Podcast Summary: The Bill Simmons Podcast – "Denver Survives! Suddenly Dramatic Playoff Weekend Alert With Rob Mahoney"

Release Date: May 16, 2025

In this exhilarating episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, host Bill Simmons teams up with NBA analyst Rob Mahoney to dissect the intense NBA playoff action, focusing primarily on the Denver Nuggets' gritty performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the consequential Celtics-Knicks showdown. The conversation is rich with in-depth analysis, player performance breakdowns, and strategic insights, making it a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts.

1. Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Series Analysis

Game Dynamics and Series Overview

The dialogue kicks off with a comprehensive analysis of the Nuggets-Thunder series, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the matchup. Rob Mahoney reflects on the fluctuating performances of the Thunder, highlighting the inconsistency that has both challenged and fueled their playoff run.

Rob Mahoney [03:08]: "We do."

Bill Simmons echoes these sentiments, expressing his emotional investment in the series and the pivotal moments that have defined it.

Bill Simmons [03:14]: "I felt myself getting sad in the first half when OKC started to pull away...he's the one constant."

Key Player Performances

The spotlight quickly shifts to Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets' linchpin, whose stellar performances have been instrumental in Denver's success. Both hosts dissect Jokić's impact, noting his ability to dominate games despite the team's overall inconsistencies.

Bill Simmons [06:24]: "Jokic is so great. I just don't want to play him if it's one game. He has two days rest until Sunday and he's probably going to play what, 43 minutes, 44 minutes as much as it takes."

Rob Mahoney delves into Russell Westbrook's fluctuating performance, attributing some of the Thunder's challenges to Westbrook's moments of diminished effectiveness.

Rob Mahoney [04:34]: "Russell Westbrook did have the kind of performance where he almost lost this game."

Strategic Insights and Predictions

The conversation deepens as they explore the strategic elements that could influence the outcome of Game 7. Mahoney emphasizes the importance of the Thunder matching Denver's defensive precision and the necessity for their key players to step up.

Rob Mahoney [07:00]: "This feels like a very natural graduation point for Oklahoma City. Like, they're either going to be able to beat a team like that or they're not."

Bill Simmons contemplates the endurance and execution required from both teams, pondering whether the Thunder can sustain their performance against a seasoned Nuggets squad.

Bill Simmons [16:05]: "Jalen Williams one, Chet two."

Mahoney reinforces the significance of playmaking and defensive strategy, underscoring the Nuggets' resilience.

Rob Mahoney [16:24]: "Jokic in crunch time is as good as it gets."

Predictions for Game 7

As the discussion culminates, both hosts weigh in on their predictions. While Mahoney shows confidence in the Thunder's potential to upset, Simmons opts for a more nuanced approach, considering both favoring and underdog scenarios.

Rob Mahoney [63:05]: "I'm going to take OKC. As much as it pains me...I think the Thunder have enough, and I think we're going to see it."

Bill Simmons [63:18]: "OKC there wins by 15 or Denver wins."

2. Celtics vs. Knicks Series Analysis

Impact of Tatum's Injury

Shifting focus, Bill and Rob analyze the Celtics' challenges stemming from Jayson Tatum's injury. The absence of Tatum has forced the team to adapt their playing style, increasing their pace and reliance on other players like Jaylen Brown.

Bill Simmons [37:39]: "How are you feeling tomorrow night?...they just played with more pace, and it was intentional."

Jaylen Brown's Emergence

Jaylen Brown's performance emerges as a beacon of hope for the Celtics. Both hosts laud his ability to step up in Tatum's absence, demonstrating versatility and leadership.

Bill Simmons [39:26]: "I just feel like there's a strange vibe to him...this is one of the best 20, 25 players in the league."

Rob Mahoney [49:57]: "Jaylen Brown... is one of those guys who can have games like he had in game five."

Knicks' Struggles and Performance Breakdown

The Knicks' struggles are dissected, with particular emphasis on their inability to maintain leads and their reliance on key players who are underperforming. Simmons and Mahoney discuss the Knicks' defensive lapses and offensive inefficiencies that have cost them crucial games.

Bill Simmons [43:59]: "Bridges has zero free throws in the series, is shooting 39%... Brudson and Hart and Robinson are the guys playing the best for them."

Predictions and Team Dynamics

In contemplating the Celtics-Knicks series, both hosts consider the potential outcomes based on current performances and player health. The emphasis is on the Celtics' ability to sustain momentum and the Knicks' need to overcome their defensive and offensive shortcomings.

Rob Mahoney [55:13]: "The Thunder want to get out and run so badly and Russell Westbrook wants to both drive and hit the offensive glass so badly."

3. Other Teams and Broader NBA Playoff Insights

Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves

Beyond the primary series, Bill and Rob touch upon the performances of other teams like the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves. They commend the Timberwolves' consecutive conference finals appearances and analyze Julius Randle's pivotal role despite occasional miscues.

Rob Mahoney [55:13]: "They did it by being the Wolves in every possible respect...undeniably and valuable."

Player Health and Team Strategies

A recurring theme is the impact of player health on team performance. The discussion highlights how injuries and player conditions can drastically alter playoff trajectories, using examples like Jayson Tatum's injury and the Thunder's adjustment to player rotations.

Bill Simmons [50:24]: "They have to be comfortable with some of those smaller looks...they need to run the floor and run some possessions."

4. Final Predictions and Picks

As the episode draws to a close, Bill and Rob share their final game predictions, leaning on their thorough analysis and keen insights into player performances and team strategies.

Rob Mahoney [62:52]: "I'm going to take OKC...I think the Thunder have enough, and I think we're going to see it."

Bill Simmons [63:18]: "But I'm going to make a rare semi cop out, but not totally a prediction."

Notable Quotes

• Rob Mahoney [04:34]: "Russell Westbrook did have the kind of performance where he almost lost this game."

• Bill Simmons [06:24]: "Jokic is so great. I just don't want to play him if it's one game."

• Rob Mahoney [07:00]: "This feels like a very natural graduation point for Oklahoma City..."

• Rob Mahoney [16:24]: "Jokic in crunch time is as good as it gets."

• Bill Simmons [37:39]: "How are you feeling tomorrow night?...they just played with more pace, and it was intentional."

• Rob Mahoney [49:57]: "Jaylen Brown... is one of those guys who can have games like he had in game five."

• Bill Simmons [63:18]: "But I'm going to make a rare semi cop out, but not totally a prediction."

Conclusion

This episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast offers a deep dive into the high-stakes NBA playoff battles, providing listeners with expert analysis and passionate debates. Bill Simmons and Rob Mahoney's dynamic conversation not only breaks down the games but also delves into the psychological and strategic aspects that could determine the outcomes of pivotal playoff games. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode delivers valuable insights and engaging discussions that capture the essence of playoff basketball.