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Defector

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Tyrese Haliburton celebrates with teammates after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers

Tyrese Haliburton Sure Knows How To Pick His Spots

The Pacers Out-Styled The Cavaliers And Swiped Home-Court Advantage

David Roth

Owner Steve Ballmer of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs.

Podcasts

I’m Feeling Like Steve, With Patrick Redford

Tom Ley

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers get into an altercation after Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 29, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Bucks Collapse Leads To Giannis Antetokounmpo Delivering Fatherhood Lessons To Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad

Tyrese Haliburton rises up for the game-winner.

The Pacers Drew Up A Beauty And Were Rewarded With A Miracle

Giri Nathan

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 25: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons has words with Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Kia Center on January 25, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Isaiah Stewart Beefs Incessantly

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

Pro Wrestling

WWE Informs Viewership Of Tyrese Haliburton

Anoint Yourself, Dammit!

Tyrese Haliburton is hounded on the sideline by Jayson Tatum.

The Silly Pacers Handed It To The Celtics, Over And Over Again

Albert Burneko

Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2024.

The Pacers Simply Ran Away

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers

Jalen Brunson Might Be Sore, But He Can Still Cook The Pacers

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle argues a call with referee Josh Tiven #58 during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs on May 08, 2024 in New York City.

Rick Carlisle Doesn’t Believe This Shit

Barry Petchesky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after a play during the second half in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

A Humble Knicks Fan’s Take On The Officiating In Game 1

Ray Ratto

Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley makes a thumbs up sign while waiting during free throws in an Eastern Conference Playoff game against the Indiana Pacers.

Patrick Beverley Commits To Tantrum-Based Marketing For His Podcast

Luis Paez-Pumar

Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers prepares to shoot a free throw during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 23, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Pascal Siakam Is Taking Over

Patrick Redford

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 21: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three point shot during the first half of game one of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 21, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Damian Lillard’s Playoff Return Was Worth The Wait

Doug McDermott of the Indiana Pacers dunks during a game against the Atlanta Hawks

Pacers Escape The Play-In, Reaffirm That The Hawks Are A 10th-Place Team

The Pacers And Raptors Help Each Other To Escape The Play-In

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks exchanges words with Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers following a game at Fiserv Forum on December 13, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Fellas Got In A Big Fight Over A Ball

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 04: &lt;&gt;during the NBA In-Season Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Minor Stakes Of The NBA In-Season Tournament Have Led To Good, Silly Fun

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates during the game against the Boston Celtics during the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament on December 4, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Pacers Are Back, Or At Least Getting There

Now Is The Season Of Noticing The Indiana Pacers

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 21: Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter of an NBA In-Season Tournament game at State Farm Arena on November 21, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Obi Toppin; Onyeka Okongwu