Potential Porzingis Injury Fallout, Series Defining Stats, and Hurley Turns Down Lakers

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla joins The Lowe Post to discuss his flashbulb memories after winning the championship, his analytical approach, the challenge of repeating, and the role of luck in the playoffs. Then Jeff Van Gundy joins to discuss his role as an advisor to the Celtics and why he decided to join the Clippers staff as Ty Lue's lead assistant. Plus, the Pistons' firing of Monty Williams and the Pacers' extension with Pascal Siakam. What was said in the halftime lockerroom of Game 5 (2:34) Flashbulb memories from the postgame blur (4:45) On how he and Zach ran into each other on the court before Game One (7:23) Learning from his personal Mount Rushmore of coaches (12:07) The influence of his father (15:12) How quickly this has all happened for him (22:45) Implementing his style in his first full off-season as the head coach (24:40) The 4th quarter of Game 3 (28:28) The impact of Al Horford (34:14) On the challenge of repeating (35:47) Van Gundy (41:13) On what he did for the Celtics (44:42) On being a part of his first championship team (47:31) Brad Stevens is a ruthless competitor (56:50) On joining the Clippers staff (1:01:44) News and notes from around the league (1:14:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Zach Lowe to react live to the Boston Celtics winning the 2024 NBA Finals. The guys are joined by surprise guests including legendary sportswriter Jackie MacMullan, Celtics' legend Cedric Maxwell, ESPN's Tim Bontemps & Tim MacMahon and more to break down what the difference was for Boston, the future potential of this team and way more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Mavericks' monster win in Game 4, Luka Doncic's improved defensive effort, Dallas' physicality, how Kristaps Porzingis' absence was felt, and the slim chances the Mavericks have to get the series back to Dallas. Mavericks rout Celtics to stave off elimination (1:35) Luka's defensive effort (6:12) The absence of Porzingis (16:16) Boston's offense coming and going (22:28) How Porzingis can open things up for the Celtics (33:39) Dallas' chances to extend this series (41:11) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Mo Dakhil of The Athletic discuss Luka Doncic fouling out of Game 3, Boston's offensive woes in the 4th quarter, who their Finals MVP is at this point, and the legendary life of Jerry West. Celtics survive late rally from Mavs to take 3-0 lead (1:08) Luka's fouls (5:14) Boston's 4th quarter meltdown (10:21) Why can't Dallas generate more 3s? (20:31) How much did Boston miss Porzingis? (26:20) Holiday trade put Boston over the top (34:50) Trading away Smart was the right move (44:14) Finals MVP so far (48:33) Remembering Jerry West (51:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Steve Jones, Jr. of The Dunker Spot react to the news of Kristaps Porzingis' leg injury and what it could mean for the Mavericks and Celtics if he can't play in Game 3. Plus, Boston's commitment to driving the ball, ways for Dallas to crack the Celtics' defense, and Dan Hurley turns down the Lakers job. Entire series summed up in one stat (1:30) Boston's optionality on offense (5:31) Celtics are committed to driving the ball (9:49) Kristaps Porzingis has torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg (22:04) What changes if Porzingis can't play in Game 3? (24:21) Where can Dallas poke holes in Boston's defense? (37:13) More potential consequences if Porzingis can't play (43:14) Dan Hurley turns down Lakers' job (50:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode of The Lowe Post x Hoop Collective crossover, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst discuss the NBA Finals Game 2 reaction. They break down the Celtics' 105-98 victory over the Mavericks, highlighting how Boston managed to win despite having a lesser game. The hosts delve into Kyrie Irving's struggles and Dallas's costly turnovers, exploring potential options for the Mavericks moving forward. They also address the aftermath of "The Kick" incident and speculate on the adjustments we can expect in the upcoming games. Additionally, Zach and Brian share some travel advice and express their gratitude to the listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler discuss why the Mavericks should be more worried about their defense after Game One, how the Celtics won the math, ways Dallas can spark their offense in Game Two, and the Lakers' head coaching search. Dallas should be more concerned about their defense (1:24) Dallas needs to take and make more 3s (13:21) Ways to get Mavs offense going (19:54) Other adjustments to look for (25:50) Lakers' pursuit of Danny Hurley (33:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Lowe Post, Zach welcomes Brian Windhorst of the Hoop Collective to discuss the Celtics' impressive 107-89 Game 1 victory over the Mavericks in the NBA Finals. They examine Porzingis's immediate impact off the bench, the Celtics' stifling defense, and their decision not to double Luka Dončić, leading to his lowest assist numbers in a 35-minute game. The sluggish performance of Kyrie Irving, who scored 12 points on 6-of-19 shooting, is also discussed. The hosts highlight the need for Mavericks' teammates to step up in Game 2, commend the discipline in the Celtics' game plan, and review Boston's even scoring night. Finally, they touch on Sam Hauser's shooting resurgence in Game 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon look ahead to the chess match on both sides of the ball in the NBA Finals, the differing paths the Celtics and Mavericks took to get here, and how they see the series playing out. Then ESPN's Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony joins for the latest on the top of the draft, how the Spurs plan to build around Victor Wembanyama, and the future of LaMelo Ball. Pressure is squarely on the Celtics (5:51) Boston's recent past and path to the Finals (11:41) Dallas' roller coaster ride from 2011 Finals to now (18:27) Matchups when Dallas has the ball (29:51) Matchups when Boston has the ball (49:25) Predictions (1:02:27) Givony (1:11:16) Spurs' plans to build around Wemby (1:21:23) Future of LaMelo Ball (1:32:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton react to Luka Doncic's monster game as the Mavs advance to the Finals, how the Celtics and Mavericks match up on both sides of the ball, Minnesota's looming financial crunch and fake KAT trades. Wolves had no answer for Luka (3:07) Celtics won't have best player in the Finals (15:28) Luka's on pace to wind up in rarefied air statistically (24:31) NBA Finals Preview (28:22) Minnesota's future and fake KAT trades (59:57) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices