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The Athletic NBA Daily

The Athletictheathletic.com
Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode.

Episodes

Cavs Ready to Win it All? + Contender Draft | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Mike Zakarian to discuss questions surrounding East teams that remain in the Playoffs and if the Cavs can win it all. They also discuss the eliminated teams including which future would you rather have: Magic or Pistons? Mike then joins the guys in doing their weekly Contender Draft, before discussing the Western Conference Playoffs. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer. H...

May 03, 20251 hr 11 min

Brunson sends Pistons packing

The New York Knicks move on to round 2 after their game 6 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Zena Keita is joined by James Edwards III of the Athletic to discuss the Knicks winning the series and how they will play against the Celtics, and how the Pistons build off their first Playoff run. Then in segment 2 Zena is joined by Dave DuFour from the LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets game to discuss the Clippers pushing the series to 7 games. Host: Zena Keita With: Andrew Schlecht, Hunter Patterson and D...

May 02, 202534 min

How did the Wolves beat the Lakers?

Rudy Gobert had 27 points and 24 rebounds to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a series clinching win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by Anthony Slater to breakdown the Houston Rockets big win and how the Warriors bounce back in game 6. Then, Dave and Es discuss Gobert’s huge game, the Lakers biggest concerns going into the offseason, and who the Wolves should want to face next. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Anthony Slater Executive Producer: Andrew S...

May 01, 202533 min

Haliburton’s game winner finishes Bucks + Is Playoff Jamal Murray back?

Tyrese Haliburton blew by Giannis Antetokounmpo for the game winning and series clinching lay-up as the Pacers sent the Bucks home for the summer. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Pacers overtime win, the postgame fracas, and how the Pistons handled the Knicks. Then, the Athletic’s Law Murray joins the show to react to the Nuggets game 5 win over the Clippers, Jamal Murray’s shotmaking, and respecting Russell Westbrook. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Law Murray Executive Producer: An...

Apr 30, 202537 min

Cavs more dominant than Thunder? + Playoff Jimmy saves Warriors

Jimmy Butler returned from injury to lead the Warriors to a game 4 victory and a 3-1 series lead over the Rockets. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by the Athletic’s Anthony Slater to discuss the Warriors win, Jimmy Butler’s game, and the aftermath. Then, Es and Dave take a look at the first round sweeps for the Thunder and Cavs to decide who has been most dominant and look ahead to Clippers and Nuggets game 5. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Anthony Slater Executive Producer: Andrew...

Apr 29, 202531 min

Did the Pistons get robbed? + Crazy NBA Playoff Weekend

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 59 points to lead the Knicks to a game four win over the Detroit Pistons, aided by a missed foul call on Tim Hardaway Jr. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the weekend’s wild finishes between the Clippers and Nuggets, the Knicks and Pistons, and the Wolves and Lakers. Then, they take a look at the 3-1 series and ask, “Is it over?” Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody https://www....

Apr 28, 202532 min

Kawhi the best in the NBA? + The Pistons are here | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Law Murray of the Athletic to discuss the dominance of the Clippers, their series with Denver, what is going on with the Nuggets, and Kawhi at the top of his game. Then the guys revisit the Contender Draft one week later to see if anything has changed. After the break Kofie of the KofieWhy YouTube page joins to discuss his beloved Pistons, their first Playoff run, how they are different than last year and much more. Then the boys play a fun edition o...

Apr 26, 20251 hr 7 min

Thunder Make History + Knicks and Clippers Go Up

The Thunder make history in their 29 point comeback against the Grizzlies as Ja Morant goes down. Zena Keita is joined by Andrew Schlecht to break down OKC’s win in Memphis to go up 3-0 and what it means for Memphis with the injury to Ja Morant. Then in segment 2 Zena is joined by Hunter Patterson to discuss the strange ending other the Knicks/Pistons game and what it was like to be in the building for the first Pistons home Playoff game since 2019. Then finally Dave DuFour joins from Intuit Dom...

Apr 25, 202535 min

Are the NBA playoffs too physical? + Rockets even series with Warriors

Jalen Green scored 38 points in a bounce-back performance to lead the Rockets to a win in game 2 against the Warriors. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Jimmy Butler’s injury, the Cavs and Celtics wins, and the physicality of the NBA playoffs. Then, the Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins the show to discuss the Rockets win and Jalen Green’s huge performance. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Kelly Iko Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody https://www.nytimes.com/athlet...

Apr 24, 202528 min

Luka and the Lakers get physical | Are the Bucks finished?

Luka Doncic and LeBron James combined for 52 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers tie their first-round series with the Minnesota Timberwolves at one game a piece. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the dominant performance from the Thunder through the first two games of the playoffs before being joined by the Athletic’s Shakeia Taylor to breakdown the aftermath of the Pacers pushing to a 2-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, the Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski and the crew discuss the Wo...

Apr 23, 202532 min

Did Kawhi and the Clippers solve Jokić and the Nuggets?

Kawhi Leonard poured in 39 points on 15/19 shooting to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a game 2 win over the Denver Nuggets. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and James Edwards react to the Detroit Pistons game 2 win over the Knicks, discuss what it means for the city of Detroit and what went wrong for New York. Then, Law Murray joins the show to breakdown Kawhi Leonard’s brilliant game 2 performance. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, James Edwards, & Law Murray Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht A...

Apr 22, 202534 min

Warriors Thrive and Lakers Panic Time? + Game 2 Adjustments

Game 1 of the the NBA Playoffs is in the books, and Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss the Lakers big loss to the Wolves, the Warriors thriving in Houston, Boston, OKC and Cleveland’s dominance and much more. The NBA Daily crew discuss big takeaways from each game, adjustments that need to be made, and if Game 1 changed any of the opinions on any series. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Bareheni and Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody https://www.n...

Apr 21, 202534 min

Contender Draft + Playoff Preview | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of headlines in the NBA, and an update on the surprise teams and post All Star Break Leap players. Then they are joined by Dan Devine of Yahoo! Sports to discuss the NBA Playoffs, matchups they like, and then the guys do a contender draft taking the teams they think are most likely to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the end of the season.Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat ...

Apr 19, 20251 hr 17 min

Wolves over Lakers? + The Jokic Bump

Nikola Jokic is the best player in the NBA and we have our national writer at the Athletic Fred Katz to discuss some nuances in his approach and game. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss Fred’s article on Nikola Jokic and what other players in the NBA are saying about his game. In part 2 Fred sticks around and the crew discusses their favorite Playoff matchups including Nuggets/Clippers, Wolves/Lakers and the return of Damian Lillard. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Fred Katz Executive Pro...

Apr 18, 202536 min

Better future: Kings or Bulls? + Mavs move on

Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis combined for 50 points as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings to move on in the Play-in tournament. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Miami Heat win, Tyler Herro’s development, and debate the futures of the Kings and Bulls. Then, the Athletic’s Christian Clark joins the show to breakdown the Mavs winning formula, how they stack up against the Grizzlies, and Nico Harrison’s closed-door press conference. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Ma...

Apr 17, 202530 min

Gritty Warriors win play-in + Orlando moves on

Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry combined for 71 points as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies to clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Grizzlies gritty loss, Desmond Bane’s incredible game, and the Magic defeating the Hawks. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show from Chase Center to discuss Playoff Jimmy Butler, the Warriors game plan, and the looming Houston Rockets. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Mar...

Apr 16, 202531 min

Warriors, Grizzlies deep dive + Play-in Preview

Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the NBA play-in and playoff brackets and discuss the most compelling series. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater joins the show to breakdown the Warriors and Grizzlies play-in matchup, Jonathan Kuminga’s status, and Playoff Jimmy Butler. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Anthony Slater Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 15, 202532 min

Clippers clinch playoffs; Warriors to play-in + NBA Regular Season Finale

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden combined for 72 points as the Clippers defeated Steph Curry and the Warriors to clinch a playoff spot. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita discuss the Clippers big win, Jonathan Kuminga’s benching, and the Warriors issues. Then, the gang recaps the final day of the regular season, discusses Chris Paul’s future, and the big takeaways from the year. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, Law Murray Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Gra...

Apr 14, 202531 min

NBA Awards "The Slammies" + The Blazers Future | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball and bring back the Slammies, the made up NBA Awards we've done the last 4 seasons. Then they are joined by Mike Richman of Locked on Blazers to discuss the Portland Trailblazers and their fun unexpected season, Scoot Henderson's potential, the lottery and much more. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Mike ...

Apr 12, 20252 hr 35 min

Anthony Edwards’ big game + All NBA Defensive Perimeter Teams

Anthony Edwards scored 44 points to lead the Timberwolves to an important win over the Grizzlies. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Wolves big win, the problem with the Grizzlies’ bigs, and who the Bucks should want to face in the playoffs. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to discuss his perimeter defense teams, what makes a good defender, and the Thunder defense. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Fred Katz Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Le...

Apr 11, 202532 min

Luka’s emotional return to Dallas

Luka Doncic scored 45 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a win in his first game back in Dallas. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni talk discuss Luka’s big game, Lakers small ball, the Warriors buzzer-beater loss to the Spurs, and the Nuggets first post-Malone game. Then, Christian Clark from the Athletic joins the show to discuss Luka’s return, the emotions in the building, and those “Fire Nico” chants. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Christian Clark Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Aud...

Apr 10, 202530 min

Michael Malone out in Denver + Thunder get revenge on Lakers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni talk to Andrew Schlecht postgame to discuss the Thunder win, Shai’s big game, and Luka Doncic’s ejection. Then, Adam Mares from DNVR joins the show to discuss Michael Malone’s firing, Jamal Murray’s health, and what comes next for the post-Malone Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokić. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Andrew Schlecht, & Adam Mares Executive Pr...

Apr 09, 202530 min

Western Conference playoff race + Most Improved Player award

With 6 days remaining the NBA regular season, the 2 through 8 seeds are all still up for grabs. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s Wes Goldberg breakdown the western conference playoff seeding race, discuss the field, and why the Clippers need to avoid the play-in. Then, Dave and Wes breakdown the defensive player of the year race, discuss Amen Thompson’s case, and why Tyler Herro should win most improved. Host: Dave DuFour With: Wes Goldberg Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moo...

Apr 08, 202528 min

Why the Lakers are a nightmare for the Thunder + MVPs in purgatory

Luka Doncic scored 30 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 27-point blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s John Wilmes breakdown the Lakers win, discuss JJ Redick’s coaching, and the OKC’s nightmare scenario. Then, Dave and John discuss the MVP level performances from Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo and what it means if they fail in the playoffs. Host: Dave DuFour With: John Wilmes Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn ...

Apr 07, 202529 min

Ja Morant and Westbrook Blunders + Nets Need Lottery Luck | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, the most improved player, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Mike Smeltz to discuss the Brooklyn Nets and what prospects are worth building with, coach Jordi Fernandez and his potential, which players they should target in the draft, and more. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spee...

Apr 05, 20251 hr 20 min

Luka’s worst game as a Laker + Draymond’s defensive mind

Stephen Curry scored 37 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 123-116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Jovan Buha breakdown the Warriors defense against the Lakers, Luka’s worst game in LA, and Austin Reaves’ playoff role. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson stops by to discuss his film breakdown with Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett, and the Defensive Player of the Year award. Host: Dave DuFour With: Jovan Buha & Marcus Thompson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Pr...

Apr 04, 202536 min

Can OKC get to 70 wins? + Anthony Davis’ big night

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 33 points on the Detroit Pistons as the OKC Thunder pick up their 11th straight win. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s chances at 70 wins, the bad loss for the Kings, and Anthony Davis’ game winner. Then, the Athletic’s James Edwards stops by to talk about the Knicks’ loss to Cleveland, OG Anunoby’s scoring surge, and Jalen Brunson’s return. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & James Edwards Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Gray...

Apr 03, 202530 min

Jokić and Curry make history + Ja Morant on the move?

Nikola Jokić recorded the first ever 61 point triple double in a double overtime loss to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Anthony Slater react to the Jokić’s night, Steph Curry’s 52 point night, and the playoff implications for the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Warriors. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick stops by to discuss the ongoing saga in Memphis, new Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo, and Ja Morant’s future. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Ant...

Apr 02, 202531 min

Are the Thunder the best regular season team ever?

The Oklahoma City Thunder move to a 28-1 record against the eastern conference with a 28-point win over the Chicago Bulls. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Lakers win over the Rockets, the Celtics’ dominant March, and the Pacers status as sneaky contenders. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater stops by to discuss the historic season for the Thunder, Lu Dort vs. Draymond Green for DPOY, and the Warriors playoff chances. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Anthony Slater Executive Produce...

Apr 01, 202533 min

Playoff Pressure Meter + Weekend Update

The NBA season is winding down and the NBA Daily crew discusses which West playoff teams under the most pressure. Dave, Es and Zena discuss the weekend of basketball, a brawl between the Pistons and Wolves, and the games of the week. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31, 202529 min