Joe Vardon, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, shares keen insights on the Cavaliers' recent loss to the Thunder. He discusses the challenges Cleveland faced against teams with perimeter size and highlights the need for improvement in their defensive strategies. Vardon also sheds light on potential trade market targets, with specific focus on acquiring Cam Johnson to enhance the Cavaliers' lineup. The conversation touches on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's standout MVP performance, as well as emerging trends in player development and the new Unrivaled basketball league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable 40-point performance highlighted the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominance in their victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The discussion on the Cavaliers' struggles against perimeter size and their potential trade targets emphasizes their pursuit of competitive improvement.
Deep dives
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Unrivaled: A New League for Women's Basketball
Unrivaled is a new three-on-three basketball league founded by prominent WNBA players aiming to enhance player development during the offseason. The league provides a unique platform for athletes to refine their skills, focusing on aspects of the game that may be overlooked in traditional five-on-five settings. Besides competitive play, Unrivaled offers athletes additional benefits such as access to childcare, personal care services, and various resources to support their overall development. The initiative seeks to complement the WNBA, positioning itself as an opportunity for growth while enabling players to gain equity in the league.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in the first 3 quarters en route to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup between the league’s two best teams. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the Thunder win, Shai’s MVP performance, and discuss the new Unrivaled basketball league and the potential ramifications for the NBA. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Oklahoma City with the Cavs’ perspective on their loss, why they struggle against perimeter size, and who they are targeting on the trade market.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Zena Keita & Joe Vardon
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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