Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: What's Wright - Best Of: Luka Doncic destroys Mavericks, predicting NBA Playoffs, Florida wins National Championship
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Tournament Analysis: Houston vs. Florida

Key Discussion: Stephen Curry and Nick Wright delve into the recent tournament game between Houston and Florida, analyzing Houston's defensive prowess and their shortcomings in the final moments of the game.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Curry [02:30]:
  "Houston did not get a shot up, not on the final possession, on their final four possessions. They didn't hit the rim seemingly for the last two minutes of that game."

• Stephen Curry [06:19]:
  "Walter Clayton Jr. ... had a great final flourish in this game after, you know, with five minutes left in this game, it looked like this was going to be the first game in two years."

• Nick Wright [02:11]:
  "Demonte. I was pulling for Houston because of our ties to Houston. I also like Kelvin Sampson."

Insights:

• Houston's Defensive Strategy:
  The team is praised for their ferocious and relentless defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success under Coach Kelvin Sampson. However, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities in critical moments led to their downfall against Florida.

• Coaching Under Kelvin Sampson:
  Sampson's tenure has transformed Houston from a mediocre team to a consistent contender, achieving multiple Sweet 16 and Elite 8 appearances. His experience and leadership are highlighted as pivotal to the team's achievements.

• Talent Gap Analysis:
  The conversation underscores the widening gap between college basketball talent and NBA-level skill, emphasizing how exceptional players like Walter Clayton Jr. can make significant impacts during tournaments.

2. NBA Playoffs Predictions and Western Conference Standings

Key Discussion: Curry and Wright provide an in-depth analysis of the Western Conference playoff race, discussing team performances, seeding implications, and potential matchups.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Curry [17:24]:
  "The Rockets are ... handling their business. Now to the three through eight and we can throw it on the screen. The Lakers ... Nuggets ... the Clippers ... the Warriors ... all are in tight races."

• Stephen Curry [23:41]:
  "The Clippers vs. Lakers Game 82 is massive. ... So, the Warriors are going to be 49 and 32 going into the final game against the Clippers, which is going to need to win potentially to avoid the play-in."

• Nick Wright [25:16]:
  "Three questions."

Insights:

• Seeding Dynamics:
  The Lakers, Rockets, Warriors, Clippers, and other Western Conference teams are in a tight race for playoff spots, with minor differences in game outcomes potentially altering the final standings.

• Key Matchups:

  • Warriors vs. Clippers: A pivotal Game 82 that could determine playoff seedings.
  • Rockets' Playoff Potential: Despite being young, the Rockets are seen as defensively strong and capable of making deep playoff runs under Coach Dylan Brooks.

• Team Performance Metrics:
  The discussion highlights the importance of conference-specific records, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder excelling against Eastern Conference opponents, impacting their playoff viability.

3. Luka Doncic's Dominant Performance and Trade Impact

Key Discussion: A significant portion of the episode focuses on Luka Doncic's stellar performance against the Mavericks post-trade, examining the emotional and professional implications of his trade.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Curry [36:17]:
  "I was amazed by what Luka did. ... if you have the courage to thread what the needle you have to thread for that to happen."

• Stephen Curry [41:46]:
  "Luka... lit them on fire from start to finish while dealing with the unbelievable and indescribable emotion ... he scores. 45 is the best player on the court, 31 in the first half, channels it all into his individual greatness that is as Legendary as you will ever see."

• Nick Wright [36:43]:
  "Anthony Davis was playing his X team as well. It doesn't really seem to be making much noise."

Insights:

• Emotional Resilience:
  Luka Doncic's ability to perform exceptionally well despite the emotional turmoil of being traded showcases his mental toughness and professional dedication.

• Historical Comparison:
  Doncic's achievement of scoring 45 points against his former team mirrors historic performances by legends like Wilt Chamberlain, highlighting his potential to be one of the greats in the sport.

• Team Dynamics:
  The Lakers' support for Doncic, akin to LeBron James' leadership, is emphasized as a crucial factor in his continued success and emotional well-being.

4. Anthony Davis' Performance and Role with the Lakers

Key Discussion: The conversation shifts to Anthony Davis and his performance in recent games, evaluating his impact and areas of frustration for both himself and the team.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Curry [42:55]:
  "Because it wasn't in LA. ... he was good defensively and he had 13 points. And it's why AD is... as great as he is a frustrating guy at times because he doesn't seem to always have that extra gear that you would want in the right."

• Stephen Curry [43:58]:
  "Anthony Davis ... has been the best rim protector in the league for a half decade plus now, and he can protect the rim without fouling, which is what led to those free throw discrepancies."

Insights:

• Defensive Prowess:
  Anthony Davis is lauded for his defensive capabilities, particularly his rim protection, which has been a significant asset for the Lakers over the years.

• Offensive Inconsistencies:
  Despite his defensive strengths, Davis faces criticism for lacking offensive consistency, especially in high-stakes moments where additional scoring would be beneficial.

• Legacy and Future:
  The discussion touches on Davis' potential legacy, debating whether he will secure accolades like Defensive Player of the Year despite his contributions, and his ability to adapt and elevate his game in the future.

5. Broader NBA Observations and Reflections

Key Discussion: Beyond specific player performances, the hosts reflect on the evolving landscape of the NBA, the challenges teams face in maintaining consistent performance, and the increasing competitiveness of the league.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Curry [12:43]:
  "It's awesome. Like, what he has working against him is he doesn't have the great athleticism and he's played for five years ... maybe he could help you immediately, even if he doesn't have, like, all-star potential."

• Stephen Curry [29:09]:
  "But you're kind of treating them, Demonte, like they're not the two seed. ... I think Houston, Houston has earned enough for me to wear at this point. ... I think I'd probably pick Minnesota."

Insights:

• Team Strategies:
  The importance of team composition, coaching decisions, and player development in shaping the outcomes of the playoffs is highlighted, illustrating the complexity of navigating the competitive NBA environment.

• Player Development vs. Athleticism:
  Discussions emphasize the balance between a player's athletic abilities and their development over time, questioning how teams can best utilize players like Doncic who may lack certain physical attributes but possess exceptional skills and leadership.

• Future Playoff Scenarios:
  Predictions about potential playoff matchups and outcomes are made, considering the current form of teams, player health, and strategic advantages.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Stephen Curry and Nick Wright provide a comprehensive analysis of recent basketball events, focusing on tournament outcomes, NBA playoff predictions, standout player performances, and broader league dynamics. The discussion offers deep insights into team strategies, player psychology, and the ever-evolving competitive landscape of basketball, making it a valuable listen for enthusiasts seeking expert perspectives on the sport's current state and future trajectory.