Thinking Basketball
Thinking Basketball
Ben Taylor, creator of the popular YouTube channel Thinking Basketball (and author of Thinking Basketball the book) goes deeper on basketball analysis, history, philosophy and theory with co-host Cody Houdek, and a variety of guests ranging from journalists to former players.
Ideal for fans interested in Xs and Os, stats & analytics, coaching and team strategy and adjustments, in-depth breakdowns on player strengths and weaknesses, and who is better and who is best in the NBA. (GOAT debates!)
Ideal for fans interested in Xs and Os, stats & analytics, coaching and team strategy and adjustments, in-depth breakdowns on player strengths and weaknesses, and who is better and who is best in the NBA. (GOAT debates!)
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 8, 2023 • 1h 5min
#199: Whose stock is up in the playoffs?
Devin Booker has been on fire over the first 9 games of the playoffs – how sustainable is this hot shooting? We take stock in player's around the league who have moved up (or down) in our minds thus far in the postseason, including a discussion on consistent players versus up-and-down players. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
May 4, 2023 • 1h 5min
#198: Denver's defense & adaptive coaching in the playoffs
We discuss Denver's great defense Phoenix through 2 games, the role of Big Wings in the playoffs and adaptive coaching in a playoff series. Plus, Warriors-Lakers Game 1 reactions – can Golden State adapt? – Celtics-76ers thoughts, and handing out flowers to Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and a ton more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
May 1, 2023 • 56min
#197: Warriors-Lakers preview & Bubble Murray is back
We wrap up the incredible Kings-Warriors first round series and look how Golden State and Los Angeles might match up. Plus, Jamal Murray is on fire and the incredible Jimmy Butler 5-on-4 injury situation with Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 27, 2023 • 58min
#196: Nuggets-Suns preview & Heat-Knicks mania!
After maybe the craziest night in the NBA history, we discuss Jimmy Butler's historic series, Miami's incredible upset of the Bucks, the Knicks taking down the Cavs, and preview the Eastern 2nd round along with the Nuggets and Suns series. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 25, 2023 • 57min
#195: Warriors “twin towers” & Cavs+Grizz on the brink
Can you play 2 big men in today's playoffs? Why is scoring down in the playoffs? Before that, we discuss the classic Warriors-Kings Game 4, the Knicks outlasting the Cavs, and if the Grizzlies are on the brink against the Lakers. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 20, 2023 • 59min
#194: Early adjustments, the Kings D & Murray-Ant duel!
We discuss a bunch of early series adjustments and tactics after the first week of the playoffs, the precedent for the Draymond Green suspension, and the incredible Kings defensive approach to start this series. Plus, the Nets fascinating double-team tactics, the Suns-Clippers approach, Jamal Murray and Anthony Edwards duel, and and the “UCLA” Russell Westbrook. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 17, 2023 • 1h 2min
#193: What changed after the first playoff weekend?
What did we learn from an incredible opening playoff weekend? What games changed our minds? We discuss the Warriors-Kings incredible Game 1 and what it means going forward, the Lakers-Grizzlies matchup, the Clippers victory over the Suns and the Knicks-Cavs. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 13, 2023 • 1h 32min
#192: 2023 Playoff Preview
The Athletic's Dave DuFour stops by again for our annual mega playoff preview episode, where canvas the entire NBA, talking Warriors-Kings, the wide open West, a possible Suns-Nuggets series looming, what will change this year tactically in the postseason, and whether Milwaukee or Boston is a looming favorite. Plus, will the offensive boom continue? Sign up at SBC for $300 of with promo code “Thinking Basketball.” Follow Dave @DaveDuFourNBA. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 35min
#191: 2023 Defensive awards (The Thinkies)
We pick our 2023 Defensive Award winners in categories ranging from best paint protector to best point of attack defender. Who shows up on the most ballots? And why was this our most evenly distributed year ever? With @codyhoudek. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 23min
#190: Stan Van Gundy on playoff game-planning & stopping great offense
Coach Stan Van Gundy discusses game-planning for a playoff series, what the strategy was against LeBron James in 2009, facing off against Kobe Bryant's Lakers and more. We also discuss the progression of great offense, and slowing down the hyper-skilled offensive players in today's game. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
