The Dan Patrick Show

Episode: Hour 1 – The Knicks Are Joe Frazier, Celtics Lack Clutch Gene
Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Dan Patrick and his co-hosts gearing up to delve into the latest NBA playoff developments. The primary focus centers on the New York Knicks' surprising resilience against the Boston Celtics and a critical analysis of the Celtics' performance, particularly highlighting perceived deficiencies in clutch situations.

NBA Playoff Series Updates

• Knicks vs. Celtics:
  The Knicks have taken a 2-0 lead in the series against the Celtics, marking a significant upset given the Celtics' status as defending champions. Dan Patrick notes the Knicks' ability to overcome a 20-point deficit in Boston, emphasizing their grit and determination.

  "They erased a 20-point deficit, they shot under 30% from three-point range. It's not pretty, it's gritty." — Dan Patrick [15:45]

• Thunder vs. Nuggets:
  The Oklahoma City Thunder have evened their series against the Denver Nuggets with a dominant 149-106 victory, setting a playoff record by scoring 87 points in the first half.

  "The Thunder setting a playoff record. They had 87 points in the first half that broke the mark set by the Cavaliers in 2017." — Dan Patrick [20:10]

• Warriors vs. Minnesota:
  The Golden State Warriors are positioned as 10.5-point underdogs against Minnesota. With Steph Curry ruled out for at least a week, Patrick discusses the Warriors' prospects of leveraging their defensive prowess despite the absence of their star player.

  "Steph Curry won't be playing. He'll be out at least a week. If you're Golden State, you got nothing to lose. Just go after it again tonight." — Dan Patrick [05:30]

Knicks vs. Celtics: A Deeper Dive

Dan Patrick draws a compelling analogy between the Knicks and legendary boxer Joe Frazier, portraying the Knicks as a heavyweight team that absorbs pressure and responds with determination. This comparison underscores the Knicks' strategic resilience and mental toughness in high-stakes games.

"It's almost like the Knicks are like Joe Frazier. They take what you give them and then hit you back with one." — Dan Patrick [25:50]

Celtics' Clutch Performance:
Patrick critiques the Celtics for lacking a "clutch gene," suggesting that despite their deep roster and star power, they falter in crucial moments. He specifically points to Jason Tatum's inconsistent performances and questions his standing among the league's elite players.

"They have everything but that clutch gene that I need to make a bucket here." — Dan Patrick [28:15]

Player Analysis:

• Jason Tatum:
  Patrick discusses Tatum's role, debating whether Tatum is the true star of the Celtics or if he's overshadowed by players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.

  "Jason Tatum is a really good player, but to be one of the greats of all time, I want to see what you do when nobody else is doing anything." — Dan Patrick [30:40]

• Jalen Brunson:
  Brunson is lauded for his leadership and consistent performance, contributing significantly to the Knicks' success.

  "Jalen Brunson was the MVP last year when they won the title. Jason Tatum would have a better career than what he had or is having." — Dan Patrick [32:05]

Poll Questions and Results

The show engages listeners with poll questions regarding the surprising leads in the NBA series. The initial question compared the Pacers' lead over Cleveland to the Knicks' lead over Boston. The majority of listeners favored the Knicks' unexpected performance.

"More surprising, the Pacers are up 2.0 on Cleveland or Knicks are up 2.0 on Boston. I would say the Knicks up on the Celtics." — Dan Patrick [18:00]

Updated Poll Results:

• Celtics to win in six games: 53%
• Knicks in seven: 30%
• Celtics in seven: 17%

"Seaton, would you update the poll results from the first hour of this program? The Celtics and six have 53 of that." — Dan Patrick [45:20]

Listener Calls and Interactions

The show features multiple listener calls, adding depth and diverse opinions to the discussion.

• Angela from Oklahoma City:
  Cheers for the Thunder, highlighting the local support and excitement.

  "Let's go Thunder!" — Angela [22:30]

• Grant from Nashville:
  Comments on the Celtics' strategic decisions, particularly their three-point shooting approach.

  "They don't have to take every three you possibly can. This is who they are." — Grant [35:15]

• Mike from Buffalo:
  Criticizes the overcomparison of Jason Tatum to Kevin Durant, emphasizing the exhaustion of such debates.

  "Jason Tatum has been carrying Jalen Brown, and I think he's overrated." — Mike [38:50]

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick on Knicks' Strategy:

  "The Knicks are resilient, but they're built for this. They're built to beat the Celtics." — Dan Patrick [26:30]

• Co-host Marv on Celtics' Performance:

  "If I were betting, I wouldn't bet on the Celtics winning four in a row. I'd bet against it." — Marv [48:10]

• Paulie on Draft Analysis:

  "If Jason Tatum is drafted where Joel Embiid is now, I'd bet Ben Simmons has a better career." — Paulie [33:45]

Concluding Thoughts

As the first hour wraps up, Dan Patrick reiterates the Knicks' ability to disrupt expectations and the Celtics' need to find their clutch performance. The hosts express optimism about the Thunder's strong showing and scrutinize the Warriors' upcoming challenges without Curry.

"The Knicks did something that I preach about. The best player is not going to beat me, even if the best player is not having a good night." — Dan Patrick [40:00]

The episode concludes with a teaser for upcoming segments, including an interview with Cedric Maxwell, a former Celtics player, promising deeper insights into the ongoing playoff narratives.

Key Takeaways

• Knicks' Resilience: Their ability to overcome significant deficits positions them as formidable opponents in the playoffs.
• Celtics' Clutch Concerns: Despite a talented roster, the Celtics may struggle in high-pressure scenarios.
• Player Dynamics: Jason Tatum's role and performance are pivotal yet under scrutiny in the Celtics' quest for another title.
• Listener Engagement: Diverse opinions from listeners enrich the discussion, reflecting a broad spectrum of fan perspectives.

This detailed summary encapsulates the core discussions, insights, and dynamic interactions from the first hour of The Dan Patrick Show, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive overview of the episode's key elements.