Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show – "Are the Warriors Cooked Without Curry? Plus, Can the Celtics Turn It Around Against the Knicks? | Real Ones"

Release Date: May 9, 2025

1. Opening Remarks and Playoff Betting Insights

The episode kicks off with hosts Logan Murdoch and Raja Bell delving into the NBA playoffs, focusing on the Golden State Warriors' predicament without Steph Curry and the Boston Celtics' struggle against the New York Knicks. Logan emphasizes the role of Warriors’ Draymond Green and the broader challenges faced by the team in the playoffs.

2. Golden State Warriors Without Steph Curry

Logan Murdoch raises concerns about the Warriors' chances without their star player, Steph Curry, who is currently battling a hamstring injury. He states:

"Steph Curry, hamstring injury since the last time we talked, which is tough. People say like a week for that, but I think he's out for the series at least, right?" ([06:03])

Raja Bell concurs, analyzing the Warriors' current state:

"They're in a lot better position than you would think, all things considered, because they stole that first game. So, you know, now look, clearly without Steph there, they are not nearly the same level of threat to anyone as they would be with him." ([07:26])

Despite stealing the first game, Raja doubts the Warriors' ability to advance without Curry, suggesting:

"I would give them more of a chance than I normally would because they stole the first game. But I don't think they get out of the series. I think they're kind of cooked." ([07:26])

Logan further critiques Draymond Green's on-court behavior, highlighting his technical fouls and questioning his accountability:

"I feel like he has been doing that the majority of this postseason... he’s skating responsibility." ([23:00])

3. Draymond Green’s Conduct and its Impact

The hosts engage in a heated discussion about Draymond Green's recent actions, technical fouls, and his public statements addressing perceptions of him as an "angry black man." Logan expresses frustration over Green's attempts to deflect responsibility:

"What I would give me pause was the fact that this seemed to be a ploy to mask the level of responsibility that he holds for not being the best teammate that he can be." ([22:00])

Raja Bell acknowledges the complexity of the situation, recognizing both Green's struggles and the potential influence of societal perceptions:

"I think he's slightly right, but you've put yourself in that position so many times." ([38:27])

The conversation underscores the tension between Green's personal accountability and external narratives, culminating in Logan's earnest reflections:

"It's hard to turn around and say, I don't appreciate the narrative that's being spun about me without acknowledging your contribution to the narrative." ([33:00])

4. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Warriors Playoff Series

Turning to the Warriors' playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Raja Bell provides a critical analysis:

"I think the series has been one of the group chats in general has been Knicks Celtics. And you said something very surprising..." ([44:13])

He discusses Ant’s shooting struggles and the Timberwolves' supportive cast, highlighting players like Julius Randle and Naz Reed:

"You have to have your number one point produced, like a number one consistently. But, like, right now, I think he's okay." ([15:10])

Logan questions the future of the Warriors without Curry, forecasting a challenging series outcome:

"Would not be surprised if he's out for the season then." ([13:32])

5. Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks Series Analysis

The hosts shift focus to the Celtics' performance against the Knicks, expressing skepticism about the Celtics' ability to maintain their advantage:

Raja Bell observes:

"I don't believe they will [the Celtics turn it around]. I don't like that the Celtics continue to do this." ([47:20])

Logan Murdoch echoes frustration with the Celtics' inconsistency:

"The Celtics have a habit of getting punked. It just happens, and I just can't see the Knicks being the better team." ([52:16])

Despite acknowledging the Celtics' on-paper superiority, both hosts remain doubtful about their resilience in the series.

6. Transition to WNBA Segment with Sirit Sohi

Midway through the episode, Logan Murdoch introduces Sirit Sohi, the host of The Ringer's WNBA Show, to discuss the current WNBA season. They engage in a candid conversation about various WNBA teams, player performances, and league dynamics.

7. WNBA Teams and Player Performances

Sirit Sohi shares insights on the Los Angeles Sparks, expressing skepticism about their competitiveness:

"The Sparks are absolutely not a top five team in the WNBA. They're probably going to be a bottom five team." ([61:07])

They discuss the Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, and the impact of recent trades, such as acquiring Kelsey Plum. Sirit highlights the challenges and potential of these teams:

"I think Kelsey Plum is going to have a really good season, but I am skeptical about the long-term commitments." ([65:31])

The conversation also touches on the rivalry between WNBA leagues like UNRIVALED and Athletes Unlimited, emphasizing the need for stability and consistent officiating:

"The WNBA needs to fix... consistency of refing across the league, which is a huge problem." ([87:46])

8. Concluding Remarks and Shout-Outs

As the episode wraps up, both hosts share personal anecdotes and offer shout-outs to listeners and affiliates. They also touch upon broader issues within the NBA and WNBA, such as team dynamics, free agency, and league operations.

Raja Bell concludes with a motivational note:

"Shout out to my young buck, Ty Bell, who made ESPN top 25 for the first releasing of the 2028." ([100:38])

Logan Murdoch emphasizes community engagement:

"Shout out to all the affiliates, out to all the homies." ([101:15])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Logan Murdoch ([06:03]): "Steph Curry, hamstring injury since the last time we talked, which is tough. People say like a week for that, but I think he's out for the series at least, right?"

• Raja Bell ([07:26]): "They're in a lot better position than you would think, all things considered, because they stole that first game. So, you know, now look, clearly without Steph there, they are not nearly the same level of threat to anyone as they would be with him."

• Logan Murdoch ([22:00]): "What I would give me pause was the fact that this seemed to be a ploy to mask the level of responsibility that he holds for not being the best teammate that he can be."

• Raja Bell ([38:27]): "I think he's slightly right, but you've put yourself in that position so many times."

• Raja Bell ([15:10]): "You have to have your number one point produced, like a number one consistently. But, like, right now, I think he's okay."

• Sirit Sohi ([61:07]): "The Sparks are absolutely not a top five team in the WNBA. They're probably going to be a bottom five team."

• Logan Murdoch ([06:03]): "Steph Curry, hamstring injury since the last time we talked, which is tough..."

Conclusion

This episode of The Ringer NBA Show provides a thorough analysis of key NBA playoff series, focusing on the Warriors' struggles without Curry and the Celtics' challenges against the Knicks. Additionally, the inclusion of Sirit Sohi brings valuable insights into the WNBA, highlighting team dynamics and league issues. The hosts blend technical analysis with personal perspectives, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of current basketball narratives.