No Dunks Podcast Episode: NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | Rose's Jersey Retirement, Giannis' Injury, Eat That Tweet Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, the No Dunks crew—JD Skeets, Tas Melis, and Trey Kirby—break down a dramatic NBA weekend full of on- and off-court developments. The show opens with a serious look at social unrest in Minnesota and the NBA's response, before pivoting to the usual lighthearted, comprehensive roundup of “Weekend Winners & Losers.” Key topics include player activism, standout NBA performances, major injuries that shape the playoff race, Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement, hilarious viral fan moments, and the strategic implications of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury for the Bucks. As always, the crew keep things lively, thoughtful, and unmistakably in their signature style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Player Activism & Minnesota’s Social Unrest (02:50–12:46)

• Topic: The tragic shooting of Alex Preddy and ICE-related violence in Minnesota prompts statements and protests by NBA/WNBA players and local sports franchises.
• Main Points:
  • Tyrese Halliburton, Karl-Anthony Towns, Brianna Stewart, and other athletes couragously speak out.
  • NBA cancels Warriors-Wolves, teams up for a united statement, and the mood at the make-up game is somber.
  • “We wanted to get that on the record here at No Dunks. We stand with the people in Minnesota. They’re showing the country what courage and resilience look like in the face of authoritarianism.” — JD Skeets (08:40)
  • Chris Finch and Steve Kerr comment on how the unrest overshadows basketball, with Finch correcting a reporter: “I’m not a resident. This is my city. People are on the streets protesting...” — paraphrased from Tas Melis (10:26)
  • The guys agree that raising voices, even in sports, matters: “It’s a positive, if you want to look at it like that, that people are speaking up more and more and more.” — Tas Melis (10:26)

2. Weekend Winner: Luka Doncic and the Lakers vs. Mavs (12:46–17:26)

• Topic: Luka’s defense sparks gritty Lakers win over the Mavs; team displays surprising resilience.
• Main Points:
  • Luka secures a key charge in the final minute, impresses defensively (“It was good for the Lakers, I think, to see Luka putting that effort in defensively.”—Trey, 13:49)
  • LeBron excellent in the 4th, Marcus Smart vital, Rui Hachimura nails clutch threes
  • Luka’s “perfect” record vs. Dallas (now 4–0). “You could say they had to do a lot to beat a Mavericks team that was shorthanded…but you’ll take the win.” — Trey Kirby (14:38)
  • Luka hosts Dallas fans in a suite, sparks talk of a possible future Mavs return.
  • “Wouldn’t surprise me if he plays out the rest of his career and then at the end signs the ceremonial one day contract [in Dallas].” — Trey Kirby (16:18)

3. Bucks “Win” by Losing Giannis? The Tank & Trade Strategy (17:35–25:51)

• Topic: Giannis Antetokounmpo suffers calf injury, likely out 4–6 weeks; Bucks pivot from win-now to asset accumulation.
• Main Points:
  • “I think the Milwaukee Bucks are a winner. It sounds crazy because Giannis got injured, but I do think that injury is the quickest way for the Bucks to get better around him this offseason…” — Tas Melis (17:36)
  • Bucks now likely to keep their lottery pick, can use it to rebuild or pursue trades to convince Giannis to stay.
  • “Their direction has—their decision is made for them here with Giannis probably missing…weeks if not months. Don’t trade for Zach LaVine…just get that pick, go from there.” — JD Skeets (20:18)
  • Debate: Will Giannis sign an extension? If not, do the Bucks have to trade him after this season?
  • “Maybe he does…sign the contract extension…like he wouldn’t be the first superstar to sign a contract extension and then be traded.” — JD Skeets (25:33)

4. Winner: Derrick Rose Night in Chicago (31:11–36:05)

• Topic: Bulls retire Rose’s #1 jersey in an emotional, star-studded night.
• Main Points:
  • “Best player they’ve had since Michael Jordan…crazy seeing Derrick Rose speak for like 20 minutes straight. One of the quietest stars ever.” — Trey Kirby (31:25)
  • Massive turnout: Joakim Noah, Tom Thibodeau, and 20+ ex-teammates; Bulls win in thrilling fashion, Herder nails game-winner and strikes Rose’s “no celebration” pose.
  • “The city’s favorite son…just joined at the hip.” — JD Skeets (34:01)
  • Bulls improve to 2–0 on Derrick Rose nights, above .500 for the first time since November.

5. Weekend Winner: Raptors’ Statement Road Trip (36:20–45:15)

• Topic: Short-handed Toronto sweeps tough road games in Portland and OKC.
• Main Points:
  • Emmanuel Quickley, Grady Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and bench unit fuel comebacks; Scotty Barnes powers clutch defense (“Scotty Barnes, like, yeah, he jumped into the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.” — JD Skeets, 39:43)
  • Viral moment: Large group of red-jacketed Raptors fans celebrates with players post-game (“What a friggin moment…for all those guys to share it with the Raps who were able to pull it out in Portland.” — Tas Melis, 38:30)
  • Team’s future strategy at the trade deadline debated: “Other than the Pistons, nobody’s really dominating in the Eastern Conference. You can at least talk yourself into…we can be the second best team in the East.” — Trey Kirby (42:27)
  • Tas speculates Raptors will stick with Barrett/Quickley core and just skirt under tax line (43:35).
  • “The Raptors are an interesting team. Like, what are they going to do at the trade deadline?” — Trey Kirby (41:13)

6. Quick-Hit Winners (45:18–50:01)

• Sadiq Bey: 60 pts in 65 mins, sparks Pelicans to two straight wins (“There’s a guy like a team could trade for…only 26 years old, that’s crazy!” — JD Skeets, 46:27)
• Miami Heat: Win back-to-back road games, Bam Adebayo in top form.
• Pistons Coach JB Bickerstaff: Named All-Star coach, first for Detroit since Flip Saunders.
• All-Star Coach Selections: Confusion over which international coaches qualify (Donovan, 48:44).

7. Losers: Impact of Winter Storm on NBA Schedule (53:56–58:02)

• Topic: Icy weather causes multiple postponements and shifts start times across the league.
• Memorable moment: Shoutout to a viewer powering the YouTube stream by generator (“That’s some dedication right there. A true sicko…” — JD Skeets, 55:58)
• Hosts exchange stories about cold weather preparations, generator use, and attempts to safeguard their homes.

8. Losers: Injury Woes and Season Setbacks (59:14–74:36)

a) Grizzlies’ Triple Whammy (59:14–63:13)

• Ja Morant out 3+ weeks with sprained elbow, derailing trade value and playoff hopes.
  • “It just feels like any positive momentum for the Grizzlies this season instantly gets shut down and the Ja Morant thing ain’t gonna help.” — Trey Kirby (61:07)
  • “Is it possible they just want to get out of the Ja business entirely?” — JD Skeets (62:09)

b) Phoenix Suns’ Injury Bug (66:26–74:05)

• Jalen Green returns, tweaks hamstring again; Devin Booker sprains ankle, misses time.
  • “It just stinks for a team that keeps on fighting.” — Tas Melis (68:35)
  • Suns lose to Heat, struggle to replace Booker’s points; $2 value menu at arena softens the blow (“Every arena should have the value menu like the Suns have.” — Trey Kirby, 72:19)
  • “You’re already…asking Dylan Brooks and other guys…to give you more offensively, especially if Jalen Green’s not playing.” — JD Skeets (74:05)

9. Viral and Hilarious Moments

a) Eat That Tweet! (74:36–77:44)

• Clippers podcaster Robert Flom promised to eat a tweet if LA went 15–3 in any stretch. They did; he’ll eat his promise on camera.
  • “Will I watch the replay to see a man eating a piece of paper? Absolutely, I will.” — Trey Kirby (75:33)
  • Even Kawhi weighs in: “I hope he eats something different. It's not healthy.” (76:06)

b) Courtside Cavs Fan Gets Elbowed

• Dennis Schroeder accidentally elbows a Cavs fan at the end of the half—she’s OK, but the incident highlights the hazards of sitting courtside.

10. Whoa Boy of the Night / Trivia

• Cade Cunningham: 29 pts, 11 ast, 5 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk in Pistons rout of Kings.
• Trivia: Last Pistons All-Star starter? Allen Iverson in 2009, but did not play in 2010 due to injury.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “We stand with the people in Minnesota. They’re showing the country what courage and resilience look like in the face of authoritarianism.” — JD Skeets (08:40)
• “This is the first time I ever saw Derrick Rose speak for like 20 minutes straight. One of the quietest stars ever.” — Trey Kirby (31:25)
• “I think the Milwaukee Bucks are a winner. It sounds crazy…but the injury is the quickest way for the Bucks to get better around him this off-season…” — Tas Melis (17:36)
• “All paper is edible.” — Trey Kirby, on Eat That Tweet (76:26)
• “You’re not a baby, so keep them on hand so you get nothing on your hands.” — Ad read, but encapsulates the episode's playful tone.

Segment Timestamps

• 02:50 – 12:46: NBA Player Activism in Minnesota
• 12:46 – 17:26: Luka, Lakers, and the Mavs
• 17:35 – 25:51: Giannis’ Injury and Bucks’ Rebuild
• 31:11 – 36:05: Derrick Rose Jersey Retirement in Chicago
• 36:20 – 45:15: Raptors’ West Coast Wins & Superfans
• 45:18 – 50:01: Quick NBA Winners Round-Up
• 53:56 – 58:02: Winter Storm Postponements & Life Talk
• 59:14 – 63:13: Memphis Grizzlies Fall Apart
• 66:26 – 74:05: Suns Lose Booker/Green, Arena Hot Dog Prices
• 74:36 – 77:44: Clipper Fan to Eat His Tweet, Kawhi Reacts
• 77:44 – 79:33: Cavs Fan Gets Elbowed
• 80:43 – 82:44: Whoa Boy of the Night & Pistons Trivia

Summary Mood & Tone

The episode oscillates between serious, socially conscious commentary and the irreverent, comedic tone that defines No Dunks. The hosts show compassion discussing Minnesota’s crisis, then switch gears for classic, banter-filled NBA analysis. Emotional highlights (like Rose night) mingle with sports nerdery (debating DPotY, all-star ballots) and outright absurdity (Eat That Tweet). The camaraderie and warmth between the hosts and audience shine throughout.

This summary captures the full arc of a densely packed NBA weekend, highlighting the episode’s blend of deep engagement, humor, and genuine love for the game.