Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective

Episode: LeBron Turns Back Clock Again + Watch Out For Boston?

Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Brian Windhorst
Guests: Tim Bontemps, Ban McMahon

Episode Overview

This episode recaps a thrilling weekend in the NBA focusing on LeBron James’ vintage performance in a Lakers win over the Sixers, examines the Boston Celtics’ latest surge, and unpacks some of the NBA’s most intriguing storylines—from scheduling crunches, the evolving Memphis Grizzlies, to the Miami Heat’s sticky contractual situation with Terry Rozier. Expect sharp banter, stat-deep dives, and memorable moments throughout as Windhorst and his ESPN insider crew break down what’s happening around the league.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. LeBron James Turns Back the Clock (00:51–15:23)

• Game Recap: Lakers defeat the Sixers 112-108 in a clutch performance, with LeBron delivering big shots down the stretch.
  • “LeBron...hit a fadeaway jumper that was really big in the last minute and a half. He was so excited about hitting that shot...he gave himself a double crown and then went into the silencer." – Brian Windhorst (03:36)
• LeBron’s Recent Struggles:
  • Referenced his tough game vs. Toronto (lowest regular season output in 1200+ games), rebounding to excel against Philly.
  • "First game he'd been under 10 points in like 17 years in the regular season." – Tim Bontemps (04:41)
• How Lakers Got LeBron Going:
  • Lakers posted LeBron on smaller defenders for easier looks.
  • Noted LeBron’s midrange-heavy shot selection compared to earlier, rim-attacking years.
• Changing Role/Athleticism:
  • LeBron’s restricted area shot rate has plummeted: a decade ago, 46% of shots; two years ago, 35%; last year, 24%; this season, under 20%. (09:45–10:34)
  • “It’s silly to judge LeBron based on the standard that he’s set over the previous two decades. He’s not going to be that player. The Lakers don’t really need him to be that player.” – Ban McMahon (09:09)
• Lakers’ Offensive Options:
  • Lakers’ clutch success fuelled by having three legitimate closing options: Luka, Reaves, LeBron.
  • Questions remain about sustainability due to middling defense/rankings.

Memorable Moment:

• LeBron’s mid-silencer celebration getting interrupted by a teammate. "Jackson Hayes came over and like pushed him in excitement...You are messing around with LeBron not being able to finish that celebration. He will get a talking to later." – Brian Windhorst (03:55)

2. Boston Celtics' Resurgence & Jaylen Brown’s Leap (17:02–26:12)

• Recent Form: Celtics have won 8 of 10, boasting the NBA’s #1 offense in that span despite a bottom-third defense.
  • “They are now on a five-game win streak...number one in the league in offense.” – Brian Windhorst (17:33)
• Jaylen Brown’s Midrange Game:
  • “Jaylen Brown...is absolutely leaning on mid range jumpers. He’s tripled his percentage of shots from his career from 16 ft to the three-point line and it’s working.” – Brian Windhorst (18:07)
• Role Players Heating Up:
  • Derek White and Peyton Pritchard rediscover their shooting stroke (over 38% from three in last 15 games, 16 attempts/game).
  • “Those guys went from missing everything to making their normal amount of shots.” – Tim Bontemps (18:39)
• Joe Mazzulla’s Motivation: Celtics coach uses perceived slights as fuel.
• Standing in the East:
  • The East has “come back to Boston”—top contenders struggling/injured.
  • Outlook turns on Jason Tatum possibly returning for the playoffs: "If they have Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown and Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard going into the playoffs, like, nobody is going to want to play them in a playoff series." – Tim Bontemps (21:37)

Fun Quote:

• “I'm, I'm smart enough to know not to play Joan [Mazzulla] one on one...I know a lot better than to be trying to do any of that [MMA] stuff.” – Tim Bontemps (19:40, joking about Celtics' coach)

3. NBA Scheduling Squeeze and Player Fatigue (26:54–29:59)

• Cup-Induced Cramps: The NBA Cup’s introduction has forced teams into grueling stretches—multiple teams played 5 games in 7 nights.
  • “All these teams across the league are all playing 5 in 6, you know, 6 in 9, 5 in 7.” – Tim Bontemps (27:45)
  • “And half the league has a calf strain.” – Ban McMahon (29:21)
• League Must Adjust: General consensus is the league should reconsider Cup scheduling to avoid exhausted rosters and surges in injuries.

4. Golden State, Bulls Struggles, and Pat Spencer Folklore (31:37–37:44)

• Pat Spencer’s Rise:
  • After a lacrosse career, he’s 29 and making NBA waves; shouted “I’m that MFer!” after a big shot—a viral, Steve Kerr-endorsed folklore moment. (33:09)
• The Dismal Bulls:
  • Detailed their recent collapse (lost 13 of 16), slipping out of the playoff race.
  • “During this 3 and 13 stretch they are 27th in offense and 26th in defense.” – Brian Windhorst (37:29)
  • “All roads lead to 39 wins, don’t worry about it.” – Brian Windhorst (36:47, poking fun at Chicago’s mediocrity)
• Debate on Predicting Team Records: Banter over Windhorst’s “guaranteed” Bulls 39-win prophecy.

5. Memphis Grizzlies: Defense & Depth Emerging (38:31–45:59)

• Winning Formula: Grizzlies have won 7 of 9, largely thanks to depth, the “Isalo system” (line change subs, fresh legs) and improved team chemistry.
  • “Their defense in this stretch...they've been a top six.” – Brian Windhorst (39:39)
• Zach Edey’s Huge Impact:
  • On/Off stats: Grizzlies are +19 per 100 poss. with him, -9.6 without—a staggering 28-point swing. “It's not a coincidence...their season has turned around when he started playing games.” – Tim Bontemps (43:00)
• Looking Forward: Ja Morant’s impending return and a pivot toward young talent.
  • “Edie looks like a player. Cedric Coward looks like a player. They've loaded up on future picks...I'm curious to see how things play out here.” – Ban McMahon (42:27)

6. Terry Rozier’s Legal Saga & Miami Heat Fallout (45:59–66:18)

• The Dilemma: Rozier’s under federal indictment for illegal gambling—Heat weren’t made aware of NBA’s prior investigation prior to trading for him, potentially impacting their future picks and trade assets.
  • “As part of trades, you're supposed to...there's a disclosure process. So where the Heat should the Heat have been told about this investigation...what can the Heat do about it?” – Tim Bontemps (48:11)
• Trade/Grievance Possibilities:
  • Theoretically, Heat could file a grievance for lack of disclosure, but insiders don’t expect it to succeed.
  • Rozier’s $26.6M expiring contract remains tradeable, likely functioning as a “dead” contract in a deal due to litigation/ineligibility.
• Pick Constraints:
  • Because so many picks are tied up, any change to Rozier-related picks would drastically change Miami’s ability to make seismic trades.
• NBA Precedent & Disclosure Debate:
  • The NBA typically stays hands-off but has intervened in unusual trade disputes in the past (e.g., Martell Webster, Gary Payton Jr.).
• Lighthearted Banter: In-depth detour on Heat owner Mickey Arison’s yacht lifestyle, symbolic CBA protest votes, and Pat Riley’s longevity vs. Carnival cruise ships (66:18–67:18).

7. Lighthearted Close: "Where in the World is Windy?" (67:36–70:54)

• Mystery Trip: Windhorst teases an upcoming, long-dreamed “basketball bucket list” trip, giving only cryptic hints and inviting listener guesses.
• Special Audio Drop: Legendary Knicks PA Mike Walczewski delivers a comedic “Where in the World is Windy?” segment (68:00–68:34).
• Listener Engagement: Listeners can call in guesses about Windhorst’s travel plans.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |:---|:---|:---| | 03:36 | Brian Windhorst | “LeBron...gave himself a double crown and then went into the silencer...You are messing around with LeBron not being able to finish that celebration. He will get a talking to later.” | | 09:09 | Ban McMahon | “It’s silly to judge LeBron based on the standard that he’s set over the previous two decades. He’s not going to be that player. The Lakers don’t really need him to be that player.” | | 18:39 | Tim Bontemps | “Those guys [White & Pritchard] went from missing everything to making their normal amount of shots.” | | 21:37 | Tim Bontemps | “If they have Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown and Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard going into the playoffs, like, nobody is going to want to play them in a playoff series.” | | 29:21 | Ban McMahon | “And half the league has a calf strain.” | | 33:09 | Tim Bontemps | “Pat Spencer hit a three on the wing and turned around and shouted very loudly, ‘I’m that bleepity bleep’. And everybody on the team thought it was quite funny.” | | 36:47 | Brian Windhorst | “All roads lead to 39 wins, don’t worry about it.” (re: the Bulls) | | 43:00 | Tim Bontemps | “It's not a coincidence...their season has turned around when [Zach Edey] started playing games and he has been good.” | | 48:11 | Tim Bontemps | “There's a disclosure process in trades. So essentially, where the Heat should the Heat have been told about this investigation in the disclosure process for the trade, and because they were not, what can the Heat do about it?” | | 67:18 | Brian Windhorst | “That ship has did its whole thing and has been scrapped and Riley is still coaching.” (on Riley outlasting Carnival ship) | | 68:00 | Podcast Announcer | “It's now time for another installment of where in the World is Windy?” (Special Segment – lighthearted end) |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• LeBron’s Clutch Performance & Lakers Analysis: 01:03–15:23
• Celtics’ Surge & Jaylen Brown’s Leap: 17:02–26:12
• NBA Scheduling/Rest Issues: 26:54–29:59
• Around the League (Warriors, Bulls, etc.): 31:37–37:44
• Grizzlies’ Evolution & Edey’s Impact: 38:31–45:59
• Terry Rozier, Trade Controversy, and Pick Fallout: 45:59–66:18
• End Segment: Mickey Arison, Fun Factoids & ‘Where’s Windy?’: 66:18–70:54

Tone and Style

Informal, playful, stats-rich, and ultra-insider. Constant riffing and in-jokes blend with sharp analysis and breaking news. Occasional asides—about celebrations, travel, or pizza—keep things light and engaging.

Who Should Listen?

NBA fans eager for inside scoops, detailed analysis, and plenty of personality—whether you’re monitoring LeBron’s legacy, curious about Celtics’ playoff prospects, or geeking out over CBA loopholes.

Note: Ads and non-content sections omitted. The above represents the major basketball/league conversations from this episode.