Summary of "Hour 1 - Boston is Done" Episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Released on May 13, 2025 | Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the "Boston is Done" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre delve deep into the current landscape of the NBA playoffs, offering incisive analysis on the Boston Celtics' struggles, the New York Knicks' unexpected surge, the Golden State Warriors' predicament, and the contentious NBA draft lottery. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the key developments shaping the league, enriched with expert opinions and notable quotes.

NBA Playoffs Overview

The episode kicks off with a high-energy discussion about the unpredictable nature of the NBA playoffs. Both hosts highlight the unexpected turns and intense rivalries that have defined the current postseason. The focus quickly shifts to the spotlighted matchup between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis.

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Series

Jayson Tatum’s Injury and Its Impact

A pivotal moment in the series was Jayson Tatum's unfortunate injury. Colin Cowherd reflects on the incident, emphasizing its timing and effect on the Celtics' performance:

"Several minutes before that awful injury to Jason Tatum... The Knicks are going to win this series. They're the better team." [03:14]

Cowherd underscores how Tatum's injury exacerbated the Celtics' existing issues, severely hampering their offensive and defensive strategies.

Knicks' Resurgence and Team Performance

Contrasting the Celtics' woes, the Knicks have displayed remarkable resilience and teamwork. Cowherd praises their cohesion and leadership, particularly highlighting Jalen Brunson's clutch performances:

"He is like the new Jerry West. He is Mr. Clutch." [03:14]

The hosts discuss how the Knicks' ability to execute under pressure and make decisive plays has positioned them as legitimate contenders in the playoffs.

Crowd Influence and Home Advantage

The energy of the New York crowd is likened to a boxing match's home fighter, providing the Knicks with a significant moral boost:

"It was like when you go to New York and this crowd... it was jet fuel for the Knicks." [39:16]

This home advantage has been instrumental in elevating the team's performance during critical moments.

Criticism of Boston Celtics' Coaching

Joe Missoula’s Strategic Shortcomings

Colin Cowherd critically examines Celtics' head coach Joe Missoula's game management, pointing out his reliance on predictable strategies and lack of adaptability:

"Missoula coaches like he's got a checklist. That's not what NBA playoff basketball is about. It's about pulling levers." [03:14]

The hosts argue that Missoula's failure to make timely adjustments has left the Celtics fragmented and unable to counter the Knicks' dynamic playstyle.

Comparisons with Successful Coaches

By juxtaposing Missoula's approach with that of elite coaches like Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra, Cowherd emphasizes the importance of flexibility and innovation in playoff success.

Golden State Warriors' Struggles

Impact of Missing Steph Curry

The absence of Steph Curry has significantly hindered the Warriors’ offensive capabilities. Cowherd discusses how Curry's leadership and scoring prowess are irreplaceable:

"Steph is their GPS. They are a directionless offense without him." [12:24]

Without Curry, the Warriors struggle to maintain their usual rhythm and effectiveness on the court.

Steve Kerr’s Coaching and Team Dynamics

Despite Steve Kerr’s reputation for excellent coaching, the Warriors find themselves outmanned and outplayed by teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves. The hosts note:

"For the second straight year, we do. I mean, LeBron Luca and Austin Reeves look completely outclassed." [10:56]

This juxtaposition highlights the challenges Kerr faces in maximizing the team's potential without their superstar.

Minnesota Timberwolves' Tactics

Julius Randle’s Emergence

Julius Randle has transformed into a reliable playoff performer, demonstrating significant improvement in his scoring and playmaking:

"Julius Randall... his assist playmaking has been fantastic. He's finally a dependable playoff guy." [10:39]

Ant Edwards' Leadership and Team Strategy

Ant Edwards has been pivotal in the Timberwolves' success, adeptly adjusting strategies to optimize player performance:

"Ant Edwards... has been in this series transformed. That is coaching on display." [10:47]

The team's ability to adapt and innovate under Edwards' guidance has made them formidable opponents.

NBA Draft Lottery Controversy

Perceived Rigging and Raffle Comparisons

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the NBA draft lottery's integrity, with both hosts expressing skepticism over its fairness:

Jason McIntyre: "It's a raffle. I have never won a raffle." [26:05]
Colin Cowherd: "I've had raffles. I've never won a raffle. I think that's how scratch-off games and raffles work." [25:56]

The analogy to raffles suggests a lack of transparency, fueling conspiracy theories that the lottery is manipulated to favor certain teams.

Implications for Team Building

This skepticism extends to how teams acquire top picks, impacting their future prospects. The discussion touches on historical examples and the potential long-term effects on league parity.

Future Outlook and Conclusions

Knicks as Legitimate Contenders

The hosts conclude with a bullish outlook on the Knicks, emphasizing their hard work, strategic play, and strong leadership as key factors that could propel them to the championship:

Colin Cowherd: "It's a one of the great watches in the league. It's a combination of Villanova, NBA guts, guile, toughness, coaching." [38:27]

Celtics' Need for Self-Reflection and Improvement

Conversely, the Celtics must address internal issues, including coaching strategies and player health, to remain competitive:

Colin Cowherd: "We have to figure it out, man." [10:47]

Overall NFL and NBA Dynamics

The episode wraps up by touching upon broader sports dynamics, including the NFL schedule and playoffs, but the primary focus remains on the NBA's evolving playoff narratives.

Notable Quotes

• "The Knicks are going to win this series. They're the better team." – Colin Cowherd [03:14]
• "He is like the new Jerry West. He is Mr. Clutch." – Colin Cowherd [03:14]
• "We've got to get two more wins." – Colin Cowherd [10:41]
• "Don't worry, because you can get pork buns delivered." – Colin Cowherd [26:29] (Note: Advertisements and unrelated content have been excluded from the main summary but are referenced for context)

Conclusion

In this episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a compelling analysis of the NBA playoffs, highlighting the New York Knicks' rise and the Boston Celtics' decline. Through detailed discussion and expert insights, Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the strategies, player performances, and overarching narratives shaping this playoff season. The skepticism surrounding the NBA draft lottery adds an intriguing layer to their analysis, suggesting ongoing debates about fairness and transparency in the league's operations.

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been omitted to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions.