Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hoops Tonight - LIVE: Timberwolves Eliminate Warriors + Celtics Extend Series vs. Knicks

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode Title: Hoops Tonight - LIVE: Timberwolves Eliminate Warriors + Celtics Extend Series vs. Knicks

1. Introduction

In this episode of Hoops Tonight, hosts Jason and Jackson delve into the latest NBA playoff developments, highlighting the Minnesota Timberwolves' elimination of the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics' extension of their series against the New York Knicks to a decisive Game 6. The discussion encompasses team performances, player analyses, and future projections for the remaining postseason.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors

Series Outcome:
The Minnesota Timberwolves successfully ended the Golden State Warriors' season, signaling a significant shift in the Western Conference dynamics.

Key Highlights:

• Ball Movement & Team Dynamics:
  Jason commends Minnesota's offensive strategy, noting, "they logged 36 assists on 49 made baskets and the ball was just moving around and it's happening everywhere" (02:22). This smooth ball movement was pivotal in overwhelming the Warriors, especially in the absence of Steph Curry.

• Anthony Edwards' Growth:
  Anthony Edwards showcased notable improvement, particularly in his mid-court reads and decision-making. Jason observes, "Anthony Edwards made really impressive reads in the middle of the floor... just letting the defense react to him and taking the easy reads that were available to him" (04:15).

• Future Matchups:
  Looking ahead, Jason discusses potential matchups against Denver and Oklahoma City, stating, "I think Oklahoma City is going to win... but if Ant or Shay badly outplayed the other... I think that could swing the winner" (09:45). He leans towards a series against Oklahoma City, predicting a challenging yet exciting confrontation.

Quotes:

• "The Warriors just didn't have the horses to compete in this series without Steph Curry." (02:50)
• "Minnesota can match that [Denver's lineup]." (07:30)

3. Golden State Warriors' Season Without Steph Curry

Jason reflects on the Warriors' performance sans their star point guard, emphasizing defensive struggles and the inability to maintain offensive momentum.

Insights:

• Defensive Shortcomings:
  Without Curry, the Warriors lacked the necessary offensive firepower, leading to their downfall against Minnesota. "They just didn't have the offensive firepower to keep up," Jason notes (10:15).

• Impact of Jimmy Butler's Scoring:
  Jimmy Butler's underperformance was critical. "Jimmy Butler in his career has 38 games in the postseason where he scored at least 25 points. In this series... he had one game where he scored more than 20 points... that just wasn't enough" (12:00).

• Trade Evaluation:
  Despite the Warriors' exit, Jason views the Jimmy Butler trade positively, believing it would have allowed the team to reach deeper into the playoffs had Curry been available. "I do think the Jimmy Butler trade was a success overall," he concludes (16:45).

Quotes:

• "He had one game in the entire series where he scored more than 20 points." (12:10)
• "This team is worth investing in next year." (18:30)

4. Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Series

Series Status:
The Celtics have extended their series against the Knicks to Game 6, showcasing resilience and strategic adjustments.

Game Highlights:

• Jaylen Brown's Performance:
  Jaylen Brown emerged as a key player, contributing significantly on both ends. "Jaylen Brown set the tone early with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists," Jason highlights (22:40).

• Jayson Tatum's Growth and Injury:
  In the course correction segment, Jayson Tatum's evolution as a playmaker is praised. "He averaged over six assists this year... he had seven games with at least 10 assists," Jason explains (19:50). Tragically, Tatum suffered an Achilles injury after a stellar Game 4 performance, where he scored 42 points (24:15).

• Defensive Prowess with Luke Cornet:
  Luke Cornet delivered an exceptional defensive performance, blocking six shots in the second half. "He completely shut down Josh Hart in the second half," Jason remarks (27:30).

Strategic Analysis:

• Offensive Flow:
  The Celtics demonstrated improved offensive synergy, scoring 127 points in a single game, their first to surpass 125 points in the series. "Their rhythm and flow benefited Boston in this game," Jason notes (23:00).

• Defensive Adjustments:
  Effective use of screens and switching defenses pressured Knicks' key players, leading to turnovers and easy baskets for the Celtics. "They were really trying to bully Jalen Brunson tonight," Jason observes (26:10).

Quotes:

• "He was the kickstarter of everything the Celtics did on offense." (22:55)
• "He just couldn't make shots when his team needed him to." (13:20)

5. Individual Player Analyses

a. Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
Butler's scoring slump was a critical factor in the Warriors' exit. His inability to deliver offensive support weakened the team's competitiveness in crucial moments. However, the overall trade involving Butler is viewed positively for potential future gains.

b. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Tatum's all-around game has significantly improved, particularly in playmaking and strategic passing. His recent injury is a setback, but expectations remain high for his return at an elite level.

c. Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Brown's versatile performance as a scorer and playmaker has elevated his role within the team. His ability to manage the game's flow and contribute across multiple statistical categories underscores his growing importance.

d. Luke Cornet (Boston Celtics)
Cornet's defensive contributions, especially his shot-blocking ability, have been instrumental in the Celtics' recent successes. His performance in the Knicks series highlights his defensive acumen and impact.

6. Future Projections and Team Strategies

Minnesota Timberwolves:

• Potential Series Against Oklahoma City:
  A matchup with Oklahoma City Thunder is anticipated to be intense, with both teams boasting strong defensive capabilities. "If Ant or Shay badly outplayed the other... I think that could swing the winner," Jason predicts (09:45).

Golden State Warriors:

• Offseason Adjustments:
  To bolster their roster, the Warriors may look to acquire players like Cam Johnson or Malik Beasley to enhance their shooting and defensive depth. "If Steph just identifying that he has a real chance next year... they absolutely have a real chance to make a run at the title next year," Jason explains (17:15).

Boston Celtics:

• Strategic Enhancements:
  The Celtics need to address their offensive flow and ensure balanced scoring to capitalize on their roster's depth. With Tatum's return anticipated, the team is poised to upgrade their offensive strategies and defensive resilience.

7. Conclusion and What's Next

As the playoffs progress, the Timberwolves' dominance over the Warriors and the Celtics' strategic victories position both teams as formidable contenders in their respective conferences. Upcoming episodes will continue to provide in-depth analyses, including film sessions and live show discussions post-game.

Upcoming Segments:

• Playback TV Connect:
  Jason and Jackson will engage with fans and analyze key plays in the aftermath of upcoming games.

• Film Sessions:
  Detailed breakdowns of standout performances, such as Luke Cornet’s defensive prowess, will be featured.

Final Thoughts:
Hosts encourage listeners to subscribe, follow on social media, and leave ratings and reviews to support the show. The focus remains on delivering insightful and comprehensive coverage of the NBA playoffs.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "They logged 36 assists on 49 made baskets and the ball was just moving around and it's happening everywhere." – Jason (02:22)
• "Jimmy Butler in his career has 38 games in the postseason where he scored at least 25 points." – Jason (12:00)
• "He had 42 points on 16 for 28 shooting." – Jason (24:15)
• "Jaylen Brown set the tone early with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists." – Jason (22:40)

Timestamps Reference:

• 02:22 – Discussion on Timberwolves vs. Warriors series.
• 04:15 – Anthony Edwards' performance analysis.
• 07:30 – Future matchups overview.
• 09:45 – Potential series against Oklahoma City.
• 10:15 – Warriors' defensive struggles.
• 12:00 – Jimmy Butler's scoring impact.
• 16:45 – Evaluation of Butler trade.
• 19:50 – Jayson Tatum's playmaking growth.
• 22:40 – Jaylen Brown's standout game.
• 22:55 – Brown's role in Celtics' offense.
• 23:00 – Celtics' offensive rhythm.
• 24:15 – Tatum's injury details.
• 26:10 – Knicks' defensive performance.
• 27:30 – Luke Cornet's defensive impact.
• 17:15 – Warriors' offseason plans.

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those who missed the live show.