The Zach Lowe Show

Caitlin Cooper, a basketball analyst for Basketball She Wrote, discusses the strategic dynamics of the Indiana Pacers as they prepare for the Finals. Former NBA stars Jeff Green and Kendrick Perkins reminisce about their time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, sharing heartfelt stories and reflections on team loyalty and pivotal playoff moments. They dive into coaching changes, the implications for the Knicks, and the excitement surrounding matchup predictions between the Thunder and Pacers, blending nostalgia with insightful analysis.

Kirk Goldsberry, an NBA analyst known for his expertise in basketball analytics, joins to preview the NBA Finals featuring the Pacers and Thunder. He dives into how the Pacers overcame challenges and what offensive strategies to watch. Ian Begley, an NBA analyst covering the Knicks, shares insights on the team's playoff journey and future decisions, including potential roster changes and coaching staff evaluations. Expect a mix of game strategy breakdowns and insider perspectives on the evolving landscape of the Knicks.

Wosny Lambre, an insightful NBA analyst and writer known for co-hosting the Group Chat podcast, dives into the Oklahoma City Thunder's remarkable journey back to the NBA Finals. He and Zach Lowe discuss the impact of rising stars like Shea Gilgis-Alexander and Anthony Edwards. They evaluate the Timberwolves' position in the West and plot the future for teams in the Eastern Conference, ranking contenders from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Indiana Pacers. Join them for a spirited analysis, exploring team dynamics and playoff prospects across the league.

Rob Mahoney, an insightful NBA writer and analyst, joins the conversation to dissect the Knicks' stunning comeback against the Pacers. They delve into strategic adjustments that turned the series around and how Indiana may respond. The discussion shifts westward to the Timberwolves' impressive Game 3 against the Thunder, highlighting pivotal player performances, including Karl-Anthony Towns. Personal anecdotes and reflections on sports fandom pepper the dialogue, adding a nostalgic touch amidst the high-stakes playoff analysis.

Chris Mannix, a Senior writer for Sports Illustrated and boxing analyst, shares his thrilling experience at Madison Square Garden during an epic Knicks comeback against the Pacers. He dives into key performances and coaching choices that shaped the game. Joining him, John Hollinger, a Senior columnist for The Athletic known for his analytical insight, discusses lesser-known NBA teams like the Clippers and Magic, exploring their offseason challenges and potential strategies. Expect lively banter and sharp insights on the ever-evolving NBA landscape!

In a lively discussion, NBA reporter Howard Beck shares his insights on the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets. They delve into the excitement of the upcoming conference finals, analyzing matchups like Thunder vs. Timberwolves and the historic rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers. Howard also sheds light on the uncertain future of the Boston Celtics, particularly concerning player injuries and potential trades. Expect strategic breakdowns and entertaining anecdotes as they navigate the league’s dynamic landscape.

Andrew Schlecht, a writer for The Athletic and co-host of the Down to Dunk podcast, dives into the excitement surrounding Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. He discusses key strategies, standout performances, and the historical rivalry's implications. Logan Murdock, co-host of the Real Ones podcast, explores the Golden State Warriors' future after their second-round exit, analyzing roster changes and the impact of aging stars. Both guests bring sharp insights into the high-stakes world of the NBA playoffs.

In this discussion, Bill Simmons, a renowned sports analyst and founder of The Ringer, dives into the impact of Jayson Tatum's injury on the Boston Celtics' playoff chances. He and Zach Lowe reflect on the high-stakes tension of the NBA draft lottery, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and the emotional reactions of team representatives. They also explore potential trade scenarios and team strategies in the wake of injuries, while pondering the future of franchises and the unpredictable nature of playoff performances.

Rob Mahoney, an insightful NBA writer and analyst, joins the discussion on how Giannis Antetokounmpo's uncertain future could reshape team dynamics amidst the draft lottery. They analyze the Thunder’s impressive strategies against the Nuggets, highlighting resilience under pressure. The conversation shifts to the Cavaliers' playoff struggles against the Pacers, revealing tactical missteps and injury woes. They also touch on standout performances from key players, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the playoffs.

As the shocking NBA playoffs continue, Zach is joined by Fred Katz to discuss what went down in Boston last night (1:07), as well as the Warriors' game plan without Steph Curry tonight (30:00) and more surprises in the Pacers-Cavs series (41:04).  Then, an NBA draft lottery interlude with J. Kyle Mann (53:36): They touch on everything from the 76ers' nerves to under-the-radar draft prospects. Finally, Adam Mares joins Zach to discuss the 1-1 series tie between the Nuggets and Thunder and what to expect going forward (1:24:27). Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Fred Katz, J. Kyle Mann, Adam Mares Producers: Jesse Aron, Chris Wohlers, Oscar De La Luz, Bobby Wagner The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Get started today at HubSpot.com/AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices