Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show – “The Pacemakers” Take Game 3. Plus, Predicting Offseason Headlines | Group Chat

Release Date: June 12, 2025
Hosts: Justin Duverrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre (Waz), and Isaiah Blakely

1. Introduction to the Episode

The latest episode of The Ringer NBA Show’s Group Chat delves deep into the Indiana Pacers' strategic triumph in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hosts Justin Duverrier, Rob Mahoney, Waz, and Isaiah Blakely engage in a lively discussion, analyzing key performances, defensive tactics, and the overall dynamics that positioned the Pacers just two wins away from clinching the NBA title.

2. Nicknaming the Pacers

Early in the episode, the hosts brainstorm creative nicknames for the Indiana Pacers, inspired by their resilient performance. Listener suggestions flood in, prompting a humorous and creative session:

• Rob Mahoney: Introduces the idea, "What are we calling these guys? The Pacemakers. The Cardiac Pacers. I feel like we need to name now." [00:43]

• Waz: Enthusiastically responds, "We asked the Group Chat listeners for their recommendations for Pacer nicknames. Let me tell you, they delivered." [00:59]

After considering various pop culture-inspired names, including “Survivors” and “Cornyceps,” the hosts lean towards “Pacemakers” for its evocative representation of the team’s heart and stamina throughout the playoffs.

Notable Quote:

Waz: “I think Pacemakers might be not ideal, but perfectly evocative for what we need from this Pacers team.” [35:06]

3. Pacers’ Performance in Game 3

The core of the discussion centers on the Pacers' strategic victory in Game 3. The hosts highlight the Pacers' ability to maintain high energy levels, execute precise plays, and wear down the Thunder both mentally and physically.

• Rob Mahoney praises the Pacers' late-game performance: "They made practically every play, every hustle play, every sharp, precise play while the Thunder just ran out of gas." [04:08]

• Waz emphasizes the Pacers' defensive focus: "They started picking up Shay over the course of this entire game, wearing him down... J Dub has to do more now. Chet has to do more now." [04:08]

• Isaiah Blakely underscores the Pacers' defensive tactics: "It's the unpredictability of it. You don't get to rest your mind when you're playing against the Pacers." [02:59]

Key Highlights:

• Shea (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander): Targeted defensively to disrupt the Thunder’s flow, leading to limited offensive opportunities.
• J. Dub (Ja Morant?): Exhibited both brilliance and inconsistency, critical in clutch moments.
• Chet Holmgren: Emerged as a pivotal player, contributing significantly in key quarters.

Notable Quote:

Isaiah Blakely: “..., like, in the fourth quarter, Berkeley was just over it. They're like, jesus Christ, sick of this.” [07:01]

4. Defensive Strategies and Turnovers

A significant portion of the analysis focuses on the Pacers' defensive prowess and the resulting turnover margin, which was crucial in their victory.

• Rob Mahoney: "They had those kinds of plays across the board. Indiana picking up Shay defensively... the Thunder just run out of gas." [05:12]

• Waz: "The Pacers won the war of attrition... they have to wear Shay down." [04:08]

The hosts note that the Pacers forced 14 turnovers compared to the Thunder’s 19, but the disparity was especially impactful in the latter stages of the game.

Notable Quote:

Waz: “Indy just do not turn the ball over. And so then it's not a mystery why they're able to go on these games.” [31:06]

5. Player Spotlights

Tyrese Halliburton:

• Rob Mahoney and Waz discuss Halliburton’s standout performance, highlighting his scoring ability and the strategic use by the Pacers to control game tempo.
• Isaiah Blakely remarks on Halliburton’s clutch aggression: “... he does what needs to happen if they're going to win this series.” [09:50]

T.J. McConnell:

• Recognized for his defensive tenacity and playmaking, McConnell’s role as a backup point guard received commendation.
• Isaiah Blakely praises McConnell’s ability to create scoring opportunities: “... he's creating wide open dunks off of his dribble penetration.” [20:49]

Ben Matheran:

• Emerging as a key bench player, Matheran's 27 points in 22 minutes are lauded as a game-changing performance.
• Rob Mahoney: “Ben was just magnificent. It was insane what he was doing.” [22:09]

Chet Holmgren:

• Discussed as a potential series-deciding player, Holmgren's early performances set expectations for future games.
• Rob Mahoney: “Chet seems like it's going to be the decisive thing of this entire series.” [38:21]

6. Team Dynamics and Depth

The hosts explore the Pacers' depth and the critical contributions from their bench players. The ability of players like T.J. McConnell and Ben Matheran to step up during crucial moments underscores the team’s robust roster.

• Waz: Highlights the importance of bench depth: “Having a backup point guard, especially one who gets five steals in an NBA game, was crucial.” [19:48]

• Isaiah Blakely: Emphasizes the strategic deployment of bench players to maintain energy: “TJ was creating wide open dunks... Ben was another plug and replace.” [20:49]

Notable Quote:

Rob Mahoney: “A team like the Pacers that likes to push the pace is going to have the healthy bodies, the live bodies, in order to just keep hitting you with waves.” [22:51]

7. Offseason Headline Predictions

Transitioning from the Finals, the discussion shifts to potential offseason moves and trade scenarios, particularly focusing on key coaching changes and star player movements.

Coaching Changes:

• Rob Mahoney discusses the New York Knicks' public campaign to hire a new head coach, citing frustration with the unconventional approach of seeking permission from multiple coaches before hiring.

Kevin Durant Trade Speculations:

• The hosts speculate on the likelihood of Kevin Durant being traded to teams like San Antonio Spurs or Minnesota Timberwolves, analyzing the fit and long-term implications.
• Waz expresses skepticism about Durant fitting into the Spurs’ system due to their current team composition: “I just don't see why I would be on a Kevin Durant style path.” [55:26]

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future:

• A significant portion is dedicated to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential future moves, with discussions on whether he will stay with the Milwaukee Bucks or seek a new team to pursue an NBA title.
• Isaiah Blakely: “I think he'll eventually go ring chase somewhere... another year down the line.” [64:20]

Notable Quote:

Waz: “Mr. Pacer... I'm not. I just literally didn't think the Thunder would roll them.” [37:30]

8. Listener Engagement and Naming Conclusion

Returning briefly to the earlier discussion on nicknaming the Pacers, the hosts finalize their decision by leaning towards the "Pacemakers," reflecting the team's relentless drive and strategic pacing throughout the Finals.

Notable Quote:

Isaiah Blakely: “Pacemakers and Children of the Corn are my two favorites, to be honest.” [35:25]

9. Conclusion and Wrap-Up

As the episode wraps up, the hosts share personal updates, such as Isaiah Blakely attending a friend’s wedding in Antigua, Guatemala. They tease future episodes, hinting at continuing their analysis of the Finals and offseason developments.

Final Thoughts:

• Rob Mahoney: “They definitely punched the Thunder in the mouth in the game that they needed to.” [32:16]
• Isaiah Blakely: “So if you're the coach, like, why am I doing some... why am I begging you to work at your company...” [46:58]

Notable Quote:

Waz: “This is how a team like the Pacers can push through and maintain their edge.” [Final Segment]

Key Takeaways

• Indiana Pacers’ Strategic Brilliance: Their ability to wear down opponents, maintain high energy, and execute precise plays positions them as formidable contenders.

• Depth and Versatility: The Pacers' bench players, especially T.J. McConnell and Ben Matheran, play crucial roles in maintaining momentum and responding to challenges.

• Defensive Mastery: Strategic defensive targeting and forcing turnovers were pivotal in Game 3’s outcome.

• Offseason Speculations: Potential coaching changes and star player movements, particularly involving Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, could reshape team dynamics moving forward.

• Engaged and Creative Community: Listener involvement in categorizing and naming team nicknames highlights a vibrant and engaged fanbase.

This episode of The Ringer NBA Show’s Group Chat offers a comprehensive analysis of the Indiana Pacers' performance in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, complemented by insightful discussions on player contributions, team strategies, and future prospects in the NBA landscape.