Throughout his rise from Colts punter to the top of the sports-talk world, Pat McAfee has maintained a strong affinity for the city of Indianapolis and, especially, for the Pacers and star guard Tyrese Haliburton. He even brought his ESPN show, "The Pat McAfee Show," to downtown Indy on Tuesday, ahead of the Game 4 Eastern Conference finals matchup between the Pacers and Knicks.
No surprise, then, that when the action was underway, McAfee not only was sitting courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but he was also given a PA mic in the arena by the Pacers.
With several high-profile Knicks fans in the building, and with the Pacers seeking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, McAfee let loose. And he did so in person.
"Indianapolis, Indiana," McAfee said. "We got some big wigs from the big city in the building. Spike Lee is here!"
McAfee then paused for the expected crowd boos, which were delivered.
"Ben Stiller is here!" he continued. More boos.
"Timothee Chalamet is here!" Boos.
McAfee then wrapped up by saying, "Let's send these sons of (expletives) back to New York ..." That sent the crowd into such a frenzy that the remainder of his speech was rendered inaudible.
The Pacers did, in fact, wind up sending the Knicks SOBs back to New York, humbled. The Pacers won, 130-121, in a taut game in which the Pacers were able to beat back every advance the Knicks made.
Haliburton was the key, logging 32 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds, adding four steals while committing zero trunovers. That was especially impressive given the number of times the Knicks kicked away the ball--17 turnovers in all, leading to the Pacers to transition buckets.
Game 5 could possibly mark the end of the Knicks' season. It will take place at Madison Square Garden on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.