Summary of "Can the Warriors Beat the Wolves?" Episode of The Athletic NBA Daily

Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni, along with regular contributors Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears, delve into the intricacies of the NBA playoffs. The discussion centers around recent pivotal games, outstanding player performances, and anticipates upcoming matchups, notably the Warriors facing the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Recap of Recent Playoff Action

Game 7 Showdowns and Significant Wins

The hosts begin by highlighting the intensity of the second-round playoffs, emphasizing the dramatic conclusion of multiple series with Game 7s. Brian introduces the segment by stating, "We managed to get a couple of game sevens. I would say the two most compelling series I hey wound up going seven." This sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the Warriors' significant victory.

Warriors vs. Rockets: A Detailed Breakdown

Zena Keita provides an insider perspective on the Warriors' Game 7 win over the Houston Rockets. He remarks, "It was unreal. ... Starting Buddy Heald after he went 0-0 points in Game 6, went 2 of 6 from the field in Game 5. That was some serious trust that Steve Kerr had for him to start tonight, and it paid off." This strategic move proved pivotal, showcasing Buddy Heeld's critical role in breaking the Rockets' defensive strategies.

Frank adds, "Buddy, it was awesome. ... You got Buddy for the first half, you got Steph and Jimmy for the second half. It kind of allowed them to get their rhythm in this game just because Steph and Jimmy were able to dominate." The coordinated effort between veterans like Draymond Green and emerging talents ensured the Warriors' triumph.

In-Depth Analysis of Pacers vs. Cavaliers Series

Cavaliers' Struggles Without Darius Garland

Brian discusses the Cavaliers' early exit in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, highlighting the absence of Darius Garland: "The Cavaliers didn't have Darius Garland and it showed, especially early on." Garland's playmaking and offensive prowess were sorely missed, leading the Pacers to a decisive 121-112 victory.

Pacers' Strategic Prowess and Key Players

Frank emphasizes Andrew Nemhardt's exceptional performance: "Nemhardt is a big, big part of that. I will say. The Cavs also shot, like, 25% from three. That's not gonna happen all the time." Nemhardt's ability to score critical three-pointers and his defensive tenacity were instrumental in the Pacers' success.

Aaron Neesmith's contributions are also lauded: "Aaron Neesmith only played 25 minutes, but I swear, every second he was in the game, I felt him." His relentless defense and rebounds despite limited playing time underscored his value to the Pacers.

Impact of Halliburton's Defense

Tyrese Halliburton's defensive efforts were pivotal: "Halliburton got a stop. He actually got a couple of blocks in this game too. And he was able to." His ability to pressure the ball and disrupt the Cavaliers' offensive flow significantly contributed to the Pacers maintaining control of the game tempo.

Upcoming Series: Oklahoma City vs. Denver Nuggets

Nuggets' Resilience and Westbrook's Influence

Brian previews the upcoming Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, noting the Nuggets' fatigue from a grueling seven-game series: "They looked tired at times in the series. You know, like late third, early fourth. They're not a deep team." However, Russell Westbrook's pivotal role remains a focal point: "Russell Westbrook was huge in that game seven against the Clippers. He was huge in game one. They will need him to be that for every single game."

Frank concurs, emphasizing Westbrook's clutch performance: "He relishes in these type of moments and I think like, especially against OKC, he's going to have a little bit of extra juice to be like that." The hosts discuss Westbrook's ability to influence games decisively, making him a critical asset for the Nuggets.

Strategic Matchups and Defensive Tactics

The conversation shifts to defensive strategies, with Brian questioning, "How are you going to survive offensively and lock down these guys?" Frank responds by analyzing the Thunder's defensive options against key Nuggets players, particularly Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The discussion underscores the strategic depth required to counter the Nuggets' versatile offense.

Warriors vs. Timberwolves: Tactical Breakdown and Predictions

Warriors' Defensive Strategies Against Anthony Edwards

Zena Keita anticipates the Warriors' defensive approach against the Timberwolves' star, Anthony Edwards: "You're going to see very similar things like Houston through at them. ... Especially against the Warrior, the guy is Aunt Edwards ... Nas Reed is a problem for the Warriors." The focus is on how the Warriors will manage offensive threats while containing Edwards' scoring ability.

Size Concerns and Defensive Matchups

Frank raises concerns about the Warriors' size in defending the Timberwolves: "I think the size will be an issue. ... the difference between Rockets and Wolves, to me is the fact that you have someone as a number one scoring option in Minnesota. That's something Houston was desperately trying to find throughout this series. They didn't have that guy. Minnesota has that guy in Anthony Edwards." This highlights the potential mismatch in size and scoring prowess that the Warriors will need to navigate.

Key Defensive Players and Their Impact

Jimmy Butler's defensive capabilities come under scrutiny as the hosts discuss his role: "Jimmy Butler can hold up enough that he's not just going to get knocked over. And I think he can just straight up guard Nas Reed." His ability to contain opposing scorers like Nas Reed is seen as crucial for the Warriors' defensive success.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

As the episode progresses to predictions, Zena Keita opts for the Timberwolves with a six-game series win: "I'm gonna go Wolves and six." However, Frank and Brian express differing opinions, with Brian rooting for the Warriors to extend their series to seven games: "I'm going warriors in seven." The varied predictions encapsulate the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the matchup.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listener engagement and sharing their enthusiasm for the ongoing playoffs. The comprehensive analysis provided offers insights into team strategies, player performances, and potential outcomes, making it a valuable resource for NBA enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the playoff dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian [04:51]: "The Cavaliers didn't have Darius Garland and it showed, especially early on."

• Frank [05:32]: "We got to start talking about Andrew Nemhardt as, like, one of the best playoff risers in the NBA."

• Zena [19:04]: "I thought it was hilariously tactful that the thing that had disrupted the Warriors all series long, that they could not figure out how to penetrate and blow up. They finally blow it up with Buddy Hill's three-point shot."

• Frank [23:42]: "The difference between Rockets and Wolves, to me, is the fact that you have someone as a number one scoring option in Minnesota."

• Zena [27:35]: "I'm sticking with Wolves. I got the Wolves and six."

This episode effectively dissects the current state of the NBA playoffs, providing listeners with a thorough analysis of past performances and future possibilities. The blend of statistical breakdowns, player evaluations, and strategic insights ensures that both casual fans and dedicated followers gain a comprehensive understanding of the unfolding basketball narratives.