Thunder clap back
Burns leads the way. Star not happy with Bueckers’ attention. Pope to deliver message
Good morning, all!
The ratings-starved NBA Finals got what it wanted; a series. Trailing at the half, the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied to beat the Indiana Pacers, 111-104, Friday night, tying the series at 2-2. OKC was favored to win the series in a runaway, but that has not transpired, which is good for the NBA.
When networks pay mucho bucks for broadcast rights to sports leagues, it is because they know the return on the investment comes with extended playoffs. The longer a series, the more eyeballs, especially when it’s the finals.
Networks usually break even after a best-of-7 series goes five games. This one is guaranteed to go at least six, so there will be an ROI for ESPN/ABC parent company Disney for this one. Foolishly, however, there will be no weekend games. Game 6 is Monday night at OKC.
Here are some other DAN ON SPORTS top stories for Saturday, June 14, 2025:
At the midway point of the U.S. Open, Sam Burns has the lead by one stroke over J.J. Burns.
Mickelson collapses on back nine and misses the cut. Likely last Open
Naturally, my pick, DeChambeau missed the cut
Panthers-Oilers Game 5 tonight. Stanley Cup finals tied 2-2.
Barry Sanders reveals he had heart attack
Yawn! Report Durant about to be traded again
Forget Yankees-Red Sox. It’s Giants-Dodgers, baby! Iconic franchises tied for first
Pope to deliver video message at today’s White Sox game
Part of Chicago Bears could be yours
Uh-oh! WNBA star not happy story highlighted Paige Bueckers
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DAN