The Zach Lowe Show: YES 'CERS!! Last Night’s Crazy Comeback With Chris Mannix. Plus, Some Intriguing Offseason Teams With John Hollinger

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Introduction

In this electrifying episode of The Zach Lowe Show, host Zach Lowe delves deep into the jaw-dropping comeback orchestrated by the Indiana Pacers against the New York Knicks. Joined by esteemed guests Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated and basketball analyst John Hollinger from The Athletic, the trio dissects every pivotal moment of the game, explores the strategies employed, and anticipates the implications for both teams moving forward. Additionally, the conversation extends to intriguing offseason moves, spotlighting teams like the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks.

Game Breakdown: The Knicks vs. Pacers Comeback

The heart of this episode centers around the Indianapolis Pacers' unprecedented rally against the New York Knicks, culminating in a dramatic overtime victory. The game, replete with unexpected twists, kept both fans and analysts on the edge of their seats.

• Early Game Dynamics: The Knicks maintained a substantial lead, with Jalen Brunson contributing significantly. However, as the clock wound down, Indiana began to claw back, leveraging their fast-paced and relentless style.

  Zach Lowe [07:24]: "Brunson did try to get twos and get to the line. He got almost triple teamed and was left to kick the ball out."

• Key Plays: Tyrese Halliburton's iconic shot became the focal point of the comeback. Initially perceived as a three-pointer, it was later contested and ruled a two, leading to intense discussions about refereeing decisions.

  Zach Lowe [05:32]: "If I had done that in a game of that nature... I wouldn't have even been able to process it in real time."

• Coaching Decisions: Rick Carlisle's strategic use of challenges played a crucial role in the Pacers' victory. Conversely, Tom Thibodeau faced criticism for questionable early challenges that ultimately backfired.

  John Hollinger [18:45]: "Rick Carlisle had two of his [challenges] in the bag, used them and that helped the Pacers win the game."

• Overtime Madness: The game extended into overtime, where the Pacers solidified their comeback. Discussions highlight moments like Andrew Nemhart's critical three-pointer and Obi Toppin's defensive lapses.

  Zach Lowe [21:27]: "A when Andrew Nemhart back cut Josh Hart for the go-ahead layup. And then he deflects the ball out of bounds."

Notable Quotes

• Chris Mannix [03:26]: "That's the craziest game I've ever been to."

• John Hollinger [07:24]: "Aaron Esmas is just on his phone like hey, what's up? I couldn't believe."

• Zach Lowe [14:02]: "Overall, there was a lot of talk about... they lost the game on defense. They lost the game because their defense on those nice Smith threes, the switches were late, the communication was bad."

Offseason Teams Discussion: Trade Scenarios and Team Dynamics

Shifting gears, Zach and John delve into the offseason strategies of various NBA teams, focusing on potential trades and roster adjustments.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings find themselves in a precarious position with a plethora of point guards under contract and significant salary cap constraints.

• Roster Challenges: With key players like De'Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine, the Kings grapple with maintaining competitiveness amid financial restrictions.

  Zach Lowe [50:12]: "They just don't want tank, but they're not actually good. They're just going to keep throwing stuff at the wall."

• Trade Speculations: The duo explores hypothetical trades, such as pairing De'Aaron Fox with a center like Domantas Sabonis, though they acknowledge the complexities involved.

  Chris Mannix [56:44]: "Trey Young with Sabonis would be interesting if the Kings were willing to take a step back."

Atlanta Hawks

Analyzing the Hawks' moves post-Dejounte Murray trade, the conversation highlights the team's rebuilding efforts and salary cap management.

• Contract Considerations: With players like Clint Capela and Trae Young approaching contract renewals, the Hawks face tough decisions to balance team performance and financial sustainability.

  Zach Lowe [72:23]: "If you don't get the extension done, that's a bad sign for the relationship between player and team."

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland's predicament revolves around managing supermax contracts for emerging stars like Evan Mobley, amidst stringent salary cap conditions.

• Cap Constraints: The Cavs struggle with accommodating Mobley's rising salary while maintaining a competitive roster.

  Zach Lowe [90:00]: "There's got to be some tax apron cap relief for that contract now."

Insights and Conclusions

The episode wraps up with insightful reflections on the intricate balance teams must maintain between on-court performance and financial maneuvering. Zach Lowe and John Hollinger emphasize the importance of strategic planning in the offseason to ensure sustained success, highlighting the delicate interplay between player contracts, team dynamics, and competitive aspirations.

Final Thoughts

The Zach Lowe Show delivers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of one of the most memorable games of the season, complemented by a thoughtful examination of offseason strategies across the NBA. The collaboration between Zach Lowe, Chris Mannix, and John Hollinger provides listeners with a rich blend of game-day excitement and forward-thinking team assessments, making this episode a must-listen for avid basketball fans.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Zach Lowe [05:32]: "If I had done that in a game of that nature... I wouldn't have even been able to process it in real time."
• John Hollinger [07:24]: "Aaron Esmas is just on his phone like hey, what's up? I couldn't believe."
• Zach Lowe [14:02]: "They lost the game on defense because their defense on those nice Smith threes, the switches were late, the communication was bad."
• Chris Mannix [18:45]: "Rick Carlisle had two of his [challenges] in the bag, used them and that helped the Pacers win the game."
• Zach Lowe [21:27]: "Andrew Nemhart back cut Josh Hart for the go-ahead layup."

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the insightful discussions and analyses presented during the episode.