Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily – "Pacers Down Cavs Again + Are the Warriors Done Without Steph?"

Introduction

In the May 7, 2025 episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni delve into the intense developments of the NBA playoffs. This episode focuses on two pivotal narratives: the Indiana Pacers' remarkable comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors' struggles in the absence of their star, Steph Curry. The discussion is enriched by insights from NBA analysts and regular appearances by award-winning reporters, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the unfolding playoff drama.

Pacers vs. Cavaliers: A Wild Comeback

The episode opens with a detailed analysis of Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, despite featuring standout players like Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell, experienced a heartbreaking collapse after establishing a 20-point lead. The Pacers, led by Tyrese Halliburton, orchestrated a stunning comeback, ultimately securing a 20-point victory over the Cavaliers, who hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Key Moments and Player Performances

NBA Analyst 1 highlights the critical errors made by the Cavaliers in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal fumble on the inbound pass that allowed the Pacers to steal possession. "[Tyrese Halliburton] hits a game winner and he also did the big balls celebration," Analyst 1 notes at [03:52], emphasizing Halliburton's decisive role in the comeback.

Donovan Mitchell's performance is scrutinized, especially his high usage rate of 47.5% compared to Giannis Antetokounmpo's 35%. Analyst 1 remarks at [06:46], "He was the guy for them," underscoring Mitchell's burden on the Cavaliers' offense. Despite Mitchell's 30 shots, including 19 in the paint, the Cavaliers struggled defensively, with Jared Allen being their only significant presence in the finals.

The Pacers' resilience is further attributed to their defensive adjustments and offensive rebounds. Analyst 1 praises Indiana's effort: "I love the defensive effort from Indiana all night" ([04:24]). Max Strus's energy and Ben Simmons's 13 assists are highlighted as pivotal factors contributing to Indiana's advantageous position in the series.

Strategic Insights and Tactical Adjustments

During the halftime break, the Pacers made crucial adjustments, increasing their transition play and defensive intensity. Host Dave DuFour observes at [04:24], "the Pacers had more of that Pacers energy. They started running on makes again." This strategic shift allowed Indiana to capitalize on Cleveland's fatigue and forced turnovers, leading to pivotal plays in the latter stages of the game.

Analyst 1 emphasizes the importance of team depth and playmaking, stating at [13:06], "the Pacers also adjusted to the switch. Heavy defense. Cleveland started switching in this game more often." This flexibility in defense enabled the Pacers to effectively counteract the Cavaliers' offensive strategies.

Warriors vs. Wolves: Steph Curry's Absence and Its Impact

Shifting focus, the discussion transitions to the Golden State Warriors' performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their second-round series. Steph Curry's injury looms large over the Warriors' prospects, raising concerns about their competitiveness without their marquee player.

At [16:26], Host Dave DuFour introduces guest John Krasinski, who provides an in-depth analysis of the Wolves' disappointing Game 1 performance. Analyst 2 critiques the Warriors' execution, noting, "Steph goes out with an injury, and they just played so flat and they were so poor from a shooting perspective."

The Warriors' struggles are compounded by their inability to rebound effectively, losing 51 to 41 against the Wolves. Analyst 2 remarks at [22:38], "they did lose the rebounding battle, 51 to 41. And they can’t do that." This deficiency hampers their ability to control the game's pace and maintain possession.

Team Dynamics and Future Outlook

The Wolves' lackluster shooting performance, particularly from three-point range, is dissected with Analyst 2 pointing out, "they were a step behind all game long." Despite being one of the league's top three-point shooting teams in the regular season, their 17% efficiency in this playoff game raises questions about their shot selection and execution under pressure.

The potential long-term impact of Curry's absence is a significant concern. Analyst 2 posits, "it becomes really, really difficult for the Warriors to score," suggesting that the Warriors may face an uphill battle in maintaining their competitive edge throughout the series.

Insights and Conclusions

The episode concludes with a reflection on the broader implications of these playoff developments. The Pacers' ability to mount a comeback against a top-seeded Cavaliers team underscores their potential as serious title contenders. Analyst 1 praises their depth and playmaking, asserting, "you look at the Pacers depth and it was somehow underrated in this series because I thought Ben Bishop had a really great game."

Conversely, the Warriors' struggle without Steph Curry highlights the critical role he plays in their success. The conversation underscores the uncertainty surrounding the Warriors' future performance and their chances of advancing further in the playoffs without their star guard.

Notable Quotes

• Analyst 1 at [03:37]: "Halliburton has his second game winner of the playoffs too, like Aaron Gordon."

• Host Dave DuFour at [07:55]: "This was the path to success for them all night."

• Analyst 2 at [18:51]: "Chris Finch was very frustrated with just the lack of finishing at the rim."

• Analyst 2 at [22:58]: "Jimmy Butler, Draymond. Buddy. Heald at eight."

Conclusion

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provides a nuanced exploration of pivotal playoff moments, emphasizing the Pacers' impressive resilience and the Warriors' vulnerability in the face of key injuries. With in-depth analyses and timely insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the current NBA playoff landscape, highlighting both emerging threats and enduring strengths among the league's top contenders.