The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode: Can OKC Get to 70 Wins? + Anthony Davis’ Big Night
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Hosts: Dave DeFore, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni
Guest: James Edwards

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DeFore, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni delve deep into the Oklahoma City Thunder's remarkable season, exploring their potential to reach an unprecedented 70 wins. Additionally, the episode spotlights Anthony Davis' stellar performance and provides insightful analysis on the New York Knicks' struggles against top-tier teams. Featuring expert commentary from James Edwards, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of crucial NBA narratives as the season approaches its climax.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Historic Season

Dave DeFore opens the discussion by highlighting the Thunder's dominance, emphasizing their impressive 64-12 record and the potential to reach 70 wins.
“OKC once again just takes care of business. They get their 64th win. They're 64 and 12... Shay Gilda's Alexander of course just continues to rack up the accolades.” [03:41]

Zena Keita praises Kevin Alexander's consistency, noting his 30-point games and drawing parallels to Michael Jordan's 69-game 30-point streak.
“69 games tying Michael Jordan. Yes, very nice.” [03:41]

The hosts discuss the Thunder's historical significance, pointing out that their 50 double-digit wins tie them with some of the greatest NBA teams in history.
“Last night was their 50th win by double digits this season, tied for the most in NBA history.” [04:05]

Dave DeFore examines the Thunder's remaining schedule, expressing confidence in their ability to surpass the double-digit win milestone.
“So I think they're going to set the record for most double digit wins.” [04:55]

Zena Keita reinforces the feasibility of reaching 70 wins, citing the Thunder's favorable matchups against teams like Houston, the Lakers, Phoenix, Utah, and New Orleans.
“They have tons of expectations there for them to do... that’s like how good they’ve been all year.” [04:43]

Dave DeFore makes a bold prediction regarding the Thunder's final record, factoring in strategic player rest and tough matchups.
“I’m going to say 68. I just think that they’re going to rest guys and I think it’s going to... they're going to be extremely strategic as they go into the playoffs.” [07:00]

Other Team Performances and Notable Games

The conversation shifts to recent performances by other NBA teams:

• Celtics vs. Heat: Discussing the Celtics' surprising loss to the Heat, the hosts attribute it to poor shooting and key player absences.
  “The Celtics shot 27% from three. They were also missing Al Horford, Drew Holiday, and Christoph Sporzingis.” [08:20]

• Spurs vs. Nuggets: Addressing the Spurs' victory over the Nuggets despite Denver missing key players like Jokic and Murray.
  “It was a great game for Russell Westbrook tonight. You know, 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists.” [10:34]

Anthony Davis’ Return and Stellar Performance

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Anthony Davis' impactful return to the court after his injury.

Dave DeFore celebrates Davis' impressive performance despite playing with an eye injury.
“Anthony Davis hits a game winner, has a really ridiculous line, and him and Derek Lively out there.” [13:17]

Zena Keita applauds the synergistic performances of Davis and Lively, highlighting their effective double big lineups.
“They have all of their bigs back, so Daniel Gafford is back in there. They’re running the double big lineups consistently.” [14:00]

Dave DeFore underscores Davis' resilience and versatility, noting his ability to dominate the game while injured.
“Some sort of typical AD kind of game where he comes back in the game and absolutely dominates.” [14:20]

Zena Keita analyzes Davis' evolving role and his improved shooting efficiency, emphasizing his growth and adaptability.
“He’s gotten to the line more. This is a guy that averages 2.2 for most of his career. So pulling off a couple moves, finding a move that’s comfortable with him...” [23:44]

Dave DeFore speculates on the integration of Davis post-injury, especially in relation to Jalen Brunson's anticipated return.
“He had that sequence, you know, where he hit the little Euro drive out of the corner and then he has the sidestep three, like back to back.” [26:43]

New York Knicks' Struggles Against Top Teams

James Edwards, covering the Knicks, shares his insights on why the team struggles against elite opponents.

• Fatigue and Injuries: Edwards points out that two of the Knicks' three games against Cleveland occurred on the second night of back-to-backs, with key players like Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride sidelined.
  “They lost by 36 or whatever it was a few weeks ago... but good teams don’t get blasted like that.” [18:25]

• Defensive Inconsistencies: The Knicks exhibit strong defensive moments but falter when defending switches, lacking effective strategies like slipping pick-and-rolls.
  “I think they don’t utilize slipping as much... Josh Hart is a great guy at slipping pick and roll situations.” [20:11]

• Offensive Hesitation: The team tends to hesitate in offensive plays, opting for ISO-heavy strategies that limit shot efficiency and flow.
  “They've hesitated at times... trying to get a better shot and the shot clock goes like.” [20:49]

Dave DeFore summarizes the Knicks' challenges, emphasizing their slow-paced half-court play and reliance on hesitant shot selections.
“I think they're leaving a little bit on the bone offensively when it comes to facing switches.” [20:49]

Jalen Brunson's Injury Update

A crucial segment is dedicated to updating listeners on Jalen Brunson's injury status and potential return timeline.

James Edwards provides the latest on Brunson, indicating a high likelihood of his return within the upcoming weekend’s games.
“It is about a five day trip, two games in there... there’s a really good chance Brunson could be back Saturday against Atlanta.” [27:20]

Zena Keita contemplates the strategic implications of Brunson’s return, particularly how it will affect OG Anunoby’s role and overall team dynamics.
“He is getting to the rim. It is very direct, it's very forceful, it's very poignant... Maybe they change around the rotation so OG has opportunities.” [25:05]

Dave DeFore anticipates how Brunson’s comeback will reinvigorate the Knicks, especially in executing complex plays and enhancing offensive versatility.
“But what he's doing is exactly where he can plug himself in when Brunson comes back.” [26:43]

Conclusion

In closing, Dave DeFore wraps up the episode by reiterating the Thunder's formidable season and the excitement surrounding Anthony Davis' return. The hosts express optimism about the Thunder potentially setting new records and reflect on the Knicks' ongoing struggles, looking forward to Brunson's return as a pivotal moment for the team. The episode concludes with thanks to guest James Edwards and the hosts, leaving listeners informed and engaged with the latest NBA developments.

“That's it for today's show. Thank you to James Edwards for hanging out with us. This has been the NBA Daily. Thanks for waking up with us.” [29:15]

Notable Quotes:

• Dave DeFore [03:41]: “OKC once again just takes care of business. They get their 64th win. They're 64 and 12... Shay Gilda's Alexander of course just continues to rack up the accolades.”

• Zena Keita [03:41]: “69 games tying Michael Jordan. Yes, very nice.”

• Dave DeFore [07:00]: “I’m going to say 68. I just think that they’re going to rest guys and I think it’s going to... they're going to be extremely strategic as they go into the playoffs.”

• Zena Keita [08:20]: “They have tons of expectations there for them to do... that’s like how good they’ve been all year.”

• James Edwards [18:25]: “They lost by 36 or whatever it was a few weeks ago... but good teams don’t get blasted like that.”

• Zena Keita [20:11]: “I think they don’t utilize slipping as much... Josh Hart is a great guy at slipping pick and roll situations.”

• James Edwards [27:20]: “It is about a five day trip, two games in there... there’s a really good chance Brunson could be back Saturday against Atlanta.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from The Athletic NBA Daily episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the Thunder's exceptional season, Anthony Davis' impactful return, and the Knicks' challenges against top competition.