Cason Wallace to start over Isaiah Hartenstein for Thunder vs Pacers in NBA Finals Game 1
Wallace is making his first career playoff start. The 21-year-old guard is averaging 5.4 points, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game this postseason.
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Wallace will play a key role in helping defend Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton. Other guards such as Lu Dort and Alex Caruso will surely help with that as well.
The decision to start Wallace will also result in Chet Holmgren being moved to center. The 7-foot-1 big man is more than capable of holding his own defensively at the five, and he can also provide some floor spacing on offense.
Wallace and Holmgren will be joined in the starting lineup by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort and Jalen Williams.
More: Thunder vs Pacers live score updates: NBA Finals Game 1 highlights, how to watch, stream
Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @JTheSportsDude. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cason Wallace to start for OKC Thunder vs Pacers in NBA Finals Game 1
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NBC Sports
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- NBC Sports
Indiana's mindset won't change in 2025 — and that's exactly the point
Jordan Cornette and Joshua Perry discuss Indiana's mindset following a historic College Football Playoff run a year ago, breaking down comments from linebacker Aiden Fisher and why the team has a chip on its shoulder. The stickers are gone now. The College Football Playoff decal that once adorned Aiden Fisher's helmet? Peeled off. Same with the one on his water bottle. The Cinderella story that captivated college football in 2024 is finished, shelved like a book that brought joy but ended just a page too soon. What begins now is the sequel. Indiana football, once a perennial punchline, turned heads across the country last fall with its first ever trip to the College Football Playoff and an 11-win campaign that rewrote the narrative of the program. Yet as the Hoosiers prepare for 2025 — amid rising ticket prices, sold-out home games and expectations the program hasn't seen in generations — don't expect the mood in Bloomington to be any different. 'Last year, a lot of us went into it with a chip on our shoulder that we do belong,' Fisher, Indiana's stalwart linebacker and emotional leader, said at Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas. 'This year is going to be the same thing, but it's more about that we can dominate this level. We do belong, and last year wasn't a fluke or anything like that.' It's not that the goal hasn't shifted. It has. The 2024 campaign was about validation. The 2025 one is about elevation. But internally, the fuel remains the same. Ignore the noise. Trust the process. Go to work. 'No, it's the same thing,' Fisher said when asked if the team's mindset would change. 'At the end of the day, the media is going to drive a narrative every single game. It's always been about us. It's always going to be about, 'What can we do better?'' That has been the defining trait of Curt Cignetti's Indiana — a ruthless internal standard that isn't moved by public opinion. While much of the college football world was stunned by last year, the Hoosiers weren't. They had seen it coming, because they'd built it from the inside out. 'I get questions: 'How are you going to sustain it?'' Cignetti said. 'We're not looking to sustain it. We're looking to improve it. 'This is a new year, new team. We're trying to build a program that year in, year out competes for Big Ten championships, College Football Playoffs and, ultimately, national championships. That's our vision.' That pursuit of improvement is where Indiana's cultural transformation becomes clear. When Cignetti arrived from James Madison, he brought with him not just players, but also purpose. The Hoosiers got better on the field — fast — but the true change happened behind closed doors. The results were immediate. The Hoosiers toppled expectations, made history and introduced themselves on college football's grandest stage. But as Cignetti made clear at Big Ten Media Days, last season wasn't the summit. 'The theme of the year is humble and hungry versus noise and clutter,' he said. 'If you are humble and you are hungry and you have that fire burning inside your belly and you're committed to high standards … then you're going to reach your full potential.' Indiana's key players haven't just echoed the sentiment. They've embodied it. Edge rusher Mikail Kamara knows better than most what it feels like to be overlooked. He was a zero-star recruit from Ashburn, Va., who barely made recruiting boards, let alone headlines. Now, he's an All-American with legitimate NFL buzz — buzz he ignored this offseason to return to Bloomington. 'It wasn't just a one-and-done,' Kamara said when asked how he wants this era of Indiana football to be remembered. 'Even if you look at IU's history, there's glimpses of good seasons, and it's followed by two, three, four bad seasons. I want to make sure we're only going to continue to elevate.' That chip on Kamara's shoulder? It hasn't budged. 'There are certain games on that calendar you have to attack at a different level,' Kamara said. 'For me, that's Oregon and Penn State. They're circled and starred. It's on my [phone] wallpaper.' This team has learned that belief is not given — it's earned, and re-earned. And the only way to earn it is by showing up, week after week, with the same hunger that fueled last year's rise. While the country marveled at Indiana's storybook season, the players haven't forgotten how it ended: with a bitter loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff. It's the kind of defeat that leaves a scar, the kind that turns celebration into obsession. 'I kind of figured we had a little bit of unfinished business,' Kamara said. 'You have to keep working. The days you don't want to work are the days you really have to do it. Fall in love with the process.' That process hasn't changed. Fisher insists the team is even more locked in than it was a year ago. 'You're going to hear all season long, 'Can they repeat?' and 'Was it a fluke?' but it's really all about the people in the building,' Fisher said. 'So just keeping that mindset, being locked in, worrying about what we have in the building and eliminating clutter outside of it.' That clutter includes praise. While criticism is easy to dismiss, managing success is harder. That, Cignetti says, is the next step in Indiana's evolution. 'If you are resting on your laurels and you've got the warm fuzzies based on what social media is telling you … and you think that it's just going to happen again because it happened before, you ain't going to be a happy camper when the season is over,' he said. The stadium might be fuller. The stakes might be higher. The cameras might stick around longer. But Indiana football will still be Indiana football — fast, physical, relentless. Elijah Sarratt, another returning star who passed on the NFL, said it best: 'You've got to play with a chip on your shoulder. If you're not trying to get better, if you're not trying to improve, then what are you doing?' That question echoes through the Indiana locker room. And the answer is always the same: do the work. For all the noise outside the walls of Memorial Stadium — the doubters, the believers, the hype and the skepticism — the Hoosiers remain quiet in their conviction. Their motivation doesn't come from polls or pundits. It comes from each other. From what they've built. From what they still believe they can be. In less than a year, Cignetti has changed everything at Indiana. But he's made sure the most important thing — the mindset of his group — stays exactly the same. Humble. Hungry. And far from finished. About the Author Zach Browning is a rising senior at Indiana University and is a senior writer for a website powered by the Rivals Network that covers Indiana athletics. Zach also broadcasts Indiana sports for WIUX Sports, Indiana's student-run radio station, as well as Big Ten Plus, a student-run broadcasting program powered by the Big Ten Network StudentU program. Audrey Marr sits down with Indiana's Curt Cignetti ahead of the spring game to discuss the lessons he learned from the team's turnaround season, what excites him about Fernando Mendoza and his goals for next year. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza talks with Nicole Auerbach about his decision to transfer to Indiana, playing alongside his brother and backup quarterback, Alberto, and how his childhood experiences shaped him. Drew Dinsick and Vaughn Dalzell break down the Indiana Hoosiers' outlook this season and the expected regression in 2025 after a dream 2024.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
NBA sets schedule for 2025-26 games in Europe, unveils plans for 2027, 2028
The NBA on Wednesday announced its regular-season European schedule for the 2025-26 season and unveiled plans to play regular-season season games in Paris, Berlin and Manchester in 2027 and 2028. The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic will play two games in Europe this season – in Berlin on Jan. 15, and in London on Jan. 18. "Announcing the next three season's regular-season games in Europe reflects the incredible momentum and appetite for NBA basketball in France, Germany, the UK and across the region," NBA managing director of Europe and Middle East George Aivazoglou said in a news release. "We look forward to welcoming the Grizzlies and the Magic to Berlin and London and to engaging fans, players and the local communities through the games and the surrounding events." The Magic's Franz and Mo Wagner are from Germany, and the Berlin game will the NBA's first regular-season game in the country. "To have the Orlando Magic and the NBA play a regular-season game in our hometown of Berlin means everything to us," the Wagner brothers said in a joint statement. "Growing up here, we dreamed of moments like this. It's a huge honor to represent Berlin and Germany and show how much the city and country love basketball. We hope we can inspire kids the way we were inspired watching games from afar." Europe, get ready! ✈️🌍The NBA will host SIX regular-season games in Europe over the next three years, with games to come in Berlin and London (2026), Manchester and Paris (2027) and Berlin and Paris (2028).🗞️ The NBA's push into the European market has been steady and unsurprising. As the league considers expansion of its North American-based league, it is also exploring the creation a new league based in Europe – with the idea of adding already existing franchises and creating franchises in underserved markets. "Just as the same as in American cities, we think there's an opportunity to serve fans in Europe," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the NBA Finals. "No knock on European basketball, because most of those international MVPs I just talked about are coming from Europe. There's really high-level basketball being played there. But we think there is an opportunity to better serve fans there. I view that as a form of expansion as well, and that's something we're also thinking hard about."
New York Times
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WESTFIELD, Ind. — A right knee replacement can wait. Football cannot. To Rick Venturi, the former Indianapolis Colts coach and current radio analyst, nothing comes before the game. His love won't allow it. That passion explains why he scheduled his right knee surgery for early next year, after football season is over. The 79-year-old has more pressing things on his to-do list at the moment, like walking (and slightly limping) up and down the sidelines during training camp at Grand Park while scouting this year's Colts. Advertisement Tuesday was no different. As the sweat dripped down Venturi's face at Grand Park, The Athletic shadowed the football lifer during his 43rd training camp. 'It's 44 if you count my one CFL season,' he laughed. 'The Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1981!' Venturi is proud of his streak. Proud that he's adapted and survived for so long in an unforgiving game. Proud that his mind is still sharp, even if his body doesn't move the way it used to. 'I'm not gonna be 80 in anything except for this right knee. That's out of warranty,' a gray-haired Venturi said, laughing. 'If it wasn't for that, you couldn't tell!' Here's how practice unfolded through the lens of one of the most respected men in the Colts franchise. 10:17 a.m.: Venturi is staring at third-year QB Anthony Richardson as he warms up next to ex-Giants starter Daniel Jones. Colts GM Chris Ballard has said this isn't a make-or-break season for the 2023 No. 4 pick, but with Jones challenging him for the starting job, Venturi thinks otherwise. 'This is everything, and not just for Richardson,' Venturi says of the 2025 campaign. 'I think with the holy trinity — coach, GM and quarterback — it all could change.' Steichen is 17-17 through his first two seasons in Indy. Ballard, entering his ninth season with the franchise, has just one playoff win and zero AFC South titles during his tenure. No one is safe, Venturi says, and he would know. After going 1-10 as the Colts interim coach in 1991, Venturi was fired after the season. 10:32 a.m.: The Colts are at the 5-yard line, and Steichen has dialed up the perfect play call. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren is lined up in the backfield, and when the ball is snapped to Richardson, he quickly flips the ball in Warren's direction for what should've been an easy TD. However, the shuttle pass is behind Warren, who in a real game, likely would've been hit hard across the middle because of Richardson's errant toss. Fortunately, there wasn't any friendly fire as Warren tried to contort his body to make the catch, but Venturi doesn't hold back on Richardson. Advertisement 'See, that's the s— he has to clean up,' Venturi laments. 'That's a layup. He's gotta make the layups.' Richardson's 47.7 completion percentage last year was the lowest mark in the NFL and worst single-season mark in Colts history. Venturi notes that no offense can succeed with that level of inefficiency at quarterback, and his hope for Richardson is to raise that completion percentage to at least 55 percent in 2025. The former coach also points out Richardson's 15 turnovers (12 interceptions and three lost fumbles) in 11 games last year, which is another area he must improve to truly turn a corner. Right after Venturi finishes scolding Richardson's early miscue, the QB quickly bounces back with a pair of TD passes to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and Mo Alie-Cox on back-to-back plays. The second one makes Venturi slap his knee in satisfaction, as Richardson would ultimately end his day 9-of-14 passing in 11-on-11s and 4-of-5 in 7-on-7s. 'Every time he throws a ball that looks decisive, you're happy with it,' Venturi says. 'This week, he's done that better than I've seen him do it in a long time.' 10:39 a.m.: The team has separated for individual drills, and Venturi, carrying a small foldable chair, has left the quarterbacks on the north field and is making his way to the south field. That's where the one-on-ones between the offensive and defensive linemen are taking place, and when Venturi believes he has a good view, he plops down on his chair and begins dissecting. Big day for Big Bernie. 🗣️ — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 30, 2025 He praises starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann for stonewalling his first challenger, defensive end Samson Ebukam, and jokes that Raimann shouldn't lose a rep after inking a four-year, $100 million deal. Venturi compares Raimann to former Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo and believes the 27-year-old still has plenty of room to grow. However, he has questions about how the rest of the line will fare this year. A few reps later, it's Matt Goncalves' turn, and the Colts' new starting right guard is easily beaten around the edge by veteran defensive end Tyquan Lewis. Goncalves started eight games last year at both tackle spots but had zero starts at guard. He was moved inside to guard this offseason to replace former starting right tackle Will Fries, who joined the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. Advertisement 'That's where I really worry about him. It's in space and on the outside,' Venturi says. 'That's why I like him a lot more at guard than at tackle. Now, the only problem is that realistically, some of the great three-technique (defensive tackles) will end up (over the) guard, but at least he'll have some help in there. When you're at tackle, you're out there on an island.' #Colts camp Day 6 recap! — James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 29, 2025 10:47 a.m.: The Colts are transitioning to another team period, and as action gets underway, Venturi points out the additions of cornerback Charvarius Ward and free safety Cam Bynum, and how they always seem to be in position. Ward, a 2023 second-team All-Pro with the 49ers, inked a three-year, $60 million deal in free agency to join the Colts. Bynum, a three-year starter in Minnesota, cashed in as well, with a four-year, $60 million pact. Venturi believes both new members of the secondary will elevate the Colts' defense, especially considering who's at the helm. The Colts hired Lou Anarumo, formerly the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator, as their new DC this offseason. He'll replace Gus Bradley, whose bend-but-don't-break defenses conceded a lot of underneath throws and never finished better than 24th in the NFL in points allowed per game during his three-year tenure. Venturi is giddy at the creativity he's already seen from Anarumo and references an interview he did on 107.5 The Fan about an hour before Tuesday's practice began in which he praised the Colts' new DC. 'They've been remedial against soft zones, area zones, and I call them high school zones (in recent years),' Venturi said on the radio. '… Now, you bring in a guy who really is NFL. This the NFL I grew up in with the Bud Carsons, (Bill) Belichicks and (Nick) Sabans. (Anarumo is) gonna be much more sophisticated. You can see it on the backend. (He's) much more aggressive with the press coverage and combinations underneath. ' 10:55 a.m.: During a 7-on-7 period, Jones launches a deep ball down the sideline to AD Mitchell, who's had an up-and-down camp so far, and the second-year receiver leaps over cornerback Samuel Womack III for a highlight-reel catch. Mitchell follows that up with two more first-down catches from Jones as the two connect on three consecutive plays. Venturi is amazed at Mitchell's speed, body control and athleticism, and he wonders aloud about Mitchell's potential after a lackluster rookie campaign. The Colts drafted Mitchell in the second round last year, but he was largely a non-factor. He finished his first NFL season with just 23 catches (on 55 targets) for 312 yards and no TDs. 'That is the guy who can make the difference right there,' Venturi says. 'But I just don't know what his temperament is. Can he handle this? He's a superb talent, best separator on the team. He has everything. But like Richardson, you think, 'Can you make the layups?' Because, I mean if you put him opposite of Pierce with all of those other guys inside, holy Jesus! But you gotta catch the ball.' Advertisement Venturi also tips his cap to Jones, who finished the day 4-of-4 in 7-on-7s and 8-of-11 during 11-on-11s. The former coach thinks Jones is salvageable after flaming out with the Giants, though he's not expecting many highlight-reel plays if he wins the starting job. 'He's never gonna wow you. You're never gonna walk out of here going, 'Oh, my God, yeah!'' Venturi says. 'But he does everything pretty well, and he's a much better athlete than people give him credit for. Now, Richardson? He gives you more, 'Wow,' and I think if it remains close, they'll go with him.' 11:07 a.m.: Venturi ducks out of practice a little early, retreating to a nearby tent to prepare for his weekly Colts podcast with Matt Taylor, the radio voice of the Colts. Venturi grabs a notebook that he's already started to fill with all of his thoughts on the Colts and their opponents. He'll run out of room by the end of season, at which point he'll buy another, but before he started writing on the inside of his latest notebook, he wrote on the outside. The message on the cover: Do you trust AR5? Can Dan (Jones) play like 2022 (when he led the Giants to the playoffs)? 'Those are the questions we're all asking ourselves,' Venturi says. 'Pretty soon, we'll get some answers.'
