Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam has eyes of Africa on him during NBA Finals
Andscape at the NBA Finals: Biggest SURPRISES in Indy + GAME 3 superlatives + way-too-early MVP picks
Welcome to Andscape at NBA Finals, where senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears, columnist William C. Rhoden and on-air contributor Sheila Matthews will get into what’s happening on and off the court in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis.In Episode 5, Matthews, Rhoden and Spears discuss how wrong they were ab
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin is never short on confidence
INDIANAPOLIS – “La, la, la, la. Wait ’til I get my money right.“La, la, la la. Then you can’t tell me nothing, right? “Excuse me, was you saying something? “Uh-uh, you can’t tell me nothing.”Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin walked into the locker room late Wednesday night with rapper Kanye We
Texas Southern’s men’s basketball coach used to coach his son. Now he coaches, too.
A mutual love for the game of basketball has helped Texas Southern University men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones and his son John build a special bond both on and off the court.John Jones’ earliest memories revolved around the sport, from playing in youth leagues to watching his father mold and dev
‘Dr. Dunk’ Darnell Hillman remains important part of Indiana Pacers’ rich history
INDIANAPOLIS – Former ABA and NBA forward Darnell Hillman proudly donned a fresh 2025 NBA Finals cap and a vintage long-sleeve shirt, both with the Indiana Pacers’ logo. Known as “Dr. Dunk,” he is a proud member of two of the Pacers’ three American Basketball Association championship teams (1972 and
Twin hurdlers from North Carolina A&T chase each other on the track to success
When North Carolina A&T State University sophomore Isaiah Taylor punched his ticket to the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships by running a personal-best time of 13.46 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles at the NCAA East Regional in late May, it lit a fire within his twin and teammate
‘That’s my team, man’: Mike Epps brings diehard Indiana Pacers fandom to NBA Finals
INDIANAPOLIS – There is a helter-skelter magnificence to Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. And it’s that style of play that reminds famed comedian/actor Mike Epps, a renowned Pacers fan, of himself on the stage.“Haliburton is an unpredictable player,” Epps told Andscape in a recent phone inter
Our Father’s Day gift guide, inspired by A’ja Wilson, LeBron James, and Jared McCain
There’s more than one way to show appreciation for the father and father-like figures in our lives. But this month, in honor of Father’s Day, we’ve scouted the best products to say just the right thing: “Thank you.”Below, you’ll find a mix of products, mostly from brands and products created or cham
June’s best sneaker drops: Your guide to this month’s must-have releases
Our monthly series looks at the top releases from the best brands in athletic footwear. Whether you’re an avid sneakerhead or just looking for the perfect pair to complement your style, navigating the vast world of sneakers can be overwhelming. From understanding where to buy to decoding the latest
Andscape at the NBA Finals: Who’s SHOWING UP in Game 3? Superstar/celebrity check!
Welcome to Andscape at the NBA Finals, where senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears, columnist William C. Rhoden and digital producer Sheila Matthews will get into what’s happening on and off the court in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis.In Episode 4, Matthews, Rhoden and Spears discuss the Oklahoma City Th
Sly Stone, leader of funk revolutionaries Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82
NEW YORK (AP) — Sly Stone, the revolutionary musician and dynamic showman whose Sly and the Family Stone transformed popular music in the 1960s and ’70s and beyond with such hits as “Everyday People,” “Stand!” and “Family Affair,” died Monday at age 82Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, had been in poor
Oklahoma City Thunder center Jaylin Williams making history in NBA Finals
OKLAHOMA CITY – While wearing custom earrings with pictures of Oklahoma City Thunder center Jaylin Williams on them, a smiling Linda Williams sat in the family section after her son’s team won its first game of the NBA Finals late Sunday night. An adoring fan approached her with hopes of getting a p
Andscape at the NBA Finals: ‘Where We Gather’ with Oklahoma City chef Andrew Black
In Episode 1 of “Where We Gather,” a part of the “Andscape at the NBA Finals” video series, Andscape digital producer Sheila Matthews talks to Andrew Black, award-winning chef and owner of two restaurants (Black Walnut, Grey Sweater) in Oklahoma City. The two discuss Black’s path to OKC (1:28), the
Veteran, rookie: Pacers’ Myles Turner, Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell not taking NBA Finals for granted
“The young and foolish laugh at love, so they run away; confident and sure that fate will bring another love their way.” — Four Tops, Just Ask the LonelyOKLAHOMA CITY — One of the lessons Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner has learned is that nothing is guaranteed.The lesson Oklahoma City Thunder g
Coco Gauff inspired by rap song, serves up French Open victory
Addressing the Roland-Garros fans after her 2025 French Open win — the first American to win the tournament since Serena Williams did it in 2015 — Coco Gauff made a confession: “I didn’t think I would do it,” she said.Just as soon she made that surprising admission of self-doubt, she went on to quot
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton are making signature sneaker history in the NBA Finals
In Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton became a part of history when they went toe-to-toe in their debut signature shoes.Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 26-year-old style-bending superstar, took the court in his Converse SHAI 001, officially u
Andscape at the NBA Finals: VIBE CHECK in OKC after Pacers’ Game 1 win
Welcome to Andscape at the NBA Finals, where senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears, columnist William C. Rhoden and digital producer Sheila Matthews will get into what’s happening on and off the court in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis.In Episode 3, Matthews, Rhoden and Spears dine at Black Walnut, locate
At Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals, small markets bring big passion
OKLAHOMA CITY — The “Thunder Up” vibe first hit me as we were preparing to land in Oklahoma City ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.As we landed, the flight attendant proudly said, “I’d like to be the first to welcome you to MY hometown, Oklahoma City.”As we
Da’Vinchi on playing ‘BMF’ legend Southwest T and what’s coming in season 4
When you first see actor Da’Vinchi, you kind of think … college quarterback. His build says: I’m a team leader. I’m the guy who calls the plays. I’m the guy who gets everyone in position. At 6-foot-3, Da’Vinchi is an anomaly. Not on the football field, because quarterbacks generally range from 6-2 t
For Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, Oklahoma is home during NBA Finals
OKLAHOMA CITY – Long before NBA All-Star guard Trae Young ever hit a 3-pointer in an Atlanta Hawks uniform, he was a Oklahoma City Thunder fan.The Norman, Oklahoma, native saw NBA guard Chris Paul playing in Oklahoma City for the New Orleans Hornets when they were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. You
Andscape at the NBA Finals: Best Finals Game 1 EVER? Thunder under PRESSURE!
Welcome to Andscape at the NBA Finals, where senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears, columnist William C. Rhoden and digital producer Sheila Matthews will get into what’s happening on and off the court in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis.In Episode 2, Matthews, Rhoden and Spears discuss the shock of Game 1
Ball Up Top: Kendrick Perkins on Pacers STUNNING Thunder in NBA Finals Game 1
“Ball Up Top” is a weekly NBA video series where Andscape’s David Dennis Jr. talks about the hot topics in the league and pop culture with special guests and Andscape personalities.In Episode 14, David Dennis Jr. and ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins are in Oklahoma City explaining the Indiana Pacer