Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show Episode: NBA Conference Finals Preview and Predictions. Plus, What’s Next for the Denver Nuggets? Release Date: May 20, 2025 Host/Authors: Logan Murdoch, Raja Bell, Cliff Mahoney

Introduction

In this episode of The Ringer NBA Show, hosts Logan Murdoch, Raja Bell, and Cliff Mahoney dive deep into the NBA Conference Finals, offering comprehensive previews and insightful predictions. The discussion centers around the intense series between the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and the Denver Nuggets, evaluating the future prospects of the Nuggets amidst roster challenges. Additionally, the hosts analyze upcoming Eastern Conference Finals matchups, highlighting key players and strategic elements that could influence the outcomes.

OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Series Recap

The episode kicks off with a thorough analysis of the seven-game series between the OKC Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. Logan Murdoch initiates the discussion by recounting the high-stakes nature of Game 7:

Logan Murdoch [04:30]: "For the second straight year, Denver just runs out of gas, whether it be from the injury standpoint or just being downright tired."

Raja Bell reflects on OKC's performance under pressure, emphasizing their growth and resilience:

Raja Bell [05:01]: "They are a good team. They've got a lot of weapons. They're great defensively. They got a lot going for them."

The conversation highlights Nikola Jokic's pivotal role for Denver:

Logan Murdoch [07:17]: "Jokic wasn't historically great this series, but what I did like was his leadership on the floor... he was more animated than ever."

Raja contemplates Jokic's evolving leadership style, suggesting it may be a response to organizational challenges:

Raja Bell [08:14]: "I think the fact that you might have had to see it more speaks to what was going on on the staff and within the organization..."

Denver Nuggets’ Future and Roster Challenges

Delving into the Denver Nuggets’ prospects, the hosts discuss the team’s cap space issues and the difficulty in retaining key players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Raja shares a personal anecdote about making tough decisions regarding player injuries:

Raja Bell [11:36]: "It's always a tough call on a team when you're injured and trying to figure out whether yourself... is a help or a hindrance to the team."

Aaron Gordon's recent hamstring injury sparks a debate on his decision to play despite the risk of worsening his condition:

Raja Bell [14:43]: "He made the right call. It was a gutsy performance... he meant so much to their team."

Logan expresses concern over Denver’s ability to sustain their roster under the new CBA constraints:

Logan Murdoch [09:39]: "With the new apron, it is so prohibitive if you are a really good expensive team to just build around it."

Predictions for the Conference Finals

The hosts share their predictions for the upcoming Conference Finals. Both Logan and Raja confidently back the OKC Thunder to advance, citing their depth and star power:

Logan Murdoch [34:03]: "I'm going with the Thunder in six."

Raja Bell [34:21]: "I'm going to take the Thunder tight one at six, six or seven, I don't know."

Cliff Mahoney supports their stance, emphasizing OKC's defensive prowess and physicality:

Cliff [55:27]: "I'm going to keep it to be with you. I really think the Thunder are going to win in six."

Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Knicks vs. Pacers

Transitioning to the Eastern Conference Finals, the discussion shifts to the New York Knicks facing off against the Indiana Pacers. The hosts dissect key matchups and strategic battles that could determine the series outcome.

Key Matchups:

• Tyrese Halliburton (Pacers) vs. Tyrese Maxey (Knicks): Logan and Raja analyze how Halliburton’s playmaking and Maxey’s scoring ability will clash on both ends.

Raja Bell [44:14]: "If we're out on the highway, flying up and down like, you know, this is where Indiana wants to live."

Strategic Elements:

• Pace of Play: Raja highlights the importance of controlling the game’s tempo.

Raja Bell [56:05]: "This series is about pace. For me, that's going to be about who controls it, how many games are played at each team's desired pace."

Player Performances:

• Jalen Brunson (Knicks): Recognized for his clutch performances and ability to impact games without always leading the scoring.

Raja Bell [48:26]: "I think Brunson is one of the best closers in the game."

• Pascal Siakam (Pacers): Discussed as a pivotal player who can influence the series with his versatility.

Raja Bell [54:45]: "Pascal Siakam is going to be a key factor in this series..."

Philly Connection and Player Accountability

A notable segment of the podcast delves into the cultural intensity of Philadelphia sports. Cliff Mahoney shares personal insights and anecdotes about the city's passionate fanbase and how it shapes player accountability, particularly focusing on Paul George.

Cliff [60:33]: "We have a pod called East Coast Bias. We go hard for our teams. We ride out for our teams."

The discussion underscores the pressure elite players like Paul George face to perform consistently without relying on excuses related to injuries:

Cliff [67:47]: "He needs to score 20 points, give us about seven, eight rebounds a night... no one's trying to hear about no injuries."

Final Thoughts and Predictions

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reconvene to reaffirm their predictions and share final insights. Logan reiterates his confidence in the Thunder’s ability to advance:

Logan Murdoch [35:23]: "I'm going to go with the Thunder in six."

Raja echoes this sentiment, highlighting OKC's defensive strength against Minnesota:

Raja Bell [36:21]: "I'm going to take Denver tight one at six, six or seven, I don't know."

Cliff also supports the Thunder, emphasizing their readiness and physicality in the playoffs:

Cliff [55:27]: "I really think the Thunder are going to win in six."

The episode concludes with a brief, lighthearted exchange among the hosts, reinforcing the camaraderie and anticipation for the upcoming games.

Notable Quotes

• Logan Murdoch [05:01]: "They are a good team. They've got a lot of weapons. They're great defensively. They got a lot going for them."

• Raja Bell [11:36]: "It's always a tough call on a team when you're injured and trying to figure out whether yourself... is a help or a hindrance to the team."

• Cliff [67:47]: "He needs to score 20 points, give us about seven, eight rebounds a night... no one's trying to hear about no injuries."

• Raja Bell [56:05]: "This series is about pace. For me, that's going to be about who controls it, how many games are played at each team's desired pace."

Conclusion

This episode of The Ringer NBA Show offers an in-depth exploration of the NBA Conference Finals, providing listeners with detailed analyses, player evaluations, and strategic insights. With a balanced mix of statistical breakdowns and personal anecdotes, Logan Murdoch, Raja Bell, and Cliff Mahoney deliver a comprehensive preview that caters to both avid fans and casual followers seeking to understand the dynamics shaping the path to the NBA Finals.