The Bill Simmons Podcast The Floundering Cavs, OKC-Boston Gut Checks, and Lottery Karma Power Rankings With Ryen Russillo
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May 12, 2025 
Ryen Russillo, an insightful analyst for The Ringer and host of The Ryen Russillo Podcast, joins to dissect the Cavaliers' recent playoff struggles against the Pacers, questioning their future prospects and team identity. They also dive into the intense matchup between the Thunder and Nuggets, evaluating key performances under pressure. Plus, the conversation shifts to the amusing concept of NBA Lottery Karma, reflecting on team ethics and draft prospects, while balancing humor with serious sports insights.
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Indiana’s Mastery Over Cleveland
- Indiana completely outplayed Cleveland using superior preparation and execution of the 3-2 zone defense.
- Cleveland looked lost with no clear identity and struggled both offensively and defensively in this pivotal Game 4.
Pacers’ Tactical Advantage
- Cleveland’s staggered lineup with Mobley and Hunter struggled against the Pacers’ adjustments.
- The Pacers’ game plan exploited Cleveland’s zone and defensive rotations effectively in Game 4.
OKC’s Defensive Dominance
- Oklahoma City displayed elite defensive effort and schemes that significantly disrupted Denver’s offense.
- Denver struggled to score, especially in the fourth quarter and overtime, highlighting defensive dominance in this playoff stage.