The Ringer NBA Show: “The Knicks Do It Again! Plus, the Real OKC Shows Up, and What’s Behind the Round 2 Madness?” | Group Chat

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Ringer NBA Show, titled “The Knicks Do It Again! Plus, the Real OKC Shows Up, and What’s Behind the Round 2 Madness?”, hosts Justin Barrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre dive deep into the tumultuous second round of the NBA playoffs. Skipping past the promotional segments, the discussion centers around the surprising performances of the New York Knicks, the resurgence of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the overarching trends influencing playoff outcomes.

Knicks vs. Celtics Series Analysis

Justin Barrier opens the conversation expressing bewilderment over the Knicks' unexpected victories against the Celtics:

“I can't fucking believe what we just witnessed. The Knicks playing just a totally fine game. They didn't play well for [most of the game]… end up upsetting the Celtics yet again.” ([02:58](# timestamp))

Wosny Lambre echoes Justin's astonishment, detailing the Knicks' defensive prowess and resilience:

“It's been true for two games. They go down 20 and do not quit, do not fold, do not bend, do not break. And end up winning both games in dramatic fashion.” ([05:12](# timestamp))

Despite the Celtics' superior regular-season performance and initial dominance, the Knicks have managed to overturn significant deficits, confounding expectations and setting the stage for a compelling series.

Celtics’ Offensive Struggles

The hosts dissect the Celtics' offensive shortcomings, particularly their over-reliance on three-point shooting and the underperformance of key players in crucial moments.

Rob Mahoney criticizes the Celtics' inability to produce quality shots beyond the perimeter:

“Celtics are looking around and are unable to produce a single okay looking shot that is not a reasonable three.” ([05:40](# timestamp))

Justin Barrier highlights the drastic drop in the Celtics' shooting efficiency during critical quarters:

“In the fourth quarter… they have made nine field goals. In totality, they are 9 for 45.” ([06:14](# timestamp))

This decline severely hampers their ability to maintain leads, especially against a tenacious Knicks defense.

Knicks’ Defensive Improvements

A significant factor in the Knicks' success has been their enhanced defensive strategy. Wosny Lambre emphasizes the team's gritty defense and key contributions from role players:

“Forgive, Mitch Bridges and Anunoby… there’s been a lot of smut on their names… I’ve been part of throwing dirt on these guys, but they’ve proven their worth.” ([07:17](# timestamp))

The Knicks have implemented effective defensive schemes, making it difficult for Celtics’ star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to exploit mismatches.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Resurgence

The Thunder's impressive performance, particularly against the Denver Nuggets, is another focal point. Rob Mahoney lauds their defensive intensity and strategic rotations:

“They have so many guys who they can twist the rotation and it still works, and it still feels like they're playing within their identity.” ([43:35](# timestamp))

Wosny Lambre adds that the Thunder's aggressive defense set the tone early, limiting the Nuggets' scoring opportunities:

“They were like, yo, kids, you're not gonna bully us… defensively they set an amazing tone to start the game.” ([46:20](# timestamp))

Their adaptability and physical play have positioned them as serious contenders moving forward.

Trends in Second Round Playoffs

The hosts explore broader trends affecting playoff outcomes, particularly the overwhelming emphasis on three-point shooting and its volatility.

Justin Barrier posits that excessive reliance on three-pointers may be reaching a tipping point:

“Maybe we're reaching a tipping point in terms of three-point volume… teams that have been overly reliant on that get into situations like we saw with the Celtics.” ([33:07](# timestamp))

Rob Mahoney concurs, noting that while three-pointers are a vital part of modern offenses, their unpredictability can lead to unexpected losses:

“These threes don’t feel like amazing shots. They feel like okay shots and there’s still a lot of them.” ([10:02](# timestamp))

This shift has made playoff basketball more unpredictable, as teams with high three-point attempts face greater variance in game outcomes.

Other Teams and Potential Finals Contenders

Discussions extend to other teams in the second round, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Cleveland Cavaliers, analyzing their strengths and potential paths to the Finals.

Wosny Lambre advocates for the Timberwolves, suggesting they could make a historic run:

“I don't know, how is the… the Wolves making the finals or the Indiana Pacers making the finals? It's the Wolves.” ([57:11](# timestamp))

Rob Mahoney highlights the Pacers' balanced roster and defensive tenacity as pivotal factors:

“They play good, smart two-way basketball. They have a really deep rotation full of capable guys.” ([62:27](# timestamp))

These teams are seen as potential dark horses capable of overcoming seasoned opponents.

Player Highlights

Key player performances and their impacts are dissected throughout the episode.

• Jalen Brunson: Praised for his clutch performances and ability to lead the Knicks in critical moments.

• Mikel Bridges: Recognized for his consistent scoring and defensive efforts, crucial in the Knicks' victories.

• Tyrese Halliburton: Noted for his exceptional shooting in high-pressure situations, contributing to the Pacers' comeback efforts:

  “Tyrese Halliburton is 10 for 11 on shots to tie or take the lead in the last two minutes this year.” ([60:07](# timestamp))

• Donovan Mitchell: Lauded for his relentless play, though concerns about his durability persist:

  “He's running himself into the ground, hitting the floor on like, driving… His ability to split double teams… he could have averaged 50 in these playoffs.” ([63:39](# timestamp))

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the current playoffs, emphasizing the blend of strategy, player performance, and evolving game dynamics.

Rob Mahoney remarks on the ever-changing landscape of playoff basketball:

“We respect the regular season. Exactly.” ([68:14](# timestamp))

Justin Barrier and Wosny Lambre agree that the second round has surpassed expectations, setting the stage for an exhilarating continuation of the postseason.

“This has been an incredible postseason.” ([31:00](# timestamp))

As the series progress, the Knicks and Thunder emerge as standout teams, challenging traditional powerhouses and reshaping playoff narratives.

Notable Quotes

• Justin Barrier ([02:58](# timestamp)): “I can't fucking believe what we just witnessed. The Knicks playing just a totally fine game… upsetting the Celtics yet again.”

• Wosny Lambre ([05:12](# timestamp)): “Knicks go down 20 and do not quit, do not fold, do not bend, do not break. And end up winning both games in dramatic fashion.”

• Rob Mahoney ([10:02](# timestamp)): “These threes don’t feel like amazing shots. They feel like okay shots and there’s still a lot of them.”

• Justin Barrier ([33:07](# timestamp)): “Maybe we’re reaching a tipping point in terms of three-point volume.”

• Wosny Lambre ([60:07](# timestamp)): “Tyrese Halliburton is 10 for 11 on shots to tie or take the lead in the last two minutes this year.”

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights shared by the hosts.