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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

Pistons beat Celtics + "Court of Gold" behind the scenes

Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and dished out 11 assists to lead the Detroit Pistons to their 8th straight win by beating the Celtics 117-97 . Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the Pistons big night, Jalen Brunson’s MVP case, and that Shaedon Sharpe dunk. Then, the director of the Netflix documentary “Court of Gold”, Jake Rogal, joins the show to discuss the unprecedented access and the behind the scenes drama involved in filming. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Jake Rogal Executive Pr...

Feb 27, 202532 min

Luka Doncic triple-doubles over Mavericks

Luka Doncic records his first triple-double as a Laker in his first game against the Dallas Mavericks to lead Los Angeles to a 107-99 win. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss Luka’s game and LeBron’s continued excellence, the Orlando Magic’s big problem on offense, and the weird season for Ja Morant. Then, the Athletic’s Christian Clark joins the show to talk about the Mavs side of the loss, their title chances, and an update on the status of Anthony Davis. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & ...

Feb 26, 202531 min

Timberwolves comeback from down 24 to shock Thunder

Anthony Edwards makes the game sealing block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to cap a 25 point comeback victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the latest embarrassing loss for the 76ers and the Detroit Pistons 7-game winning streak. Then, the Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski joins the show to relive the Timberwolves epic comeback against the Thunder, discuss the performance of the young guys for Minnesota, and Anthony Edward’s block. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & ...

Feb 25, 202532 min

Thunder, Cavs continue dominance | Sixers & Suns in turmoil

Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their league leading 47th game of the season. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Zena Keita discuss the importance the Cavs and Thunder regular season marks, Luka and the Lakers blowout win over Jokić and the Nuggets, whether the Knicks are contenders, and if Jimmy Butler is everything for the Warriors. Then, the gang debates who has it worse while comparing the cursed seasons of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns. Host: Dave D...

Feb 24, 202529 min

6 Young Players on the Rise + Hawks keeping Trae Young? | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, all star weekend aftermath, Defensive Player of the Year Odds, and 6 players the guys think are poised to make a leap in the last part of the season. 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...

Feb 22, 20251 hr 14 min

Wemby out for the season | Nuggets take 2 seed in the West

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder. Dave DuFour and Zena react to the news about Wemby, the Knicks overtime win, and the Denver Nuggets rise up the west standings. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to breakdown the timeline for Wembanyama’s diagnosis, the fallout, and whether the Spurs will be searching for a new coach. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Sam Amick Executive Producer:...

Feb 21, 202528 min

State of the League | LaMelo out-duels Luka; Lakers lose

State of the League | LaMelo out-duels Luka; Lakers lose Luka Doncic struggles as the Lakers lose their first game after the All Star to LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the the Lakers’ loss and breakdown the defensive issues that will limit Luka and LeBron. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick stops by to discuss the fallout from a poorly received All Star weekend, Draymond Green’s comments, and whether broadcast negativity creates more problems for the NBA....

Feb 20, 202534 min

What is the Warriors' Ceiling?

The Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler at the deadline and Draymond Green declared the Warriors are going to win the title. Zena Keita and Marcus Thompson discuss what the ceiling of the Warriors is, and if they have enough to actually get through the West. They discuss the top end talent of Jimmy, Curry and Draymond and if the young players on the roster can help get them where they need to go. Host: Zena Keita With: Marcus Thompson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Mood...

Feb 19, 202538 min

NBA Draft Check In | Cooper Flagg's best fit?

The 2025 NBA Draft is just around the corner with the prize at the top being Cooper Flagg. Es Baraheni and guest from the Game Theory Podcast Bryce Simon break down Cooper's game and who he would fit best with. After a break they discuss the tank race, who could be selected in the top 5, and how good the 2025 class is. Host: Es Baraheni With: Bryce Simon Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Ua2qrEe7 Learn more about your ad choice...

Feb 18, 202537 min

All Star Weekend Decode | Stephen Curry named All Star MVP

Stephen Curry scored 12 points to lead Team Shaq to a win in the All Star Championship game and was named All Star MVP. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the new All Star format results, discuss whether we live in a post dunk era, and the Wemby skills challenge controversy. Then, Zena Keita catches up with Law Murray postgame from Chase to discuss the game, Curry’s MVP, and the weekend. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, & Law Murray Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Pro...

Feb 17, 202533 min

Sixers Direction + What's wrong with the Rockets? | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the MVP of the All Star Game, fun stats about Christian Braun and DeMar DeRozan, Nate Robinson's kidney transplant, trade deadline fallout and more. Then they are joined by Kelly Iko of the Athletic to discuss the Houston Rockets, their recent struggles, and how they will build their team in the near future. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat ...

Feb 15, 20251 hr 8 min

Wolves handle Thunder | Roundball Rock with John Tesh

Stephen Curry scored 27 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 105-98 win over the Houston Rockets. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to Jimmy Butler’s fit so far, the Wolves big win over the Thunder, and the latest injury news for Daniel Gafford and the Mavericks. Then, musician John Tesh joins the show to discuss nostalgia, how he came up with “Roundball Rock”, and a live performance. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni & John Tesh Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Pr...

Feb 14, 202533 min

Kyrie drops 42 | Thunder roar back to beat Heat

Kyrie Irving scored 42 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a win over the Golden State Warriors and new addition Jimmy Butler. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Kyrie’s night, the Knicks wild overtime game against the Hawks, OKC’s huge comeback over the Heat, and Jamal Murray’s return to form. Then, the Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins the show to discuss the Lakers’ loss to the Jazz, game two of the Luka era, and the latest in Mark Williams trade saga. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Jov...

Feb 13, 202531 min

Kevin Durant reaches 30k career points | Sixers lose 4th straight

Kevin Durant scored 35 points to pass 30,000 all time as the Phoenix Suns lost to the Memphis Grizzlies. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to KD’s milestone night and discuss whether the Sixers should shut it down after an embarrassing loss. Then, the Athletic’s James Edwards joins the show to catch up on the Knicks big win in Indiana, Karl-Anthony Towns’ success, and why Josh Hart is so impactful to winning. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and James Edwards Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht...

Feb 12, 202532 min

Luka makes Lakers debut | Mavericks give fans the boot

Luka Doncic made his Los Angeles Lakers debut in a blowout win over the Utah Jazz. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Luka’s night, the weird situation in Dallas, and the All Star injury replacements. Then, the Guardian’s national NBA writer Claire De Lune joins the show from Crypto to set the scene, discuss Luka’s introduction to Lakers fans, and the team’s playoff ceiling. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Claire De Lune Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody S...

Feb 11, 202527 min

Anthony Davis’ roller coaster debut | Jimmy Butler cooks with Curry

Anthony Davis made his Dallas Mavericks debut in the midst of a fan protest. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Zena Keita react to AD’s debut, the rescinded trade between the Lakers and Hornets, and Jimmy Butler’s perfect fit with the Warrior. Then, the Athletic’s Christian Clark joins the show to discuss the timeline of the Luka Doncic trade, the fan reaction, Anthony Davis’ latest injury, and the comments from Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni & Chri...

Feb 10, 202535 min

NBA Trade Deadline Awards | Slam N Jam

A historic NBA Trade Deadline has passed, and Andrew Schlecht and Fred Katz are here to break down what happened and hand out Trade Awards. The awards consist of: - Pau Gasol Award - the trade that makes a team a true contender - PJ Washington Award - goes to the trade that most people didn’t like, but we think could really pay off in the Playoffs - Gordon Hayward Award - a trade that most everyone praises but it will reveal a player is washed - Poeltl Award - to the team that gave up a first ro...

Feb 08, 20251 hr 3 min

Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, De'Andre Hunter and the Trade Deadline

Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Sam Amick react to the Jimmy Butler trade, what happened with Kevin Durant, De'Andre Hunter to the Cavs and more. Then break down the rest of the trade deadline including what did, and did not happen. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Sam Amick Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 06, 202531 min

Jimmy Butler Traded to the Warriors EMERGENCY POD

The Miami Heat are finalizing a trade to send Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins and a draft pick in a multiteam trade. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, and Marcus Thompson react to how Jimmy Butler works with the Warriors, the locker room chemistry, and how Andrew Wiggins will do in Miami. Then, the crew discuss the other trades that happened today including Valanciunas to the Kings, Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks and more. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita...

Feb 06, 202529 min

Kevin Durant to the Warriors? | Luka is a Laker

Add Kevin Durant’s name to the list of superstars with a potential new home as we approach the NBA’s trade deadline. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to Luka Doncic’s introductory press conference as a Laker, the Celtics big win over the Cavs, and the Nets stolen win over the Rockets. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater joins the show to reveal how long the Golden State Warriors have been pursuing a reunion with Durant, what a trade might look like, and who the Warriors have in mind as a fallbac...

Feb 05, 202536 min

Inside the Luka Doncic trade + Lakers deadline plans

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world by acquiring Luka Doncic via trade with the Dallas Mavericks. The Athletic’s Senior National Writer, Sam Amick guides Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni inside the Lakers negotiation process, the Mavericks decision to trade Luka, De’Aaron Fox’s move to San Antonio, and the Kings acquisition of Zach LaVine. Then, the Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins the show to look at the Lakers’ roster, their trade deadline plans, and LeBron James’s fit with Luka. Host: Dave DuFour ...

Feb 04, 202551 min

Fox Traded to the Spurs EMERGENCY POD + Luka with the Lakers

The Sacramento Kings are finalizing a trade to send De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs for multiple draft picks and Zach LaVine in a multiteam trade. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni react to the Kings trade haul, the Fox and Wemby fit in San Antonio, and how the Luka Doncic trade ending the player empowerment era. Then, Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane joins the show to talk about the Lakers landing Luka, how aggressive Los Angeles will be at the trade deadline, and how the team can build...

Feb 03, 202533 min

LUKA DONCIC TRADED TO THE LAKERS EMERGENCY POD

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded for Luka Doncic and we are here to break it all down. Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, and Alex Speers give a Birds Eye view of the trade, why would Dallas do this, how the Lakers accomplished it and much more. In Part 2, Jason Gallagher of the Young Man and the Three break down the trade from a Mavs fan perspective and if there could be a possible mutiny? Host: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita and Alex Speers With: Jason Gallagher Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Vide...

Feb 02, 202541 min

Celtics Still Favorites? + SNUBS and Lineups | Slam N Jam

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who was SNUBBED from the All Star Game, 6th Man of the Year Odds, a surprise team update, the best and worst lineups, and much more. Then they are joined by Jay King of the Athletic to discuss the Boston Celtics and if they are close to overcoming their slump, how good Tatum has been, and what’s up with Jaylen Brown’s shooting. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against ...

Feb 01, 20251 hr 21 min

Biggest All Star Snubs | Should the Sixers tank?

Victor Wembanyama was selected as a reserve for his first All-Star appearance as the NBA announced the reserves for the game on Thursday. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the names and debate the biggest snubs. Then, Kyle Neubeck, from PHLY Sports, stops by to discuss the Sixers reluctance to tank, Embiid’s return, and the Sixers trade deadline options. Finally, Kelly Iko joins the gang postgame from the crazy scene in Memphis as the Grizzlies won a hard fought contest against the Houston Ro...

Jan 31, 202538 min

Warriors down Thunder | De’Aaron Fox to Spurs?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 52 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors as the Thunder drop their 9th game of the season. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the Warriors win and then Sam Amick stops by to give the latest on De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, the Athletic’s Law Murray joins the show to discuss Kawhi Leonard’s progress, the Clippers success thus far, and their potential moves at the trade deadline. Host: Dave ...

Jan 30, 202538 min

Kings open to De’Aaron Fox trade | Maxey’s 43 rocks Lakers

The Sacramento Kings are listening to trade offers for former All-Star De’Aaron Fox. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss to the Kings decision and Fox’s preferred destination, react to another wild finish for the Houston Rockets, and praise the Portland Trail Blazers for their recent stretch. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater stops by to talk about the Warriors options at the trade deadline, the De’Aaron Fox timeline, and why the Western Conference isn’t very good. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena ...

Jan 29, 202533 min

Is Amen Thompson a star? | Beal or No Beal for Chicago

Amen Thompson scored a career high 33 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a victory in Boston over the Celtics. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Houston’s big win, Amen Thompson’s star potential, Bradley Beal’s no trade clause, and the death of the dunk contest . Then, Keith Parish from “Grits and Grinds stops by to talk about the Grizzlies recent schedule, their new offense and Ja Morant’s bad game against the Knicks. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Keith Parish Executive Producer: ...

Jan 28, 202537 min

Sixers refuse to tank | Kawhi & Clippers are back

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Houston Rockets on Saturday to drop their third game in a row. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni react to Cleveland’s losing streak, the Sixers trying to compete, and Rivalry Week’s conclusion. Then, the gang talks about some things nobody is talking about like the Clippers since Kawhi returned, Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies winning ways, and Kel’el Ware’s ascension up the rookie ladder. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive P...

Jan 27, 202532 min

Jokić does it again | Confusing Lakers blast Celtics

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, 202533 min