While Stephen A. Smith expressed frustration over the Knicks’ performance in Game 4, ESPN’s Pat McAfee had a much more positive experience following the Pacers’ victory over the Knicks, leveling the series at 2-2.
Exiting Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a broad smile, McAfee received a warm reception from the Pacers organization. He had the opportunity to meet key figures including Tyrese Haliburton, president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard, and head coach Rick Carlisle.
A video posted after the game captured McAfee engaging with Haliburton, congratulating him on his performance, and introducing the Pacers star to his wife, Samantha. The McAfees had the pleasure of watching the game from Haliburton’s courtside seats, with McAfee thanking him for the hospitality and lauding the game as a “show.”
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Post-game, McAfee’s interactions continued behind the scenes where he met with Pritchard and Carlisle. Pritchard joked about bringing McAfee back every third quarter to energize the team, referencing McAfee’s crowd-rousing speech displayed on the video board during the fourth quarter.
Carlisle expressed his long-standing admiration for McAfee when they met. The day was filled with special moments not just because of the basketball game but also because McAfee took time to acknowledge Mother’s Day. Before the game, he shared a touching tribute on Instagram to his wife, Samantha, celebrating her journey to motherhood and her impact on their daughter, born in May 2023.
In his post, McAfee praised Samantha’s phenomenal transition into motherhood and expressed excitement about their daughter’s future, inspired by her mother’s leadership. “I’m inspired, I’m in awe, and I can’t wait to watch the girl we created become a brilliant, funny, badass woman because of how her mom is leading the way. I love you.”
