Best NBA Playoff Guys, Curry’s Value, and the Perplexing Celtics Meltdown With Wosny Lambre, Joe House, and Bill’s Dad
May 9, 2025
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Wosny Lambre, an NBA analyst from The Ringer, and Joe House, a sports raconteur, join Bill's Dad, a lifelong Celtics fan, for a lively discussion. They break down the Warriors' struggles, emphasizing Stephen Curry's essential role. The trio humorously reflects on playoff dynamics, discussing the unpredictable performances of teams like the Celtics, who face challenges against the Knicks. Bill's Dad adds his veteran perspective on Boston's ups and downs while the gang ranks the best playoff players, mixing insightful analysis with plenty of laughs.
The Celtics' inconsistency and Jason Tatum's struggles highlight mental challenges and tactical issues affecting their playoff performance against the Knicks.
Coaching decisions, particularly Joe Missoula's lack of timely timeouts and adjustments, have significantly contributed to the Celtics' downward spiral in critical moments.
Key Knicks players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart have showcased their clutch abilities, capitalizing on the Celtics' lapses and boosting their chances in the series.
Deep dives
Celtics' Performance Deterioration
The performance of the Celtics throughout their playoff series has been plagued by inconsistency and stagnation. In both Game 1 and Game 2, the Celtics built substantial leads, yet failed to maintain composure when it mattered most, allowing the Knicks to claw back and dominate in crucial moments. A particular concern has been Jason Tatum's struggle to assert himself offensively, exemplified by his subpar scoring in the first halves of both games, culminating in prolonged stretches of him not being involved offensively. This alarming trend raises questions about the team’s mental fortitude and capacity to perform under pressure.
Exploring Coaching Decisions
Coaching decisions played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ downward spiral during the series, particularly in the critical moments of Game 2. Joe Missoula's choice to not call a timeout when the team was losing momentum raised eyebrows, especially given the critical juncture of the game. Moreover, the decision to run the same offensive play after a made basket, by not adjusting the strategy despite allowing the Knicks to anticipate their moves, demonstrates a lack of tactical flexibility. This has left fans questioning whether Missoula has the necessary adjustments to lead the team effectively during high-pressure situations.
Concerns Over Player Performance
Alongside Tatum's struggles, other key players like Jalen Brown and Al Horford have faced challenges that have impacted the Celtics’ overall effectiveness. Brown's performance has been marked by costly turnovers and missed opportunities, particularly during critical stretches in the fourth quarter, undermining the team's offensive flow. Similarly, Horford's inability to contribute meaningfully on both ends of the floor, showcased by his dwindling numbers, has raised concerns about his suitability for playoff matchups against larger opponents like the Knicks. If these players are unable to step up, the Celtics risk becoming overly reliant on their core duo, decreasing their chances of advancing.
Most Valuable Players for the Knicks
Throughout this series, key performances from Knicks players, particularly Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, have illustrated their growing influence and importance. Brunson has emerged as a clutch performer, consistently taking advantage of defensive mismatches and score important baskets in the closing moments, while Hart contributes valuable rebounds and stability. This duo's synergy has exemplified the Knicks' ability to maintain poise while capitalizing on the Celtics’ lapses. The Celtics now face the challenge of containing these players in order to regain their footing in the series.
The Impact of Porzingis Missing
The absence of Kristaps Porzingis has significantly affected the Celtics' game plan and defensive structure, especially given the reliance on his skills in both scoring and rim protection. His inability to play consistently leaves a gap in the Celtics' lineup, forcing Al Horford and Luke Kornet into more prominent roles that have proven inadequate against the Knicks’ attacks. As the Celtics adapt to the loss of Porzingis, their offensive identity suffers, leading to uncharacteristic isolation plays and declining teamwork on the offensive end. This injury may impact not only the current series but the team's long-term strategies in the playoffs ahead.
The Road Ahead and Series Implications
As the series progresses, the Celtics must reevaluate their strategies and performance as they aim to bounce back in the next games. The current series highlights a crucial 'fork in the road' moment, where failing to capitalize on their potential could result in negative narratives surrounding the team's future. They must prove that they can overcome adversity on the road, as their inconsistencies continue to raise doubts. With their playoff run hanging in the balance, the importance of resilience and execution cannot be overstated in attempt to turn the tide against the Knicks.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Wosny Lambre and Joe House to react to Warriors-Timberwolves Game 2, and to preview Cavs-Pacers Game 3 (2:19). Then, they craft a pyramid of the best NBA playoff guys, and more (24:24). Finally, Bill’s dad joins to discuss the Celtics as they face an uphill battle against the Knicks (01:02:34).
