Pat McAfee delivers WWE-style promo during Pacers' Game 4 clash vs. Thunder
The post Pat McAfee delivers WWE-style promo during Pacers' Game 4 clash vs. Thunder appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Pat McAfee delivered a WWE-style promo during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals, injecting a jolt of energy into the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. As the Indiana Pacers clashed with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a tightly contested series, McAfee seized the spotlight during a fourth-quarter timeout. The former Indianapolis Colts punter and media personality grabbed the mic and immediately electrified the home crowd with a fiery, wrestling-inspired speech, even calling out Stephen A. Smith in the process.
McAfee looked to rally Pacers fans with trademark intensity. Consequently, with tensions peaking and the Finals hanging in the balance, McAfee's performance went viral almost instantly. It added another layer of drama to an already heated Game 4 showdown.
Advertisement
Channeling the theatrics of a main-event heel turned hometown hero, McAfee fully embraced the underdog narrative. 'Oklahoma City was favored by 6.5 points,' he shouted. 'That makes us the biggest underdogs in the history of the NBA Finals!'
He didn't stop there. though. Cameras caught McAfee calling out ESPN's Stephen A. Smith by name, slamming the oddsmakers, and declaring Indiana's fanbase the best in sports. In response, the crowd erupted, echoing his passion as the final minutes ticked down.
Undoubtedly, it was vintage Pat McAfee; loud, charismatic, and unfiltered. However, while the building buzzed with energy, it wasn't enough to shift the momentum on the court. The Thunder, fueled by a late surge from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, stormed back to pick up a 111–104 victory, evening the series at 2-2 in the process.
After the game, reactions poured in. Some Pacers fans joked that McAfee's speech 'jinxed' their chances.
Meanwhile, Kendrick Perkins, a former Thunder center who also works as an ESPN analyst now, fired back at McAfee after the game. 'We don't need nobody on the mic to get OKC hyped,' he said on NBA Today. 'That building speaks for itself.'
Ultimately, Game 4 wasn't just an NBA Finals clash, it became a battle of energy, emotion, and viral moments. And although the Pacers suffered the loss, McAfee's promo may go down as one of the top moments from this series.
Advertisement
With Game 5 looming in Oklahoma City, the stakes couldn't be higher. Pat McAfee lit a fire, but now it's on the Pacers to deliver, because if they want to bring home their first NBA championship, the time to make a statement is now.
Related: Fever legend Tamika Catchings compares Pacers to 2012 WNBA championship team
Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says Thunder still has 'much work' to do vs. Pacers
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Why This 2024 Play-In Team Could Win The Eastern Conference In 2025
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates late in the fourth ... More quarter of the quarterfinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup at Madison Square Garden on December 11, 2024 in New York City. The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 108-100 to advance to the semifinal round. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) Getty Images While the Indiana Pacers were the most entertaining storyline of the 2025 playoffs, the Eastern Conference proved to be more competitive than most analysts had assumed it would be. With the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics seemingly entering the postseason on a tier above the rest of the field, it was difficult to assume the Easter Conference Finals would be anything other than chalk. Instead, the Pacers and New York Knicks ended their Finals aspirations. For Cleveland, their second-round exit in just five games left them questioning a roster that won 64 games in the regular season. For Boston, who even if the season still ended at the hands of New York, would have likely brought back Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and other names now rumored in trade packages if it was not for the torn Achilles suffered by Jayson Tatum. Even New York, who had as deep of a playoff run as they have had in the past 25 years , are still looking for a new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau. And, as the world saw in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the storybook run for the Pacers ended in a non-storybook finale, with Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles costing him all of next season. Whether injury-based or self-inflicted, the top four seeds in this past year's playoffs may have drastic changes to their roster and results next year, opening the door for any team in the East. For the Milwaukee Bucks, this could be even more reason to not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. For the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons, two young teams led by up-and-coming stars, it may be more reason to invest in their current roster and become a threat this year. But up to this point of the offseason, no team has benefited more and improved their roster for next year than the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have been trapped in .500 purgatory since 2021 when they fell in the Conference Finals to the Bucks. Since then, they have failed to win a playoff round, and have yet to reach the postseason since 2023. Outside of their defensive woes, which would have plagued them if they had made another deep playoff run in this span, the Hawks have struggled to find a secondary scorer to assist Trae Young. The attempts of John Collins, Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic, or De'Andre Hunter were never enough to turn Atlanta into a 50-win team. Even though Hunter may not deserve to be looped into this group, as he only experienced half a season receiving the second-most touches on the team, former General Manager Landry Fields saw Jalen Johnson as a better fit for this role than Hunter. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks makes the slam dunk and ... More fouled by Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Arena on March 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Getty Images After averaging a double-double in just year two as a starter, Johnson has already begun justifying his five-year, $150 million extension signed in October. Alongside the addition of Johnson's efficient scoring was Dyson Daniels's unexpected debut with the Hawks. After two years in New Orleans, the 21-year-old jumped his per-game numbers in just about every category . At 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 steals per game, Daniels won the Most Improved Player of the Year Award alongside his 1st Team All-NBA honor. Trae Young had a season we have come to expect from the Oklahoma alum, averaging 24.2 points on 34% shooting and 11.6 assists a game. However, these numbers were not enough to lead the team in Win Shares, as that honor went to none other than Onyeka Okongwu, who made the most of his career-high season total of games started and minutes per game. Averaging 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and almost block and steal per game, Head Coach Quin Snyder seemed to begin the passing of the torch process from Clint Capela, who is set to become a free agent after the 2025-26 season. Whether Capela will remain in Atlanta for his final season is yet to be decided, as their first offseason move included bringing in a big man making $30 million on an expiring contract. In the pre-draft fire sale for the Celtics, the Hawks capitalized on their available cap space by bringing in Kristaps Porzingis on a three-team deal. As it stands today , the Hawks still reside under the 1st and 2nd apron thresholds, so there is not a contractual need to trade Capela. However, with him now falling to third on the center's depth chart, there may no longer be a role for the former first-round pick. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the ... More second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 15, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) Getty Images Especially considering the brand of basketball Atlanta plays when at their best, which capitalizes on faster tempo at the potential expense of more defensive breakdowns. With this young core developing in Atlanta, which this article has yet to mention both forwards Zaccharie Risacher (who started 73 games his rookie year), and their most recent draft selection Asa Newell will both be utilized in their high-paced offense. While these moves may not even allow the Hawks to crack the top-15 in terms of defensive efficiency, the addition of these forwards to add rim protectors to Daniels and Johnson's perimeter abilities could show drastic improvements for the Hawks in 2025. So, do not be surprised if the Hawks finish the offseason as one of the most active teams, especially in an Eastern Conference that will likely be without its typical playoff competition.


New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
How do Michigan fans grade Sherrone Moore and what's next? Our Wolverines fan survey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In an email to fans last week, athletic director Warde Manuel said Michigan is continuing to evaluate ways to pay for 82 new scholarships and $20.5 million in revenue-sharing funds that will be distributed to athletes in football, basketball, volleyball and ice hockey. If Manuel needs more input, The Athletic's Michigan fan survey is here to help. More than 1,000 fans shared their thoughts last week on scheduling more events at Michigan Stadium (yes, please), higher ticket prices (no way!) and permanent advertising inside the Big House (a definite maybe), along with numerous topics related to the upcoming football season. The overall picture reveals a fan base that, despite some short-term uncertainty, feels confident in the long-term trajectory of Michigan athletics in the revenue-sharing era. Advertisement 'I think UM is generally in a good place,' wrote Chris P. 'Football needs to take a step forward after a natty hangover year in 2024, but I like that the team finished strong last season, and I think Sherrone Moore's approaches to recruiting, the transfer portal and building his coaching staff make sense.' 'I don't think this is THE year for Michigan football,' added Noah K. 'We should be good, not great. The next two years are going to be the hot zone for Bryce (Underwood) and the elite recruiting class we just pulled in to develop.' Here's the full breakdown of the survey results. In last year's fan survey, the vast majority of Michigan fans said they were on board with promoting Moore to replace Jim Harbaugh. Moore's first season was far from flawless, but the combination of beating Ohio State and Alabama and landing the No. 1 recruit in the nation earned Moore solid marks in this year's survey. 'Sherrone Moore had me very nervous at first,' wrote Michael L. 'I think he underestimated how bad his QB was and killed the season because of it. I do think he has bounced back in a major way.' Despite the optimism, there's a sense that Moore needs to show something in 2025. Most fans seem willing to give him some runway as Underwood develops, but they'd also like to see Michigan back in the CFP conversation. 'This season is time for Sherrone to prove he can win outside of the shadow of the national championship,' wrote Bruce B. The takeaway here is that a majority of fans would accept a season similar to 2024 as long as Michigan wins its two rivalry games. There's a clear expectation that Michigan should be back in the CFP by 2026, but fans can deal with some growing pains as long as Michigan is moving in the right direction. Advertisement 'To think this team is ready to compete for a national title with a true freshman QB (though I believe he is talented) and a patchwork offensive line is probably unrealistic,' wrote Sam K. 'My hope is that we can see this team start to jell in the back half of the season, keep the core in place, and 2026 could set up for a special year.' With a freshman quarterback and two excellent running backs, Michigan's new offensive coordinator would be smart to rely on the ground game as much as possible. That's what fans expect, though many find it hard to contain their expectations for Underwood. 'I don't think I have ever been this excited for a quarterback,' wrote Adam S. 'I can't wait to see Underwood play.' The split vote reflects a defense that will rely on depth rather than star power. It will be a great sign for Michigan if Rod Moore is in the conversation given the severity of his knee injury and his lengthy path to recovery. The top choice is no surprise, but I thought Michigan's first Big Ten game in L.A. might rate a bit higher. Fans are right to be excited about the Week 2 trip to Oklahoma, a great intersectional matchup that will set the tone for the rest of Michigan's season. Aside from quarterback, wide receiver is the position that seems most ripe for a breakout season from a freshman. Even so, I might cast my vote for Earls, who has a great shot to be Michigan's third cornerback and might even work his way into the starting lineup. Fans seem confident that Michigan's defensive line won't miss a beat despite losing Josaiah Stewart, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. I expected the vote to be closer between the D-line and the running backs, though it's tough to go wrong either way. No surprises here. Michigan had one of the least productive wide receiver units in college football last season and returns many of the same players after swapping Tyler Morris for Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley. The long-term picture looks brighter thanks to a strong 2025 class and Zion Robinson's commitment for 2026, but it remains to be seen if any of the young players are ready to emerge. Advertisement My other takeaway: Michigan fans aren't sure what to make of this offensive line. I'd like to get the 7 percent who graded the O-line as the strongest position group in the same room with the 12 percent who think it's the weak link and let them hash it out. We're going on 18 months of opposing fans claiming the sign-stealing scandal is a capital offense while Michigan fans claim it's much ado about nothing. We can all agree on one thing: It will be nice to have closure. 'I feel the Connor Stalions story, while an entertaining distraction, is just that: a distraction,' wrote Nick M. 'Most people will swiftly forget it in a few years, and it will be little more than an embarrassing blip on our reputation.' I do wonder if Michigan fans are setting themselves up for disappointment if the NCAA ruling is harsher than they expect. The case wouldn't have gone all the way to an infractions hearing if the NCAA's enforcement staff was content to let Michigan off with a wrist-slap. That doesn't mean the Committee on Infractions will see it the same way, but Michigan definitely is not in the clear. The perception a few years ago was that Michigan lagged behind its peers in the NIL space. That's no longer the case. Michigan has modernized its personnel department and committed to doing what's necessary to land elite players like Underwood. Give credit to general manager Sean Magee, who has proven to be a smart hire for Moore. The vibes continue to be immaculate for May and his program. Replacing Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf is no small task, but fans are confident Michigan can build on last year's success with the additions of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Elliot Cadeau. Manuel didn't provide the exact percentages, but Michigan's strategy seems roughly in line with fan preferences. Football is the bell cow and is going to get a majority of the revenue-sharing funds. The next biggest chunk will go to basketball, with volleyball and ice hockey also receiving some funding. The distribution model may evolve over time, Manuel said, and could include payouts for top performers in sports that aren't on the initial list. Advertisement Football is king, but fans want to ensure sports like swimming, gymnastics and track and field have the resources they need to survive. Those fans will be happy to hear that, according to Manuel, cutting any of Michigan's 29 varsity sports programs is not a consideration. 'I really hope Michigan avoids cutting sports such as track, rowing, field hockey, etc.,' wrote Baker C. 'I feel having those sports plays a part in the overall athletic culture of the university and have each had moments of individual excitement and success that I would be sad to see leave.' Keeping last year's format was the most popular choice, though fans are ambivalent overall about the expanded playoff. It's notable that an option the Big Ten has pushed for — four guaranteed bids for the Big Ten and SEC, two apiece for the Big 12 and ACC, one for the Group of 5 and three at-large — was the last-place option. 'The powers that be are going to ruin college football with expanding the Playoff, doing nothing about transfers/tampering and moving away from regional conferences,' wrote Ben K. 'The regular season used to be special. Now an Ohio State team can win the national title without beating Michigan. We probably don't need more than six playoff spots.' These two questions were designed to test the hypothesis that changes in college football have affected fans' attitudes more than their habits. The results bear that out: 47.6 percent of fans feel less interested, but only 22.8 percent are consuming less college football. While interest in college football remains strong, fans are expressing fatigue with the endless tinkering with Playoff formats, conference realignment, player movement and legal wrangling. 'The transfer portal, revenue sharing and NIL do not bother me in the least,' wrote Andrew R. 'However, expanding the playoff field to an absurd 12 teams has ruined the sport and greatly reduced my interest. Conference expansion at the same time has not helped, either. The regular season no longer matters, officially, so why should we care about it? It's a real shame.' Advertisement Michigan fans are divided on the Gus Johnson/Joel Klatt combo, but the Big Noon window is their clear favorite. It's interesting to me that while Ohio State fans clamor for fewer noon kickoffs, Michigan fans would gladly take more if it meant fewer night games. Perhaps that's because night games are a relatively recent phenomenon at the Big House. Hosting events at Michigan Stadium seems like a no-brainer, and I'd expect more of those in the coming years. Michigan hasn't made a decision on permanent advertising at the Big House, but the wording of Manuel's email made me think it's only a matter of time. 'Permanent advertising in Michigan Stadium has been a topic of discussion for many years, predating my tenure at Michigan,' Manuel wrote. 'It's essential for us to assess all potential advertising opportunities to generate new revenue while respecting our traditions. Every decision we make will take into account Michigan's traditions and values while also understanding the decisions we need to make to continue to support the success of our teams.' As someone who didn't grow up attending games at the Big House, my first reaction was, 'Wait, Michigan doesn't have advertising at the stadium?' I can't say that I notice the difference when I travel to other venues, but I understand that some longtime fans have strong feelings about it. 'Never, ever have advertising in or around Michigan Stadium or the uniforms!!' wrote a fan named Jim. Fans may not like it, but if the alternative is cutting sports or raising ticket prices, they'll take the ads. For a fan base that's more tradition-minded than most, Michigan fans expressed a surprising openness to private equity funding, too. 'College football is trending toward the structure of the English Premier League,' wrote Dana B. 'As such, Michigan should get ahead of the game and bring in private equity investors ASAP. Without a doubt this is the direction the sport is headed.' That's not quite the last resort, but it's fairly low on the list of options. Fans can think of much better ways to pay for those new revenue-sharing deals. 'Eminem at the Big House, anyone?' wrote Sen A.


Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Texas' Arch Manning shares advice from Matthew McConaughey as popularity grows
Print Close By Ryan Gaydos Published June 30, 2025 All eyes will be on Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning in 2025 as he embarks on his first season as the starter. Manning committed to Texas before the start of the 2023 season. He appeared in two games as a freshman and 10 games as a sophomore as he sat as a backup to Quinn Ewers. However, with Ewers in the NFL, the keys are handed to Manning to lead Texas to the promised land. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON The fame attached to Manning because of his football status, as well as his last name, certainly creates a celebrity atmosphere around him in Austin. However, he told reporters at the Manning Passing Academy he received some advice from Matthew McConaughey about how to handle the attention. "A few. It depends on the night, but I stay pretty low key. … I had to get used to it a little bit," he said about receiving picture requests, via The Athletic. "I've actually talked to Matthew McConaughey about that. He's given me some advice. BYU'S JAKE RETZLAFF INTENDS TO TRANSFER AS QB EXPECTS HONOR CODE SUSPENSION AFTER ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS: REPORT "He's been great to have in my corner. … He just told me different ways on how to handle things in different situations. He's way more known than I am, so it's good anytime you get advice from him. … He kind of told me you still have to live your life. He says he goes to the grocery store, walks down every aisle and he lives his life. You can't let you taking a picture or signing an autograph affect your life." Manning has already gotten NFL hype thrown around him, but he says he doesn't pay attention too much to the noise around him. "I really don't pay much attention to anyone, what they think besides my coaches, my parents and some close friends that will tell me the truth. But I'm not worried about what other people think. I'm just going to go out there and have fun and play my game," he said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Manning had 939 passing yards and nine touchdown passes for the Longhorns last year. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Print Close URL