis Enrique's brand of soccer has simply been too good for the rest in Europe, which is now playing catch up. Transfers It is difficult to see where PSG needs to add to a squad with so much depth, but its rise to the top has come on the back of spending billions on some of the world's best players. The era of Galactico signings is over for now, but the arrival of Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in January was evidence of president Nasser Al-Khelaifi's ongoing willingness to go big in the transfer market. The Georgian forward sparked a dramatic turnaround in PSG's form in Europe, which saw it go from near elimination at the league phase to Champions League winner. The rivals Manchester City might have thought its Champions League title in 2023 would spark a new era of success in Europe, but the opposite has been true and Pep Guardiola's team was eliminated in the playoffs this season. The Champions League is notoriously difficult to defend, with Real Madrid the only team to retain the trophy in the modern era, having won three in a row from 2016-18. The difficulty is largely due to the wide spread of talent among Europe's elite. PSG will come up against a Liverpool team that topped the league phase of this year's competition and is already making ambitious moves in the transfer market. Madrid with a new coach in Xabi Alonso and signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold should be a contender again. So too Barcelona after falling short in the semifinal. City, meanwhile, is undergoing a rebuild of its own. PSG, however, will likely start next season as the team to beat, with a bright young squad that finally knows how to get over the line. ___ James Robson is athttps://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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June 01, 2025

PSG set a new benchmark in the Champions League, but can it stay at the top of European soccer?

PSG set a new benchmark in the Champions League, but can it stay at the top of European soccer? MUNICH (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain's asce...

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Pascal Siakam beats out Tyrese Haliburton by a single vote for Eastern Conference finals MVP

Pascal Siakam beats out Tyrese Haliburton by a single vote for Eastern Conference finals MVP

The closest battle at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday wasn't the Indiana Pacers' game against the New York Knicks. It was Pascal Siakam vs. Tyrese Haliburton for Eastern Conference finals MVP. The Pacersfinished off the Knicks in emphatic fashion in Game 6 in a 125-108 win. After the game, Siakam was named MVP for the series, and it turned out he beat Haliburton for the honor by a single vote. Five journalists voted for Siakam, while Haliburton got four votes. Pascal Siakam received five of the nine votes for Eastern Conference Finals MVP from a media panel covering the series. Tyrese Haliburton received the other four votes.pic.twitter.com/ZdpvJsRaTf — NBA Communications (@NBAPR)June 1, 2025 Across six games in the series, Siakam averaged 24.8 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1 turnover per game while shooting 52.3% from the field. Haliburton averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.7 turnovers per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Both players came up huge in Game 6, with Siakam scoring 31 points to lead all scorers, and Haliburton posting 21 points and 13 assists. Haliburton did contribute what will be the most lasting moment of the series, ashis bouncing buzzer-beater in Game 1,and ensuing choke gesture to channel Reggie Miller, to send the game to overtime gave Indiana all the momentum it needed to stay ahead of New York. However, Siakam came up bigger in the rest of the Pacers' wins, posting at least 30 points in Games 2, 4 and 6. As the voting reflected, both players had a standout showing in the series, and will need to be even better in the NBA Finals if they want totake down the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers acquired both players in blockbuster trades, and the franchise's current era revolves around them. The Pacers blew up a core that had previously reached the playoffs by sending star big man Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Haliburton, then a promising but unproven point guard. Once Haliburton started to emerge as an All-Star, the Pacers sought out a co-star and paid heavily for one with Siakam, sending a trio of players and a trio of first-round draft picks to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a big man who helped win a championship in 2019. The postseason hasso far been a small-market success story. Its next chapter begins Thursday in OKC (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

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June 01, 2025

Pascal Siakam beats out Tyrese Haliburton by a single vote for Eastern Conference finals MVP

Pascal Siakam beats out Tyrese Haliburton by a single vote for Eastern Conference finals MVP The closest battle at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on ...

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Bill Clinton and James Patterson on their new thriller, "The First Gentleman"

Bill Clinton and James Patterson on their new thriller, "The First Gentleman"

Seems that there is always a lot going on behind the walls of the White House where truth can often be stranger than fiction. But fiction can be pretty compelling, too. In the new novel"The First Gentleman"(to be published June 2 by Little, Brown & Co.), the commander in chief is a woman, and her husband is accused of murder. It's the third collaboration from best-selling author James Patterson and his co-writer, President Bill Clinton. Was there a scenario in the book that Patterson couldn't have written without Clinton's help? "Oh, I couldn't have doneanyof it without him," Patterson said. "I would have been lost. But the other thing, you know, look, I mean, he's the expert on the first gentleman. You know, he was almost a first gentleman!" "Yeah, I thought about it for years. And it's the only political job I ever wanted and I didn't get!" Clinton smiled. "'Cause I really thought Hillary should be president." Clinton would have been the veryfirstfirst gentleman had his wife, Hillary, won the 2016 election. And he says back then he did a lot of thinking about what his role would be as a presidential spouse: "How could I do this job in a way that I would be on-call to help if she needed me, but I wouldn't get in the way?" "That's the way I feel about this relationship: How can I help without getting in the way?" Patterson said. "I'm kind of the first gentleman of our [relationship]!" "If you believe that, I got some land in Arizona I want to show you!" Clinton laughed. And sometimes, their made-up White House looks almost like real life. In the book, the president keeps working through an agonizing personal crisis. During his 1999 impeachment proceedings, President Clinton kept working, too, with some of the very people who were trying to kick him out of the White House. "And they were amazed by it," he said. "They'd come and do business with me, [and] as far as they knew, I couldn't remember what was going on. And we would try to hammer out deals."In the midst of impeachment? "Because that's what I got hired to do," Clinton said. "The American people don't pay you to have personal feelings. They pay you to deliver for them." Clinton and Patterson have been delivering since 2018,with their first book about a president gone missing, and in 2021 their second about the president's daughter getting kidnapped. Both were bestsellers. But for them, it's really not all about work. Asked how their relationship has evolved over their three books together, Clinton replied, "We've played a lot more golf." Patterson said, "He's been president more times, but I have more holes-in-one." "Oh God. Well, I have one; he hasnine," said Clinton. "How many Americans have nine holes-in-one?" "I know. That's sick," Patterson said. "Remember I'm a fiction writer." "Makes the craziness stop for a little while" I asked, "There's so much political drama in the world today, real-life political drama. Do you think that there's an appetite for political thrillers, for fictional political thrillers?" Patterson said, "I think so, 100%. I mean, one of the nice things here is you escape, but you don't totally escape reality. It's like, 'Yeah, I love this. I can't put it down.' Or 'I keep reading,' or in some cases to me what's even better, which is you don't want it to end. "I think it's useful, and 'cause so many people are wandering around, they go, 'Oh my God, oh my God, please make it stop'? This makes it stop for a little while, makes the craziness stop for a little while for people." Clinton said, "One reason I hope there's an appetite is… I hope that people will still believe in our democratic system enough to stick with it and keep pushing to make it work." During the summer, Patterson lives at his home on the Hudson River; the president is about five miles away. Asked what they may have learned about each other during the writing process, Patterson offered, "the notion … of not worrying about stuff that we can't do anything about. And if wecando something about it, try to do it." Their new book comes out tomorrow and they hope it's another bestseller. But if you spend any time at all with Patterson and Clinton, you get the sense that their partnership is about something money can't buy. I asked, "Back when you wrote your first book together, The New York Times said that the two of you'complete each other in the Jerry Maguire sense.'" "Well, we kinda do," Patterson said. "This has been driving me for months now, which is: my time here is short. What can I do most beautifully? And in this case, doing another book with my friend is a beautiful thing to do." READ AN EXCERPT:"The First Gentleman" by Bill Clinton and James Patterson WEB EXCLUSIVE:Watch an extended interview with Bill Clinton and James Patterson For more info: "The First Gentleman: A Thriller"by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (‎Little, Brown & Co.), in Hardcover, Large Print Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available June 2 viaAmazon,Barnes & NobleandBookshop.orgjamespatterson.comClinton Foundation Story produced by John D'Amelio. Editor: Jason Schmidt. Fans turn out for estate sale at home of Tom Petty Trump says Musk is "not really leaving" as DOGE savings lag behind projections How a toddler's brave walk into the darkness to get help inspired his family

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June 01, 2025

Bill Clinton and James Patterson on their new thriller, "The First Gentleman"

Bill Clinton and James Patterson on their new thriller, "The First Gentleman" Seems that there is always a lot going on behind the...

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This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 1)

This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 1)

The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET.  "Sunday Morning" alsostreams on the CBS News appbeginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.) Hosted by Jane Pauley COVER STORY:Elon Musk on DOGE and why he doesn't want to "take responsibility for everything the administration's doing"|Watch VideoSince joining the Trump administration with a mandate to shrink government, Elon Musk – the world's richest man, and a key funder of Donald Trump's run for office – led his team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to fire workers, close offices, and cut off funding for innumerable programs. He also saw his own fortunes decline, as his work became the target of lawsuits – and his Tesla brand suffered a huge backlash. Sitting down with "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue, Musk discussed his efforts behind DOGE and the firestorm surrounding it; and his opinion of Trump's controversial budget bill, now before Congress. For more info: SpaceXDepartment of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ALMANAC:June 1 (Video)"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date. ARTS:The wonderfully weird world of artist Luigi Serafini (Video)Rome artist Luigi Serafini became a cult rock star of the art world with the 1981 publication of his surreal and whimsical book, "Codex Seraphinianus." Filled with uncanny creatures and unintelligible language, the book's inspiration came, Serafini muses, either from aliens, or his cat. Today, Serafini's apartment is an embodiment of his humorous, reality-bending worldview – one from which he is in danger of being evicted. Correspondent Chris Livesay reports. For more info: Luigi Serafini (Wizard Gallery)Exhibition:"From Serafini to Luigi: The Egg, the Skeleton, the Rainbow,"at the Labirinto della Masone, Fontanellato, Emilia-Romagna (through July 13)"Codex Seraphinianus: 40th Anniversary Edition"by Luigi Serafini (Rizzoli), in Hardcover, available viaAmazon,Barnes & NobleandBookshop.org MUSIC:"Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane on his other love: Sinatra|Watch VideoSeth MacFarlane gained success as a young man with the animated comedy hit "Family Guy." But his other love is the Great American Songbook, which he features in his nightclub act. He is now releasing a new album, "Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements," in which MacFarlane performs songs that had been arranged for Frank Sinatra but never previously recorded. He talks with correspondent Luke Burbank about how his career aspirations once diverged from music to animation – and how they swerved back. Seth MacFarlane performs "Give Me the Simple Life," from his album "Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements": For more info: Seth MacFarlane on Instagram"Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements"by Seth MacFarlane is available June 6"Family Guy"on FoxVibrato Grill Jazz Club, Beverly Hills, Calif. BOOKS:Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern on projecting "A Different Kind of Power"|Watch VideoJacinda Ardern was 37 when she was elected prime minister of New Zealand, becoming the world's youngest female head of government. After leaving office two years ago, she moved to Boston, where she's serving as a fellow at Harvard University. She's also written a new book, "A Different Kind of Power." Ardern talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about her experience leading a nation (including passing a ban on semi-automatic firearms); the importance of exhibiting kindness and empathy in politics; and the challenges of being a working mother, after giving birth while in office. For more info: "A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir"by Jacinda Ardern (Crown), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available June 3 viaAmazon,Barnes & NobleandBookshop.orgThe Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, senior fellow, Women and Public Policy Program, Harvard University PASSAGE:In memoriam (Video)"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actress Loretta Swit, who starred as Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan in the TV series "M*A*S*H." TV:The return of "The Gilded Age" (Video)The HBO series "The Gilded Age," a dramatization of the clash between Old Money elites and New Money robber barons in late-19th century New York City, is returning for its third season. Correspondent Mo Rocca talks with stars Morgan Spector and Denée Benton about playing a rapacious captain of industry and a journalistic advocate for equal rights in an era of great social upheaval in America. Rocca also talks with Morgan Library & Museum director Colin Bailey and history professor Edward O'Donnell about how the Gilded Age wealthy pulled the levers of powers, and its impact on rich and poor Americans. To watch a trailer for Season 3 of "The Gilded Age," click on the video player below: For more info: "The Gilded Age"premieres June 22 on HBO and streams on HBO MaxThe Morgan Library & Museum, New York CityHistorian Edward O'DonnellMorgan Spector on InstagramDenée Benton on Instagram BOOKS:Bill Clinton and James Patterson on their new thriller, "The First Gentleman"|Watch VideoAfter collaborating on two #1 New York Times bestsellers, former President Bill Clinton and author James Patterson have teamed up for their third book: "The First Gentleman," in which the commander-in-chief is a woman – and her husband stands accused of murder. The two sat down with correspondent Tracy Smith to describe how their writing process, and their friendship, has evolved, and whether – at a time of so much political craziness – there is an appetite for a Washington-based thriller. READ AN EXCERPT:"The First Gentleman" by Bill Clinton and James Patterson WEB EXCLUSIVE:Extended interview: Bill Clinton and James Patterson (Video)The former president and the thriller writer previously teamed up on two #1 New York Times bestsellers. And now they've written their third thriller: "The First Gentleman," about a female president and her husband, who is on trial for murder. In this web exclusive, Bill Clinton and James Patterson talk with correspondent Tracy Smith about the process and joy of their collaborations; how the characters reflect an attitude in Washington where politics is a game; and, in the current political climate, the necessity of maintaining democracy. For more info: "The First Gentleman: A Thriller"by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (‎Little, Brown & Co.), in Hardcover, Large Print Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available June 2 viaAmazon,Barnes & NobleandBookshop.orgjamespatterson.com HARTMAN:A three-year-old's lesson: "Don't be afraid" (Video)Three-year-old Bridger Peabody, of Strasburg, Colo., had a fear of the dark. But when his grandmother fell and hit her head, he overcame his fear to venture outside, into the darkness, to retrieve her phone from the car. Steve Hartman reports on a child's true courage. POLITICS:Bill Clinton on opposing President Trump's agenda: "We cannot throw the legacy of this country away"|Watch VideoFormer President Bill Clinton sat down with correspondent Tracy Smith to discuss the Trump administration's attempts to defy court orders, and what he thinks is preventing President Trump from expanding his power. Clinton also talks about the Democratic Party's opposition to Trump; his own recent health scare; and former President Joe Biden. For more info: Clinton Foundation COMMENTARY:Faith Salie offers her two cents on the end of the penny|Watch VideoThe U.S. Treasury announced that, by early next year, it will cease making new pennies, which cost almost four times to make what they are actually worth. But "Sunday Morning" contributor Faith Salie says that, while phasing out the one-cent coin might make sense, its loss is more than what we can calculate. FROM THE ARCHIVE:Nancy Giles on the history of the penny (Video) For more info: faithsalie.com NATURE: Fur seals WEB EXCLUSIVES: GALLERY:Summer music heats up 2025Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton. FROM THE ARCHIVES:Meet the grandson of our 10th president (YouTube Video)President John Tyler, who was born in 1790, had a son when he was 63 years old; his son was 75 when Harrison Ruffin Tyler was born in 1928 – three generations that spanned more than 200 years, by the time "Sunday Morning" correspondent Mo Rocca caught up with Harrison (then 83) in this report that originally aired Feb. 19, 2012. [Harrison Tyler died on May 25, 2025, at age 96.] MARATHON:2025 Tony-nominated shows and performers (YouTube Video)It's time to celebrate the best of Broadway! Watch "Sunday Morning" interviews with the creatives on stage and behind the scenes of this year's Tony Award-nominated shows. [And don't miss the Tony Awards ceremony broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ June 8.] The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison. DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city "Sunday Morning" alsostreams on the CBS News appbeginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.) Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on CBSNews.com, CBS.com andParamount+, including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox. Follow us onTwitter/X;Facebook;Instagram;YouTube;TikTok;Bluesky; and atcbssundaymorning.com. You can also download the free"Sunday Morning" audio podcastatiTunesand atPlay.it. Now you'll never miss the trumpet! Fans turn out for estate sale at home of Tom Petty Trump says Musk is "not really leaving" as DOGE savings lag behind projections How a toddler's brave walk into the darkness to get help inspired his family

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June 01, 2025

This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 1)

This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 1) The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays begi...

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