Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: What's Wright - Best Of - Tatum & Boston’s Collapse, James Harden All-Time Choker, Will Warriors Survive Without Steph? Release Date: May 11, 2025

1. Introduction to the Best of the Week At the outset of the episode ([02:03]), Nick Wright welcomes listeners to a special edition titled "Best of the Week," highlighting the most impactful moments and opinions shared on the show. This sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of some of the NBA's most pressing topics.

2. James Harden: The All-Time Choker

Discussion Overview: Nick Wright delves into a contentious topic by labeling James Harden as "the biggest choker in modern sports history." This assertion sparks a detailed debate about Harden's playoff performances and his ability to perform under pressure compared to other NBA greats.

Key Points:

• Statistical Analysis: Wright presents Harden's playoff statistics, emphasizing his underwhelming performance in critical moments.

  • Quote ([02:25]):
    Unknown Guest: "So yeah, you went off on your show yesterday, you called James Harden the biggest choker in modern sports history. Is that what you called him?"
    Nick Wright: "Yes. So Harden, LeBron, Steph, Durant, those are the four guys of the era... [discusses] Harden's numbers in playoff games."

• Comparative Performance: Wright compares Harden's playoff struggles to contemporaries like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, highlighting that while these players also have their down moments, Harden's inconsistencies are more pronounced.

  • Quote ([04:41]):
    Nick Wright: "Durant 7, Steph 13, LeBron 17. James Harden, 42. More turnovers than made shots. 42."

• Historical Context: Wright argues that Harden's inability to elevate his game during high-stakes playoff moments tarnishes his legacy, positioning him as a player who couldn't deliver when it mattered most.

  • Quote ([05:04]):
    Nick Wright: "And so there is no comp for it. And so if people want to, we don't have to. It's just at this point who he is, the moment gets too big."

Conclusion: Wright concludes that despite Harden's impressive regular-season statistics and accolades, his playoff performances prevent him from being celebrated as one of the all-time greats. Instead, he's relegated to the title of an enduring "choker."

3. Tatum & Boston’s Collapse

Discussion Overview: The conversation shifts to Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics' unexpected struggles in the playoffs. Wright critiques Tatum's recent performances and examines the Celtics' strategic shortcomings.

Key Points:

• Tatum's Performance Decline: Despite having what appeared to be his best regular season, Tatum has underperformed in crucial playoff games, especially in shooting efficiency during the fourth quarters.

  • Quote ([16:31]):
    Nick Wright: "Jason Tatum... in back-to-back games, he is 12 of 42 from the field, he is 5 of 20 from 3."

• Strategic Flaws: Wright criticizes the Celtics' over-reliance on three-point shooting, which has become a liability as variance increases in high-pressure games.

  • Quote ([19:10]):
    Nick Wright: "Celtics bomb three strategy over the long haul, obviously is just a smart mathematical strategy. As sample sizes get smaller, you put yourself more at, you know, the mercy of the variance."

• Coaching Decisions: The decision to stick with a heavy three-point approach even when holding significant leads is questioned, suggesting that adaptability is lacking.

  • Quote ([20:37]):
    Nick Wright: "The Celtics are talented enough and good enough obviously to win four out of five against New York... but we are now here."

• Tatum’s Legacy: While acknowledging Tatum's excellence, Wright contends that his playoff shortcomings hinder his ascent into the historical greats conversation.

  • Quote ([24:12]):
    Nick Wright: "Tatum is an excellent player. He is not yet in the... we need to evaluate his historical greatness level."

Conclusion: Wright paints a picture of a Celtics team with immense talent but marred by strategic missteps and key player underperformance. Tatum, despite his regular-season prowess, faces challenges that could impact his long-term legacy.

4. Will the Warriors Survive Without Steph Curry?

Discussion Overview: The episode culminates with an analysis of the Golden State Warriors' predicament following Steph Curry's hamstring injury, questioning the team's ability to sustain success without their star player.

Key Points:

• Immediate Impact of Curry’s Injury: Wright underscores the significance of Curry's absence, noting that his injury occurred under circumstances that have previously led to playoff struggles for the team.

  • Quote ([30:33]):
    Nick Wright: "He went out with eight minutes left in the second quarter. They still pulled that off. I thought Steve Kerr was brilliant..."

• Team Adjustments: While acknowledging Coach Steve Kerr's adjustments and the performances of Jimmy and Draymond, Wright remains skeptical about the sustainability of these efforts without Curry.

  • Quote ([32:16]):
    Nick Wright: "I think the Warriors are done. I, I think Kerr's done a great job. I think Jimmy's been good... I don't think any of that's sustainable."

• Historical Parallels: Wright draws comparisons to previous seasons where key injuries led to the Warriors' downfall, suggesting a pattern that may repeat.

  • Quote ([32:24]):
    Nick Wright: "Steph, a player who has never had a hamstring injury in his life, ended up having to play every other day... that's the ultimate. Win the battle, lose the war."

• Future Outlook: There is a consensus that without Curry, the Warriors lack the offensive firepower and leadership required to contend for the championship.

  • Quote ([35:47]):
    Nick Wright: "I think the Warriors are done. I don't think Kerr's done a great job... I think… the identity is chucking it deep. And up 10 in the fourth quarter..."

Conclusion: Wright concludes with a pessimistic outlook on the Warriors' championship hopes in Curry's absence. Despite commendable efforts by the coaching staff and remaining players, the lack of their marquee player is deemed too significant to overcome in the current playoff landscape.

5. Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Nick Wright provides robust analyses backed by statistics and historical context. His candid assessments of player performances and team strategies offer listeners a deep dive into the intricacies of NBA playoff dynamics.

Overall Notable Quotes:

• Nick Wright ([04:59]): "James Harden, 42. More turnovers than made shots. 42."
• Nick Wright ([24:12]): "Tatum is an excellent player. He is not yet in the... we need to evaluate his historical greatness level."
• Nick Wright ([35:47]): "I think the Warriors are done. I don't think Kerr's done a great job..."

Conclusion: This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides a critical examination of key NBA players and teams as the playoffs intensify. From questioning James Harden's clutch performance to scrutinizing Jayson Tatum's impact on the Celtics' fortunes, and assessing the Golden State Warriors' resilience without Steph Curry, Nick Wright delivers compelling insights that are both thought-provoking and analytically robust.

For listeners seeking a thorough understanding of the current NBA playoff scenario, this episode offers valuable perspectives and data-driven discussions that illuminate the challenges and potential outcomes facing some of the league's top contenders.