An NBA Finals Mailbag with Zach Lowe | Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics

[@israelbarnes4704]

JJ your run as Lakers HC was absolutely legendary thank you for everything you did for the franchise 🙏

[@Chadking-fc4vy]

Nothing will help the Lakers man this will only ruin JJ and lebron's relationship 🤣. LeBron can't be coached simple he's a narcissist

[@tripleraze321]

@@Chadking-fc4vypeople are saying the lakers have pivoted and want jj as an assistant

[@jonessmith9478]

This joke is getting old…

[@Commenting800]

@@Chadking-fc4vy Frank Vogel: "LeBron is the greatest basketball player the world has ever seen"

[@Chadking-fc4vy]

@@Commenting800 lol some shitty coach ?

[@FitOneswithVarun]

Doing timestamps until JJ hires me as an assistant coach, I'm already better than Doc Rivers 0:11 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 0:24 - Thanking Fans for Mailbag Questions 0:52 - Discussion on NBA Finals Matchup: Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics 1:00 - DraftKings Sportsbook Segment: Odds and Predictions 1:26 - Previewing the Series with Zack Lowe 1:46 - Comparing the Series to an Onion 2:00 - In-Depth Analysis of the Series 2:54 - Breaking Down the Path to the Finals for Dallas Mavericks 3:07 - Boston Celtics: Road to the Finals and Key Players 3:29 - Discussion on Series Adjustments and Matchups 3:45 - Importance of Key Players in the Series 4:13 - Final Thoughts on DraftKings Segment 4:24 - Introduction to Jalen Williams Segment 5:26 - Jaylen Williams: Reflections on Playoff Experience 5:48 - Old Man and The Three Draft Presented by New Era 6:02 - Introduction to Zack Lowe Mailbag Segment 6:14 - Zack Lowe's Take on the Series 6:30 - Discussion on Dallas Mavericks' Championship Path 6:51 - Excitement and Strategy in the Finals Matchup 7:30 - Importance of Luka Doncic in the Series 8:30 - How Celtics Can Slow Luka Without Leaving Kyrie Open 9:20 - Detailed Matchup Analysis for Celtics' Defense 10:45 - Exploring Dallas Mavericks' Offensive Strategies 11:50 - Celtics' Defensive Matchups and Adjustments 13:00 - Luca Doncic's Ability to Adapt and Counter Defenses 14:30 - Boston's Strategy to Limit Dallas' Offense 15:30 - Key Players and Potential Game Changers in the Series 16:45 - Questions About Luka Doncic's Legacy and Hall of Fame Prospects 18:30 - More on Luka's Career and Achievements 20:00 - Jason Tatum's Legacy and Importance of the Finals 21:30 - Top Five Player Debate and Jason Tatum's Status 23:00 - Evaluating Boston Celtics' Expectations and Performance 24:30 - Reflecting on the Journey of the Celtics and Mavericks 25:50 - Impact of Past Playoff Performances on Current Expectations 28:00 - Focus on Team Success Over Individual Accolades 29:00 - Discussing Team Dynamics and Media Coverage 30:30 - Evaluating the Best Teams in the NBA Playoffs 31:45 - Importance of Player Matchups and Adjustments 33:00 - Key Defensive Strategies for the Mavericks 34:30 - Evaluating Boston Celtics' Offensive Strategies 36:00 - Importance of Spacing and Shooting in the Series 38:00 - Potential Role of Max Kleber and Other X-Factors 40:00 - Discussion on Transition Offense and Pace 41:00 - Defensive Strategies and Potential Adjustments 42:00 - Role of Transition Defense in the Series 43:00 - Importance of Adjustments and Coaching Strategies 44:00 - Key Matchups and Defensive Assignments 46:00 - Evaluating the Impact of Three-Point Shooting 48:00 - Identifying the Most Important Role Players 49:30 - Discussing Key Role Players for Both Teams 50:30 - Evaluating Al Horford's Role and Impact 52:00 - Defensive Strategies and Player Matchups 54:00 - Importance of Al Horford in the Series 56:00 - Evaluating the Impact of Player Roles and Contributions 58:00 - Importance of Three-Point Shooting for Boston 1:00:00 - Potential Strategies for Both Teams 1:02:00 - Discussing the Parity in the NBA and New Normals 1:04:00 - Evaluating the Impact of New CBA and Team Building 1:06:00 - Reflection on the Season and Playoff Experience 1:09:00 - Looking Ahead to Future Seasons and Growth 1:11:00 - Draft Segment: Best TV Show Theme Songs 1:15:00 - Draft Picks and Discussion

[@DESOUSAB]

This man needs to be hired by 342.

[@FitOneswithVarun]

@@Han_Hattori_Hanzo 😂

[@edw1n2]

this is a positive example of neurodivergence

[@DESOUSAB]

@@edw1n2 You win the internet for tonight... ;)

[@MIke-ni6ww]

yessir as i smoke the morning blunty

[@USAbestcountryever]

Druggie

[@nocturne311]

Jogging right now but I’m about to do the same when I get home. Who ya got in the Finals?

[@jacklinkin3865]

@@nocturne311 this is how comment sections should be... optimistically, mavs in 6 or 7 but probably C's in 6.. so complete, especially if tingus pingus plays

[@kiggityk4975]

Blunty?😭

[@programme9363]

Blunty sounds so cute ❤

[@Defort-jd8xe]

JJ the first LeBron coach to get fired before getting the job.

[@ItsDon.01]

I'm cryin💀💀

[@lovet5307]

R/nba circlejerk nephew

[@r.foshee1578]

it was those lips AC has that made it 1 and done!

[@chinortega3]

Damn lmfao

[@Defort-jd8xe]

@@lovet5307 try again in english

[@brendankirsch6905]

Lowe is the best, love when you have him on - preseason episode with him was a gem😊

[@jakekajkut5651]

The first time listened Zach for long interview. He is so smart and logical. Clear talking. I am so happy to find this.

[@bdmatsterrr]

He has his own podcast, Lowe post, very worth it

[@Gamer-jv8uv]

JJ knowing Lucius Fox so quickly off the dome just confirms how big of a nerd he really is

[@rishabhdevchawla3597]

JJ & Z Lowe or JJ & Legs - just great analytical conversation and time flies

[@mu2d2]

zach's jacket collar is flipped in the back, and thats all i could think about for like 10 minutes

[@johnkunkel5946]

I came to find this comment. Can someone help the man out?!?!

[@mikemartins449]

Fr nobody could let bro know?

[@вернат]

It's fine

[@raincity3s]

Is this like a spectrum thing? Normally u noticed it and give a chuckle but then u just...pay attention to what they're talking abt because thats what we're here for?

[@hardywoodaway9912]

thats what is called being superficial… I just hear two guys talking

[@christopherfoerstel9116]

“Alfred never went away but he’s really back, Alfred.” - right out the gate this guy is hilarious😂😂 also respect the Lucius Fox pull shoutout Morgan Freeman

[@kaylee42900]

Those youngsters don't know the production value of the NBA on NBC. All the story line mini-montages and stuff during the playoffs for example. ESPN is so bare bones that we forget.

[@dirkholighost]

Love hearing Jdub talk about the playoffs. Hype for next season #ThunderUp

[@requiemforameme1]

Bruh, JJ sounded like he was dying inside during that Pupperoni ad. 😂

[@SquidysTents]

Have you tried it though? It’s 100% real meat. No grains, fillers, or artificial flavors. I just made it for the kids last night

[@bradmohr8098]

​@@SquidysTentsI don't feed my kids the fancy treats like that. Dry kibble good enough for them.

[@santiproductions9318]

@@bradmohr8098Do you give them wet or dry kibble? I’ve heard there are advantages to both, trying to figure out which one to feed my kids!

[@DESOUSAB]

If JJ has ADHD (which I am sure he does...), this checks out. We can't fake interest in stupid/boring sh!t - like hawking dog treats to keep the lights on.

[@devaughnmiller1905]

Zach Lowe is really smart when it comes to basketball and I don’t think the other shows he appears on do him justice.

[@michaelahurt]

Yeah Zach is heavily reliant on who he is talking too It’s why I like Russillo with basically anyone because he forces them to really think

[@LD21333]

He’s smart when he’s not talking about Luka and the Mavs

[@mythicalwalrus6291]

You say this series is like an onion, I say it’s like an ogre

[@teoxoe]

i’m having vietnam flashbacks

[@DannyK88]

Series has layers ogre has layers

[@shaq132]

What about cake? Cake has layers. What about a parfait?

[@Henry-kv7zl]

You say orge, i say 7 layer dip

[@jessebuck90]

Pumped for this episode. So sick of sports betting stuff absolutely taking over everything. Wish they would make it illegal again.

[@LaurentCourtines]

Who do you think is funding these shows?

[@jessebuck90]

@@LaurentCourtines clearly DraftKings to some extent, but these shows existed before sports betting companies and had other sponsors. I just think it's bad for sports and I'm sick of hearing conversation around it.

[@ApeMan-atwork]

Yeah, I absolutely hate that sports betting is legal. It feels like it has poisoned basketball, at least (I don't watch any other sports).

[@raincity3s]

It barely affects u in any way. Its no different than the other ads u see on these pods or on tv. You're making it a big deal

[@ApeMan-atwork]

@@raincity3s Which sportsbook do you work for? Alternatively: Which sportsbook are you addicted to? lol

[@Aussie_OKC_fan]

The Wire opening theme. Epic.

[@Tophergr8]

Veronica Mars theme song is brilliant

[@devindoherty184]

JJ we appreciate all your hard work in LA best of luck in your next challenge

[@soricesofast]

How is JJ or a producer not helping Zach fold down the collar of his jacket?

[@MyMegaMango]

EXACTLY! I couldn’t unnotice it

[@johncashman4098]

Loved this, especially the segment about how the Celtics get treated as if they’ve had this same team for years and keep failing. Their only true failure imo was last year’s ECF and even then they had a rookie head coach who had no offseason to prepare and a group of assistants who weren’t picked by him. In 2022 they caught lighting in a bottle in the second half of the season but ran into the Warriors with all that championship DNA and a top 10-12 all time player, while Tatum and Brown weren’t in their prime and their third offensive option was Marcus Smart. That said, this year there’s no excuses barring a catastrophic injury

[@steeez0]

well said, plus Rob got hurt during that wonderful 2nd half....People underrate that aspect. They were a DIFFERENT team with a healthy Rob.

[@DESOUSAB]

But it is the same team. The core is their two superstars. Everybody else fills a role. Role players are interchangeable b/c nobody pays to watch role players play their roles.

[@michaelturley8222]

I think you’re right, but the problem is even though they shouldn’t have been expected to win a ring yet, they’ve shown during the pursuit of that ring that they really struggle with consistency and scoring in the half court against great defense. And this triggers people, but personally when I see Tatum’s body language in big moments, more often than not, he seems like he’s terrified. If you look at his numbers in the final games of the Celtics playoffs runs the last 7 years he’s usually terrible. Pair that with Brown not having the most refined game and it’s still hard for me to envision them beating the Mavs if the games are close at the end with how much more talented and clutch the Mavs closers are.

[@tomi2x180]

@@michaelturley8222 yeah he seemed super scared when he scored 3 straight threes to force game 7 against philly and then 51 in game 7 after. yall internet body language experts irk me.

[@johncashman4098]

@@DESOUSAB Tatum and Brown are in their primes now, in 2022 they were 23/24 and 25 respectively. There’s a reason most stars don’t win a ring before they’re 27ish. Plus “same core” is different than “same team.” New starting center in KP, new guard in Holiday plus a vastly improved DWhite, and a new coach who has elements of Udoka to him but is also clearly his own man. Very different team imo. Not saying they’re a lock to win the chip this year, just saying let’s judge this year’s Celtics based on this year.

[@jng24]

The cut back to zach after "I see the shirt" got me dead

[@Zeitman3]

jj has mastered the art of saying a lot of words without actually saying anything

[@frankmaitland1254]

Jalen watches Pilot Episode Series great idea.

[@jaybarz003]

I could lsn to Jamal speak all day.He talks bout the game well n he knows e game well.He also talks w/out rushing,n listens to e interviewee w/out cutting her/him off.He does study n analyse e game of basketball well.

[@Laceta2]

The theme of this series is "What would Luka do?" Casual fan or not, I think we should all know that the five out offense of the Celtics is gonna be a problem for the Mavs defensively. So what would Luka do offensively to keep the Mavs in the game, and possibly win in the clutch moments.

[@1bucciarelli]

That 70s show snub is crazy

[@boolgod3433]

yooo my cousin was the first mailbag question shout out Wfromdeball

[@kristchen5829]

Love ZLowe and JWill - hope he goes up another level next year

[@rapstallion6615]

Just got the Subscribe with that Lucius Fox pull. Respect.

[@relaxationmeditation499]

Homie is using Shrek wisdom here's. Finals are like onions!

[@hugodelfin4695]

Great podcast with Andy García

[@michaelbraddock5728]

50 Cent & Cuban Link will probably be at the NBA Finals tonight in Boston, it will be a great game and celebrities of NYC

[@zendochterman]

Come for the pupperoni ad stay for the NBA analysis

[@bluecheckmiya]

See a real one like me would’ve went 1. Zoey 101 2. ICarly 3. Ben 10 4. SpongeBob 5. George Lopez Show 😤😤😤

[@MrShuggadaddy]

6. Charlie the Unicorn

[@MeadowlarkProductions-n9y]

Zach Lowe’s makeup on point lol

[@DeMortuisAutNilAut]

JJ... stop trying to make "Alfred" happen.

[@leodesforges161]

Celtics have 2 all NBA guys, 5-6 guys who are, or are near all star level (yeah, Al is too old now) and a solid coaching staff. It's their series to lose. If they shoot decent and play defense at the level they can (4th quarter intensity) it's going to be near impossible to beat them. If they don't manage to do those things... it's gonna be wild.

[@bplayerr1]

JJ talks about the Celtics like: I was a cheating 304 but my past doesnt matter!🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@evanbrum6357]

Never clicked on a video so quickly! It's like batman and superman on the same pod.

[@waynesulak1488]

Luka is maybe in the Hall of fame with just his Euro record. It is the Basketball Hall of Fame not the NBA Hall of Fame.

[@Gxbbby]

Unbelievable call on Kleber by Lowe. The lob dunks were completely eliminated by Boston’s defense. That paired with attacking the centers to force foul trouble, Kleber was a complete “we blinked” change up that scares me if I’m a Mavericks fan

[@samphan2859]

i wish jj would take a sec to help zach fix his jacket collar 😂😂

[@jacobellis9419]

The Office theme song BIG snub. Not even a mention? Slaps.

[@careerdevelopment1822]

Friends!!! Is a first pick all day

[@MikeWazowskisBurner]

I can't believe they didn't pick the Friends theme song! This draft was whack

[@neildenman1776]

Zack is a legend!

[@TheTricktracktruck]

Love both of your Podcasts gentlemen, but what was up between you two that day?

[@rdhhulk693]

Love draft segment!!!

[@cameronluce6933]

Barmelo xanthany 😂

[@wyatt95929]

Love Lowes commentary.

[@mihirchitnis905]

Calling it now, JJ will soon wear a BMW hoodie with Lakers Colors 😂

[@vinceestrada4375]

HELL NAH

[@dylanm1174]

as a hawks fan who wanted my team to draft luka for months before that draft…this finals series is painfully sweet

[@wilustop1]

Zach lowe is such a boss. What a basketball mind.

[@adnankazim88]

Zach Lowe looks like Shaq 10 years after retirement now

[@Henry-kv7zl]

Shaq lowe

[@CTEagleCeltic]

Barmello Xanthony… someone was a fan of the Bogeda Boys…

[@jamesfrankilin546]

Respect the Scooby doo pick!! Wtf way too much slander on scooberts intro 😂

[@michaelahurt]

One thing I don’t really get is people act like Luka is 70% from floater range and 60% midrange Yes, he’s going to make crazy hard shots but he shoots like 57% on in between shots and 44-50% from midrange. If you have a good offense you can live with that

[@rome8180]

Boston being judged by their past is ridiculous. First of all, getting to six of the last eight Eastern Conference Finals shouldn't be painted as a failure. It's a testament to how consistent they've been. Second of all, this isn't the same team as any of those other teams. This team is far more dominant, thanks to the additions of Jrue and Porzingis. Every metric says they've been a historically great team, both in the regular season and the playoffs. I'm not saying Dallas can't win the series. It wouldn't shock me if they did. I just think it's kind of strange that most fans and analysts are picking against Boston. That runs counter to the Vegas odds, and it also runs counter to Boston's full body of work in the regular season and playoffs. I think people are getting caught up in old narratives, rather than the reality of what's happening on the floor.

[@mahvzilla]

I feel like Kleber can also be like a 22’ Nemanja Bjelica, a stretch who’s switchable and very underrated at defense

[@Ryanritt13]

Love that your repping GC men’s shirt!

[@kevingates8339]

Just saw JJ in a 7/11 in Boston. Didn’t want to bother him but should’ve said what’s up coach

[@JeftaFastForward]

more money doesn’t magically mean more time 😂 yall think JJ can keep doing 4 podcasts AND maintain his correspondent status at ESPN AND coach the Lakers to a championship?? Something has to give.

[@stinkyfingers1617]

If anyone can do it, it would be JJ

[@JeftaFastForward]

@@stinkyfingers1617 Lol I don’t think you’ve ever had a full time job.

[@bradmohr8098]

I dont think he can even coach the Lakers without the other stuff.

[@SomeChink]

⁠@@stinkyfingers1617lolno a podcast and a NBA head coaching job don’t mix

[@DESOUSAB]

342 Productions bringing us episode 243. Let's call this the Aramaic episode.

[@RittenhousesRifle]

Just on match ups and analytics alone I have to say Celtics in 6. Luka is great enough to win a couple of games on his own but in the end the Celtics will just be too much offensively and defensively. I understand that Minny was the number one ranked defense but they just don’t match up well with Dallas at all while the Celtics do.

[@MisterPeanutButter1]

You guys do these drafts and say there's a winner, but I never see who wins or why. Can you include that?

[@docKAM]

JJ’s eye lids telling a story about his life lately I think 😂

[@justinr5989]

How long does it take for Good Times to come off the board?

[@Jaymendza]

Narcos theme song going undrafted is criminal

[@veekatore]

How do the office, breaking bad, and friends theme songs all get snubbed??😢

[@TheWrongRev]

Jalen won the draft, but NBA on NBC was an ELITE pick by JJ

[@DominickSalvato]

I love u all the creators the people who practice there art keep it up let’s create not destroy be strong thou defend u peaceful way of life

[@Luis77881]

One that you guys missed is Friends. Love TWD and Game of Thrones picks though

[@NaruBrilu]

I said this in the clip that you put out of this too, but i disagree that the Celtics are battle tested. Altho that being said, they r the best team in the East. I do hope that this series turns out to be great if not just so us basketball fans can enjoy it with 2 great teams going at it

[@HamptonGuitars]

Much of the criticism of Tatum/credit to Brown comes from the perception that Brown is the guy who performs in crunch time.

[@DannyK88]

BMW sponsor is nuts congrats

[@kylewms0]

Jj reddish really desire when he said how tall he was 😂

[@hugowull2629]

I get that Luka is awesome, but whenever anyone compares Tatum to Luka, they never talk about the defensive side of the ball. Luka is a better offensive player. He’s a better passer for sure. Tatum is a better defender and it’s not close. I’ll give you Luka, as the better player, but it’s closer than some people think

[@LouchiLouchiano]

what is JJ thoughts on his portrayal in the "Clipped" tv series?

[@armin38822]

5x first team all-nba in his first 6 seasons in the NBA is so impressive

[@tylerbrewton6692]

Somebody has to help Lowe with that collar.

[@elsporko321]

If Boston loses how will their team change? New coach? Brown gone? KP gone as fast as he came in? Apology letter to the fans?

[@stefanieschuster3867]

The Walking Dead and Yellowstone had great intro theme songs.

[@bbott137]

Now you gotta to the all Lucious Fox team. 🤣

[@hviii7452]

“Get Lowe!”

[@PRODIGY-AND-HAVOC]

Zach loves Luka like his 1st born

[@no_flex_zone]

more zach lowe!

[@Juicestainx]

When you do these mailbags you could superimpose the questions onto the screen, so you don’t have to read out each username the way you’ve been doing it

[@jacksonkeogh3320]

The office not being picked was criminal

[@markhoops24]

No cheers??? No Malcom in the middle ??? Wtf

[@Ryansk2003]

iCarly and George Lopez going undrafted is crazy

[@faceurhell]

Alright but seriously... how did no one pick the 60's Batman theme song? Or the Price is Right?

[@liamgryparisdg9658]

The fact no one took Powers theme song is crazy

[@kylebushnell2601]

I think JJ Reddick has a crush on Jayson Tatum. Because man he will do anything to defend that dude. He often goes way out of his way to do it.

[@86Sentra]

I genuinely feel like Dallas defense underrated

[@CoolHandLuke196]

I'm so tired of people thinking losing in the finals is a failure. you're a top 2 team in the league, it's fantastic. what is more impressive, losing 10 straight finals or making the playoffs and winning the finals once in 10 years?

[@cuzzicfc]

Coach Redick

[@TGRZeeko]

Which team wins two games in a row first is the biggest question

[@ryankay0]

tv theme song draft and no spongebob.

[@SquidysTents]

Yes JJ, we get it. You’re the next head coach of the lakers. You really don’t have to keep reminding us every 15 seconds

[@inheritress4791]

they’re hiring dan hurley buddy

[@jrev8089]

What are the odds that Zach and JJ weren’t actually in the same room for this, and it’s just the old camera angle positioning trick?