Part 1: Detroit’s Comeback, Philly’s Resurrection, and Celtics Questions With Zach Lowe

In this gripping first part of a two-part episode, Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe dissect a whirlwind of NBA playoff chaos, spotlighting Detroit's improbable comeback over Orlando and Philadelphia's stunning resurrection to dethrone the Celtics in Game 7. The episode opens with a surreal narrative of Orlando’s 19-point second-half collapse in Game 6—where they shot 4-for-37 and were outscored 40-11 in the second half—highlighting a team with elite talent but no offensive cohesion. Lowe dissects the Orlando roster’s dysfunction, questioning the wisdom of trading four first-round picks for Desmond Bain and the unsustainable $135 million in player salaries, while criticizing the team’s lack of identity and the underperformance of key players like Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black. Meanwhile, Detroit’s triumph is celebrated as a triumph of resilience, with Tobias Harris delivering a career-defining performance and Cade Cunningham emerging as a legitimate MVP candidate. The conversation then pivots to the Celtics’ heartbreaking Game 7 loss to Philly, analyzing how Boston’s over-reliance on Tatum, poor bench management under coach Joe Mazzoula, and the ill-fated Vucevic trade ultimately unraveled their season. Simmons and Lowe debate whether the regular season has become irrelevant in the modern NBA, with playoff performance now dictating legacy. They also speculate on the Celtics’ future, with Jalen Brown’s trade value, the possibility of a Giannis move, and the need for a roster reset looming. The episode closes with anticipation for the next round, particularly the Knicks vs. 76ers matchup and the potential for a Maxey-Murray showdown.