No Dunks – November 5, 2025
Episode Overview
In this lively NBA round-up, Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD break down a thrilling night in the NBA—headlined by the Bulls’ electrifying 24-point comeback against the Sixers, Desmond Bane’s on-court meltdown, and the continuing injury woes of Zion Williamson. The crew also discusses OKC’s unbeaten streak, disruptions by injury and ejections around the league, spicy Draymond Green takes, and some much-needed basketball-style debate (plus a generous helping of Taco Bell nostalgia). The episode is packed with sharp analysis, memorable moments, and classic No Dunks banter.
Chicago Bulls’ Historic Comeback Over Sixers (01:58–13:11)
Key Discussion Points
- Bulls erase 24-point deficit to win 113–111 over the Sixers on a game-winner from Nikola Vucevic ("Vooch") off a spectacular lefty pass from Josh Giddey in the corner.
- Josh Giddey’s emergence: Second straight triple-double (29 pts, 15 reb, 12 ast)—first Bull with back-to-back triple-doubles since Michael Jordan in the ‘80s.
- Giddey’s transformation: thicker, stronger, attacking the rim, shooting 70% at the rim this season, increased free throw attempts.
- Prime candidate for Most Improved Player (MIP) according to FanDuel (+320 odds).
- Sixers offensive collapse: Tyrese Maxey was unstoppable in the first half but went cold in the second (2/13 shooting), and the team failed to score a field goal in the last ~six minutes.
- Doc: “Sixers… unable to score… several minutes—was it almost six minutes of them not scoring a field goal?” (05:00)
- Joel Embiid on minutes restriction: Subbed out with 5 mins left in Q3, returned at 5 mins left in Q4, but couldn't regain rhythm. “That's a long time to sit for a guy who's trying to get his stamina back…” (07:28)
- Billy Donovan’s tough love: Pulled rookie Matas Bouzelis early for poor defense, showing accountability is high.
Notable Quotes and Moments
- Trey on Giddey:
“I gotta start by filling out a Josh Giddy apology form. This guy is straight up hooping… back to back triple doubles for the first time for the Bulls since Michael Jordan.” (03:08) - Doc on the Sixers:
“I was okay with the design by Nick Nurse, giving Quentin Grimes a wide open 3... But Philly’s offense in the fourth quarter… all trying to ISO and getting away from up tempo stuff that was working for them.” (06:21) - Vooch’s Postgame:
“His first comment was that ball was shot pretty high. He was just disappointed in that they got down 24 points and started talking about how they should start games better.” (05:44)
Team/League Context
- Bulls are getting quality wins vs East playoff hopefuls (Knicks, Sixers, Hawks, Magic, Pistons).
- Skeets: “The Bulls seem like they’re for real here.”
Desmond Bane’s Ejection & Magic vs Hawks (14:25–21:44)
Key Discussion Points
- Desmond Bane ejected: Picks up a flagrant 1, then spikes the ball off Okongwu’s head, earning a technical and getting tossed—“Draymond Green Triple Crown” (flagrant, tech, ejection, 17:08).
- Magic’s offensive struggles: The team lacks rotation, three-point shooting, and turns it over often. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner 0–7 combined from three, often forcing the issue.
Hawks Kill with Team Play
- “Best Richache [Zaccharie Risacher] game of the season. He was cutting all over the place,” said Trey (17:20).
- Six Hawks finish in double figures, ball movement shines without Trae Young.
Notable Quotes
- Trey, on Bane:
“Yeah, Desmond Bain wanted to fight… It's hard to do that with one play.” (17:08) - Trey, on the Hawks’ strengths:
“Offense by committee… shot distribution is good. The ball was moving for sure. And I really liked what I saw from Mo Gueye as well. He gave Paolo a ton of problems…” (17:20)
OKC Thunder’s Red-Hot Start (24:55–30:41)
Key Discussion Points
- Thunder remain unbeaten (8–0): Extended their win streak, blowing past the Clippers.
- Role player elevation:
- Isaiah Joe’s return sparked consecutive high-volume 3PT shooting games.
- 16, 20, and 18 team threes in Joe’s three games back.
- Stifling Defense:
“The Thunder have given up more than 108 points in regulation one time this season. When you play the Thunder, you're the worst offense.” (25:27) - SGA’s historic consistency:
80th straight game with 20+ points, third longest in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain.
Notable Quotes
- Skeets:
"SGA could, in theory, pass Wilt [for 20+ point streaks] … it's damn near impossible [to beat them] if that guy’s got the three ball going down." (30:27) - Doug:
“That’s what they do… it’s flashbacks for me to the 2010 Golden State Warriors in the playoffs when they could beat you by 15, 20 in a real quick run.” (27:46)
Quick Hitters: Other Games & Notables (31:08–33:19)
- Warriors defeat Suns: Curry scores 28, Moody 24.
- Raptors blow out Bucks (by 28):
- Defensive improvement highlighted by Scotty Barnes' all-around hustle; “He’s the heartbeat right now of that Raptors defense...” (34:03)
- Alvarado game-winner for Pelicans vs Hornets.
- Pending: Zion Williamson injury discussion in "Is This News" segment.
“Is This News?” (43:05–54:37)
Zion Williamson’s Injury
- Sidelined with a grade 1 hamstring strain, out 7–10 days (optimistically).
- Recurring problem: This marks the fourth straight season with significant hamstring or lower-body issues.
- Trey: “Unfortunately this is recurring news. Just like LaMelo missing time with an ankle injury… That seems to be the one that keeps tripping him up.” (45:31)
- Pelicans collapse without Zion:
Outscored by 28.7 per 100 possessions with Zion off the floor. - Team chemistry and leadership lacking: Discussion of the need for a steady vet presence.
Other "Is This News?" Topics
- Kings sign Precious Achiuwa:
- Noted as a minor roster upgrade ("not moving the needle by any means").
- Draymond Green trashes Knicks as contenders:
- Discussion: “Just tough to defend at a championship level when you got two guys you can pick on.” (56:56)
- Doug: "No, news is not news if it's not new." (55:16)
- General agreement that defense may unravel only in the Finals vs juggernauts—Eastern playoff landscape seen as muddy.
- Spurs’ Fiesta City Edition court/uniforms:
- Trey: “Looks like you’re going into a Taco Bell in the 1990s and ordering a gordita. And I love a gordita.” (60:25)
Memorable Banter & Running Jokes
Standout Quotes and Conversations
-
On Bulls’ wild comeback:
Trey: “Vooch is an all star right now. It's unbelievable times in Chicago… 72 and 10 still on the table.” (12:42) -
On Red Panda’s halftime return:
Trey: “Coming the comeback on brand. She wasn’t on a Bulls restriction, was she?” (11:24) -
On New Orleans’ postgame moment:
Joe: “[Derek] Queen had this great game... DeAndre Jordan: 'Stand up, rook!'... that’s the leadership I was asking for." (47:21) -
On the state of the Eastern Conference:
Trey: “I do feel like 4 through 12 in the Eastern Conference is kind of a toss up on who’s actually going to play well from a night to night basis.” (37:24) -
Taco Bell Nostalgia:
- Trey: "It looks like you’re going into a Taco Bell in the 1990s and ordering a gordita..." (60:25)
- Multiple minutes of passionate (and hilarious) side talk about favorite menu items and food innovation at Taco Bell.
Timestamps by Major Segment
- Bulls-Sixers comeback breakdown: 02:16–13:11
- Bane ejection/Magic-Hawks: 14:25–21:44
- Thunder surge/SGA streak: 24:55–30:41
- Raptors, Warriors, other quick game notes: 31:08–33:19
- Is This News (Zion, Kings, Draymond, Spurs court): 43:05–61:24
- Taco Bell run & court talk: 61:24–66:09
Summary Table: Key Players & Stats Referenced
| Player | Key Stat/Note | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Josh Giddey | Back-to-back triple-doubles, 29/15/12 | | Nikola Vucevic | Clutch corner 3 (game-winner) | | Tyrese Maxey | Hot 1st half (Sixers), ice-cold 4th quarter | | Joel Embiid | 25 mins (restriction), 0–5 in the 4th | | Scotty Barnes | 14 steals/blocks in win streak, locks down Giannis | | SGA (OKC) | 80th straight 20+ pt game, 4/5 from deep | | Desmond Bane | Ejected (flagrant + tech) | | Isaiah Joe (OKC) | 22 pts, lifts OKC 3PT shooting | | Paolo Banchero/Franz | 0–7 from three vs Hawks | | Derek Queen (NOP) | 12/7/4 in 4th qtr, catalyst in Pels’ win |
Episode Vibe
Classic No Dunks mix: deep basketball analysis paired with playful, accessible banter and inside jokes. The hosts keep things moving, riffing on trending NBA news and lacing in personal and pop-culture references.
Takeaways for Listeners
- Chicago Bulls' chemistry is real, Giddey is a revelation, and defensive resilience won them a signature comeback.
- OKC Thunder may be “ahead of schedule,” stifling opponents night after night, still undefeated.
- Orlando and New Orleans are both in potential crisis: Magic’s offense is a mess, Pelicans can’t survive without Zion.
- Draymond Green stirs up old debates about contenders; Spurs’ “Fiesta” jerseys win the aesthetics game.
- This episode is must-listen for fans wanting sharp NBA insight with a hearty side of humor.
