2024-25 Large Sample-Size Theater & Clippers’ Center Ivica Zubac Interview
Apr 4, 2025
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Kevin Pelton, ESPN's NBA analytics expert, analyses the NBA's evolving trends, such as the surge in 3-point attempts and the Thunder's impressive season. He also dives into the MVP race and trade deadline insights. Joining the conversation is Ivica Zubac, the Clippers' center, who shares his thoughts on his standout season and aspirations for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Their discussions illuminate the shifting dynamics of the league as the playoffs approach, offering a blend of analytics and personal experience.
The NBA is experiencing a shift towards increased three-point attempts, leading to discussions about potential court dimension changes to rebalance the game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's extraordinary 29-1 record against Eastern Conference teams raises questions about their playoff strength amid varying success against the West.
Ivica Zubac's notable improvement and the supportive team chemistry for his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy highlight the Clippers' unique camaraderie.
Deep dives
The Importance of Three-Point Shooting in the NBA
Three-point shooting has reached a peak in the NBA, with teams increasingly reliant on long-range shots. Discussion around changing the court dimensions has emerged, particularly a proposal to eliminate corner three-pointers, which some analysts believe could rebalance the game. Historically, franchises like the Boston Celtics have pushed the limits of three-point attempts, setting records that surpass those from previous years, including teams from the Houston Rockets era. The ongoing evolution of player skillsets, where even centers are encouraged to shoot from beyond the arc, indicates a shift in the game's dynamics, creating a strong correlation between three-point shooting and team success.
Oklahoma City's Dominance Against Eastern Conference Teams
The Oklahoma City Thunder have established a remarkable record against Eastern Conference teams, finishing their schedule with an impressive 29-1 record. This achievement is highlighted by their dominant point differential, far surpassing all historical benchmarks for teams competing within one conference. While their effectiveness against Eastern teams is notable, their performance against the Western Conference has not mirrored this success, raising questions for playoffs. Analysts point out the potential impact of playing against teams that may be 'tanking' and how that affects the overall assessment of the Thunder's strength heading into the playoffs.
The Lakers' Ups and Downs This Season
The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced significant fluctuations in performance throughout the season, particularly in terms of their defensive capabilities. Following LeBron James' injury, the team struggled defensively, but they managed to regain their footing by adapting to smaller lineups that played an effective defensive game. Despite the inconsistencies, the Lakers have been able to achieve key victories against various opponents, showing resilience and competitive spirit. The uncertainty around their playoff seed remains, but their home-court advantages may prove pivotal as they navigate their potential postseason matchups.
Defensive Player of the Year Campaign
The Clippers have rallied around Ivica Zubac in a bid for him to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, creating a sense of camaraderie and support among teammates. Zubac has seen a noticeable improvement in his performance, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts throughout the season. The chemistry cultivated within the team is evident as players express their confidence in each other, highlighting a collective goal beyond individual achievements. This close-knit team dynamic is a rarity in the league, where egos can interfere, making their collective push for Zubac’s recognition particularly special.
The Evolution of Big Men in the NBA
The role of traditional big men in the NBA is being redefined as more players look to expand their skill sets to include three-point shooting. Despite the trend, Zubac emphasizes that there will always be a place for conventional bigs who can dominate the paint. He points out that teams are beginning to integrate more two-big lineups, suggesting a potential shift back towards valuing interior presence. As the league evolves, it’s clear that while shooting skills are essential, the fundamental abilities of big men still have a crucial role to play in team dynamics.
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Kevin Pelton to talk ‘Large Sample-Size Theater’ with the NBA trends over the course of this season including the increase in 3-point attempts around the league, the Thunders’ historic success, the MVP of the league and some key data since the trade deadline to show the playoff potential of the Warriors & the Lakers. Then, Clippers’ center Ivica Zubac joins the show to talk about his outstanding season and his potential for Defensive Player of the Year.
