No Dunks — NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | CP3's Retirement, Hot Teams, Ja Morant-Klay Thompson Beef

Podcast: No Dunks (iHeartPodcasts)
Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: Je Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Episode Theme:
A lively Monday recap episode focused on the biggest news and storylines from the NBA weekend. The main topics: Chris Paul’s just-announced retirement, red-hot and surprising teams across the league, weekend winners and losers, and some spicy on- and off-court beef — especially the brewing tension between Ja Morant and Klay Thompson.

Main Theme / Purpose

The episode examines the major players and storylines of the NBA weekend, with deep dives into Chris Paul’s retirement announcement and his legacy, analysis of the hottest teams (Suns, Heat, Raptors, Pistons), and a breakdown of key beefs and loser moments (Morant vs. Klay). The conversation mixes analysis, stats, and the hosts’ trademark banter, making it accessible for hardcore and casual fans alike.

Key Discussion Points

1. Chris Paul Announces Retirement (01:41–13:56)

• CP3’s Upcoming Farewell:

  • Chris Paul confirms this will be his 21st and final NBA season.
  • Indisputable first-ballot Hall of Famer: 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 9-time All-Defense, ROY, 2 Olympic golds.
  • Hosts reflect on his lack of a championship despite transformative impact wherever he played.

• Notable “What Ifs” and Career Milestones:

  • Tas: “I start thinking of all the moments that didn’t happen...when Victor Wembanyama started his rise last season, or the Rockets up 3-2 against the Warriors.” (03:38)
  • Skeets: “What about the ultimate what if? David Stern doesn’t veto the trade to the Lakers.” (04:14)
  • Discussion about Chris Paul as the ultimate “winner without a ring”.

• CP3’s Place in Point Guard History:

  • TK: “At worst, he’s like the sixth best point guard in NBA history. There are a few guys you definitely put ahead of him, but ... you can have him up in the top five if you want.” (03:00)
  • Comparison to other legendary “small” guards: Iverson, Calvin Murphy, Tim Hardaway, etc. (08:37)
  • “He made basically every team he went to better.” — Skeets (05:18)

• “Jersey Dilemma” — Hall Rating: Clippers or Hornets?

  • CP3’s stats for both franchises are nearly identical.
  • TK: “It’s Clippers for sure...maybe even Rocket before Hornet.” (10:47)
  • Skeets presents the case for the Hornets, given CP3’s early career peak and award wins.

• Point Guard Rankings:

  • Consensus has Magic, Curry, Oscar, Isiah, Stockton “for sure” ahead, then CP3, Nash, Kidd in the next group.
  • TK: “Pick your poison between Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash.” (12:34)

• Retirement Tour Expectations:

  • Hosts wonder if CP3 will get goodbye tributes in each arena.
  • Tas: “Gotta do a video.” (13:56)

2. NBA Weekend Winners

A. Phoenix Suns’ Wild Comeback & Hot Streak
(14:22–20:14)

• TK: “One of the craziest wins of the season...came back from eight points down with 51 seconds left to beat Minnesota.” (14:26)
• End-of-game chaos: clutch plays from role players (Royce O’Neal, Jordan Goodwin, Colin Gillespie).
• Dylan Brooks’ impact: “He ups the compete level...averaging 21 points a game.” (16:26)
• New team energy, improved vibes from last year, strong contributions from newcomers.
• Suns’ path in the In-Season Tournament (Cup): “That was a big cup win too.” – Je Skeets (18:03)

Notable Quote:
“Not often you see a comeback that fits neatly into a YouTube Short...first time in 3,000+ games that a team came back from eight down with a minute left.” — TK (14:26)

B. Miami Heat: Elite Depth & Norm Powell’s Surge
(22:25–30:56)

• Beat Bulls (by 45!): “Scored 143, no one over 20 — by committee, 8 guys in double digits.” — Tas (22:25)
• Beat 76ers behind Norm Powell’s 32; “Heat defense got going and their offense just kept going.” (23:17)
• Jaime Jaquez’s improvement, playoff pace, and Bam’s DPOY campaign discussed.
• Tyler Herro returning, but will the Heat trade their depth for a superstar? (24:14)
• Powell’s career-year: “Averaging 25 points per game...50-46-88 shooting splits.” (25:18)
• The strangeness of All-Star criteria with the new USA-vs-World format.

C. Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey Returns, Team Rolls
(31:12–35:45)

• Jaden Ivey back after 11 months out. Chips in 10 points in 15 minutes.
• Pistons win 12th in a row, approaching franchise record.
• Skeets: “There’s 12 guys that could play on this team...Bickerstaff has a tough job.” (33:20)
• Discussion of possible consolidation trade if the wins keep piling up.

D. Russell Westbrook Saves the Kings
(35:48–38:31)

• Kings end losing streak vs. Nuggets. Westbrook: 21-6-11, 15 in the fourth, clutch threes, and “ripped a board out of Jokic’s hands and threw it off his nuts.” — TK (35:48)
• Westbrook’s postgame: “I don’t want to go somewhere I’m not wanted.” (36:56)

E. Raptors — First to NBA Cup Elimination Round
(38:45–45:34)

• Raptors win seventh straight, clinch spot in the elimination round.
• Team photo analysis; deep and talented squad; “They’re just doing it together, so it’s fun.” — Tas (40:04)
• Brandon Ingram’s selfless play, RJ Barrett “cut machine”, Scottie Barnes’ defensive stats, Mamu’s impact.
• “Raptors have the best half-court offensive rating in the NBA right now...that’s amazing.” — Skeets (42:03)

Additional Weekend Winner Shoutouts (45:53–49:48)

• James Harden’s 55-point Clippers game: “Harden is the only active player to hold franchise single-game scoring records for two franchises.” — Skeets (46:40)
• Thunder’s continued dominance, Hawks’ Jalen Johnson given All-Star love, Magic’s comeback with rookies.
• “Franz Wagner won’t eat the turkey!” — Tas (49:20) after Magic’s win over the Knicks.

3. NBA Weekend Losers

A. Ja Morant-Klay Thompson Beef
(52:20–58:40)

• Heated exchanges after Grizz win over Warriors; Ja chirping from the bench, putting fingers in Klay’s face.
• Klay’s postgame: “Jaws comments were nothing of intelligent depth. Also a dad comment...funny to run your mouth when you’re on the bench.” (54:44)
• Skeets: “It’s the Ja...in the sweatsuit...pointing and barking and chirping. Clay did not hold back in that postgame.” (55:47)
• Saga dates to 2021 play-in battles; Klay has played more post-injury games than Ja has in his young career.
• “The finger in Klay’s face was too much...a bum fest.” — Tas (55:46)
• General sympathy for Klay given leadership and persistent play vs. Ja’s absence.

B. Golden State Warriors’ Slide
(58:56–63:32)

• Lost to Blazers, now 9-9 after a good start; poor defense, missing Kuming, vibe issues.
• Steph’s scoring heroics keep them afloat, but team lacks size, focus, and defense.
• “I just, they seem so frantic to me...running around without a defensive plan.” — TK (62:06)

C. Denver Nuggets Lose Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun (Injuries)
(63:32–67:24)

• Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out 4–6 weeks; Christian Braun (ankle) also sidelined.
• Team record significantly weaker without Gordon; Cam Johnson expected to step up.
• “He’s one of the best 3-and-D players in the league and the Nuggets’ success with him on the floor backs that up.” — Skeets (65:17)
• Opportunity for bench guys to develop, but defense and depth will suffer in the short run.

D. Timberwolves’ Soft Schedule & Anthony Edwards’ Shortcomings
(70:53–72:48)

• “Haven’t beat a winning team yet. Anthony Edwards...when he doesn’t have a scoring game, it feels like he doesn’t have a good game, period.” — TK (71:43)
• Skeets/Tas: Wolves need more bite, possibly a tougher vet leader.
• Questions about Ant’s consistency as a true MVP-level star.

Other Funny/Worthy Loser Mentions:

• Kevin Herder ejection (69:04) — “Let the boy slap a ball!”
• Kevin Love nutmegged by Luka (70:10)
• Jazz’s Keonte George falls down on inbounds (70:29)
• Tony Brothers officiating (69:07)
• Sweet potato marshmallow casserole: “Bold take for sure” as Thanksgiving staple — Skeets (69:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He’s the ultimate winner with never having won a title...” — Skeets on Chris Paul (05:41)
• “It’s Clippers for sure...I don’t even think the Hornets factor into the discussion.” — TK (10:47)
• “Not often you see a comeback that fits neatly into a YouTube Short.” — TK on Suns comeback (14:26)
• “James Harden, I’ll never stop loving you.” — TK (46:40)
• “Jaws comments were nothing of intelligent depth...it’s funny to run your mouth when you’re on the bench.” — Klay Thompson (54:44)
• “The finger in Klay’s face was too much. That was too far. They have a beef and so that’s acceptable...now it’s just a bum fest.” — Tas (55:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start | End | |-------------------------------------------------------|----------|---------| | CP3 Retirement & Legacy | 01:41 | 13:56 | | Phoenix Suns Wild Comeback & Hot Start | 14:22 | 20:14 | | Miami Heat: Depth, Norm Powell’s Breakout | 22:25 | 30:56 | | Pistons & Jaden Ivey’s Return | 31:12 | 35:45 | | Westbrook Saves Kings | 35:48 | 38:31 | | Raptors: 7-straight Wins, Cup Berth | 38:45 | 45:34 | | Other Winners Shoutouts (Harden, OKC, Magic, Hawks) | 45:53 | 49:48 | | Ja Morant vs. Klay Thompson Beef | 52:20 | 58:40 | | Warriors’ Struggles | 58:56 | 63:32 | | Nuggets Injuries; Opportunity for Others | 63:32 | 67:24 | | Wolves’ Weak Record vs. Good Teams | 70:53 | 72:48 |

Final Thoughts & Tone

• Episode blends playful banter, sharp analysis, and classic No Dunks camaraderie.
• Deep dives (CP3, Suns, Raptors) balance with quick hits (Harden, Magic, loser moments) for broad NBA coverage.
• Numerous memorable lines and fun moments, especially during beef breakdowns and team “vibes” debates.

For First-Time Listeners:

This summary covers all major storylines discussed, pulling key insights, rankings, narratives, and future questions for the NBA season’s unfolding drama — ideal for anyone seeking a comprehensive, engaging recap of the NBA weekend’s madness.