The Athletic NBA Daily Summary

Episode: Haliburton’s Game Winner Finishes Bucks + Is Playoff Jamal Murray Back?
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Hosts: Dave DeFore, Xena Keda
Guest: Law Murray

1. Playoff Eliminations: Bucks vs. Pacers

Timestamp: 02:11 - 08:02

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the Milwaukee Bucks' elimination at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. Xena Keda highlights the intense nature of the series, noting, “The Milwaukee Bucks, they showed some Bucks culture. They came out and I thought they took some really good swings” (02:50).

Key Points:

• Bucks' Early Dominance: The Bucks built a substantial lead early in the game, reaching a 30-13 advantage in the first quarter, demonstrating strong offensive execution.
• Pacers' Resilience: Despite the Bucks' initial lead, the Pacers showcased depth and stamina, especially in the second quarter where Indiana deployed five bench players who collectively played significant minutes (03:34).
• Critical Lineup Changes: Doc Rivers’ decision to introduce younger players like AJ Green and KJ (possibly KJ McDaniels) added a fresh dynamic to the Bucks' lineup, enhancing both offense and defense (03:34).
• Tyrese Halliburton’s Impact: Halliburton’s performance was pivotal, particularly his game-winning dunk after outmaneuvering Giannis Antetokounmpo. Xena remarks, “Tyrese Halliburton gets the game winner on a dunk and it's just, you don't expect to see a team lose on that sort of play” (05:50).

Notable Quote:

Law Murray: “Tyrese Halliburton gets the game winner on a dunk and it was surreal that it ended that way, especially after the night that Giannis had” (05:50).

The discussion further delves into Giannis Antetokounmpo's composed reaction post-game, commending his restraint despite the emotional confrontation with Halliburton's father. Xena praises Giannis, saying, “shout out to Giannis, who is a massive, giant human being, for showing so much restraint” (08:02).

2. Celtics vs. Magic: Reigning Champs Survive First Round

Timestamp: 08:02 - 13:02

Transitioning to the Boston Celtics' playoff journey, Xena Keda discusses their elimination of the Orlando Magic in a hard-fought series.

Key Points:

• Celtics' Adaptation: Facing challenges such as Jim Brown's wrist injury, the Celtics adjusted their gameplay by reducing three-point attempts and focusing more on free throws and attacking the basket (10:16).
• Jason Tatum’s Heroics: Despite his injury, Tatum returned to average 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, leading the team effectively.
• Depth and Experience: Law Murray emphasizes Boston’s depth and experience as critical factors, stating, “the talent, one, their depth was deeper on the Boston side, but the experience was bigger” (11:21).
• Strategic Adjustments: The Celtics' ability to evolve their strategy throughout the series showcased their championship pedigree, making them formidable opponents in subsequent rounds.

Notable Quote:

Law Murray: “They found a lead in the first half, and their offense was flowing. Everything was going. And then at some point in every single game of this series, you saw the difference between experience and talent” (11:21).

3. Pistons vs. Knicks: Pistons Showcase Resilience

Timestamp: 13:02 - 18:23

The conversation shifts to the Detroit Pistons overcoming the New York Knicks, highlighting standout performances from Cade Cunningham and Asar Thompson.

Key Points:

• Cade Cunningham’s Leadership: Cunningham delivered a strong performance with 24 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds, particularly igniting the Pistons’ offense in the second half (14:00).
• Asar Thompson’s Breakout: Thompson exceeded expectations by scoring 22 points, including an impressive 8-for-10 in the paint, demonstrating his athletic prowess and defensive capabilities (14:00).
• Tobias Harris’s Defensive Mastery: Harris played 43 minutes, effectively guarding Carl Anthony Towns and disrupting the Knicks' offensive flow, earning high praise for his stamina and defensive intelligence (16:20).
• Knicks’ Struggles: The Knicks lacked offensive cohesion, with no single player scoring over 20 points, making it easier for the Pistons to control the game.

Notable Quote:

Law Murray: “Asar Thompson is just as athletic, just as capable of scoring, and just as disruptive as his twin. And that is really the core and essence of what this defense in Detroit did to Jalen Brunson” (15:39).

Xena reflects on the Knicks' defensive challenges, stating, “the Knicks have become an easier team to guard for the Pistons because they're not really playing together” (16:43). Law concurs, highlighting Detroit’s defensive strategy and energy as key factors in their victory (17:03).

4. Nuggets vs. Clippers: Jamal Murray’s Playoff Return

Timestamp: 21:25 - 35:59

The final segment focuses on the Denver Nuggets taking a 3-2 series lead against the Los Angeles Clippers, with a spotlight on Jamal Murray’s resurgence and Russell Westbrook’s influential performance.

Key Points:

• Jamal Murray’s Dominance: Murray delivered what Law Murray describes as “the best Jamal Murray playoff performance since the bubble,” effectively leading the Nuggets with crucial baskets and playmaking (21:57).
• Russell Westbrook’s Energy: Westbrook provided a veteran presence, energizing the team and complementing Murray’s efforts. Law praises Westbrook’s consistent physicality and leadership, stating, “Russ went through Bogey for and ones in the first and the second quarters” (24:26).
• James Harden’s Struggles: Contrasting Murray and Westbrook’s performances, James Harden faced shooting woes, averaging fewer shots each game and underperforming offensively. Law emphasizes the need for Harden to elevate his game in Game 6 (28:18).
• Defensive Adjustments by Clippers: Denver exploited the Clippers’ defense by increasing their three-point attempts, surpassing the league average with 25 made shots outside the paint. Law critiques the Clippers for not respecting Westbrook, which allowed Denver to capitalize (30:37).

Notable Quotes:

Law Murray: “Jamal Murray packs these dudes up from the jump. He maintained it through the whole game” (21:57).

Law Murray: “Russell Westbrook... empowers everybody else around him, especially at home” (24:26).

Law Murray: “James needs to empty the clip. Damn it. For game six” (29:13).

Xena and Law predict the series heading to Game 7, citing Denver’s momentum and the Clippers’ need to adjust defensively. Law maintains his professional stance, choosing to stick with his series prediction despite the Clippers’ previous defensive prowess (35:32).

Notable Quote:

Law Murray: “I'm expecting the Athletic Clippers in seven. I'm not the type to change things just because I saw some team get smacked” (35:34).

Conclusion

The episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provides an in-depth analysis of key playoff series:

• Bucks vs. Pacers: Highlighting a dramatic series culmination led by Tyrese Halliburton’s game-winner.
• Celtics vs. Magic: Showcasing Boston’s adaptability and depth in overcoming injuries.
• Pistons vs. Knicks: Emphasizing Detroit’s resilience and emerging talent.
• Nuggets vs. Clippers: Focusing on Jamal Murray’s return and the critical performances needed from Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

With insightful commentary and strategic breakdowns, the podcast equips listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA playoff landscape.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript segments and are indicative of where each topic is discussed within the episode.