The Athletic NBA Daily

The Knicks celebrate their thrilling victory in the NBA Cup, turning the game around with standout performances. Jalen Brunson shines with 25 points, reinforcing his MVP credentials. The hosts rave about OG Anunoby's impressive shooting and defense, while Mitchell Robinson's rebounding prowess drives home the advantage. Insight is offered on Victor Wembanyama's struggles and the Spurs' guard play. The panel reflects on the Cup's rising significance and what it means for the Knicks' offensive identity moving forward.

James Edwards, Knicks reporter for The Athletic, analyzes the Knicks' chances in the NBA Cup, discussing team strategy and the impact of their heavy travel. He shares insights on the team's offensive tweaks under coach Mike Brown. Jared Weiss, covering the Spurs, highlights Victor Wembanyama's development and the team's evolving identity. They debate the Cup's value and whether it enhances the season or overshadows regular play, while also exploring the strengths and weaknesses of both teams heading into the final.

Sam Amick, a veteran NBA reporter from The Athletic, joins to discuss the pulse of the league amid trade season. He dives into OKC's emerging dominance and how their draft prowess alters rivals' strategies. The conversation turns to the Clippers' internal turmoil and concerns about their leadership. Amick evaluates potential trades involving stars like Giannis, Anthony Davis, and Jonathan Kuminga, mapping out their market prospects and the implications for various contenders. Insightful takes on what teams must do to stay competitive round out the discussion.

Joining the discussion is Josh Robbins, a seasoned NBA reporter, who dives into the Knicks' recent victory over the Magic. He highlights the transformative impact of improved ball movement in New York, and how Jalen Suggs' injury influenced Orlando's game. The panel also explores Victor Wembanyama's captivating presence in the Spurs' surprising win over the Thunder, emphasizing his immediate impact and media poise. They debate the dynamics of the NBA Cup and the budding rivalry between the Thunder and Spurs.

Keith Parrish, host of Grits and Grinds and Fastbreak Breakfast, joins to dissect the Memphis Grizzlies' journey this season. He shares insights on Zach Edey's impressive development and unfortunate injury, alongside Jaren Jackson Jr.'s struggles on defense. Cedric Coward's breakout performance and his scoring skills light up the conversation, as well as Vince Williams Jr.'s role as a playmaker. Parrish weighs in on the team's future direction, whether to build around young talent or consider trades, while the trio caps off with a fun trivia game.

Jay King, an NBA reporter for The Athletic covering the Boston Celtics, dives into the team's unexpected competitiveness this season. He analyzes the recent loss to the Bucks, highlighting Boston's struggles with shooting and defense. King discusses Jalen Brown's evolution as a key playmaker and the emergence of Jordan Walsh. The centerpiece of the conversation focuses on Jayson Tatum's rehab progress post-Achilles surgery and the potential timelines for his return this season, speculating on how his comeback would reshape the Celtics' prospects.

Jared Weiss, an NBA reporter and analyst, joins the discussion to dive into the Spurs' impressive victory over the Lakers and the rise of young star Stephon Castle. The conversation shifts to Victor Wembanyama's potential return and its implications for the Spurs' strategy against the Thunder. Weiss also explores the physicality of the San Antonio defense and how their locker room culture fuels strong team dynamics. Expect insights on MVP frontrunner Shea Gilgeous-Alexander and the exciting matchups ahead!

Hosts dive deep into advanced analytics, debating stats like PER and BPM as tools rather than gospel. They lighten the mood discussing viral food trends like sugared cranberries and cottage cheese bowls. A nostalgic ode to celebrating a potential Thunder lottery win at Chili's follows, while Hall of Fame snubs spark lively discussions on Rasheed Wallace. They also speculate on roster moves for the Wolves and weigh in on must-have centers for contenders. With funny anecdotes about iconic players, this episode is a delightful mix of stats and laughs!

Wes Goldberg, an NBA reporter and featured voice on Locked On Heat, shares insights on Desmond Bane's explosive performance and its impact on Orlando's offense, raising questions about Miami's struggle with shooting. Meanwhile, Esfandiar Baraheni reports from Toronto, detailing the Knicks' dominant victory over the Raptors, highlighting Jalen Brunson's early scoring surge. Their discussion hints at the Knicks' potential as Eastern Conference contenders, bolstered by OG Anunoby's defensive presence.

Jon Krawczynski, an experienced NBA reporter, dives deep into the Timberwolves' struggles after their loss to the Suns. He highlights lapses in focus and urgency, especially against weaker teams. Krawczynski also discusses Anthony Edwards' crucial late-game decisions and their impact on team dynamics. With a realistic season grade for Minnesota, he assesses their underwhelming performance and potential playoff outlook. Plus, the historic triple-double of rookie Derik Queen adds a thrilling note to the conversation!