Podcast Summary: The Bill Simmons Podcast
Episode: Best NBA Playoff Guys, Curry’s Value, and the Perplexing Celtics Meltdown With Wosny Lambre, Joe House, and Bill’s Dad
Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, hosted by Bill Simmons of The Ringer, the discussion centers around the ongoing NBA playoffs with a particular focus on the Boston Celtics' unexpected struggles against the New York Knicks. Joining Bill are regular contributors Wosny Lambre (“Waz”) and Joe House, along with a special appearance by Bill’s father, who provides firsthand insights from attending the playoff games.

Warriors’ Performance Without Steph Curry

The podcast opens with an analysis of the Golden State Warriors' recent performance in the absence of their star player, Steph Curry. Joe House critiques the team's offensive decline without Curry, highlighting the challenges posed by Minnesota's robust defense.

• Joe House: “It's really crazy because their offense isn't elite. When Steph is there, it's like he's propping up a bunch of mediocrity. And to see him not be there... it's just a pedestrian offense.” ([03:40])

This segment underscores how integral Curry is to the Warriors' success, suggesting that his absence exposes the team's underlying weaknesses.

Draymond Green's Technical Fouls

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Draymond Green's behavior on the court, particularly his technical fouls and confrontations during playoff games.

• Bill Simmons: “Draymond tried to get himself kicked out. That also happened, which is a tradition like none other.” ([04:19])

• Joe House: “Nobody routinely connects with the head of the guy that's guarding them as consistently... as Draymond Green.” ([05:05])

The conversation highlights Green's aggressive playstyle and its impact on games, questioning the league's handling of his technical foul tally.

Celtics vs. Knicks Playoff Analysis

Tatum's Struggles

The heart of the episode delves into the Boston Celtics' disappointing performances against the New York Knicks, with a particular focus on Jayson Tatum's underwhelming displays in the first two playoff games.

• Wosny Lambre: “He embodied it in that game. And I just can't believe that Jayson Tatum is actually the player that we saw in Game two.” ([28:39])

Despite Tatum's stellar regular-season performances, his playoff outings have raised concerns about his ability to perform under pressure.

Coaching Decisions and Strategies

Bill Simmons and his guests critique the Celtics' coaching strategies, especially in high-stakes moments.

• Bill Simmons: “They didn’t call a timeout and then run the exact same play. Even Tibbs in the press conference after his...” ([89:15])

• Joe House: “We gotta get you. We gotta get you a new laptop.” ([64:30])

The discussion points out a lack of tactical adjustments during crucial moments, leading to missed opportunities and blown leads.

Game Two Breakdown

Bill’s father, who attended Game Two, provides a vivid recount of the Celtics' collapse from a 20-point lead.

• Bill's Dad: “Jayson Tatum, first team, all NBA, has two points. What the hell? He has two points. He never was in the offense...” ([67:12])

This firsthand account emphasizes the Celtics' inability to maintain their performance standards in the final quarter, attributing failures to both player execution and coaching decisions.

Player Evaluations and Pyramid Discussion

Building the Playoff Pyramid

A segment of the conversation involves constructing a "playoff pyramid," ranking current NBA players based on their playoff performances and potential impact.

• Bill Simmons: “Show me his signature game in the 2025 NBA playoffs.” ([25:25])

• Wosny Lambre: “Brunson is not hurt. Brunson's going into Boston and ripping the heart out of that city.” ([25:25])

The exchange highlights key players like Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, and Donovan Mitchell, debating their standings and contributions to their respective teams' successes.

Jason Tatum's Future

The guests speculate on Jason Tatum's trajectory in the NBA, especially in light of his recent playoff performances.

• Bill Simmons: “This is a real fork in the road weekend for Jason Tatum...” ([44:15])

• Wosny Lambre: “It's time for him... he can't let his missed jump shot... impact the rest of his game.” ([17:23])

The consensus suggests that Tatum's ability to adapt and elevate his game is crucial for the Celtics' championship aspirations.

Discussion on Other NBA Teams and Players

Beyond the Celtics and Warriors, the podcast touches upon various other teams and players making significant playoff runs or facing challenges.

• Wosny Lambre: Praises Nikola Jokic's performance, comparing him to legends like Tim Duncan and Michael Jordan. ([55:35])

• Joe House: Comments on James Harden's inconsistent playoff performances, acknowledging his moments of brilliance amidst struggles. ([58:09])

• Wosny Lambre: Expresses admiration for Russell Westbrook's resilience and importance to the Denver Nuggets' future. ([59:43])

These discussions provide a broader NBA playoff landscape, highlighting standout performances and potential dark horses.

Insights from Bill’s Dad

Bill's father offers invaluable perspectives from attending the playoff games, providing a ground-level view of the Celtics' challenges.

• Bill's Dad: “We kept missing shots. The Knicks would come down and they took very good shots...” ([68:30])

His observations reinforce the podcasters' analyses, emphasizing the Celtics' decline in offensive efficiency during critical moments.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the Celtics' playoff viability and the broader NBA landscape. Bill Simmons expresses uncertainty about the Celtics' ability to overcome their current struggles, while the guests share optimistic views on other teams' potentials.

• Bill Simmons: “I just can't believe we got here... It was like, what do you guys do with.” ([105:00])

The discussion underscores the unpredictable nature of the playoffs and the thin line between triumph and disappointment for even the most storied franchises.

Notable Quotes

• Joe House, discussing Warriors without Curry:
  “It's really crazy because their offense isn't elite... it's just a pedestrian offense.” ([03:40])

• Bill Simmons, on Draymond Green:
  “Nobody routinely connects with the head of the guy that's guarding them as consistently... as Draymond Green.” ([05:05])

• Wosny Lambre, on Tatum's Game Two performance:
  “He embodied it in that game. And I just can't believe that Jayson Tatum is actually the player that we saw in Game two.” ([28:39])

• Bill's Dad, recounting Game Two:
  “Jayson Tatum... has two points. What the hell? He never was in the offense.” ([67:12])

• Bill Simmons, on coaching decisions:
  “They didn’t call a timeout and then run the exact same play.” ([89:15])

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the NBA playoffs, with a specific focus on the Boston Celtics' unexpected downturn against the New York Knicks. Through insightful discussions, critical evaluations of coaching strategies, and firsthand accounts from live games, Bill Simmons and his guests offer listeners a deep dive into the mechanics and motivations shaping the current playoff season.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on a transcript provided and may not capture every nuance of the original podcast episode. For a complete understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.