No Dunks Podcast Summary
Episode: Giannis Boos Bucks Fans, Thunder Finally Best Spurs, Ja Morant To Miami?
Date: January 14, 2026
Hosts: J. Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, Julian Edelman, JD
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Overview
This episode of No Dunks dives into some of the NBA’s biggest recent storylines:
- The Oklahoma City Thunder finally defeating the San Antonio Spurs after three straight losses
- Giannis Antetokounmpo’s unusual move to boo his own Milwaukee Bucks fans
- The Miami Heat’s gritty win and Bam Adebayo’s standout performance
- Ja Morant’s name heating up in trade rumors, with Miami as a potential destination
- Rapid-fire reactions to additional NBA games and a discussion of under-the-radar trade candidates as the deadline approaches
The banter is sharp, the analysis is in-depth, and the vibes are classic No Dunks—fun, basketball-obsessed, and peppered with inside jokes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Thunder Break Through Against the Spurs
[04:36–14:42]
- OKC snaps a three-game skid vs. the Spurs with a dominant 119-98 win at home.
- Jalen Williams is praised as the “X factor” upon returning from injury:
- “He is that second guy to really make it work. And it’s the cuts, it’s the fast breaks. He just knows that precise timing. I thought it was the difference.” – Tas Melas [05:00]
- Williams’ decision-making, passing, and defensive IQ are spotlighted, especially his ability to attack and avoid Victor Wembanyama’s defense.
- OKC’s offense gets special mention:
- Strong three-point shooting from role players like Kayson Wallace and Alex Caruso.
- 56 points in the paint, shooting 70% on Wemby-defended shots.
- AJ Mitchell’s return gave OKC another ball-handler to break the Spurs’ perimeter defense.
- The Thunder are “lookin’ like the Thunder of old,” especially with a massive third quarter (outscoring the Spurs 40–24).
- Spurs fought back with an 11–0 run but OKC responded. Kenrich Williams and Caruso drew special mention for their defense on Wemby.
Notable quote:
“They threw everybody at him...you gotta have a fire hydrant to go against a fire hose.”
– Tas Melas on defenders matching up with Wembanyama [15:11]
2. Is This OKC-Spurs Thing a Rivalry?
[12:44–14:36]
- Discussion around whether OKC and the Spurs are entering a rivalry phase, given their youth and regular matchups.
- “If you have to ask if it’s a rivalry, it’s not.” – J. Will postgame, recounted by Tas [12:45]
- The hosts agree the potential is there, especially as postseason meetings loom.
3. Giannis Boos His Own Fans – Milwaukee Turmoil
[19:01–24:14]
- Bucks trail the Timberwolves by 30 at halftime—despite Minnesota missing Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
- Milwaukee fans boo their team. Giannis retaliates after an and-one by “booi[ng] your ass back” with two thumbs down.
- “Whenever I get booed, I boo back, and I don’t care if it’s the home team.” – Giannis (postgame, paraphrased by J. Skeets) [19:59]
- Giannis’s postgame frustration is highlighted, but the hosts note this isn’t an imminent trade request—yet.
- The Bucks’ tough stretch continues, and questions around Giannis’s future grow.
- “Every loss is just going to bring more and more questions about what is the future of Giannis there in Milwaukee.” – Tas Melas [22:08]
- Not much trade value outside Giannis; Bucks’ roster depth and future picks debated.
- Wolves’ bench gets some love during garbage time.
4. Heat Rally Behind Bam, Beat the Suns
[27:58–32:03]
- Bam Adebayo puts up 29, including 13 straight in crunch time, to save Miami after blowing a 20-point lead.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. stands out as a playmaker, assisting big buckets down the stretch.
- “He assists on a quarter of the team’s buckets when he’s out there.” – Julian Edelman [28:37]
- Bam’s celebration after a clutch three is interpreted as: “There’s going to be an All Star game, but I’m going to be relaxing on the beach because I’m not going to be invited.” – Julian Edelman [28:37]
- Miami’s pick-and-roll game, particularly Bam–Herro, is noted as a crucial wrinkle.
- Suns’ late-game turnovers killed their comeback: Mark Williams’ travel, Grayson Allen stepping out, and a Dylan Brooks flagrant foul.
5. Rapid Game Reactions
[33:00–38:03]
- Warriors blow out the Blazers; Steph racks up assists, “21 players in this game hit a three-pointer—NBA record.”
- Rockets out-execute Bulls in a wild 35-lead-change affair.
- Nuggets beat the Pelicans; LeBron ‘flirts with a triple double’ in an easy Lakers win. Longtime-veteran dominance by LeBron is put in context.
- Fun note: Michael Porter Jr. “multi-camera shooting” himself at a Nuggets game goes viral.
6. Ja Morant To Miami? Trade Rumors Intensify
[38:25–45:45]
- Rachel Nichols reports Ja would “love to go to Miami”—but does Miami want him?
- Knicks’ packages could be Hero/Wiggins/Rozier + rookies + picks.
- “You can definitely see it happening... depending on what the Grizzlies decide they want to do post Ja Morant.” – Tas Melas [39:23]
- Miami’s options for matching salary are discussed; likelihood of including Jaime Jaquez Jr. is debated. Zach Lowe says a Hero + dead money deal is more likely.
- “The Heat do seem to be the team that is in the lead right now, I suppose, for the Ja Morant sweepstakes. And if he’s trying to push his way there, then maybe that tips the scales.” – Tas Melas [40:32]
- Rachel Nichols sets the record straight on “Heat culture”:
“It’s not that Heat culture is some boot camp for wayward souls…We are tough, we are disciplined, and you either play by our rules or you leave and you go home. We are not here to babysit you and hope you get up to our level.”
[44:26]
7. Trade Deadline: Top 10 Candidates We Haven’t Talked About
[51:33–80:14]
Trey Kirby’s List—discussion on fit, contract, likelihood of movement. Notable for deep-dive trade talk junkies.
The list:
- Jeremy Grant (Blazers)
- Injury concerns but could provide two-way play, big contract
- Dejounte Murray (Bucks interest, hurt)
- Unlikely immediate impact, big money
- De’Andre Hunter (Cavs)
- Underperforming, bad timing to move him
- Colin Sexton (Hornets)
- “Has never played in the playoffs before. That’s a big risk.” – Tas Melas [60:26]
- Daniel Gafford (Mavs)
- Strong contract, low-cost rim protector—fit for multiple teams
- Anfernee Simons (Celtics)
- Could be moved for salary/more established center
- Ayo Dosunmu (Bulls)
- Bargain contract, two-way guard, might require first-rounder
- Herb Jones (Pelicans)
- Defensive specialist, depends on NO’s direction; rumors link him to Lakers/76ers
- Domantas Sabonis (Kings)
- High-floor, low-ceiling big, possibly wanted by Raptors, Hawks, Bulls
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
- Would command a haul, only moved if Memphis goes full teardown
“Jaren Jackson Jr.—if he actually becomes available, would be the best name for sure.” – Tas Melas [78:05]
- Would command a haul, only moved if Memphis goes full teardown
Hosts wager on how many get traded:
- Skeets & Julian: Under 2.5
- Tas: Over 2.5
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On defending Wemby:
“You’ve got to have a fire hydrant to go against a fire hose.”
—Tas Melas [15:11] -
On Giannis booing the fans:
“Whenever I get booed, I boo back, and I don’t care if it’s the home team.”
—J. Skeets paraphrasing Giannis [19:59] -
On Heat culture (Rachel Nichols):
“It’s not that Heat culture is some boot camp for wayward souls… We are not here to babysit you and hope you get up to our level.”
—[44:26] -
On LeBron’s enduring value:
“LeBron is, of course, the last player standing from the ‘03 draft. No one left in the league from the 04 draft. … LeBron’s the only one producing at a level like this.” —J. Skeets [37:46] -
On the OKC–Spurs dynamic:
“If you have to ask if it’s a rivalry, it’s not.” —(J Will, via Tas) [12:45]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Thunder finally best the Spurs: 04:36–14:42
- Rivalry talk & Wembanyama defense: 12:44–16:20
- Giannis boos Bucks fans: 19:01–24:14
- Heat–Suns recap / Bam Adebayo: 27:58–32:03
- Game rapid reactions: 33:00–38:03
- Ja Morant/Miami trade talk: 38:25–45:45
- Trade candidates preview: 51:33–80:14
Additional Highlights
- Wedgie Watch:
Jalen Smith’s “sticky” wedgie in Houston—No. 34 of the season; gets a modest one wedgie rating. [03:23] - NBA trivia & fun:
- Warriors set NBA record with 21 different players hitting a three in one game.
- LeBron’s longevity, oldest “productive” player by far compared to his draft peers.
- Whoas of the Night:
- Chicago’s Trey Jones gets “Whoa Boy” honors with 34 points on 11/12 shooting in 27 minutes. [81:42]
- Closing banter:
Joking about Anthony Davis’s hand, coin flips for pick’ems, and the Canadian quarter’s featured animal.
Tone & Final Thoughts
The show is full of classic No Dunks energy—blend of sharp basketball insight, lighthearted humor, and rapid-fire banter. The hosts bring multiple viewpoints, challenge each other, and keep things moving with memorable metaphors (like fire hydrant vs. fire hose).
The episode is a must-hear for any NBA fan heading into the trade deadline or looking to keep up with the season’s evolving narratives.
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