John Fanta

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS WITH THAT SHOT NIKOLA JOKIC

How about Rick Carlisle, Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers? They’re 8-2 in the playoffs, rolling past the Bucks and the 64-win Cavaliers. They outplayed and outmuscled Cleveland in every facet. Tyrese Haliburton is extraordinary, Siakam is a dawg and they play TEAM ball.

The Cavaliers went 64-18 in the regular season. This was thought to be their time to go on a run in a more wide open East, what everything for this core four was building up to. Cleveland is out after only five games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Lots of pondering ahead.

The Pacers have been outstanding on the offensive end in this postseason. They share it at a high rate and rarely make a wrong read. It all starts with Haliburton. Criminally underrated.

A massive 3 by DeAndre Hunter. He and Ty Jerome have sparked that crowd. In so many ways that go beyond tonight, it’s now or never for the Cavs.

Yes it is. Pacers have pushed the Cavs out on the perimeter, have taken away the paint the last two quarters and Cleveland cannot buy a 3.

Mark @CLESportPrspctv

@John_Fanta Backcourt size really bothering the Cavs.

When the Pacers have imposed their will defensively, they know they can push the Cavs around. But it’s pretty wild to see this Cleveland offense look this out of sorts in this series. Give Indiana all the credit: they’re built for this and have been the last two years.

Pacers are mentally and physically tougher and better. They broke the Cavs in game 2 and you can just sense the edge they’ve got — and they know it. Cleveland’s offense is hero ball or maybe a pass and on the other end, Haliburton can get whatever he wants and he knows it.

NEW: Breaking down my biggest takeaways from the NBA Draft Lottery. On the Mavericks receiving an unimaginable gift from the basketball gods, the Spurs and Sixers having plenty of options to select or trade back and what the Jazz, Wizards and Nets may do. https://t.co/iy5vI35cQ8

This is gutting. Feel terrible for Jayson Tatum. One of the most likable guys in the sport and has earned all of the accolades he’s gotten. Prayers to him on the road to recovery.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

BREAKING: Boston Celtics All-NBA star Jayson Tatum underwent surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon. Catastrophic season-ending injury for one of the NBA's young faces and the Celtics, with a long rehab awaiting. https://t.co/6dx2sNJbOT

RT @John_Fanta: There is nothing better than being able to say this: Andrew Gerard Fanta is here! It is the best joy of our lives for @Fan…

https://t.co/2ZKkOIQ7SB

Fr. Jordan Zajac, OP @JordanZajacOP

@John_Fanta Do you have the overnight diaper shift?

Anthony Edwards is turning into one of the top faces in the league. It is his time.

What the Knicks are doing feels surreal. This team looked flawed against the Pistons but has found its identity — against the reigning champs. To me, wing play has been massive for it. Bridges/OG awoke. And Brunson? Out of superlatives! A special New York sports story blossoming.

The Spurs are still in a great spot. The opportunity to get Harper or Bailey — or someone else — at 2 offers so much upside when paired with Victor Wembanyama, Steph Castle and company. Also think there’s reason to believe a trade could end up being best move. Lots of options!

What if I told you this would be the Mavericks reality a month ago? PG: Kyrie Irving SG: Klay Thompson SF: Cooper Flagg PF: Anthony Davis C: Dereck Lively