The Athletic NBA Daily

Is Indiana emerging as a true contender? The hosts break down team anxiety levels, particularly for the struggling Cavaliers. They also delve into playoff dynamics, spotlighting clutch performances and critical coaching decisions. Plus, geographic challenges in team alignments are examined as they consider the Thunder's future. Tune in for insights on how injuries and strategies might reshape the playoff landscape!

Jon Krawczynski, a seasoned analyst for the Minnesota Timberwolves, joins the discussion on the exhilarating playoff series between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. They dive into Tyrese Haliburton's dramatic game-winning shot that clinched a critical comeback. Krawczynski also shares insights on the Timberwolves' struggles, highlighting Anthony Edwards' inconsistent performance and the challenges the team faced. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on how the Warriors might cope without Steph Curry as they navigate their playoff path.

Andrew Schlecht, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins the discussion following the Thunder's disappointing loss to the Nuggets. He analyzes what went wrong in their game, particularly against star Nikola Jokić. The conversation highlights the Thunder's struggles with shooting efficiency and critical coaching decisions. Schlecht emphasizes the importance of playoff experience and learning from mistakes as the team navigates this challenging series. The insights offer a sobering yet hopeful perspective for Thunder fans.

Buddy Hield poured in 33 points and made 9 threes to lead the Golden State Warriors to a game 7 series clinching win over the Houston Rockets. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Pacers win over the Cavaliers, Andrew Nembhard as a playoff riser, and how the Nuggets stack up against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, Zena Keita joins the show to talk about Buddy Hield’s big night and how the Warriors stack up against the Timberwolves.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Zena KeitaExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moodyhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nba/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Mike Zakarian to discuss questions surrounding East teams that remain in the Playoffs and if the Cavs can win it all. They also discuss the eliminated teams including which future would you rather have: Magic or Pistons? Mike then joins the guys in doing their weekly Contender Draft, before discussing the Western Conference Playoffs. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: Mike ZakarianExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Gonzalo Torres Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New York Knicks move on to round 2 after their game 6 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Zena Keita is joined by James Edwards III of the Athletic to discuss the Knicks winning the series and how they will play against the Celtics, and how the Pistons build off their first Playoff run. Then in segment 2 Zena is joined by Dave DuFour from the LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets game to discuss the Clippers pushing the series to 7 games.Host: Zena KeitaWith: Andrew Schlecht, Hunter Patterson and Dave DuFourExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rudy Gobert had 27 points and 24 rebounds to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a series clinching win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by Anthony Slater to breakdown the Houston Rockets big win and how the Warriors bounce back in game 6. Then, Dave and Es discuss Gobert’s huge game, the Lakers biggest concerns going into the offseason, and who the Wolves should want to face next.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Anthony SlaterExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tyrese Haliburton blew by Giannis Antetokounmpo for the game winning and series clinching lay-up as the Pacers sent the Bucks home for the summer. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Pacers overtime win, the postgame fracas, and how the Pistons handled the Knicks. Then, the Athletic’s Law Murray joins the show to react to the Nuggets game 5 win over the Clippers, Jamal Murray’s shotmaking, and respecting Russell Westbrook.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Law MurrayExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Butler returned from injury to lead the Warriors to a game 4 victory and a 3-1 series lead over the Rockets. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by the Athletic’s Anthony Slater to discuss the Warriors win, Jimmy Butler’s game, and the aftermath. Then, Es and Dave take a look at the first round sweeps for the Thunder and Cavs to decide who has been most dominant and look ahead to Clippers and Nuggets game 5.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Anthony SlaterExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moodyhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nba/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 59 points to lead the Knicks to a game four win over the Detroit Pistons, aided by a missed foul call on Tim Hardaway Jr. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the weekend’s wild finishes between the Clippers and Nuggets, the Knicks and Pistons, and the Wolves and Lakers. Then, they take a look at the 3-1 series and ask, “Is it over?”Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es BaraheniExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moodyhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nba/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.