Colin Cowherd Podcast - NBA Playoff Reaction: Wolves BULLY Lakers, Nuggets Rally To Beat Clippers

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – NBA Playoff Reaction: Wolves BULLY Lakers, Nuggets Rally To Beat Clippers

Release Date: April 20, 2025

Host: The Volume and iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the host delivers an in-depth analysis of the latest NBA playoff games, focusing on the Minnesota Timberwolves' dominant performance against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets' thrilling overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Colin provides expert insights into team strategies, player performances, and predicts the outcomes of ongoing and upcoming series.

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Minnesota Timberwolves Dominate Los Angeles Lakers

Timestamp: [02:00]

Colin opens the discussion by highlighting the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive performance against the Lakers, emphasizing their strong start from the second quarter and securing a 10-point series lead.

“Minnesota dominating the Lakers from about the second quarter on and taking a 10 series lead.” ([02:00])

Key Points:

• Defensive Strength: Minnesota showcased a robust defense led by Rudy Gobert and Zach Edie, effectively containing the Lakers' offensive threats.

• Lakers' Struggles: The Lakers were critiqued for their lack of physicality and offensive rhythm, failing to maintain consistency throughout the game.

“I didn't think they had any rhythm offensively and that that can happen as a favorite in game one.” ([07:45])

• Strategic Play: Minnesota's strategy of attacking the basket and leveraging open three-point opportunities paid dividends, with players like Jaden McDaniels and Ant Edwards stepping up significantly.

“Minnesota made a great job of attacking the basket, getting the ball out to open three point shooters and they hit over 50%.” ([09:15])

• Player Highlights:

  • Ant Edwards: Demonstrated maturity and improved gameplay, balancing offensive contributions with defensive responsibilities.

  • Jaden McDaniels: Emerged as a key player, exceeding expectations with his versatile performance.

Predictions: Colin anticipates that the Lakers will adjust their strategy in Game 2, increasing their physicality and defensive intensity to counter Minnesota's strengths.

“Expect the Lakers to come out in game two of the series and be very physical and very aggressive.” ([12:50])

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Knicks vs. Pistons: A Shift in Momentum

Timestamp: [04:30]

Colin briefly touches upon the Knicks' victory over the Pistons, highlighting the Knicks' defensive intensity and effective transition game that led to turnovers and a commanding run in the final minutes.

“The Knicks transition game is in lockstep and they just blow them out.” ([06:20])

Key Points:

• Defensive Intensity: The Knicks' ability to force turnovers and capitalize on transition opportunities was pivotal in their win.

• Pistons' Energy: Although the Pistons entered the game with high energy, the Knicks' strategic execution ultimately secured their victory.

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Denver Nuggets Rally to Overtime Win Against Los Angeles Clippers

Timestamp: [17:21]

In a riveting instant reaction segment, Colin analyzes the Denver Nuggets' narrow overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers, reflecting on his initial predictions versus the actual outcome.

“I had the Clippers winning this in six or seven. I just thought they were a much better defensive team.” ([17:21])

Key Points:

• Officiating Challenges: Colin discusses the complexities of officiating in playoff basketball, noting the increased physicality and the difficulty in making consistent calls under high-stakes conditions.

“NBA playoff basketball is officiated differently. They want to allow more contact.” ([19:25])

• Veteran Influence: Emphasis on how experienced players like Russell Westbrook bring invaluable energy and resilience, despite some criticisms of his playing style.

“Russell Westbrook was key. Rebounding, extending possessions, hustle plays. He was great.” ([20:45])

• Player Performances:

  • Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic: Key contributors for the Nuggets, showcasing clutch performances in critical moments.

  • Kawhi Leonard and James Harden: Steadfast for the Clippers, with Leonard's unique playstyle and Harden's scoring prowess being standout factors.

“Kawhi Leonard is such an all-time unique player. He's literally non-verbal, he's really, really good.” ([25:10])

Predictions: Colin forecasts a tightly contested series between the Nuggets and Clippers, potentially stretching to seven games. He also anticipates the Warriors vs. Rockets series to be a classic matchup of veteran grit versus young athleticism.

“The Nuggets-Clippers feels very, very even. I think that series is going to go six or seven.” ([28:30])

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General Playoff Outlook and Player Analyses

Timestamp: [10:00] - [30:23]

Colin extends his analysis to the broader playoff landscape, offering predictions and evaluating player performances across various teams.

Key Insights:

• Minnesota vs. Lakers Series: Predicts increased physicality and strategic adjustments from the Lakers in upcoming games to counter Minnesota’s disciplined approach.

• Nuggets vs. Clippers Series: Highlights the importance of veteran presence and defensive strategies, suggesting that the Clippers' coaching and defense may give them a slight edge in a prolonged series.

“I think the Clippers style will work overtime. I just think over the course of seven games, I give them a very slight edge.” ([29:15])

• Player Development: Focuses on young talents like Ant Edwards, praising his growth and adaptability, which are crucial for Minnesota’s success.

“Ant Edwards has put work into his game because he's athletic enough and dynamic enough to just drop 25 a night.” ([11:30])

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Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Colin Cowherd provides a nuanced examination of the NBA playoff games, emphasizing the strategic depth and player dynamics that influence game outcomes. From Minnesota's disciplined defense to Denver's veteran-led resilience, the discussion offers listeners a clear understanding of the current playoff landscape and what to anticipate in the coming matches.

“NBA playoffs are here. Time for drama. Clutch moments. Steph Curry, LeBron jaw-dropping plays. I can't wait.” ([13:25])

Colin's expert analysis not only breaks down individual games but also sets the stage for the intense playoff battles ahead, making this episode a must-listen for NBA enthusiasts seeking insightful and engaging sports discourse.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Minnesota dominating the Lakers from about the second quarter on and taking a 10 series lead.” — Colin Cowherd ([02:00])

• “I didn't think they had any rhythm offensively and that that can happen as a favorite in game one.” — Colin Cowherd ([07:45])

• “Minnesota made a great job of attacking the basket, getting the ball out to open three point shooters and they hit over 50%.” — Colin Cowherd ([09:15])

• “Expect the Lakers to come out in game two of the series and be very physical and very aggressive.” — Colin Cowherd ([12:50])

• “NBA playoff basketball is officiated differently. They want to allow more contact.” — Colin Cowherd ([19:25])

• “Russell Westbrook was key. Rebounding, extending possessions, hustle plays. He was great.” — Colin Cowherd ([20:45])

• “Kawhi Leonard is such an all-time unique player. He's literally non-verbal, he's really, really good.” — Colin Cowherd ([25:10])

• “I think the Clippers style will work overtime. I just think over the course of seven games, I give them a very slight edge.” — Colin Cowherd ([29:15])

• “Ant Edwards has put work into his game because he's athletic enough and dynamic enough to just drop 25 a night.” — Colin Cowherd ([11:30])

• “NBA playoffs are here. Time for drama. Clutch moments. Steph Curry, LeBron jaw-dropping plays. I can't wait.” — Colin Cowherd ([13:25])

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This detailed summary encapsulates the critical analysis and passionate insights provided by Colin Cowherd in this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the current NBA playoff scenarios.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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The volume. Well the surprise of the day. Instant reaction. Minnesota dominating the Lakers from about the second quarter on and taking a 10 series lead. I thought it was really obvious. You saw this a lot today where the underdog Pistons come in with a ton of energy, outplay the Knicks a little bit early, but eventually the favorites wake up and that happens a lot in the playoffs. Watch Golden State's favorite over Houston. Watch Houston tomorrow night coming with a ton of early energy and Minnesota. Minnesota reminds me a little bit of a more functional, better coached version of Memphis. We Have a dominating defensive big size, Rudy Gobert, Zach Edie, like a, you know, a really big rim protector. You got a lot of athletes. You got kind of a tough guy in Randall or Desmond Bain. You got a dynamic player, Ja Morant, an ant, Edwards Ant. Obviously the better player right now and had a great year shooting a 3. Minnesota's more well coached, but you got some length. You have some athletes and one really dynamic athlete. But I thought the difference in the game was just the Lakers did not play with a lot of physicality and a lot of intensity. I didn't think they had any rhythm offensively and that that can happen as a favorite in game one. But you figure by the third quarter, the fourth quarter, they just never had it. They just didn't have it and JJ Reddick complained about it. They had it maybe briefly in the third quarter, but I mean I. Did they have in this game, did they have three straight possessions where you felt like the Lakers had a really good offensive rhythm? Certainly I don't remember in the second half that happening. They played I think with a little bit more energy and physicality. But again Minnesota, here's all week they're going to get beaten four or five games. They come out and they did a great job of attacking the basket, getting the ball out to open three point shooters and they hit over 50% and they just got a lot of good open looks from the perimeter and they hit him. Jaden McDaniels played really, really well. Young kid for Minnesota, probably better than you would expect. Ants ant. But I thought overall I kept waiting for the Lakers rhythm and the Lakers intensity kind of to take a next level pop and Austin Reeves didn't do anything. You know, Lucas scored a ton but you know, LeBron was okay, but I just didn't feel it. I just, it's just one of those things. The favorite came in and got outplayed and out worked. And I thought, you know, Minnesota did not give up a lot of easy baskets and the Lakers did. So it happens. I, you know, Minnesota moving off Karl Anthony Towns for Julius Randle. My take is I don't love either in the postseason. Carl Anthony's a very gifted offensive player. Julius Randall's a tough guy, a really hard worker. But both their ceilings, I mean Karl Anthony Town gets worked defensively and Julius Randle has a ceiling offensively. But they're a little bit like last year and where they're just a well coached team with some depth of athletes and you know, if you don't come out to play in this league. I mean, listen, the Knicks were in a dog fight against Detroit and then younger Detroit, New York started hitting threes. New York started getting a lot of turnovers by the Pistons late. Then all of a sudden, you know, the Knicks transition game is in lockstep and they just blow them out. And that game got ugly in about a six minute, five minute burst. So you kind of felt you're like, come on, come on, ignite it, ignite it. And then the Knicks did. Defensive intensity started turnovers from the turnovers transition. They went on a run, Knicks win. I kept waiting for the Lakers to do that, but they just didn't have any defensive intensity. I just didn't sense it. Little better in the third, but not good enough. So that's the upset. The day Indiana won. I thought that would be the case. Knicks won. I think the two series that are going to be. Well now, the Lakers, Minnesota is going to be interesting, but I think Nuggets Clippers feels very, very even. Whereas the Nuggets have the best player and the Clippers have to me, better coach, better defense. So that series is going to go six or seven. And I think the warriors and the NBA thinks this because they put it in Sunday night. The Warriors Rockets is going to be fantastic. I mean, just, you know, diametrically opposed. A small team with old cagey veterans and a young team with athletes and length, that's just going to be a great series. But Minnesota and the Lakers, I mean, here's one of the things that happens. You really see this in a sport when you have a long series, certainly in the NBA, Lakers are going to make some key adjustments and most notably, they're going to play with much more physicality. So in the home team in the playoffs usually gets the whistle. So expect the Lakers to come out in game two of the series and be very physical and very aggressive and attacking the T Wolves because they did not bring their fastball tonight. That was a, that was a weak home effort in game one. You know, in Austin, Reeves has played really, really well since they acquired Luca. But boy, Austin didn't, he didn't do a ton for me tonight. I thought just the tempo of the game. The Timberwolves outscored the lakers in transition 25 to 6 in fast break points. And if you thought to yourself, boy, Minnesota is scoring easily, yeah, 25 of their points were in transition and they've got very good perimeter defenders. We've known this. Jaden McDaniels was like all defense last year and so they're going to make LeBron and Reeves and Luca work for it. And then Dante DiVincento is a athletic, very resilient defender. So their way to win, Minnesota's way to win is to be physical and play defense. That's their way to win. You know, it's funny about Julius Randle is that he, he clearly has an offensive ceiling, but he plays with great energy and a lot of that is because Julius Randle knows that's his game. Over the last five years, listen to this stat. Three players have averaged at least 22, 9 and 5 over the last five years. Jokic, Giannis and Julius Randle. Right. You wouldn't have guessed that. So, you know, I think you just look at a team in Minnesota, they know that they have to win with intensity and defense. They have to win the transition game. You know, they're generally, they're not going to win a three point shooting contest or shootouts. They know what they are. And Chris Finch, the coach, knows what they are. And so sometimes in these playoffs games, it's who plays their game. And when you watched Minnesota tonight, you felt like you were watching a smartly executed game plan. And when you watched the Lakers, you felt like it was low energy and they could never really get into sync. So, and give Minnesota credit. Minnesota got the Lakers off their game and they did it with intensity and defense. We got to give Ant Edwards a lot of credit. You can tell Minnesota's worked on his game and Ant Edwards has worked on his game. He's matured, his pacing's better, his shooting's better. When he gets doubled and he works off the ball, he's just Ant Edwards. And again, when you're as talented as Ant, you're not going to spend a lot of time in college. So you're going to come into this league and for the first couple years you're going to score, you're going to show off, but you really don't know how to play defense. You're shooting like LeBron. It's going to take a couple years till you get it dialed in. But I can tell when I watch Ant Edwards, I can tell he's well coached and I can tell he really cares. And a lot of young players, a Zion comes into the league and, you know, can't get his weight under control and jaw comes into the league and is just immature. Ant comes into this league and it's a testament to the T Wolves and Ant Edwards, he has put work into his game. That kid has put work into his game because he's athletic enough and dynamic enough to just drop 25 a night and not give a rip about adding layers to his game. He's that talented. You can see the layers. I mean, a shooting this year, obviously shooting the three ball, but you can just watch him off ball. You know, he paces himself better, plays off teammates better and it's, you know, that's the difference in this league. Like everybody's going to get paid. Your top five or six picks, they've got a lot of talent. What do you want to do with the talent? And when I watch ant, I see somebody that has put the time in. It's pretty obvious. And you know, you saw it all season and you saw it tonight in Game 1. But he's not somebody. Ant's not somebody that forces it. I mean, the timberwolves led by 11 at half and Ant only had eight points. So he's not somebody. He lets the game come to him. You know, Ant also more patient letting the game come to him. T wolves led by 11 at half. He only had eight. He finished with 22. But you can just, you can just see that a lot of times when young players come into the game, they force things like they, if they have an off shooting night, they go into the tank. Ants just become a really, really good player. And they won tonight comfortably only 22 points. So Lakers got some work to do. So can't wait for game two. Little bit of a shocker. I mean, it just Minnesota got so many easy transition baskets and so many open threes and man, they were hitting them. The NBA 82 game grind is done. 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[Colin Cowherd]

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And that's why outside of the COVID.

Year, the COVID bubble when all the old married players were depressed and played like crap, veteran NBA teams win in the playoffs. That's why I don't think OKC is going to win. I think they're too young. I thought Cleveland last two years was really good, but too young in spots. And what made this game tough to officiate, Denver and the Clippers are. That's a veteran team. Zubot's been in the league 10 years and Kawhi Leonard and James Harden and Batum. And then you've got on the other side, Jamal Murray. Aaron Gordon's been around more than a few minutes. Jokic has been around. So you've got these veteran players who are physical. They've been in NBA weight rooms on weight programs for 10 years and they're going to bang around in there. Those rebounds. There's all sorts of contact. You don't want for the aesthetics of the league to be at the free throw line for the last five minutes of the game. And so they let more contact go. Kawhi Leonard was complaining about a non call on an inbounds play. I watched it and I'm like, no, in the playoffs you're not calling that. You're just not calling that. So you just, you have to deal with it. That's up to you as a coaching staff and players. You've got to deal with it. I mean I picked the Clippers in that series. Kawhi can complain. You're not that you're not getting that call in the playoffs very infrequently. So I think it's very hard to officiate it. And these are veteran teams with guys who have been around the block and they're going to push the. They're going to be more physical than they're going to be in the regular season because they know they're Going to be allowed to be more physical. So everybody likes to bang on officials. These playoff games, it's like a pass interference call. You could call so many more than you do in the NFL, but you got to let players play. You're going to let hand to hand combat go, especially in big playoff games in the NFL. And so my other take is Russell Westbrook. I mean, you get the full Russell Westbrook experience when he plays. Listen, he gives you incredible energy. He's one of the best rebounding guards in a long time. He's a physical player. I mean, sometimes situationally, circumstantially, he's got blinders on, doesn't have a ton of self awareness. I love that he hit that big three. There was a reason he was wide open. You're going to give him that. But Westbrook was key. Rebounding, extending possessions. But you get the full Westbrook experience that he's, you know, he's going 1,000 miles an hour and sometimes you just want him to downshift, put on the governor, slow down, and that's just not the way he plays. And you make a decision when you put Westbrook in late in games. But I'll tell you this, he's a veteran and he plays with great energy and I'll take him. And that was one of the things that, you know, Malone wanted Westbrook on the floor reportedly. And you know, the GM during the regular season wanted to play some younger guys. It's like, no, this is playoff basketball. I want the old strong, physical veterans on the floor. And Westbrook made several huge, huge plays. Forget just the three pointer, rebounds, extra possessions, hustle plays. He was great. And I've been a critic of Westbrook forever and you know, he's now kind of a bounce around the league guy. But hey, man, you can't deny how valuable he was. And now he's a much different player than Gordon. But he can extend possessions. He's, he's just got an energy. Gordon's the same way. Gordon's got great length, but just extends opportunities and you're just looking for extra possessions. And again, Denver's a very good team in these clutch moments. You know, the other thing is I watched this, I mean, I wrote down about six different moments in the last five minutes alone in that it's a pretty easy series to look at. I mean, it's going to be really close. It's going to be offensively, it's going to be Jamal Murray and Jokic. That's going to be it for the nuggets if they hit big baskets, Jamal Murray hit a big shot late, it goes their way. It's going to be Leonard, Kawhi Leonard and Harden taking the big shots for the Clippers late. And so you, you kind of know what you're getting. All these guys have been around the block. I do think the Clippers are a much better defensive team, and I think that will, over the course of a series, pay dividends. But that was a fantastic first game of a playoff series. And, you know, I was thinking about watching it, how it's so much I love playoff basketball, is that it's a different sport. Like you have to in hockey or in football, you got to play hard all the time or you'll get hurt. In baseball, it's so much about pitcher and hitter and, you know, guys don't want to be embarrassed. So, I mean, you certainly manage differently in postseason baseball, but in NBA basketball, it's a long season. There's a lot of wear and tear in your body. Most people are not 6 foot 9 inches tall. That's a lot. I mean, Life's harder at 6 9. You can make a lot of money if you're a pro basketball player, but it beats up your body. I've seen so many older NBA, former NBA guys, 6 10, 6 11, they're hobbling, man. It's rough on the body. And so there are times guys play at a different level. And you saw it in the second half of this game that every possession was huge. I thought it was interesting that of all these great veteran players, it was a Christian Brown from Kansas, the young guy who made that save as the ball was going out of bounds and then he came back and hit a huge jumper. I thought that was, you know, as important as any two possessions late in the game. But I. But I think what you're watching is in this series, these are going to be close games with a lot of veterans. They're going to be physical games. You're going to get some complaining about physicality. You're Denver, you're going to get that Kawaii Non call at home. You probably don't get it in Los Angeles. It is a you problem at this point if you can't figure that out, right? Like, that's the way NBA playoff basketball works. It was just so much fun to watch. And you know, Jokic is a fascinating player. I thought he played better defense in the second half. You know, in the first half, I watched Harden fly by him about four times. He's the second best center I'VE ever seen play in terms of overall skill, the best is Kareem and he loves basketball. He's, I think one of the things that happens in the NBA now, the athletes are better than ever. There's no hand checking. And if you're a big, you know, he uses his size to his advantage offensively and sometimes his size is a disadvantage defensively. But I do think in he is situationally, he can be an okay defender. He's just so big. And I think, you know, in the end of the game, in the last 10 possessions, I thought he made a good effort in the first half. You know, it's a long basketball game and he's handling the ball so often on the offensive end. You know, it's defense is work, defense is effort, offense is skill. And so what you watched in the last five minutes of this game, everybody was all in defensively. And again I circle back to these are hard games to officiate. You're going to get those little go either way calls, maybe at home, you're not going to get them on the road. And in the end, all these extra possessions for Denver, you know, Westbrook grabbing a rebound, Gordon Jokic keeping balls alive, you just get extra possessions. That is the key. That's why I like Houston to beat Golden State. I think they're going to get so many extra possessions because they're a much bigger, longer, athletic team that I think Houston just going to get more possessions. And in playoff basketball that is so crucial. But this was about as entertaining as a game one can be. I just enjoyed the hell out of it. And you know, my other takeaway is Kawhi Leonard is such an all time unique player. I mean he's literally non verbal. He's really, really good. But I think like when you ask him to be sort of the leader, it's weird when you ask him to just be great like in Toronto, he's fantastic. San Antonio wanted him to be more of a leader as all the, you know, the legends aged and with the Clippers, you know, Ty Lu, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Batum Zubats, like you gotta, you got a lot of guys who have been around. It's. They played so well late in the season and I do think they'll rebound. I think game two is going to be fantastic. Fantastic as well. I think eventually over the course of this series, coaching and defense and I know the NBA is an offensive league, but I just like the Clippers coaching and defense and I think it may go seven, but I think the Clippers style will work overtime. I just think over the course of seven games, I give them a very slight edge. Now, I picked the Pacers to beat the Bucks. They blew them out in game one. I think, I think Indiana's better, younger and better. I think the two best series, one of them is this one. The other one will be the Dubs and Rockets and in both with this one. This is an old series. These are old veteran players in the warriors and the Rockets. Young team, old team. I almost always take the older team. But Golden State is redefining old. I mean, everybody feels like, you know, all their big buckets. Draymond, Butler and steph are all mid-30s. That's, that's, that's too old. And they down the stretch they looked too old. And now that the Kaminga's, you know, in and out of the rotation DNPs, I don't think they can beat Houston over six or seven games. But I hope you enjoyed game one. I got all my notes. Here it is. Westbrook can drive you crazy. But, God, I have six different times here I write Westbrook in my notes and I only have Jokic a couple of them late. I mean, Westbrook was just that energy, you know, when he went to UCLA and came into the league, nobody quite knew what to do with him. Is he a point guard? He's not a good enough shooter to be a two. Energy. I mean, if you never seen Westbrook play and somebody said, what's he like? You'd say, well, for a guard, he's not a very good shooter. Physical rebounding, production, hustle, energy. When Russell Westbrook's on the floor, he pops. He can be the smallest guy on the floor and you can see him. I mean, he is. I always, I always felt like that was my knock, you know, on Jayson Tatum. Sometimes I'm like, is Tatum on the floor? Like aggressive wins and aggressive is important. Westbrook, there's an argument, is as aggressive as any player under 6, 4 in league history. I mean, he is a street fighter out there. He is every possession and sometimes it's his undoing. But he was really, really key. He'll drive you nuts, but you gotta be fair now. Westbrook was essential in the Nuggets winning this puppy. The volume.

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