Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Ethan Strauss to talk about LeBron James’ comments on China; the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh discusses the Nationals’ playoff run and why baseballs aren’t flying as far; and Ed Caesar assesses marathon record breakers Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei.

LeBron, the NBA, and China (02:19): Why the league’s travails are getting worse, and what the NBA can (and should) do about them.

MLB playoffs (20:50): The Nationals’ starting pitching triumphs and the decline of home runs in the postseason, explained.

Marathoners (40:03): How Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour barrier and Brigid Kosgei shattered the women’s world record.

Afterballs (58:59): Stefan on CTE romance novels and Josh on shaking press boxes.

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The It’s a Marathon and a Sprint Edition