The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode: Should the Thunder be Worried?
Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour and Zena Keita delve into a whirlwind of playoff action, focusing primarily on the unexpected outcomes in the second round. The episode zeroes in on the New York Knicks' stunning upset over the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder's narrow loss to the Denver Nuggets. With insightful analysis from NBA reporters Andrew Schleck and Alex Caruso, listeners are treated to a comprehensive breakdown of key performances, strategic decisions, and what these games mean for the teams' playoff trajectories.

Knicks vs. Celtics: A Nail-Biting Overtime Thriller

Game Overview: The Knicks delivered a thrilling performance against the Celtics, overturning a 20-point deficit to win in overtime with a final score of 108-105. Key players like Jalen Brunson and Mikel Bridges were pivotal in securing the victory.

Key Discussions:

• Three-Point Shooting Woes:

  • Zena Keita highlights the Celtics' inefficiency from beyond the arc, noting, "They finished the game 15 out of 60 from three" (03:00). This poor shooting was a critical factor in their downfall.
  • Alex Caruso adds, "It's hard to win basketball games if you're going to miss 45 threes" (02:59), emphasizing the importance of perimeter shooting in modern NBA play.

• Defensive Intensity:

  • The Knicks' defensive prowess was evident as they limited the Celtics' offensive options by targeting Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, putting both in foul trouble early on.
  • Andrew Schleck commends the Knicks' defense, stating, "They just have to get to the ball faster. They have to be more decisive" (22:35).

• Player Performances:

  • Jalen Brunson and Mikel Bridges both dropped 29 points each, with Brunson particularly shining in clutch moments.
  • Alex Caruso praises Josh Hart's contribution, noting, "With Josh Hart wasn't out on the floor doing what he did for the Knicks, they weren't pulling out this win" (07:40).

• Strategic Missteps:

  • Zena criticizes the Celtics' second-half strategy of excessive three-point attempts without consideration for play resets: "It felt like rushed. It was one pass. Get a shot up" (04:48).
  • The decision to remove Karl-Anthony Towns in the second quarter is questioned by Zena: "I think that that's a mistake" (07:40).

Notable Quotes:

• Zena Keita: "When Carl Anthony Towns is the center, that's the time to go to the basket" (04:00).
• Andrew Schleck: "There is game two, and in fact, there's game three and game four as well. And so, they understand the moment and they've got to learn through these things" (27:45).

Thunder vs. Nuggets: A Heartbreaker on Home Court

Game Overview: The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a tough loss against the Denver Nuggets, with the final play being a game-winning three-pointer by Aaron Gordon. The Thunder's lack of playoff experience was evident as they struggled to execute crucial plays down the stretch.

Key Discussions:

• Critical Mistakes:

  • Andrew Schleck points out multiple errors by the Thunder, including excessive fouling and missed free throws: "They fouled too much down the stretch" (17:53).
  • Alex Caruso highlights the Thunder's inability to capitalize on turnovers, despite their generally solid performance: "They weren't able to capitalize on those mistakes as much as you thought they'd be able to" (22:35).

• Jokic’s Dominance:

  • Denver's Nikola Jokic showcased his MVP caliber by accumulating 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, making it challenging for the Thunder to contain him: "He just needs more efficient, you know, offensive players out of both of those guys" (20:31).

• Player Performances:

  • Aaron Gordon's game-winning shot was a focal point, with Alex Caruso remarking on its unexpected nature: "Aaron Gordon could barely explain this to Stephanie Reddy" (12:55).
  • The Thunder's younger players, such as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, struggled with shooting efficiency: "JW goes to 2 of 9 from 3" (20:59).

• Coaching Decisions:

  • Mark Daigneault's coaching strategies came under scrutiny, especially his decision to foul in the backcourt and the handling of challenge plays: "Mark is... Has now been in a situation where he is, you know, effectively lost a game for the Thunder" (26:34).

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Schleck: "This is what playoff basketball is all about. This is how you want it back and forth" (30:06).
• Zena Keita: "You gotta beat Jokic four times out of six" (28:56).

Strategic Insights and Player Highlights

• Defensive Strategies:

  • Both teams showcased different defensive approaches. The Knicks emphasized physicality and hustle, while the Thunder struggled with defensive rebounding and second-chance opportunities.

• Offensive Execution:

  • The Knicks' ability to execute under pressure contrasted sharply with the Thunder's inefficiencies, particularly in shooting and free-throw attempts.

• Emerging Stars:

  • Alex Caruso emerged as a standout off-the-bench performer for the Nuggets, contributing significantly to their narrow victory: "This was supposed to be the Caruso game... Both kind of out of character" (13:18).

Conclusions and Future Implications

The episode concludes with a discussion on the implications of these games for the remaining playoff series:

• Knicks' Momentum:

  • The Knicks' victory over the Celtics positions them as formidable contenders, demonstrating resilience and strategic execution.

• Thunder's Learning Curve:

  • Despite the loss, the Thunder have the potential to learn and adapt, though their lack of playoff experience remains a concern.

• Nuggets' Confidence:

  • The Nuggets, buoyed by their win and strong performances from key players, seem poised to advance further, but facing the Thunder could still present challenges.

Final Thoughts: Dave DuFour wraps up the episode by acknowledging the excitement of the playoffs and hinting at the upcoming Avalanche series, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next day's action.

Closing Quote:

• Dave DuFour: "This has been the NBA Daily. Thanks for waking up with us." (30:46)

Key Takeaways

• Celtics' Shooting Struggles: Ineffective three-point shooting was a critical downfall in their loss to the Knicks.
• Thunder's Execution Issues: Excessive fouling and missed free throws contributed to the Thunder's narrow defeat against the Nuggets.
• Emerging Performances: Players like Jalen Brunson, Mikel Bridges, and Alex Caruso were instrumental in their teams' successes.
• Coaching Decisions Matter: Strategic choices, particularly in high-pressure moments, significantly impacted game outcomes.
• Playoff Experience is Crucial: The Nuggets' experience shone through, highlighting the Thunder's need to adapt and learn quickly.

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily offers an in-depth analysis of pivotal playoff games, providing fans with a nuanced understanding of team performances, strategic decisions, and individual player impacts. Whether you're a casual listener or a dedicated basketball enthusiast, the episode delivers valuable insights into the unfolding drama of the 2025 NBA playoffs.