Podcast Summary: No Dunks - Episode: Jalen Williams Is Scottie Pippen, Hali's Calf Injury, OKC Wins Pivotal Game 5

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosted By: Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD
Platform: The Athletic via Acast

Introduction

In this high-energy episode of No Dunks, the original basketball podcasters—Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD—delve deep into the Oklahoma City Thunder's riveting performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The hosts break down standout performances, pivotal moments, and critical injuries that could shape the outcome of the series.

Game 5 Recap

OKC on the Verge of a Title

The Thunder clinched a crucial 120-109 victory against the Indiana Pacers, positioning themselves just one win away from the championship. Trey Kirby enthusiastically recaps Jalen Williams' career-high 40-point performance, highlighting his dominance in the paint and seamless transition play.

Trey Kirby [03:10]: "He’s got a lot of Scottie Pippen in his game. He’s got the size and the versatility on defense, but even offensively he plays a lot like Pippen does."

Jalen Williams: The Modern Scottie Pippen

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Jalen Williams’ exceptional Game 5 performance, drawing striking comparisons to NBA legend Scottie Pippen. The hosts emphasize Williams' versatility, both offensively and defensively, positioning him as a pivotal figure for the Thunder's potential championship run.

Jay E. Skeets [06:24]: "He’s like his trademark now, which I’m loving. And then he just continued to attack too, and got a lot of free throws again, 9:12 at the free throw line. This guy’s just gotten better."

Tas Melis expands on Williams' role as a second star, akin to Pippen's role with Jordan, suggesting that such depth distinguishes great teams from good ones.

Tas Melis [08:31]: "Scary big three, there's no doubt. And you look at that 40-point box score and you say, well, he kind of just took it all on himself. But he was making beautiful cuts and just making the right play."

Hali's Calf Injury and Its Impact

A pressing concern for the Pacers remains Tyrese Haliburton's calf injury. The injury limited his effectiveness in Game 5, contributing to the team's struggles. The hosts analyze the coaching decisions surrounding his playtime and the strategic implications for Game 6.

Jay E. Skeets [21:29]: "He’s got time to hopefully recover a little bit. Do you believe this is over on Thursday night?"

Tas and Trey discuss the potential scenarios, contemplating whether Haliburton should rest for Game 6 to prevent further injury.

Tas Melis [22:21]: "I thought Halliburton had missed some opportunities to get a little bit more aggressive... I'm glad that it is below the knee because after Game 2, I thought that's below the knee."

Trey adds: "They need more from him. Even if he’s banged up, which clearly he is." [16:20]

Defense: The Thunder's Secret Weapon

Central to OKC's victory was their elite defensive strategy, particularly the performance of Chet Holmgren. The hosts dissect how Holmgren’s length and defensive prowess stifled the Pacers’ offense, forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance points.

Tas Melis [28:32]: "Chet was monstrous and I know he's been awesome in back-to-back games."

They highlight specific defensive plays that tilted the game in Thunder's favor, emphasizing the importance of maintaining defensive intensity throughout the game.

Coaching Decisions and Turnover Management

A critical analysis of the Pacers' coaching decisions, especially Rick Carlisle’s choices regarding player substitutions and rotations, features prominently. The discussion includes the decision to rest key players and how turnovers were handled under pressure.

Trey Kirby [16:54]: "And in the first quarter, I just thought they were done. But this Pacers team never dies."

The hosts debate whether Gregory's substitutions and handling of fatigued players hampered the Pacers' chances, ultimately leading to their defeat despite a late surge.

Player Performances Beyond the Stars

While Jalen Williams and Haliburton were focal points, the hosts also commend the contributions of role players like T.J. McConnell and Case Wallace, whose efforts were instrumental in sustaining the Thunder’s momentum.

Tas Melis [09:07]: "He had one on both, I think Nemhard and Halliburton. So he was pretty damn good too. An MVP performance from him."

They acknowledge the collective effort, noting how synchronized team play can overshadow individual accolades.

Random Notes and Highlights

The episode transitions into lighter topics, including memorable game highlights, player introductions, and amusing anecdotes. The hosts share their reactions to specific plays, such as Nick Anderson’s technical foul and a surprising putback dunk by N. Smith.

Jay E. Skeets [35:55]: "Nobody knew he dunked it. Breen didn’t know he dunked it. Burke had to point it out."

Additionally, they touch upon the halftime entertainment featuring Red Panda, celebrating her impressive performance that captivated the audience.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

As the series moves to Indianapolis, the hosts express cautious optimism about OKC’s chances. They discuss potential adjustments the Pacers might make to counter the Thunder’s strategies and speculate on whether the series could extend to a decisive Game 7.

Trey Kirby [29:45]: "They need him to really key their attack and to be aggressive, looking to score. And he's got a guy who could have won Defensive Player of the Year all over him while dealing with a leg injury."

Conclusion

No Dunks wraps up with a forward-looking perspective, encouraging listeners to tune into the forthcoming live show where they will rank past NBA Finals and prepare for the critical Game 6. The hosts maintain their signature blend of in-depth analysis and relatable banter, ensuring fans are well-prepared for the final stretch of the series.

Jay E. Skeets [61:03]: "Join us at 10am Eastern. We'll get into a whole bunch of debates about how good said NBA Finals were."

Notable Quotes

• Trey Kirby [03:10]: "He’s got a lot of Scottie Pippen in his game. He’s got the size and the versatility on defense, but even offensively he plays a lot like Pippen does."

• Jay E. Skeets [06:24]: "He’s like his trademark now, which I’m loving. And then he just continued to attack too, and got a lot of free throws again, 9:12 at the free throw line. This guy’s just gotten better."

• Tas Melis [08:31]: "Scary big three, there's no doubt. And you look at that 40-point box score and you say, well, he kind of just took it all on himself. But he was making beautiful cuts and just making the right play."

• Jay E. Skeets [21:29]: "He’s got time to hopefully recover a little bit. Do you believe this is over on Thursday night?"

• Trey Kirby [16:54]: "They need more from him. Even if he’s banged up, which clearly he is."

Final Thoughts

This episode of No Dunks provides a comprehensive and engaging analysis of Game 5, spotlighting Jalen Williams’ extraordinary performance and the strategic challenges faced by the Pacers. With insightful commentary and memorable quotes, Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD deliver a podcast episode that is both informative and entertaining, ensuring fans are thoroughly briefed and excited for the upcoming Game 6.