Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode: "Interview Only: Stephen A recaps NBA Playoffs with ESPN's Brian Windhorst"

Release Date: May 10, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith sits down with ESPN's senior NBA analyst Brian Windhorst to delve deep into the unfolding drama of the NBA Playoffs. The conversation spans multiple high-stakes series, player performances, and strategic insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the current playoff landscape.

**1. Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks: An Unexpected Turn

Stephen A. Smith initiates the discussion by addressing the surprising outcomes of the first two games between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. Contrary to expectations, the Knicks have outperformed the defending champions, taking both games in dramatic fashion.

• Windhorst highlights the Celtics' struggles, particularly noting the team's diminished confidence:

  "They started the fourth quarter in game two, down 12 in the fourth quarter. So they had done a good job. They were actually down 16... when they even got it to crunch time, I was like, damn, they did it again."
  (02:21)

• Smith probes whether the Knicks' success is due to their clutch performance or the Celtics' decline:

  "In your eyes, more about what the Knicks are in terms of their clutch... Or is it about a diminished product that we're seeing in a reigning defending NBA champions..."
  (04:14)

• Windhorst responds by affirming a bit of both, emphasizing the Knicks' confidence under pressure and the Celtics' shaken demeanor:

  "I think the answer is both... the Celtics are diminished."
  (04:54)

**2. Kristaps Porzingis: Health Concerns Impacting the Celtics

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Boston Celtics’ star, Kristaps Porzingis, whose underwhelming performance has raised eyebrows.

• Smith brings up Porzingis' stark decline from averaging 24.5 points in the regular season to a mere eight points in the playoffs:

  "He clearly has been a virtual no show because he just hasn't been on the court for the Boston Celtics."
  (06:03)

• Windhorst explains the uncertainty surrounding Porzingis' health, attributing his slump to unexplained fatigue:

  "He was having a real hard time with fatigue... that's what's coming for the Celtics ownership."
  (06:56)

**3. Implications for the Boston Celtics Franchise

The conversation shifts to the broader implications for the Celtics' franchise should they falter in the playoffs.

• Smith poses a critical question about the franchise's future:

  "If the Boston Celtics lose this series, what will it mean for this franchise?"
  (08:40)

• Windhorst discusses the financial and organizational challenges, especially with the new ownership structure and significant financial commitments:

  "This is not Steve Ballmer buying the team... they're leveraging to get this, which is not... a ton of money."
  (08:49)

**4. New York Knicks' Path Forward

Exploring the Knicks' potential trajectory if they continue their strong performance:

• Windhorst assesses the Knicks' chances against upcoming opponents, considering factors like home-court advantage and team health:

  "The Knicks would be favored in that series, depending on everybody's health."
  (10:30)

• He further outlines the grueling path ahead for the Knicks, referencing potential matchups with Detroit, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City:

  "The Knicks have the toughest draw in the league..."
  (11:25)

**5. Indiana Pacers: A Formidable Contender

The Indiana Pacers receive commendation for their unexpected strong performance despite facing injuries.

• Smith praises the Pacers' depth and leadership, particularly highlighting Tyrese Halliburton's standout play:

  "They have no one great, but a whole bunch of dudes that are really, really good..."
  (12:42)

• Windhorst attributes their success to exceptional coaching and depth:

  "They have somebody great. It's their coach... they have depth, they have speed, they have a style of play..."
  (13:28)

**6. Oklahoma City Thunder: Concerns Amidst Success

Turning to the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder's performance is scrutinized, especially after they overcame the Denver Nuggets in a pivotal Game 2.

• Windhorst expresses reservations about the Thunder's supporting cast and their ability to maintain offensive efficiency without key players:

  "Shay Gildan Alexander... they don't have a second scorer that's reliable."
  (13:46)

• He underscores the Thunder's history of faltering in high-pressure situations, indicating potential vulnerabilities in future games:

  "They have every tool that you need. But there is that sense of mystery about how it's going to happen."
  (15:17)

**7. Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Assessing the Impact of Injuries

The discussion shifts to the Warriors' series against the Timberwolves, focusing on the ramifications of Steph Curry's hamstring strain.

• Windhorst outlines the Warriors' challenges, emphasizing the need for Jimmy Butler to elevate his offensive game:

  "Jimmy Butler has got to be more of an offensive engine... they can't score without Steph."
  (16:09)

• He also critiques the Warriors' defense against the Timberwolves' unprecedented 16 open three-pointers:

  "They've got to play better defense. The only way to do this is to pinch it from both ends."
  (16:09)

**8. Draymond Green: A Complex Legacy

A deep dive into Draymond Green's reputation and his recent actions adds a layer of complexity to the Warriors' narrative.

• Smith references Windhorst's earlier discussions on ESPN about Green's portrayal and seeks his expert opinion:

  "What would you qualify or classify as the perception that Draymond Green has and how fair or unfair do you think it is?"
  (17:38)

• Windhorst praises Green's defensive prowess and game influence while acknowledging his unpredictable temperament:

  "He's one of the great influencers of the game... but he also loses control for as savvy and nuanced of the game that he plays."
  (18:29)

• He reflects on Green's impact on championship runs and his recent disciplinary issues, painting a picture of a player who is both invaluable and volatile:

  "He derailed the 2023 season by sucker punching his teammate... He's one of the more complicated, great players of this generation."
  (22:59)

**9. Predictions and Final Thoughts

Concluding the episode, Smith prompts Windhorst to make predictions on several series outcomes:

• Windhorst forecasts a series split between the Celtics and Knicks, anticipating the Celtics winning two games despite the Knicks' current edge:

  "I don't believe it because I do believe in the Knicks' ability... the Celtics will win the Knicks 2."
  (23:09)

• He also shares his outlook on the Thunder vs. Nuggets and Timberwolves vs. Warriors series, balancing optimism with caution:

  "Game three is going to tell me everything... Minnesota is 22 and 5 in its last 27 games."
  (24:30)

• Finally, Windhorst expresses a strong belief in Minnesota's resurgence, predicting a three-game lead for them:

  "I'm leaning more towards Minnesota 3... they have depth, they have speed."
  (25:10)

Conclusion

This episode offers a thorough analysis of the NBA Playoffs, highlighting unexpected performances, player health concerns, strategic challenges, and the intricate dynamics of team reputations. Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst provide listeners with nuanced perspectives, enriched by expert insights and notable quotes, making it an invaluable listen for NBA enthusiasts seeking to understand the complexities of the postseason battles.