Ramona Shelburne on Draymond and a Texas Two Step with Chiney Ogwumike
Dec 15, 2023
01:04:48
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Chiney Ogwumike and Ramona Shelburne join to discuss the Warriors without Draymond Green, the rising Clippers, Rockets, and Mavericks. They also talk about the aftermath of the Jusuf Nurkic incident and the impact of the Jordan Poole punch on the Warriors. Plus, they touch on the Suns debut and the Mavericks' season so far.
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Quick takeaways
The Golden State Warriors displayed resilience and fight in their recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers despite the absence of Draymond Green, showing that they can still compete even without their star player.
The Houston Rockets' commitment to defense and the development of their young stars have propelled them to success, exceeding expectations with the second-ranked defense in the NBA.
The game between the Brooklyn Nets' big three and the Phoenix Suns highlighted the need for time and chemistry to develop, as the superstar trio showed glimpses of their offensive capabilities but faced challenges in their first game together.
Deep dives
Golden State Warriors' resilience in the face of challenges
The Golden State Warriors displayed resilience and fight in their recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers despite the absence of Draymond Green. Despite facing internal turmoil and a difficult shooting night for Steph Curry, the Warriors fought until the end, with Klay Thompson having his best game of the season. The team's transition period is evident as they adjust their lineup and offensive strategies. Defense, however, remains a challenge without Green's presence as opponents capitalized on the Warriors' lack of size. The Warriors' ability to stay competitive and make adjustments will be crucial to their success going forward.
Houston Rockets' surprising success and growth
The Houston Rockets have been exceeding expectations as they boast the second-ranked defense in the NBA. Despite struggling with shooting, the team's commitment to defense has propelled them to victories. The development of young stars like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, support from veterans like Tarik Black and Fred VanVleet, and a strong defensive system implemented by coach Ime Udoka have contributed to their success. They have also secured wins against tough opponents like the Memphis Grizzlies. Furthermore, the Rockets' ownership announced plans for a new practice facility, reflecting their commitment to the team's growth and long-term success.
First impressions of the Brooklyn Nets' big three
The Brooklyn Nets' big three, consisting of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, finally played together in a recent game against the Phoenix Suns. While the Suns secured the victory, it was evident that the team is in a transition period. Playing against a motivated Nets team, the Suns faced a tough challenge. It was clear that the chemistry and rhythm of the Nets' trio will need time to develop. Despite the loss, this game offered a glimpse of the potent offensive capabilities of the Nets' big three, and their ability to create mismatches and scoring opportunities. It remains to be seen how this superstar trio will continue to mesh and impact the Nets' performance moving forward.
Draymond Green's mindset and role in the Warriors team
Draymond Green is described as being in a mindset of not wanting to change his approach on the court. He believes that his competitiveness and demeanor, which he has maintained since his early days in the league, are what have made the Warriors successful. Despite the recent struggles of the team, Draymond and Steph Curry are both fighting to keep the team together and prove that they can still win championships. The podcast highlights how Draymond's mindset is central to his identity as a player and how he perceives his role in the team.
The handling of Draymond Green's incidents and the impact on the team
The podcast explores the controversial incidents involving Draymond Green, starting with his altercation with Rudy Gobert. The host questions whether Draymond dissociated in that moment and reflects on whether his history with Gobert influenced his actions. The handling of these incidents, including the pool incident and the leaked tape, shattered the trust within the Warriors organization. The decision not to suspend Draymond for the pool incident was influenced by the fear of him missing the ring ceremony. The podcast mentions that the team now looks back and acknowledges that they should have handled these situations differently. The discussion concludes with the impact of Draymond's recent suspension and the ongoing need for him and the team to maintain their focus and composure.
Zach and ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike discuss the Warriors first game since Draymond Green's suspension, what comes next as Golden State falls down the standings, the rising Clippers, Chiney's hometown Rockets, and the Mavericks season so far. Plus ESPN's Ramona Shelburne joins to talk about her conversation with Draymond in the aftermath of the Jusuf Nurkic incident, the ongoing impact of the Jordan Poole punch, and where the Warriors and Green go from here.
Warriors without Draymond (1:08)
Clippers hot streak (11:10)
Ramona Shelburne (22:45)
Do Warriors now regret the way they handled Poole incident? (32:50)
There is no justification for Draymond's swing at Nurkic (35:44)