The Athletic NBA Daily - podcast cover

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

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

Why the Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins + DPOY Madness | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball Defensive Player of the year, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Keith Parish of the Athletic to discuss the Memphis Grizzlies and why they fired Taylor Jenkins, Ja Morant’s season, the value of Brandon Clarke, 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 Speers With: Keith Parish Ex...

Mar 29, 20251 hr 18 min

Giddey Game Winner + March Badness

Josh Giddey hits a prayer of a half court shot to send the Lakers packing. Zena Keita and Law Murray break down the night of basketball including the Bulls win against the Lakers, the Cavs squeaking by the Spurs, OKC’s avalanche on the Grizzlies and more. Then Zena is joined by Eric Koreen to discuss his article on the NBA in March and if there is anything the league can do to fix tanking. Host: Zena Keita With: Law Murray and Eric Koreen Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grays...

Mar 29, 202530 min

LeBron Game Winner + Rookie Check In

LeBron James tips in a game winner to beat the Pacers in the game of the night. Es Baraheni and Alex Hoops discuss the night of NBA basketball including the Lakers beating the Pacers, Jokic’s return, and more. Then the guys discuss the rookie class including who has been the best rookie this season, who deserves more ROY buzz, and which player will be the best in 5 seasons? Host: Es Baraheni With: Alex Hoops Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody https://www.nytimes.co...

Mar 27, 202530 min

Jimmy Butler Returns to Miami + Dame OUT

Jimmy Butler returns to Miami in a game where the Warriors really struggle, is there worry in San Francisco? Es Baraheni and Andrew Schlecht discuss Damian Lillard being out with a blood clot, and how it could affect the Bucks. Then the guys do a “Moments Draft” from the night before including a fun airball, Thunder making history, Keegan Murray and much more. Then in Part 2, Anthony Slater of the Athletic joins to discuss the Warriors playing the Heat and the return of Jimmy Butler. Plus, how w...

Mar 26, 202534 min

What is wrong with the Lakers? + Pistons Powering Up

The Lakers continue to struggle after a loss in Orlando, how can they bounce back? Es Baraheni and Isaac Gutierrez of the Deep 3 Podcast discuss which trends are real, and which are just a product of March in the NBA. Then, the Athletic’s Hunter Patterson joins to discuss the Detroit Pistons and who they’d want to play in the first round + what has led to the turnaround for Detroit. Host: Es Baraheni With: Isaac Gutierrez and Hunter Patterson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: G...

Mar 25, 202533 min

The Cavs slide + Houston’s Playoff Prep

The Cavs stop their slide with a win against Utah, but what does it really mean for the Cavs? Es Baraheni and Zena Keita play Something, Nothing or Everything with the Cavs slide, Suns winning 3 in a row, Lakers returning to full strength, the fun Bulls and the Clippers surging. Then, the Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins to discuss the Houston Rockets and the expectations for them in the Playoffs + what could happen in the offseason with the roster. Host: Es Baraheni With: Zena Keita and Kelly Iko Exe...

Mar 24, 202531 min

Who are the True Contenders? + The Spurs Future

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball NBA Title Odds , and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Matthew Tynan to discuss the San Antonio Spurs and Wemby's future, Stephon Castles rookie seaosn, and what the expectations look like for the Spurs future. 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: Matthew Tynan Executive Prod...

Mar 22, 20251 hr 28 min

Curry injured in Warriors win + New owners for the Boston Celtics

Stephen Curry scored 17 points before exiting the game with an injury as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Toronto Raptors. Dave DuFour and Marcus Thompson discuss Steph’s injury, the Warriors win, and the problem with the Lakers resting players. Then, the Athletic’s Jared Weiss joins Dave to discuss the sale of the Boston Celtics, how it will affect the team, and what it means for the NBA’s expansion plans. Host: Dave DuFour With: Marcus Thompson & Jared Weiss Executive Producer: Andrew Sc...

Mar 21, 202539 min

Cavaliers lose 3rd straight + When will LeBron return?

DeMar DeRozan’s 27 points helped the Sacramento Kings defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, sending them to their third straight loss. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Cavs’ losing streak, debate game winners between Cade Cunningham and Andrew Nemhard, and catch up on the latest in the Western Conference playoff race. Then, the Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins the show with an update on LeBron James and Rui Hachimura’s respective returns from injury, insight on the relationship between Luka Doncic a...

Mar 20, 202532 min

Warriors win without Curry + Can NBA referees improve?

Jimmy Butler connected on all 11 of his free throws to lead the Golden State Warriors to a win over the Milwaukee Bucks in spite Steph Curry’s absence. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Warriors win, the Bucks issues scoring, and Kawhi Leonard’s performance in the Clippers win over the Cavaliers. Then, the Athletic’s Shakeia Taylor joins the show to go deep on NBA referees, the sports referee crisis, and how the league’s rules are interpreted. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Shakeia Ta...

Mar 19, 202533 min

Nuggets shock Warriors without Jokić + Knicks surviving without Brunson

Aaron Gordon had 38 points and Russell Westbrook had a triple double to lead the Denver Nuggets to an improbable, shorthanded win over the Golden State Warriors. Dave DuFour and Law Murray breakdown the overtime finish between the Pacers and Timberwolves, the Rockets scrappy win, and the Warriors loss to the Nuggets without Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz and Dave discuss Fred’s latest article on the Knicks’ approach without Jalen Brunson, how it prepares them for t...

Mar 18, 202546 min

NBA Playoff Brackets + March Madness

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominate the weekend with a pair of wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni breakdown the playoff race in the East. Can the Bucks maintain home court advantage? Are the Pistons a sleeper? Then, the gang looks at the playoffs in the West. Can the Los Angeles Lakers lock down the second seed? Do the Nuggets have enough juice? Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive Producer:...

Mar 17, 202535 min

Why Cooper Flagg will change the NBA | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the the upcoming NBA Draft with Sam Vecenie including, why Cooper Flagg is the undisputed number 1 pick, who Sam is looking forward to watching in the NCAA Tournament, who are the best shooters in the class, hand what players are expected to make in impact in year 1 of the NBA. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against Sam Vecenie on NBA Draft history. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: S...

Mar 15, 20251 hr 16 min

Steph Curry first to 4,000 3-pointers

Stephen Curry became the first player in NBA history to make 4,000 3-pointers in a career as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings. Dave DuFour and Law Murray discuss the Milwaukee Bucks win over the Lakers, Law’s Power Rankings, and what separates the Cleveland Cavaliers and OKC Thunder from the pack. Then, the NBA Daily’s Zena Keita joins the show to react to Steph’s achievement, Jonathan Kuminga’s return, and to discuss the Warriors’ biggest weakness. Host: Dave DuFour With:...

Mar 14, 202532 min

Thunder strike Celtics + Mikal Bridges game winner

Mikal Bridges hit the buzzer beating three-pointer to lift the New York Knicks to an overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Knicks win, Scoot Henderson’s recent play, and the Timberwolves smashing the Nuggets. Then, the Athletic’s Jay King joins the show to discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder’s win over the Boston Celtics, how to counter Chet Holmgren, and Jayson Tatum’s All-NBA season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Jay King Executive Produce...

Mar 13, 202532 min

Haliburton 4-point play drops Bucks + Cavs win 15th straight, again

Tyrese Haliburton hit the go-ahead free throw with 3.4 seconds remaining to complete an improbable four-point play and lift the Indiana Pacers over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milawaukee Bucks. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the Cleveland Cavaliers second 15 game winning streak of the season, Zion Williamson’s triple double trend, and the Clippers slip down the standings. Then, the Athletic’s Eric Nehm joins the show to talk about that game winning play from the Pacers, the Bucks offensiv...

Mar 12, 202535 min

Jokić playing his best basketball + The Kings are broken

Nikola Jokić scored 35 points to go along with 18 rebounds and 8 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets to a win over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Nuggets big win, the Grizzlies holding off the Suns, and the Lakers losing without LeBron James in the lineup. Then, Matt George from “Locked On Kings” joins the show right to discuss Sacramento’s embarrassing loss to the Knicks, their up and down season, and potential organizational chang...

Mar 11, 202534 min

Shai goes for 40 as Thunder drop Nuggets

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Denver Nuggets. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Boston Celtics big win over the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James’ injury, and the historic performance of Nikola Jokić. Then, Andrew Schlecht joins the show right after the OKC’s big win over Denver to discuss Shai’s 40, the Thunder depth, and to talk a little MVP. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, & Andrew Schlecht Execu...

Mar 10, 202533 min

Lakers Shooting Luck? + Clippers SNEAKY Contenders? | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball 6th man of the year , and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Law Murray of the Athletic to discuss the LA Clippers and the defensive fall off, Kawhi’s health, and what the expectations look like for the Clippers in the post season. 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: Law Murr...

Mar 09, 20251 hr 22 min

Luka, Lakers keep rolling | Steph goes for 40

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers won their 8th straight by beating Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in overtime. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Luka and LeBron James’ power as a duo, Steph Curry’s connection with Jimmy Butler, and ponder whether Orlando has lost its magic. Then, Benjy Ritholtz from Knicks Film School stops by to breakdown the Knicks-Lakers thriller, Jalen Brunson’s importance, and how the Knicks fix their problems before the playoffs. Host: Dave DuFour With: ...

Mar 07, 202533 min

Cavaliers clinch playoffs | Giannis gets 20k points

Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their 52nd win and a playoff berth. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the way the Cavs are maximizing De’Andre Hunter, Payton Pritchard’s 43 points off the bench for the Celtics, and Giannis joining the 20,000 point club. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP ascension, the science behind his development, and OKC’s chances at a title. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Fred ...

Mar 06, 202537 min

LeBron first to 50k points | Kyrie out for the season

LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 points combined in the regular season and playoffs while scoring 34 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a win over the Pelicans. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss LeBron’s Western Conference Player of the Month award, his All-NBA team chances, and the Phoenix Suns crazy comeback over the Clippers. Then, the Athletic’s Christian Clark joins the show to discuss Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear, whether Anthony Davis will return, and where t...

Mar 05, 202530 min

Kyrie injures knee | Thunder & Shai get 50

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 51 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to their 50th win of the season by beating a shorthanded Houston Rockets squad. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s place in NBA history, Kyrie Irving’s knee injury, and the Memphis Grizzlies losing their third straight game via game-winners. Then, Sean Highkin from the Rose Garden Report stops by to talk about the Portland Trailblazers’ surprising season, Scott Henderson’s growth, and Chauncey Billups’ futu...

Mar 04, 202532 min

Lakers get 2 seed, Cavs Win 50th | NBA Awards

Luka Doncic scored 29 points while LeBron James poured in 17 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their second win over the Clippers in three days. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss the Lakers recent play, Jalen Brunson’s clutch credentials, and the Cleveland Cavaliers 50th win of the season. Then, the gang marks the three-quarter point of the season with NBA Awards. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Lear...

Mar 03, 202536 min

Durant Trade Destinations + West Risers | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, West Risers like the Lakers and Warriors, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal Constitution to discuss the Atlanta Hawks and the future of Trae Young, how Risacher has performed, and the emergence of Dyson Daniels. 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 A...

Mar 01, 20251 hr 14 min

Steph drops 56 | LeBron and Lakers keep rolling

Stephen Curry made 12 3-points en route to a season high 56 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to their 5th straight win. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni breakdown Steph’s big night, the emergence of Quenten Post, and LeBron James’ MVP level play. Then, the Athletic’s Law Murray joins the show to talk about Luka’s hate for the Clippers and NBA offensive identities. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Law Murray Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Read Law’s stor...

Feb 28, 202536 min