No Dunks - March 4, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, the No Dunks crew — JD Skeets, Tas Melas, and Trey Kirby — recap the NBA’s Tuesday slate, with deep-dives into NBC’s much-hyped throwback broadcast, meaningful recaps of the Spurs’ and Cavaliers’ wins, an examination of the Knicks' dominance over the Raptors, analysis of the Hornets’ rise, and a spirited debate about the Atlanta Hawks’ controversial Magic City promotional night. The guys also engage in playful side-banter about poutine, deep-fried pickles, “who the hell is that guy” moments, and NBA Ironman streaks.

Main Theme

Nostalgia Meets the Modern NBA: The episode revolves around the NBA on NBC’s throwback night, exploring both the positives and the oddities of embracing 90s nostalgia in today’s game. The crew also dissects meaningful recent NBA games and quirky off-court headlines, especially the blending of sports culture and broader city life.

Key Discussion Points

1. NBC’s Throwback Broadcast — Spurs Destroy 76ers

(04:26–14:57)

• NBC assembled a full retro experience: Bob Costas, Doug Collins, Mike Fratello, and Hannah Storm returned to the airwaves, with classic graphics and 90s-style intros.
• The game itself: Spurs routed the Sixers 131–91, with eight Spurs in double-figures and Victor Wembanyama drawing double teams on every pick-and-roll.
• “If you’re an old person like us, this was great.” — Tas Melas (04:47)
• The nostalgia was almost too good, with the team nerding out over SD-quality highlight packages and Fratello’s classic Telestrator moments.
  • “NBC puts the N in nostalgia. They might as well just be the Nostalgia Broadcasting Company.” — Tas Melas (11:47)
• Critique: The crew wished the throwback game had been Bulls or Knicks, aligning with 90s broadcast tradition.
• On the Sixers, lack of Joel Embiid doomed the home team: “It was a 30 point blowout all game long.” — JD Skeets (06:58)
• Big picture: The guys debate how often to pull the nostalgia lever, landing on “maybe once a year” (07:57).

2. Spurs’ Team Domination & Awards

(13:33–14:53)

• Spurs stats nugget: “They are 18 and one this season when they make 15 or more [threes]… If they hit 15 or more, they won.” — Tas Melas (13:33)
• Spurs swept NBA monthly awards in February: Coach Mitch Johnson, Rookie Dylan Harper, DPOY Wemby.

3. Cavaliers Get Revenge on Pistons, Split Season Series

(15:05–22:28)

• Cavs, missing Donovan Mitchell, win 113–109 behind Jalen Tyson and James Harden. Team effort with key bench performances, especially Dennis Schroder down the stretch.
• Jalen Tyson steps into the starting lineup and earns praise for his two-way effort: “His effort level was extremely high… Tyson did a pretty good job on Cade Cunningham.” — Tas Melas (15:30)
• Pistons’ Cade Cunningham wore down under heavy minutes and constant defensive attention. Detroit’s lack of secondary shot creators is a looming playoff concern.
• Tyson vs. Wade: The guys debate whether Tyson has overtaken Dean Wade for a starting spot.
• “The bench was basically non-existent for the Pistons.” — Tas Melas (17:02)
• “If you stop Cade Cunningham, you’re going to like your chances to stop the Pistons.” — JD Skeets (19:08)
• Stat splits: Cade in wins shoots 48%/35%, in losses 39%/27% (19:08).

4. Knicks Maintain Dominion Over Raptors

(26:23–33:22)

• Knicks’ 111–95 win over Toronto extends their streak to 12 straight vs the Raptors; Raptors unable to close after a late-game collapse.
• “It was a two-point game… then [the Raptors] got obliterated.” — Taz Melas (27:35)
• “Different classes of teams… the Knicks look connected … Raptors, it was basically just Ingram and RJ Barrett hitting tough shots.” — Tas Melas (29:22)
• Knicks’ defense is peaking: “Since that embarrassing defeat on MLK Day versus the Mavericks, they have the number one defense in the NBA.” — JD Skeets (30:31)
• Raptors’ bench woes, athletic drop-off, and play-in anxiety discussed.

5. Around the League: Notable Quick Hits

Timberwolves, Hornets, Magic, Suns, and more
(34:23–41:16)

• Anthony Edwards’ 41-point takeover (see timestamp 71:12) powers Wolves over Grizzlies: “He scored seven straight in two minutes, all on jumpers.” — Trey Kirby (34:23)
• Hornets have won five straight, returning to .500: “That starting five just works.” — JD Skeets (37:24)
• Magic “Barbs”: Possible summer shakeup hinted as Mosley and Paolo Banchero exchange pointed postgame remarks.
  • “Things are going to change for the Magic in the summer in some way…” — Tas Melas (39:45)
• Suns’ NBC broadcast game praised for Booker's return and highlight plays.

6. Fun & Banter: Pickle Poutine and Fast Food Talk

(41:16–46:57)

• Taz introduces the “Pickle Poutine” trend, sparking a detailed play-by-play on deep-fried pickles and comparisons of Harvey’s to U.S. burger joints.
• “They throw in a couple deep fried pickles on top… Oh, my God, they’re huge.” — Taz Melas (41:19)
• Mixed feelings on fried pickles, pickle slicing methods, and the “sandwich saver.”

7. “Who the Hell is That Guy?” NBA Player Alert

(45:39–47:26)

• With end-of-season rotations in flux, the crew proposes a new segment for emerging no-name NBA contributors.
• “Let’s accumulate a list of those guys and maybe we could do a funny short out of that.” — JD Skeets (46:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It would have been fantastic if Embiid was playing... It is amazing to think back to Wemby’s rookie season when Embiid dropped 70 points versus Wemby.” — Taz Melas (05:40)
• “NBC puts the N in nostalgia. They might as well just be the Nostalgia Broadcasting Company.” — Tas Melas (11:47)
• “Do you guys like the idea of a pickle poutine? Because that’s what’s happening in Canada.” — Taz Melas (41:16)
• “Who is that guy? Alert. Let us know in the stream team or even better in the YouTube comments.” — JD Skeets (46:57)

Off-Court Headlines & Debates

NBA “Ironman” Streaks (Harrison Barnes)

(51:06–56:59)

• Barnes’ 364-game streak ends due to a sore ankle.
• The guys celebrate NBA “Ironmen,” with Mikal Bridges’ remarkable 617 consecutive games highlighted.
• Trivia on the all-time Ironman streaks is peppered with NBA history and good-natured ribbing.

JJ Redick vs. Luka Doncic Sideline Moment

(61:15–63:29)

• Viral sideline moment gets play, but crew agrees it’s a non-story: “Not news, but eye candy.” — Taz Melas (61:45)
• Reassured it’s just classic competitive friction, nothing more.

Magic City Promotional Night Controversy

(63:29–69:11)

• Spurs’ Luke Kornet publicly asks Hawks to cancel their Magic City (strip club) “cultural institution” night.
• Hosts debate moral implications, Atlanta’s culture, and the fine line between “iconic” and “inappropriate.”
  • “I don’t really care what Luke Cornett thinks in particular, but I do want to discuss… Do you want to glorify this industry with a lot of girls and women that are in this industry because they had no other options?” — Taz Melas (64:45)
  • “I’m also really not down with Cornet getting to define what protecting the esteem of women is. I think women can do that.” — JD Skeets (67:15)
• The event’s mixtape and music origins are praised; the crew expects the actual in-arena experience to be tame and Hawks’ rebranding efforts tongue-in-cheek.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NBC’s Throwback Broadcast: 04:26–14:57
• Spurs' Awards & Team Play: 13:33–14:53
• Cavs-Pistons, Team Breakdowns: 15:05–22:28
• Knicks-Raptors Late-Game Collapse: 26:23–33:22
• Around-the-League Rapid Fire: 34:23–41:16
• Pickle Poutine Riff: 41:16–46:57
• “Who the Hell is That Guy?”: 45:39–47:26
• Ironman Streaks: 51:06–56:59
• JJ Redick/Luka Sideline: 61:15–63:29
• Magic City/Hawks Discourse: 63:29–69:11
• Woboy (Anthony Edwards highlight): 71:12

Tone and Style

Highly conversational, rapid-fire, and irreverent, with classic No Dunks energy — a mix of serious analysis, pop culture references, and inside jokes.

Summary Takeaways

• NBC’s retro broadcast delighted basketball lifers but highlighted the disconnect between nostalgia and today’s product.
• Spurs, Cavs, and Knicks earned signature wins, with star and role-player dynamics under the microscope.
• Off-court, the NBA’s intertwining with city culture (and controversy) took center stage through Atlanta’s Magic City promo and debates over player durability.
• And as always, No Dunks delivers expert analysis, playful debates, and a reminder not to take it all too seriously — except, maybe, when it comes to deep-fried pickles.

For listeners: This episode is a must for fans of NBA history, behind-the-scenes culture talk, and those who relish both the analytics and the lighter side of basketball.