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, 2025•1 hr 22 min
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, 2025•33 min
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, 2025•37 min
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, 2025•30 min
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, 2025•32 min
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, 2025•36 min
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, 2025•1 hr 14 min
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, 2025•36 min
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, 2025•32 min
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, 2025•31 min
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, 2025•32 min
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, 2025•29 min
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, 2025•1 hr 14 min
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, 2025•28 min
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, 2025•34 min
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, 2025•38 min
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, 2025•37 min
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, 2025•33 min
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, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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, 2025•33 min
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, 2025•31 min
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, 2025•32 min
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, 2025•27 min
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, 2025•35 min
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, 2025•1 hr 3 min
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, 2025•31 min
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, 2025•29 min
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, 2025•36 min
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, 2025•51 min
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, 2025•33 min
