No Dunks Podcast: NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | Luka, Kawhi & Grumpy Ja Morant

Date: November 3, 2025
Hosts: Jay Skeets (A), Trey Kirby (C), Tas Melis aka "Troll Man" (B), JD (producer)
Episode Overview:
The crew breaks down the NBA weekend's biggest winners and losers, digging into standout performances from Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, the OKC Thunder, plus the controversy swirling around Ja Morant’s reported disgruntlement in Memphis. They also touch on league trends, fun side stories, and more—all in the irreverent, insightful style No Dunks fans love.

Main Theme

Purpose:
This episode focuses on highlighting the NBA’s weekend winners—players and teams on the rise—as well as the losers who struggled, with a signature mix of sharp analysis and classic banter. Special emphasis is given to Luka's hot start, Kawhi's clutch heroics, Ja Morant's apparent "quiet quitting," and surprising team trends as the 2025-26 NBA season kicks into gear.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Weekend Winners

1. Luka Doncic & The Los Angeles Lakers

[03:42 - 09:27]

Luka returned early from injury ("Are they just throwing us off?"), leading the Lakers to two wins:
- 44 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST vs. Grizzlies (snarling, smirking, “even impressed with himself”)
- 29 PTS, 1-11 3PT vs. Miami, but Jackson Hayes steps up
Role Players Shine:
- Jake LaRavia (25 PTS, 10-13 FG, “such a good cutter...Luka's wide receiver out there”)
- Marcus Smart excels in absence of Gabe Vincent
- Bronny James gets crunch time run: "JJ Redick literally played Bronny James in crunch time...That is a heck of a lot of...confidence in Bronny."
Austin Reaves Note: Two strong games after Luka's return, including an “alley-oop to both LeBron and Bronny”—possibly an NBA first.

Notable Quote:

"He looks awesome doing it...snarling a little bit more when he's doing the step backs because he's even impressed with himself."
—Tass Melis, [04:18]

2. Kawhi Leonard & The Clippers

[09:30 - 13:12]

Game-winner: Buzzer-beating, “wet ball” three vs. Pelicans after a tough turnover.
Media Moments: Harden gazes admiringly post-shot; Kawhi deadpans “game winner, chicken dinner.”
Stats: 34 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 6 STL, 11-16 FG, 5-8 3PT — “Not a 50-40-90 guy, but basically 50-40-85.”
Supporting Cast: Derrick Jones Jr. and John Collins shine; Harden looks “pretty quick” despite loss.
Candy Corn Debate: Clippers players (and the hosts) trash candy corn—“Candy corn sucks...out of vogue.”

Notable Quote:

"Game winner, chicken dinner."
—Kawhi Leonard, after clutch shot [10:17]

3. Mexico City Pistons (Detroit Pistons in Mexico Game)

[15:10 - 19:44]

Jalen Duren: Career-high 33 PTS (“Grant Hill compared him to Amar’e Stoudemire”), 10 REB, 7-of-8 FT (85% on the season)
Cade Cunningham: 21 PTS, career-high-tying 18 AST (“only one turnover...28 assists to one turnover over two games”)
Duncan Robinson: Finds form as shooters figure out spatial dynamics with Cade and Duren.
Spanish Flavor: Cade greets Mexico City crowd in Spanish; new court design gets Coco/Día de los Muertos comparisons.

Notable Quote:

"That was the main thing...28 assists to just one turnover for him in back-to-back Pistons wins. That is amazing."
—Jay Skeets, [17:52]

4. Portland Trail Blazers

[21:03 - 25:50]

Overcame early deficits and a shot clock malfunction (17-minute Halloween delay, Waldo sighting!)
Beat Denver Nuggets with clutch plays: double Murray/Jokic, blocks from Kamara and Sharpe, free throws by Jeremy Grant.
Fastest pace in NBA (“third fastest”), “fifth in defense”—rare combo.
Jeremy Grant thriving off the bench, team running and gunning to maximize limited shooters.

Notable Quote:

“They're playing extremely fast...you wouldn't expect that of them. So guys like Young Hansen...G League!”
—Tass Melis, [23:56]

5. Houston Rockets

[26:13 - 30:43]

Destroyed Celtics, led by 36, starters sat 4th Q.
Key narrative: First in offensive rating when Sengun & KD on floor; offensive boards at 36.8% (“highest in 30 years...since the ‘95-96 Bulls”)
Multiple threats in lineup, bigs dominate glass (“when they miss, they just get the offensive rebound”).
“Big ball” style working; Jabari Smith Jr. flashes elite defense (4 blocks).

Notable Quote:

"When the Rockets miss, they just get the offensive rebound.”
—Trey Kirby, [28:43]

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

[30:47 - 33:37]

Only undefeated team left (7–0) despite injuries to Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 20+ points in 79 straight games (“flirting with Wilt Chamberlain”)
Elite Defense: 1st in defensive rating, defensive rebounding, steals, and limiting fast breaks.

Notable Quote:

“They just continue to be a juggernaut on the defensive end.”
—Jay Skeets, [33:04]

7. Other Quick Winners

[34:47 - 36:45]

Toronto Raptors: Two wins, “helped out by shorthanded opponents,” CMB coming into his own
Phoenix Suns: Two wins, contained Wemby, Booker “awesome”
Pacers: Quinton Jackson with career-high 25 in upset over Warriors
Kyle Lowry: Joins the exclusive 20-season club

Weekend Losers

1. Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies

[42:46 - 54:30]

Friday Night: “Quiet quitting”—8 pts, 7 ast, leaves bench early, “unmotivated,” posts “go ask the coaching staff” in presser
- “Probably don’t play me, dude.” —Ja Morant [43:18]
Suspended for Sunday (team issue, “conduct detrimental”), as Grizzlies drop to 3–4.
Major Discontent: Ja’s friction with new coach Thomas Isolo, history of suspensions, on-court effort questioned, “third straight year suspended.”
Trade Rumors: “All the talk...are the Grizzlies going to trade Ja Morant? Would anyone actually be interested?” [44:46]
Hosts’ consensus: Team did right suspending him; outlook bleak for Ja’s future in Memphis. “History says unlikely” he re-integrates; value at an all-time low.

Notable Quotes:

"Just a lazy, unmotivated performance...basically standing around chucking jumpers."
—Trey Kirby, [42:46]

“Will he be able to bounce back? History says unlikely.”
—Tass Melis, [47:13]

2. New Orleans Pelicans & Their Brutal Schedule

[55:42 - 60:36]

Six straight losses vs. tough competition, multiple blowouts (three by 30+), about to hit another rough patch.
“If they don't beat the Hornets (next game), Willie Green [coach] probably gets fired.”
Defensive rating: 29th, giving up 120+ every game.
“Easy team on the schedule for everybody else in the West.”
Hosts see no remedy even with Zion, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy all healthy.

Notable Quote:

“They're done for. Willie Green probably will be fired this week and I would take the Hornets.”
—Trey Kirby, [56:55]

3. Joel Embiid – $50,000 Fine for DX Chop

[60:53 - 64:22]

Fined for crotch-chop gesture vs. Celtics (“got away with five chops vs. Wizards, but only one on-court vs. Boston”)
Embiid’s tongue-in-cheek defense: “You gotta start fining the refs for doing the lewd blocking foul...I’m not doing the DX suck it. I'm doing a version of the referee's blocking call.”
Hosts: Unlikely to stop (“It’s awesome. That’s $50,000. Who cares? Worth every penny.”)
Hosts riff on wrestling culture, WWE, and fantasy booking "Troll Man" as a wrestling character.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[04:18] Tas Melis: "He looks awesome doing it...snarling a little bit more when he's doing the step backs because he's even impressed with himself."
[10:17] Kawhi Leonard (via Trey Kirby): "Game winner, chicken dinner."
[43:18] Ja Morant (recapped): “Probably don't play me, dude.”
[62:44] Joel Embiid (via Skeets/Tas):

"You gotta start fining the refs for doing the lewd 'blocking foul' since I’m not allowed to do it..."
[28:43] Trey Kirby: "When the Rockets miss, they just get the offensive rebound."
[33:04] Jay Skeets: "They just continue to be a juggernaut on the defensive end."

Timestamps for Major Topics

[03:42] Luka and Lakers' strong weekend/run of form
[09:30] Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner & Clippers media moments
[15:10] Pistons’ Mexico City win, Jalen Duren breakout
[21:03] Trail Blazers upset Nuggets, unique style
[26:13] Rockets' huge win, rebounding stats
[30:47] Thunder: 7–0 start, SGA’s streak, defense
[34:47] Quick winner round: Raptors, Suns, Pacers, Lowry
[42:46] Ja Morant/Grizzlies debacle
[55:42] Pelicans’ woes, risk of 0–10 start
[60:53] Joel Embiid fined for DX chop
[67:36] Pick’em segment, banter, show wrap-up

Final Thoughts

Signature Tone & Language: The crew blends deep NBA knowledge with playful ribbing, cultural references (WWE, candy), and off-beat observations (Halloween costumes, court designs).
The episode underscores unpredictability this NBA season—from breakout players to team-wide meltdowns.
The Ja Morant saga looms largest—a crisis that could reshape the Grizzlies.
Lighter moments: candy preferences, "wet ball" banter, and "Troll Man" antics—including musings on him as a wrestling character.
Next show teased with a "special guest" and hints at the next fun “pick’em” punishment.

Summary prepared for those who couldn’t listen—get all the week’s NBA highs, lows, and the banter you didn’t know you missed!

No Dunks Podcast: NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | Luka, Kawhi & Grumpy Ja Morant

Main Theme

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Weekend Winners

1. Luka Doncic & The Los Angeles Lakers

[03:42 - 09:27]

Luka returned early from injury ("Are they just throwing us off?"), leading the Lakers to two wins:
- 44 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST vs. Grizzlies (snarling, smirking, “even impressed with himself”)
- 29 PTS, 1-11 3PT vs. Miami, but Jackson Hayes steps up
Role Players Shine:
- Jake LaRavia (25 PTS, 10-13 FG, “such a good cutter...Luka's wide receiver out there”)
- Marcus Smart excels in absence of Gabe Vincent
- Bronny James gets crunch time run: "JJ Redick literally played Bronny James in crunch time...That is a heck of a lot of...confidence in Bronny."
Austin Reaves Note: Two strong games after Luka's return, including an “alley-oop to both LeBron and Bronny”—possibly an NBA first.

Notable Quote:

"He looks awesome doing it...snarling a little bit more when he's doing the step backs because he's even impressed with himself."
—Tass Melis, [04:18]

2. Kawhi Leonard & The Clippers

[09:30 - 13:12]

Game-winner: Buzzer-beating, “wet ball” three vs. Pelicans after a tough turnover.
Media Moments: Harden gazes admiringly post-shot; Kawhi deadpans “game winner, chicken dinner.”
Stats: 34 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 6 STL, 11-16 FG, 5-8 3PT — “Not a 50-40-90 guy, but basically 50-40-85.”
Supporting Cast: Derrick Jones Jr. and John Collins shine; Harden looks “pretty quick” despite loss.
Candy Corn Debate: Clippers players (and the hosts) trash candy corn—“Candy corn sucks...out of vogue.”

Notable Quote:

"Game winner, chicken dinner."
—Kawhi Leonard, after clutch shot [10:17]

3. Mexico City Pistons (Detroit Pistons in Mexico Game)

[15:10 - 19:44]

Jalen Duren: Career-high 33 PTS (“Grant Hill compared him to Amar’e Stoudemire”), 10 REB, 7-of-8 FT (85% on the season)
Cade Cunningham: 21 PTS, career-high-tying 18 AST (“only one turnover...28 assists to one turnover over two games”)
Duncan Robinson: Finds form as shooters figure out spatial dynamics with Cade and Duren.
Spanish Flavor: Cade greets Mexico City crowd in Spanish; new court design gets Coco/Día de los Muertos comparisons.

Notable Quote:

"That was the main thing...28 assists to just one turnover for him in back-to-back Pistons wins. That is amazing."
—Jay Skeets, [17:52]

4. Portland Trail Blazers

[21:03 - 25:50]

Overcame early deficits and a shot clock malfunction (17-minute Halloween delay, Waldo sighting!)
Beat Denver Nuggets with clutch plays: double Murray/Jokic, blocks from Kamara and Sharpe, free throws by Jeremy Grant.
Fastest pace in NBA (“third fastest”), “fifth in defense”—rare combo.
Jeremy Grant thriving off the bench, team running and gunning to maximize limited shooters.

Notable Quote:

“They're playing extremely fast...you wouldn't expect that of them. So guys like Young Hansen...G League!”
—Tass Melis, [23:56]

5. Houston Rockets

[26:13 - 30:43]

Destroyed Celtics, led by 36, starters sat 4th Q.
Key narrative: First in offensive rating when Sengun & KD on floor; offensive boards at 36.8% (“highest in 30 years...since the ‘95-96 Bulls”)
Multiple threats in lineup, bigs dominate glass (“when they miss, they just get the offensive rebound”).
“Big ball” style working; Jabari Smith Jr. flashes elite defense (4 blocks).

Notable Quote:

"When the Rockets miss, they just get the offensive rebound.”
—Trey Kirby, [28:43]

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

[30:47 - 33:37]

Only undefeated team left (7–0) despite injuries to Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 20+ points in 79 straight games (“flirting with Wilt Chamberlain”)
Elite Defense: 1st in defensive rating, defensive rebounding, steals, and limiting fast breaks.

Notable Quote:

“They just continue to be a juggernaut on the defensive end.”
—Jay Skeets, [33:04]

7. Other Quick Winners

[34:47 - 36:45]

Toronto Raptors: Two wins, “helped out by shorthanded opponents,” CMB coming into his own
Phoenix Suns: Two wins, contained Wemby, Booker “awesome”
Pacers: Quinton Jackson with career-high 25 in upset over Warriors
Kyle Lowry: Joins the exclusive 20-season club

Weekend Losers

1. Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies

[42:46 - 54:30]

Friday Night: “Quiet quitting”—8 pts, 7 ast, leaves bench early, “unmotivated,” posts “go ask the coaching staff” in presser
- “Probably don’t play me, dude.” —Ja Morant [43:18]
Suspended for Sunday (team issue, “conduct detrimental”), as Grizzlies drop to 3–4.
Major Discontent: Ja’s friction with new coach Thomas Isolo, history of suspensions, on-court effort questioned, “third straight year suspended.”
Trade Rumors: “All the talk...are the Grizzlies going to trade Ja Morant? Would anyone actually be interested?” [44:46]
Hosts’ consensus: Team did right suspending him; outlook bleak for Ja’s future in Memphis. “History says unlikely” he re-integrates; value at an all-time low.

Notable Quotes:

"Just a lazy, unmotivated performance...basically standing around chucking jumpers."
—Trey Kirby, [42:46]

“Will he be able to bounce back? History says unlikely.”
—Tass Melis, [47:13]

2. New Orleans Pelicans & Their Brutal Schedule

[55:42 - 60:36]

Six straight losses vs. tough competition, multiple blowouts (three by 30+), about to hit another rough patch.
“If they don't beat the Hornets (next game), Willie Green [coach] probably gets fired.”
Defensive rating: 29th, giving up 120+ every game.
“Easy team on the schedule for everybody else in the West.”
Hosts see no remedy even with Zion, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy all healthy.

Notable Quote:

“They're done for. Willie Green probably will be fired this week and I would take the Hornets.”
—Trey Kirby, [56:55]

3. Joel Embiid – $50,000 Fine for DX Chop

[60:53 - 64:22]

Fined for crotch-chop gesture vs. Celtics (“got away with five chops vs. Wizards, but only one on-court vs. Boston”)
Embiid’s tongue-in-cheek defense: “You gotta start fining the refs for doing the lewd blocking foul...I’m not doing the DX suck it. I'm doing a version of the referee's blocking call.”
Hosts: Unlikely to stop (“It’s awesome. That’s $50,000. Who cares? Worth every penny.”)
Hosts riff on wrestling culture, WWE, and fantasy booking "Troll Man" as a wrestling character.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[04:18] Tas Melis: "He looks awesome doing it...snarling a little bit more when he's doing the step backs because he's even impressed with himself."
[10:17] Kawhi Leonard (via Trey Kirby): "Game winner, chicken dinner."
[43:18] Ja Morant (recapped): “Probably don't play me, dude.”
[62:44] Joel Embiid (via Skeets/Tas):

"You gotta start fining the refs for doing the lewd 'blocking foul' since I’m not allowed to do it..."
[28:43] Trey Kirby: "When the Rockets miss, they just get the offensive rebound."
[33:04] Jay Skeets: "They just continue to be a juggernaut on the defensive end."

Timestamps for Major Topics

[03:42] Luka and Lakers' strong weekend/run of form
[09:30] Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner & Clippers media moments
[15:10] Pistons’ Mexico City win, Jalen Duren breakout
[21:03] Trail Blazers upset Nuggets, unique style
[26:13] Rockets' huge win, rebounding stats
[30:47] Thunder: 7–0 start, SGA’s streak, defense
[34:47] Quick winner round: Raptors, Suns, Pacers, Lowry
[42:46] Ja Morant/Grizzlies debacle
[55:42] Pelicans’ woes, risk of 0–10 start
[60:53] Joel Embiid fined for DX chop
[67:36] Pick’em segment, banter, show wrap-up

Final Thoughts

Signature Tone & Language: The crew blends deep NBA knowledge with playful ribbing, cultural references (WWE, candy), and off-beat observations (Halloween costumes, court designs).
The episode underscores unpredictability this NBA season—from breakout players to team-wide meltdowns.
The Ja Morant saga looms largest—a crisis that could reshape the Grizzlies.
Lighter moments: candy preferences, "wet ball" banter, and "Troll Man" antics—including musings on him as a wrestling character.
Next show teased with a "special guest" and hints at the next fun “pick’em” punishment.

Summary prepared for those who couldn’t listen—get all the week’s NBA highs, lows, and the banter you didn’t know you missed!

NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | Luka, Kawhi & Grumpy Ja Morant

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Summary

No Dunks Podcast: NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | Luka, Kawhi & Grumpy Ja Morant

Main Theme

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Weekend Winners

1. Luka Doncic & The Los Angeles Lakers

2. Kawhi Leonard & The Clippers

3. Mexico City Pistons (Detroit Pistons in Mexico Game)

4. Portland Trail Blazers

5. Houston Rockets

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

7. Other Quick Winners

Weekend Losers

1. Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies

2. New Orleans Pelicans & Their Brutal Schedule

3. Joel Embiid – $50,000 Fine for DX Chop

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Topics

Final Thoughts

Summary

No Dunks Podcast: NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | Luka, Kawhi & Grumpy Ja Morant

Main Theme

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Weekend Winners

1. Luka Doncic & The Los Angeles Lakers

2. Kawhi Leonard & The Clippers

3. Mexico City Pistons (Detroit Pistons in Mexico Game)

4. Portland Trail Blazers

5. Houston Rockets

6. Oklahoma City Thunder

7. Other Quick Winners

Weekend Losers

1. Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies

2. New Orleans Pelicans & Their Brutal Schedule

3. Joel Embiid – $50,000 Fine for DX Chop

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Topics

Final Thoughts