NBA Playoffs Expose the Truth: Ric Bucher on Celtics Collapse, Anthony Edwards’ Maturity, Wemby’s Rise & Why the Lakers Are Done

NBA Playoffs Expose the Truth: Ric Bucher on Celtics Collapse, Anthony Edwards’ Maturity, Wemby’s Rise & Why the Lakers Are Done

May 7, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

Ric Bucher analyzes the NBA playoffs, discussing team flaws, player performances, and the implications for various teams and players.

Ric Bucher breaks down why the NBA playoffs are basketball’s ultimate truth serum — exposing flaws, habits, maturity and roster weaknesses that the regular season can hide. Ric dives deep into the shocking Celtics collapse against the 76ers, why Joe Mazzulla actually overachieved with Boston’s roster, and how Philadelphia finally found the formula to weaponize Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Ric also examines Cade Cunningham’s playoff emergence, Anthony Edwards’ lingering maturity issues, Victor Wembanyama’s extraordinary composure, and why the Spurs-Timberwolves series may come down to discipline versus size. Plus: why Luka Doncic is almost certainly done for the postseason and why the Lakers’ hopes against the Thunder are finished regardless. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro + Ric’s new book “Coachable” 01:41 Why playoff basketball reveals the truth about teams 03:29 Celtics collapse: why Joe Mazzulla is NOT to blame 04:45 Boston’s overachieving roster explained 08:00 Cade Cunningham’s playoff leap and postseason realities 09:40 How Paul George neutralized Jaylen Brown 11:14 Boston’s dangerous addiction to 3-point shooting 12:45 Why Embiid and Paul George finally worked…

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Host: Ric Bucher

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Organizations: Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Fox Sports

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