The Stephen A. Smith Show

Episode: Stephen A and "Mr. Carry On" himself, Kendrick Perkins, break down the NBA playoffs
Release Date: April 16, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith teams up with former NBA player Kendrick Perkins to provide an in-depth analysis of the ongoing NBA playoffs. The dynamic duo delves into team performances, player statistics, and strategic insights, offering listeners a comprehensive breakdown of the postseason action. Later in the show, six-time Emmy award-winning actor Lawrence Fishburne joins to discuss his latest animated project, "Sneaks," and shares personal revelations from his appearance on the PBS show Finding Your Roots.

NBA Playoffs Breakdown with Kendrick Perkins

Stephen A. Smith:
“All right, folks, I need y'all to stop what you're doing and listen up. You know I love this time of year, right? The NBA playoffs.”
(00:00:31)

Discussion Highlights:

1. Playoff Seedings and Matchups:

   • Eastern Conference:
     Orlando Magic secured the seventh seed after defeating the Atlanta Hawks and will face the Boston Celtics, the defending champions and second seed. The Miami Heat will compete against the Chicago Bulls for the eighth seed, leading to a first-round matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

   • Western Conference:
     The Golden State Warriors, now the seventh seed, will challenge the Houston Rockets, the second seed. Additionally, the Dallas Mavericks will face the Sacramento Kings, with the winner set to play the Memphis Grizzlies for the right to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

   “In the Western Conference, the Golden State warriors are now the seventh seed after beating the Memphis Grizzlies last night.”
   (00:06:35)

2. Team Analysis:

   • Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets:
     Perkins expresses skepticism about the Warriors' ability to advance far, stating, “80% of the points had to come from Jimmy and Steph Curry last night. They played a lot of minutes.”
     (00:06:48) He highlights the Warriors' over-reliance on their star players and questions Coach Steve Kerr's decisions regarding player utilization.

   • Houston Rockets' Strengths:
     The Rockets’ defensive prowess, particularly on the wing, is emphasized as a key factor in their playoff success. Perkins notes, “They are loaded defensively at the wing position.”
     (00:10:41) He praises Coach Ime Udoka for instilling a strong defensive culture within the team.

3. Player Performances and Predictions:

   • Stephen A.'s Picks for the Knicks vs. Pistons Game:

     • Jalen Brunson over 27 points: “Do you know what I'm talking about?”
       (00:02:00)
     • Kade Cunningham over 27.5 points: “He's definitely gonna score 20 more than 27 and a half points.”
       (00:03:30)
     • Carl Anthony Towns over 23 points: “All Star, period.”
       (00:04:10)
     • Tobias Harris over 13.5 points: “He could score more than 13 and a half points.”
       (00:05:00)
     • Mikhail Bridges over 16.5 points: “They need to score more than 16 and a half points.”
       (00:05:30)
     • Malik Beasley over 14.5 points: “Beasley’s been special this year.”
       (00:06:00)

     Perkins concurs with the picks, emphasizing the importance of these players stepping up during the playoffs.

4. Critical Analysis of Team Strategies:

   • Warriors' Dependency on Steph Curry and Draymond Green:
     “They need a third option. And here's what I want to ask you. What the hell is going on with Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga?”
     (00:08:19)
     Perkins critiques the Warriors' lack of depth beyond their primary stars, suggesting that without additional reliable scorers, their playoff run may be limited.

   • Rockets' Defensive Strategy:
     “When you have an organization that is trying to do everything in their power to satisfy you and you know, Yanis, the city, he basically owns the city. Why would you leave?”
     (00:26:59)
     Perkins underscores the Rockets' balanced mix of youth, athleticism, and veteran leadership as pivotal to their playoff ambitions.

5. Future Outlook and Concerns:

   • Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets:
     “I'm scared of that second round. I believe the Clippers are going to win against the Denver Nuggets and I'm scared of that second round.”
     (00:21:08)
     Both hosts express apprehension about the Clippers' potential to disrupt other top-seeded teams, citing Kawhi Leonard's impact when healthy.

   • Eastern Conference Threats:
     Giannis Antetokounmpo's performance for the Milwaukee Bucks is lauded, with Perkins stating, “Giannis is on a mission. Giannis is going to lead this team.”
     (00:24:14)
     However, Stephen A. voices concerns about the team's depth without key players like Damian Lillard.

Key Takeaways:

• The Warriors' playoff aspirations may be hindered by their reliance on core players and lack of depth.
• The Rockets exhibit strong defensive capabilities, making them formidable opponents in the Western Conference.
• Concerns remain about team strategies, player injuries, and the potential rise of other teams like the Clippers and Bucks.
• Player performances will be crucial in determining the outcomes of tightly contested series.

Guest Segment: Lawrence Fishburne on "Sneaks" and Personal Revelations

Introduction: Stephen A. Smith welcomes Lawrence Fishburne to the show, praising him as one of the greatest actors in American history and expressing excitement about his latest projects.

Discussion Highlights:

1. Animated Project "Sneaks":

   • Concept and Development:
     “Sneaks is an animated thing that we did with a lot of really talented people. Martin Lawrence, Anthony Mackie...”
     (00:38:47)
     Fishburne describes "Sneaks" as a buddy comedy featuring two anthropomorphic sneakers—a classic pair separated at a gala and embarking on a chaotic journey through New York City to reunite.

   • Voice Cast and Production:
     The project boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Martin Lawrence, Anthony Mackie, Macy Gray, Chloe Bailey, Ella Mai, Rico Rodriguez, and Chris Paul (CP3).
     “It's a really funny buddy movie about these two sneakers...”
     (00:38:47)

2. Personal Insights from "Finding Your Roots":

   • Discovering Biological Family:
     “I discovered that my biological father was a gentleman named William Siegel Bohannon...”
     (00:44:32)
     Fishburne shares his emotional journey of learning about his biological father and meeting previously unknown siblings, emphasizing the profound impact of this discovery on his sense of identity and family.

   • Cultural and Historical Reflections:
     He reflects on the complexities of family histories, especially within the African American community, and expresses gratitude for the newfound connections.
     “The history of our families and our family history is as complicated as this country.”
     (00:46:47)

3. Current Projects and Future Aspirations:

   • Film "The Amateur":
     Fishburne discusses his role in "The Amateur," a spy thriller starring alongside Rami Malek. He portrays a seasoned Colonel training Malek's character for field operations, highlighting the film's engaging narrative and his collaboration with Malek.
     “It's a wonderful little movie that I did with Rami, who I adore.”
     (00:47:35)

   • Future Endeavors:
     While Fishburne acknowledges multiple aspirations, he prefers to focus on current projects and continues to manifest his goals actively.
     “There's a lot of stuff I haven't done that I would like to do…”
     (00:42:54)

Key Takeaways:

• "Sneaks" promises a unique animated exploration of sneaker culture, blending humor and heart with a talented voice cast.
• Fishburne's personal revelations from "Finding Your Roots" underscore the importance of understanding one's heritage and the enduring bonds of family.
• His involvement in "The Amateur" showcases his versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling.

Closing Remarks

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating his appreciation for Kendrick Perkins and Lawrence Fishburne, encouraging listeners to engage with their respective projects. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed and entertained through The Stephen A. Smith Show, ensuring a blend of insightful sports analysis and engaging celebrity interviews.

“That's why we are The Stephen A. Smith Show. Me and my man, Big Perk, together, we love it. We absolutely love it.”
(00:36:30)

Notable Quotes

• Stephen A. Smith on Warriors' Depth:
  “They need a third option.”
  (00:08:19)

• Kendrick Perkins on Rockets' Defense:
  “They are loaded defensively at the wing position.”
  (00:10:41)

• Fishburne on "Sneaks":
  “It's a really funny buddy movie about these two sneakers…”
  (00:38:47)

• Fishburne on Discovering His Biological Father:
  “It's beautiful.”
  (00:46:47)

Conclusion

This episode offers a blend of expert sports commentary and personal storytelling. Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins provide valuable insights into the NBA playoffs, analyzing team strategies and player performances with depth and passion. The guest segment with Lawrence Fishburne adds a refreshing perspective, highlighting his creative endeavors and personal growth. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a fan of cinematic arts, this episode delivers engaging content that informs, entertains, and inspires.