Previewing Wolves vs. Nuggets Game 7 + Boston's title hopes & Mavs' trades! | The Lowe Post

Zach Lowe and Jon Krawczynski talk all things Wolves-Nuggets and preview Game 7. Then Zach discusses the Boston Celtics' soft path to the conference finals and the perception Boston isn't playing well enough to win the title and whether anything short of that is a failure. Then, Zach welcomes in ESPN's Tim MacMahon to discuss Mavs-Thunder, how the Mavs trades worked out, whether OKC blew it at the trade deadline, and much more.
0:00 Welcome to the Lowe Post Podcast!
0:30 Timberwolves beat the Nuggets by 45 points
7:06 Wolves’ defense shuts down Nuggets in Game 6
17:29 Mike Conley’s impact
28:24 Rudy Gobert’s best defensive assignment
38:44 Zach on the Celtics’ seemingly easy path to the Eastern Conference finals
54:29 Previewing Mavericks vs. Thunder Game 6 & discussing Kyrie & Luka’s bond
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[@Iamrxch3]

KAT's defense on Jokic has been understated. He's been the key to the series

[@jamespratt7526]

KAT defence and, hand in hand with that, the level of physicality the officials allow, will determine game 7 as it has all series. A relaxed whistle = Wolves win, a frequent whistle = Denver win

[@realone296]

KAT knows he got Gobert to help him, 1 on 1 NOBODY is guarding Joker.

[@cam8868]

He’s boutta get cooked game 7

[@officialroseworld1997]

I think it’s more about the way they’ve been playing MPJ & Murray. They haven’t been able to get it going consistently.

[@drewbreezy5854]

Idk. I never find myself thinking "good defense" but there are a few games where Jokic hasn't had a 40 pt triple double...so that's pretty good.

[@thejewishpeople1970]

The Tatum take makes absolutely 0 sense to me.

[@travisk7863]

He's just good not great at everything and yet he led the best team by a mile in every statistical category besides assists where he was 0.2 apg from leading that too. The media has convinced each other of their brain dead takes

[@whatlurks_]

@@travisk7863He’s done more at his age than most so called superstars.

[@jgates9786]

​@@travisk7863Both can be true. He can be the best player on the best team and not be better than a number of the other top end players in the NBA. It's not super hard to grasp

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Too much of a fanboy or blind?

[@donnycassidy3318]

😂😂😂 tatum’s disrespected

[@ratzinc87]

Congrats woj on finally talking about the mavs more than 3 minutes!

[@PutXi_Whipped]

These Tatum takes are riddled with recency bias and hater opinions.

[@geraldalves9107]

People are still holding his Finals performance against him when it was his first trip to the Finals ever and he was only 24. Meanwhile, their lord and savior LeBron James didn't win his first ring until he was 27 years old and when he joined forces with Wade and Bosh.

[@BeJamin4321]

The media only sees shooting stats and don’t care about Defense or winning.

[@kyleharris2307]

@@geraldalves9107 I'm so glad someone finally said this!!!!!!!! LeBron's second Finals in 2011 he was 17.8 ppg//7.2 rpg//6.8 apg// he was objectively the 3rd best player on that team as well. That was at age 26

[@kyleharris2307]

@@geraldalves9107 They treat Tatum unfairly and it's pissing me off. Time of first ring: MJ - 28 LeBron - 27 KD - 28 Curry - 26 Shaq 26 Hakeem - 31 Dirk - 32 Tatum's best years are ahead of him. He's entering his prime

[@grandmastercs]

They keep saying "Celtics fans are upset" Celtics fans are chilling were in the ECF in 10 games and Tatum has been playing some great ball. Media doesn't care about playmaking defence or rebounds though

[@BWC028]

Boston won the East by 14 games. Who thought they were going to get challenged in the East?

[@aljazeri]

Nobody

[@PlanetTerrorStudios]

Doesn’t mean much. The 4 worst teams all belong to the east. Teams play their own Conference 4X a season. Most of those wins are coming from Detroit/Washington/ Brooklyn/charlotte. Don’t let the big margin fool you, they will be facing a completely different animal in the west.

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Knicks healthy sweeps them lol

[@geraldalves9107]

Lol the media narrative on the Celtics based on past struggles in the playoffs is hilarious to see. They're the only team so far that has already punched their ticket to the ECF, has the second highest offensive rating in the playoffs and the third best defensive rating with the highest point differential. All without Porzingis who is arguably the second most important player on the team for most of the postseason if you want to bring up injuries. They continue to bring up their home losses yet their 4-2 this postseason with their home losses literally being outlier games from both the Heat and Cavs. Meanwhile, Denver the defending champions got trounced last night by 45 and no one bats an eye. It's clear as day that they have nothing to talk about when it comes to the Celtics. And Brunson over Tatum might be the worst take this year so far. Is offense the only thing that these clowns care about?

[@iri101]

Boston hasn’t really played anyone. The played against anyone. They played against Miami without jimmy buckets. The cavs with Mitchell got hurt after game 3. Boston hasn’t been tested. Might not get tested after the Knicks get to them on fumes.

[@djkido316]

Although i'm not a tatum fan but media lost any credibility when everyone in media and their mommas started picking Edwards over Tatum, i mean i don't have to be a Tatum fan to know that Tatum is a better player at this point in his career but not the media lol.

[@avthecool129]

COOK!

[@avthecool129]

@@iri101the heat were not much better with Jimmy and we the beat the cavs twice with Mitchell, one win at home in a blowout and another double digit win on the road

[@Shakdadon]

The last sentence. Tatum super power is he’s a 4way super star. Scoring rebound playmaking defense he impacts all

[@ashamsthomas2490]

Kudos to Zach n Tim to admitting they were wrong on all the Mavs trades Nico made🎉

[@karimzakaria9621]

Definitely agree with your Denver take. Jokic is a generational player, but I’m tired of everyone saying they’re unbeatable. I really believe Dallas/Boston could pose a huge threat to them. The starting 5, minus Jokic, has been very inconsistent this playoff run

[@Jeremy-ot6pb]

denver also has some series bench issues they should fear boston

[@karimzakaria9621]

@@Jeremy-ot6pb Murray’s also really banged up, I cant imagine he has two series left in him.

[@warlockmagic3416]

They're definitely beatable. More than ever now.. Because Murray isn't Murray of old. Jokic is so amazing they still win.. But I had the Wolves beating them this year. Because I knew Murray wasn't himself. It's to the point that DEN needs to add another star like talent. Then maybe consider moving on from Murray. If they want to stay a true contender.

[@cjaimez5895]

These dude are so obsessed with Tatums, objectively he's an elite scorer but let's just say he's really good. He's also an elite defender, rebounder and a very good playmaker now. The media loves to hold this dude to a different standard. Especially considering the players ahead of him haven't had as much success. Embid, Luka, Brunson, etc. Don't give me "his teams were stacked", if that were the case, why were they never the favorites to win?

[@Edd-zd5wb]

He aint very good. Simple passes when doubled or forcing rotations out of pick and rolls.

[@cjaimez5895]

@@Edd-zd5wb so you acknowledge they double him but he ain't very good? 😂

[@Edd-zd5wb]

@@cjaimez5895 Very stupid comment. He aint a very good playmaker. Hes a vert great player you simp fangirl

[@vandalissimus]

Lively is NOT a better finisher in traffic than Gafford. Also, Gafford has better hands

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Gafford is just way better lol. Not close

[@brentstahl204]

Brilliant discussion.

[@BeJamin4321]

These Nit Picking takes on the Celtics by the media is getting ridiculous. Best record in the regular season by a lot and 8-2 in the playoffs. Every team has lapses. Winning a Championship is hard.

[@brandonwilson7918]

These are my people! Such a great show!

[@WOWimTim]

Okc gave the mavs the two rim protectors that are giving them the most fits in this series. They gave them the pick swap to get gafford and they traded Lively to Dallas for cason wallace and Davis bertans. If the mavs call the thunder they shouldn’t answer the phone. Just like if Danny ainge calls you.

[@samblair3359]

The id and superego of the Hoop Collective are the two best guests in the ESPN roster of basketball personalities.

[@OtakuMainer]

I swear, all these media people use the same narratives. It's like they all get together in a meeting before they share a take, just to make sure everyone tows the same line...

[@PutXi_Whipped]

The idea that you’d take Brunson over Tatum is ridiculous on its face.

[@basedleechaobla]

Brunson is averaging close to 40? And when Tatum scores 30 it’s an amazing game for him

[@brandonmedina5537]

@@basedleechaoblabecause Brunson has to literally carry his team for them to make it anywhere. Tatum took a step back scoring this season by choice, but he’s become a much better all around player.

[@pavlegrebenarevic382]

@@brandonmedina5537 I would never take a guy who had a top 2-3 team in the league for years and never was able to get it done

[@callumalston5755]

@@basedleechaoblaTatum averaged 28 last year, he has the most points in a game 7 in nba history… the team that’s been built doesn’t need that from him now… but it doesn’t mean he can’t do it. The take is so stupid

[@aljazeri]

Who wouldn't?

[@Big_AL_Nowitzki]

Favourite pod to fall asleep to😂😂😂😂😂

[@charlied1900]

Tim is very clearly out of his depth when talking to Zack. What are you looking for from OKC, Tim? They need to hit threes -Tim Zack then diagnosis the pick and roll strategy of of Mavs defense vs Shai & Chet

[@dd_zzero6827]

Man, Lowe is so knowledgeable.

[@1979eweiss]

“Kool KAT” was right there…

[@allthatwecan]

Silly question. Of course they can

[@ThunderTalk]

Mavs trades did wonders

[@dubdub680]

Luka has been playing incredible defense but these media dudes will never give him credit, they'll just talk about him complaining to the refs, the media has decided they hate luka

[@kyleharris2307]

Incredible?!!! 😂😂😂

[@MavDon-qc9tc]

@@kyleharris2307yes incredible. He got atleast 15 stops game 4 and in game 5 he was great at shutting down driving lanes and blocked shai in the clutch

[@kyleharris2307]

@@MavDon-qc9tc He's the weak link. OKC drives by him whenever they want and shoots or kicks-outm it stresses the defense

[@JRG-le6ig]

Love the in-depth analysis of Boston. Im tired ofshallow hot takes from sports talk commentaries.

[@Philsb]

He better be good.

[@colin7103]

is my phone the issue or is there no sound?

[@MavDon-qc9tc]

Lukas defense is literally the difference. Hes been borderline elite defensively ALL SERIES

[@Earl_E_Burd]

Takes trips off on sprinting back in transition because he's chonky like Garfield

[@cortezfishback4687]

Borderline?

[@cortezfishback4687]

Man just give the man his props, his along with his teams defense has been great

[@MavDon-qc9tc]

@@cortezfishback4687 game 3 4 and 5 he’s been elite. But game 1 he was terrible. Can’t give him the elite tag but he’s been borderline elite

[@cortezfishback4687]

@@MavDon-qc9tc Understood and gotta agree.

[@gregpollard7158]

It’s a Master Chess ♟️ Match between Mike/Adelman & Finch/Nori however, I think the Biggest Variable is how the Refs Call the Game - If they allow MIN to play Super Aggressive Defense, DEN is not Physical/Tough Enough to Score and if the Refs call a Super Tight Game, DEN is too good of an Offensive Team for MIN to keep up.

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Except for around 4 ridiculous calls against the Wolves, the refs didnt matter at all

[@matthewgardner8479]

No sound ?

[@sheabilladeau1392]

Boston did great against the Western Conference teams this year. I think they kinda play down to the level of their opponents though so even when teams like Cavs or Heat are missing people, they sometimes don't come out with great energy. The lack of assists is my biggest frustration with them, but you cant act like they aren't balling. Without KP they are like 25-5 this year.

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Like it matters. We know they already lost a game in the Finals as they wont show up in one of the first 4 games. So they have to win 4 out of thw other 6

[@PutXi_Whipped]

These Celtics opinions based off of the failures of past teams *WITH DIFFERENT ROSTERS* are utterly ridiculous.

[@der6519]

And what else are people supposed to go off of then? It still doesn't guarantee they gonna win the chip this year so people will question them until they do.

[@shiningwizard202]

@@der6519no, they’ll invalidate if they do. It’s already started and it ain’t even the conference finals yet. Don’t act like you’re new here.

[@der6519]

@shiningwizard202 new or not they are gonna be doubted until they win the chip no matter what here because this is there best shot and should not be any excuses if Portzingis is healthy.

[@likemike1695]

Cry

[@BrockObama2016]

Fr. Made the finals with Grant Williams playing 4 minutes a game and Rob Williams playing on half a leg.

[@warlockmagic3416]

I kept saying over and over again for my Pacers to sign Derrick Jones Jr. in the off-season and they didn't listen. Surprisingly lol.. He had a great +/- for the Bulls last season. I knew he'd be great for anyone who took him.. and he stayed a FA longer than anyone. Until the Mavs took him.

[@aaronharcus5313]

Great podcast. However, when Zach says "they overhauled their entire defense," people should actually listen to Dane and the local beat writers, because as Dane notes, they've had this type of defense in their arsenal since at least Pat Bev and Vando days. They just didn't play it so much in this series. Yesterday was nothing new for the Wolves overall though.

[@TheRulersBack18]

if celtics don't win the finals, it's a failure. they're gonna play a bunch of either beat up or bad teams, and have had the most talent of any team in the league since the warriors super team broke up. one day the media will be honest about tatum and the celtics (actually they won't, bc so many of them are from the new england area). they were beaten twice by a miami team with less talent than them, and once barely eked by them in 7. this has happened regardless of if brad stevens (remember when the media was anointing him), ime udoka, or joe mazzulla were coaching the team

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Or maybe Kristaps got injured and Jrue was overrated since day 1. Thats the other option

[@Sebasscp]

Naz Reid is a beast. I saw him in high school and he is big jelly.

[@RandomBurner]

The guy with the funny podcast logo is back 😂

[@TheRulersBack18]

also, i can tell the tatum fans in the comments can't read (or listen). zach never said brunson was a better player overall than tatum. he said he had him over tatum for mvp and that he's been better at shot creation this postseason.

[@BeJamin4321]

It’s not all about shooting🤦🏻‍♂️ Defense and winning counts too.

[@pawnography5788]

Zach you need a better analyst to talk Dallas basketball.

[@22tango79]

Can Celts win this year? No.

[@MihoyMinoy-si8fb]

Whatever helps you cope little buddy.

[@calebflynn9636]

Because arod paid what 700million and the guy agreed and after they sent the money he says no I want to keep the team because we are good. I'd be salty ASF as well. Seattle is so close to getting the wolves

[@Edd-zd5wb]

This guy watches the whole series. Gets paid for this and still compares Jokic going 1v1 at Gobert with Towns guarding Jokic WITH GOBERT AT THE RIM. How is that even possible (other than having an agenda?)

[@SeunAdekoya]

Go on ahead media and just say that Boston won’t win the championship. It’s like well there’s no reason why they shouldn’t win but then you say well Tatum isn’t on the level of Brunson, Luka and others and their offense isn’t good. Pick a side

[@MavDon-qc9tc]

Luka defense is dedass the X factor in this series. Why is everyone giving Kyrie this pass as if he’s locking down while he in his offensive slump? 🤣 Kyrie was a no show defensively AND offensively 2 games in a row. Sure Kyrie been passing well but he’s passed up open shots and it’s been a detriment to the team. LUKA is the guy locking up 🫵🏽😂

[@urihamilton1077]

ngl, you aint watching the games if you think kyrie is no showing.

[@Edd-zd5wb]

@@urihamilton1077 Kyrie was bad ... Stop being a simp. It wasnt for a lack of trying, like other years

[@urihamilton1077]

@@Edd-zd5wb you dont know ball fam.

[@Edd-zd5wb]

@@urihamilton1077 or you are a simp. Dont get this twisted. Irving playoffs has been awesome and his commitment to defense his best... probably ever. But he did have two really bad games

[@CEE-ji5rx]

The Boston B itches

[@user-ur6nw1jx5u]

No disrespect, but i dont think Celtics can win a title since currently Celtics offense is mainly 3 points shot, which is actually high risk and high reward, and once its failed, its hard to recover (similar as Houston earlier). In regular seasons, 3 point shot offense is ok since no pressure on players. However, in playoff series and under hugh pressure and tough defense, most players cannot shoot well at 3 point shot.

[@jessejamesgames8148]

Their top Post scorer is out with injury... Boston gets the most open shots in the NBA..

[@donnycassidy3318]

87 lakers path

[@Earl_E_Burd]

Boston, why'd you have to go and make things so complicated? -Avril Lavigne. 44:45

[@warlockmagic3416]

Yolk-itch

[@Earl_E_Burd]

Jock-itch

[@mctaguer]

The title, in itself, is quite silly, and typical of the false-provocation nonsense we swim in nowadays. OF COURSE they can win it. Vegas, for one, says they are the most likely team to do so. So that question, as so much of our narrative on this is ridiculous. Pointless. Will they? Well, as is ALWAYS the case, we will have to see. Oh, of course, afterward we'll all speak like we "knew," but we don't. We won't. We never will. But gosh darnit, it makes a lot of money, dunnit?

[@tusharrathi226]

The Tatum take is idiotic. Zach should've known better. Can't watch his podcasts anymore, he don't know ball, is just a media guy.

[@mickydem5920]

Brunson over Tatum is just silly man 😂😂😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@AngelValdez-mr3fq]

Lowe is a disgrace. Blaming Murrag for Denvera losses like he is a 3 time mvp.

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Man. Thats the entire media. Not just Lowe

[@Edd-zd5wb]

Murray disrespect shows why players should never play hurt. Nobody cares. Its OBVIOUS hes not even close to 100%

[@Musika809]

Lots of people moving to Shanghai after Celtics wins the championship 🤣😅😂

[@Edd-zd5wb]

How they plan to score consistently versus Wolves defense ? Also, who is guarding Karl Anthony Towns? And is Derrrick White strong enough for Ant Edwards?

[@Musika809]

@@Edd-zd5wb You can match all you want, the Celtics are simply better and thanks god there’s one more series to go. Cannot wait to see the haters crying 😅

[@Higheyequez]

Zach this take sucks. This championship is finna taste real good to Tatum. I hope he calls yall out by name

[@jrbeltre927]

Ufff these guys are horrible on this pod. Go do a podcast on how invest in washing machines for laundry M. Sorry just bad

[@teledanhogan4237]

perfect NBA narrative. Foreign versus American, athletic versus IQ, ISO versus Team, offense versus defense, black versus white(espn) young versus old, 2 all stars& rising super star versus MV3 & no all stars .not like it doesn’t benefit the NBA & advertising partners. As beneficial as Larry vs Magic. hhmmm

[@Earl_E_Burd]

Expose 'em all! Overthrow the system and we'll get you in charge, with all the answers, to talk non-narrative super interestingly.