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 n...
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 Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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30:27
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 Moody
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27:48
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
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28:43
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 Speers
With: Mike Smeltz
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg
FILL OUT OUR SURVEY PLEASE
The athletic.com/athletic/survey25
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1:20:29
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 Producer: Grayson Moody
Read Marcus Thompson on Draymond: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248565/2025/04/03/draymond-green-golden-state-warriors-nba-defense/
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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.
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