Podcast Summary: "Colin Cowherd Podcast - Celtics Dominate Knicks In Game 3, Derek Carr Retires"

Release Date: May 11, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Colin Cowherd, iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Celtics' Dominant Performance Against the Knicks

Timestamp: [03:48] – [07:15]

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by providing an instant reaction to Game 3 of the NBA playoffs, where the Boston Celtics delivered a commanding blowout victory over the New York Knicks. The Celtics showcased exceptional shooting prowess, hitting six of seven three-pointers in the first quarter and maintaining a high shooting percentage of 58% early in the game. Cowherd emphasizes the totality of the victory, noting,

"This thing was never even remotely competitive." [04:05]

He highlights that the Celtics have not lost three consecutive games in the past two years, underscoring their resilience and consistency as a championship team. Cowherd compares the Celtics' current team dynamics to the Denver Nuggets, pointing out the Celtics' enhanced performance on the road:

"Boston's a better road team than they are a home team, and that's been a couple of years now." [05:30]

2. Boston Celtics: A Studied Road Team

Timestamp: [07:16] – [12:45]

Cowherd delves deeper into the Celtics' performance, analyzing their remarkable road record of 35-9 this season, which is the second-best road win percentage ever. He finds it unusual for a championship team to outperform at home, especially in a city like Boston known for its intimidating crowds and sell-out games.

He speculates on possible reasons for this anomaly:

"Do they play with a certain level of anxiety at home? Do they take their foot off the gas at home? I don't know what it is..." [08:20]

Cowherd praises the Celtics' veteran roster, including stars like Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and supporting players such as Peyton Pritchard, who scored 27 points in 23 minutes in Game 3. He attributes their cohesive unit and collaborative spirit to their success, likening them to the Golden State Warriors in terms of teamwork and shooting ability.

3. Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Series Analysis

Timestamp: [12:46] – [16:10]

Shifting focus, Cowherd examines the ongoing series between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC). He expresses confusion over the odds set by bookmakers, stating:

"When the line and the odds came out for OKC vs. Denver, it was so disrespectful to the Nuggets." [13:05]

He acknowledges Denver's star power, led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and suggests that OKC's deeper roster positions them well for a lengthy series. Cowherd predicts a rebound for OKC, expecting them to win Game 4 in Denver:

"I think Oklahoma City... is built to win a long series. I think they'll bounce back, and I think they'll win game four in Denver." [14:40]

4. New York Knicks' Unexpected Playoff Performance

Timestamp: [16:11] – [18:30]

Cowherd turns attention back to the Knicks, addressing their underwhelming home performance in the playoffs, where they've only won one out of three home games despite the energetic New York crowd. He credits officiating and the physical style of playoff basketball for benefiting the Knicks:

"The NBA is allowing these playoff games to get muddy and to get grabby and to get physical, and that really benefits the Knicks." [17:50]

He acknowledges the Knicks' strong defensive players like Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Brunson but notes their offensive limitations against top-tier teams. Cowherd remains optimistic about the Knicks' chances to push the series further, predicting a closer Game 4:

"I take the Celtics again in a six to seven-point game." [18:20]

5. Derek Carr's Retirement: A Career Retrospective

Timestamp: [18:31] – [19:59]

Transitioning from basketball to football, Cowherd discusses the retirement of Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler quarterback. He reflects on Carr's career trajectory, highlighting his tenure with the Raiders as a stabilizing force and his subsequent move to the New Orleans Saints.

Cowherd compares Carr to other veteran quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Matt Stafford, emphasizing the importance of team fit and coaching:

"Derek Carr is not as good as Stafford or Tom Brady. But to get had he inherited Sean Payton, I think it would have gone better clearly in New Orleans." [19:10]

He praises Carr for his solid career accomplishments and monetization, despite not reaching the elite status of some peers. Cowherd concludes by acknowledging the challenges Carr faced in finding a team that matched his skill set and leadership:

"I think Derek had a really good career. He just... Raiders, Saints. There's only so much you can do." [19:45]

6. Looking Ahead: NBA Playoffs and Predictions

Timestamp: [19:59] – [20:29]

In his concluding remarks, Cowherd expresses excitement for the upcoming NBA playoff games, anticipating dramatic moments and clutch performances from stars like Steph Curry and LeBron James. He speculates on the potential outcomes of future games, including a closely contested matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves:

"I would take the T Wolves tonight to beat Golden State in a really, really close game out west." [20:10]

Cowherd reinforces the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, emphasizing the entertainment value and competitive spirit that make this time of year so thrilling for sports fans.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the host delivers a comprehensive analysis of the NBA playoffs, focusing on the Boston Celtics' unexpected road dominance, the Denver Nuggets' strategic positioning against OKC, and the New York Knicks' playoff challenges. Additionally, Cowherd provides a thoughtful retrospective on Derek Carr's football career, highlighting the significance of team fit and leadership for veteran quarterbacks. His predictions for ongoing and future playoff games underscore the dynamic and unpredictable nature of professional sports, making this episode a must-listen for fans seeking in-depth sports commentary.

Notable Quotes:

• "This thing was never even remotely competitive." — Colin Cowherd [04:05]

• "Boston's a better road team than they are a home team." — Colin Cowherd [05:30]

• "When the line and the odds came out for OKC vs. Denver, it was so disrespectful to the Nuggets." — Colin Cowherd [13:05]

• "I take the Celtics again in a six to seven-point game." — Colin Cowherd [18:20]

• "Derek Carr is not as good as Stafford or Tom Brady. But to get had he inherited Sean Payton, I think it would have gone better clearly in New Orleans." — Colin Cowherd [19:10]

• "I would take the T Wolves tonight to beat Golden State in a really, really close game out west." — Colin Cowherd [20:10]

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and predictions made by Colin Cowherd in this episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.