Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with n...
Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers won their 8th straight by beating Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in overtime. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Luka and LeBron James’ power as a duo, Steph Curry’s connection with Jimmy Butler, and ponder whether Orlando has lost its magic. Then, Benjy Ritholtz from Knicks Film School stops by to breakdown the Knicks-Lakers thriller, Jalen Brunson’s importance, and how the Knicks fix their problems before the playoffs.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & Benjy Ritholtz
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their 52nd win and a playoff berth. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the way the Cavs are maximizing De’Andre Hunter, Payton Pritchard’s 43 points off the bench for the Celtics, and Giannis joining the 20,000 point club. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP ascension, the science behind his development, and OKC’s chances at a title.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & Fred Katz
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
Read Fred’s story on Shai here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6174500/2025/03/05/shai-gilgeous-alexander-sga-thunder-mvp-nba/
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37:26
LeBron first to 50k points | Kyrie out for the season
LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 points combined in the regular season and playoffs while scoring 34 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a win over the Pelicans. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss LeBron’s Western Conference Player of the Month award, his All-NBA team chances, and the Phoenix Suns crazy comeback over the Clippers. Then, the Athletic’s Christian Clark joins the show to discuss Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear, whether Anthony Davis will return, and where the Dallas Mavericks go from here.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Zena Keita & Christian Clark
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
Read Christian’s story here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6174993/2025/03/04/mavericks-kyrie-irving-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-nico-harrison/
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29:51
Kyrie injures knee | Thunder & Shai get 50
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 51 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to their 50th win of the season by beating a shorthanded Houston Rockets squad. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s place in NBA history, Kyrie Irving’s knee injury, and the Memphis Grizzlies losing their third straight game via game-winners. Then, Sean Highkin from the Rose Garden Report stops by to talk about the Portland Trailblazers’ surprising season, Scott Henderson’s growth, and Chauncey Billups’ future.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & Sean Highkin
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
Read Sean Highkin here: https://www.rosegardenreport.com
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32:01
Lakers get 2 seed, Cavs Win 50th | NBA Awards
Luka Doncic scored 29 points while LeBron James poured in 17 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their second win over the Clippers in three days. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss the Lakers recent play, Jalen Brunson’s clutch credentials, and the Cleveland Cavaliers 50th win of the season. Then, the gang marks the three-quarter point of the season with NBA Awards.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode.
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