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During the final moments of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals, former NFL punter Pat McAfee electrified Pacers fans. However, not every Indiana native appreciated his rousing remarks.
With the Pacers leading the New York Knicks 111-96 and just under ten minutes left in the game, McAfee seized the microphone. He aimed his comments at high-profile Knicks fans present in the stands, ridiculing both the team and its supporters.
McAfee enthusiastically declared, “Indianapolis, Indiana, we’ve got some bigwigs from the big city in the building. Spike Lee is here. Ben Stiller is here. Timothée Chalamet is here,” as boos echoed around the arena in response to the mention of celebrity Knicks fans.
He continued, “Let’s send these sons of b—— back to New York with their ears ringing. Let’s turn this s— up!” Despite the incendiary remarks, the Pacers secured a significant 3-1 lead in the series, alleviating any potential backlash for McAfee.
Yet, one prominent Hoosier expressed discomfort with McAfee’s comments. Music legend John Mellencamp attended the game and felt “embarrassed” when McAfee called out Knicks fans.
Mellencamp stated, “The Knicks/Pacers games have been very entertaining for anyone who likes basketball or sports. I attended Game 4 in Indianapolis.” He took to social media to voice his thoughts.
“Hoosier Hospitality … I was embarrassed when somebody, under whose direction I don’t know, called out some of the people who had made the trip from New York to support their team — and in turn, support our team. The audience booed these people. I’d say that was not Hoosier Hospitality.”
The beloved musician continued, emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship. “One could only say it’s poor, poor sportsmanship. I was not proud to be a Hoosier, and I’ve lived here my entire life. On behalf of most Hoosiers, I would like to apologize for our poor behavior. I’m sure the Pacers had nothing to do with this smackdown.”
In a twist, actor Ben Stiller prompted McAfee to attend Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, potentially continuing the rivalry off the court.
The Pacers showcased strong performance in Game 4, with Tyrese Haliburton scoring 32 points without committing a turnover. This impressive display contributed to securing the Pacers’ series lead.
The Knicks now face a daunting challenge, needing to win all of their next three games to reach the NBA Finals. The ultimate victor in this series will advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that seeks its first championship since 2012.
As the playoffs continue, both the Pacers and Knicks remain determined. Notably, neither team has reached the NBA Finals in the 21st century, heightening the stakes further.
Last season, Indiana triumphed over the Knicks in an earlier playoff confrontation, adding another layer to this intense rivalry.
In summary, while McAfee’s impassioned speech rallied many Pacers fans, it also drew criticism from notable figures like Mellencamp, reminding fans of the thin line between enthusiasm and sportsmanship. As the series enters its next phase, the basketball world will be watching closely.
