Nikola Jokić recorded his fifth straight triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to a win over the Sacramento Kings. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Jokić’s 70 foot buzzer beater and box score, the Lakers ability to be good or bad depending on the night, and the biggest name snubbed as an All Star starter. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Paris to talk about the awesome Victor Wembanyama show, the hum of the arena, and possible NBA expansion to Europe. Host: Dave DuFour ...
Jan 24, 2025•33 min
The Houston Rockets handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their 7th loss of the season thanks to two late by Alperen Sengun. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the chaotic finish in Houston, the Pistons climb up the standings, and Jimmy Butler’s suspension. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to talk about his interview with OG Anunoby, the Pistons (again), and whether Jimmy Butler moves the needle for the Suns. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Fred Katz Executive Producer: Andrew Schl...
Jan 23, 2025•36 min
The Phoenix Suns traded their 2031 first round pick to the Utah Jazz for three future first rounders. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Suns trade, what it means for Jimmy Butler, and the season Nikola Jokic is having. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show to discuss the idea of Rivals Week, how Cam Johnson can swing the championship, and why the Thunder have title pressure this season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Marcus Thompson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Au...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min
Jaren Jackson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second time in ten days. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves lineup issues with Donte DiVincenzo out indefinitely, the Julius Randle problem, and the Pistons success in 2025. Then, the Athletic’s Jay King joins the show from the Bay Area to discuss the woeful Warriors, Boston’s status in the Eastern Conference, and what’s next for the Celtics. ...
Jan 21, 2025•34 min
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the 2025 NBA Draft with Sam Vecenie of the Athletic. They deep dive on Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and which player is most likely to go number 3? How many tier 1 players are in this draft and a lengthy discussion on the depth of the draft. They then transition to a discussion about the 2024 rookie class and hand out awards as a way to talk about 9 rookies who are standing out above (or below) the rest. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew ...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 18 min
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in the first 3 quarters en route to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup between the league’s two best teams. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the Thunder win, Shai’s MVP performance, and discuss the new Unrivaled basketball league and the potential ramifications for the NBA. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Oklahoma City with the Cavs’ perspective on their loss, why they struggle against p...
Jan 17, 2025•31 min
The Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets for Josh Okogie and three second round picks. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the trade and the Suns’ next steps, discuss Boston’s loss to the tanking Raptors, and the Wolves dropping another game they need to win. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to empty his notebook and tell us what he’s hearing on the Milwaukee Bucks’ potential pursuit of Jimmy Butler, the Suns’ prospects on a trade with Miami, and whatever ...
Jan 16, 2025•33 min
Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown Mitchell and the Cavs’ bounce back performance, Jamal Murray’s night in Dallas, and the weird vibe around the Golden State Warriors. Then, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm joins the show to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ identity, their up and down season, and their trade deadline prospects. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Eric Nehm Executive Producer: An...
Jan 15, 2025•35 min
The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to 42 points from Jalen Green. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Rockets big win and their place in the West, the Warriors abysmal lost to the tanking Raptors, and the Knicks side of their loss to Detroit. Then, the Athletic’s Hunter Patterson joins the show to breakdown the Pistons path to success, Cade Cunningham’s growth, and Detroit’s trade deadline plans. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Hunter Patterson Executive Producer: An...
Jan 14, 2025•31 min
The Indiana Pacers stopped the Cleveland Cavaliers win streak at 12 games with a 108-93 win. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Pacers big win and their recent success, the Kings winning ways under Doug Christie, and Jalen Brunson’s 44-point game against the Bucks. Then, the gang talks about the returns of Paolo Banchero and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets place in the West, and their sicko games of the week. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew...
Jan 13, 2025•30 min
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Most Improved Player, the insane Cavs/Thunder game, Mazzula quotes, best and worst catch and shoot players, Pistons success and more. Then they are joined by Will Guillory of the Athletic to discuss the New Orleans Pelicans and if it’s possible to turn the team around this season, what Zion’s return means, and what kind of player they would want in the draft. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew...
Jan 11, 2025•1 hr 18 min
The Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies battled it out for second place in the West. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Jared McCain injury news, the Cavs 12th straight win, and debate Bradley Beal vs. Zach LaVine as trade candidates. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins the show to talk about the Rockets win over the Grizzlies, Reed Shepherd in the G League, Jimmy Butler’s fit in Memphis, and who matches up with the Thunder in the West. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Kelly Iko Executive...
Jan 10, 2025•32 min
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a game of the year candidate as the two best teams in the NBA met for the first time. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Andrew Schlecht discuss Cleveland’s gameplan, what went wrong for the Thunder, and who has the clearest path to the Finals. Then, Es and Dave take a look at how Giannis manhandled Victor Wembanyama, the Bucks lineup change, and Paolo Banchero’s upcoming return. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Andrew Schlecht Executiv...
Jan 09, 2025•28 min
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to Anthony Edwards’s 32 point performance. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Edwards’ game, Zion’s return from injury, and the Suns’ terrible loss to Charlotte. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show to discuss the huge showdown between the Cavaliers and Thunder, Cleveland’s path to success, and why this is the last regular season test for the Cavs. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Joe Vardon Executive Producer:...
Jan 08, 2025•36 min
The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 19-point deficit as Anthony Edwards poured in 37 points en route to a 108-106 victory of the Los Angeles Clippers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves big lineup change, Edwards’ night, and Kyrie Irving’s injury. Then, Sam Cooper, from the Timeline Podcast about the Phoenix Suns, stops by to discuss the Suns’ win over Philadelphia, Bradley Beal coming off the bench, and if a trade can save Phoenix’s season. Then, Es and Dave throw a party for the ...
Jan 07, 2025•32 min
The Oklahoma City Thunder won their 15th straight game while holding the Boston Celtics to 27 2nd half points. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder as the best team in basketball, their recent stretch of games, and their upcoming showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then, the gang discusses Kawhi Leonard’s comeback, Victor Wembanyama vs Nikola Jokić, the Bucks woes, and their favorite landing spots for Jimmy Butler. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni Execut...
Jan 06, 2025•34 min
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Pacific Division, the dominance of the Cavs and Thunder, Jimmy Butler Trade destinations and more. Then they are joined by Brian Geisinger to discuss the Charlotte Hornets and if their recent play is a sign of things to come. 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: Brian Geisinger E...
Jan 04, 2025•2 hr 31 min
Stephen Curry was perfect in 8 attempts from behind the three-point line as the Golden State Warriors cruised to a blowout win over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Dave DuFour and Zena discuss all of the action from Thursday night including Tyrese Haliburton’s big game, Jimmy Butler’s postgame comments, and the Celtics big win over the Timberwolves. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show to breakdown Steph Curry and Joel Embiid’s matchup, Jonathan Kuminga as the number two o...
Jan 03, 2025•36 min
The Cleveland Cavaliers hot start continued with a blowout win over the struggling Golden State Warriors. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni breakdown the win for the Cavs, the Warriors problems, and Joel Embiid’s best game of the season. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to give some behind the scenes insight on Mike Brown’s firing in Sacramento, a potential De’Aaron Fox trade, and the latest on Jimmy Butler. Then, Es digs into the numbers to celebrate LeBron James’ birthday. Host: Dave Du...
Dec 31, 2024•33 min
The Los Angeles Lakers land Dorian Finney-Smith in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni breakdown the move for the Lakers, react to Mike Brown’s firing in Sacramento, and Pat Riley’s stance on trading Jimmy Butler. Then, the gang go through some “NBA New Year’s Resolutions” and reveal the new leader in the MVP award race. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to ...
Dec 30, 2024•33 min
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita are joined by a plethora of guests like James Edwards, Jared Weiss and Anthony Slater to preview the Christmas Day NBA games we have in store featuring Knicks v Spurs, Celtics v Sixers and Warriors v Lakers. Our Slam ‘n’ Jam hosts Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers close out the show with their Christmas wishes for the NBA. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, James Edwards, Jared Weiss, Anthony Slater, Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers Executive Pr...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 4 min
The Warriors bounce back against the Wolves and Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni break it down and assign who else made the All Weekend Team. In part 2 Zena and Es are joined by Law Murray of the Athletic to discuss the shooting rankings, why it’s not just a "make or miss" league. Law also discusses the upcoming return of Kawhi Leonard and how it will affect the Clippers this season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, and Law Murray Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio ...
Dec 23, 2024•36 min
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, who should be DPOY?, their favorite quotes, players, and stats of the week, and more. Then they are joined by Scott Agnes to discuss the Indiana Pacers and if their recent play is a sign of things to come. 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: Scott Agnes Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Karl-Anthony Town’s returned to Minnesota with the Knicks had a near perfect night as they demolished the Timberwolves. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Jon Krawczynski discuss Towns’ return to Minnesota, a potential Wolves lineup change, and where the Wolves may look to improve. Then, Dave and Jovan Buha get into LeBron’s comments on the state of the game, the Lakers trade targets, and what happened to their offense. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Jon Krawczynski, Jovan Buha Executive Producer...
Dec 20, 2024•30 min
Giannis and Lillard deliver an NBA Cup Championship to Milwaukee, how did they do it? Why was OKC so flat on offense, and much more. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss the NBA Cup, the vibes in Vegas, and what they can do to change it next year. Then breakfast club breaks and talks about the new format for the All Star Game, and if the Denver Nuggets for trade for Zach LaVine. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Gray...
Dec 18, 2024•30 min
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks will face off in the NBA Cup Championship game. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Eric Nehm discuss the Bucks recent success, their approach to the Cup, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP caliber season to this point. Then, Dave, Zena Keita, and Andrew Schlecht flip to the Thunder’s side of the matchup, their claim to the “best defense ever”, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP presence. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, Eric Nehm, Andrew Schle...
Dec 17, 2024•32 min
Luka Donćic recorded his 80th career triple double as the Warriors and Mavericks combined for 48 made three pointers. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Anthony Slater discuss the offensive explosion from both teams, the Warriors new lineups, and how things will look after trading for Dennis Schröeder . Then, the Athletic’s Law Murray joins Dave and Es Baraheni to discuss LeBron’s return to the Lakers after some time away, Anthony Davis’ monster performance against the Grizzlies, and Kawhi Leonard’s i...
Dec 16, 2024•31 min
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder dominate the Houston Rockets in Las Vegas at the NBA Cup, the Bucks and Giannis take down the Hawks and Dennis Schroder is traded to the Warriors. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni are on location to discuss all this and more. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 15, 2024•31 min
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA basketball including the NBA Cup, Trae Young stats, Jimmy Butler fake trades, and more. Then Adam Mares of DNVR joins to discuss the Denver Nuggets, their current trajectory, and if they can become the title contenders we thought they were this season. Then the guys play a fun version of Andrew vs. The Beat! Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Adam Mares Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Jake Kleinberg L...
Dec 14, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Jimmy Butler’s purple hair didn’t distract the Heat as they won their fourth straight. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita are joined by Wes Goldberg to talk about Miami’s recent success, Jimmy Butler’s hair, and the current trade situation. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to talk about the Thunder and their front office, the Rockets and Ime Udoka, and the latest in the trade market. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Wes Goldberg, Sam Amick Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Produc...
Dec 13, 2024•33 min
