The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode Summary

Episode Date: March 26, 2026
Main Theme:
A deep dive into last night’s wild NBA action, including the Celtics’ statement win over the Thunder (possible Finals preview), the Timberwolves’ shock victory over the Rockets in a chaotic overtime, and key updates on the Western Conference playoff race. Includes a segment with Celtics insider Jay King on Boston's championship credentials.

Episode Overview

The hosts, Dave DuFour and Zena Keita, dissect a night of thrilling NBA games with focus on the Celtics overpowering the defending champion Thunder, the Timberwolves' overtime comeback over the Rockets, Victor Wembanyama’s dominance, and the shifting Western Conference standings. Later, The Athletic’s Celtics beat writer Jay King joins to discuss Boston’s playoff readiness and evolving lineups.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rockets vs. Timberwolves: An Overtime Thriller

Timestamps: 02:12 – 08:25

• The Timberwolves, playing without Anthony Edwards, managed a stunning overtime comeback against the Rockets, thanks to resilience and defense.
  • Ant (Edwards) was in street clothes but warmed up pregame; possible imminent return.
  • Kevin Durant started cold (3 of 15) but erupted in the fourth quarter.
  • Rudy Gobert’s game-saving block forced overtime, then fouled out.
  • Rockets blew an 11-point lead with three minutes left in regulation.

“To say it was weird would be an understatement. The offense just struggled. No one could shoot... Kevin Durant was off...then in the fourth quarter, he can’t miss.” — Dave DuFour (03:45)

• The Rockets showed their “Jekyll and Hyde” nature, lacking reliable outside shooting and struggling with late-game turnovers.
  • Shingoon’s clutch free throw and block kept them alive, but the Wolves out-hustled them in OT.
  • “Houston cannot win in the playoffs if they cannot shoot from outside and if they cannot stop turning the ball over at critical junctures of the game.” — Zena Keita (06:51)

Playoff Implications

• The Nuggets’ win, Wolves’ rise, and Spurs closing in make for a heated Western Conference seeding battle.

2. Victor Wembanyama’s Impact & The Spurs’ Surge

Timestamps: 08:25 – 10:33

• Wemby stuffed the stat sheet: 19 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 7 blocks in 27 minutes.
  • Described as a “night for the bigs” (bigs dominating across the board).
  • Wembanyama’s energy and two-way play are propelling the Spurs back into the hunt for the 1-seed.

“You saw that dunk on Gigi Jackson...then Wemby goes down the other end, dunks right on top of Gigi and then flexes on him...He did that to get his lick back. And that’s the energy San Antonio is running behind right now.” — Zena Keita (09:32)

3. Nuggets Edge Mavericks: Jokic Nears Historic Triple-Double

Timestamps: 10:11 – 11:02

• Nikola Jokic finished with 23 points, 21 rebounds, 19 assists—just one assist shy of a 20-20-20 game.
  • The hosts questioned the Nuggets’ inconsistent defense (“where’s the defense?”), with both team scoring over 135.
    • “Denver played with their food. They had no business being that close in a game with the Dallas Mavericks.” — Zena Keita (10:33)

4. Joel Embiid and Paul George Return & Sixers Offense Explodes

Timestamps: 11:02 – 15:59

• Joel Embiid returns, posts 35-6-7 in under 30 minutes, showing sharpness and efficiency (12 of 17 from the floor).
• Paul George matches with double figures and six threes.
  • Sixers put up 157 points (Bulls: 137)—offense dominates, but defensive concerns for both.
• BJ Edgecombe’s stellar rookie year continues: 22 points (on just 9 shots), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, excelling in various roles.
• Discussion about contenders’ readiness (“Are the Sixers scary?”), with Zena tempering expectations due to lack of lineup continuity.

“Do I think that they're scary in terms of winning a series? Not quite...we haven't seen the longevity yet...” — Zena Keita (12:47)

5. Celtics-Thunder: Boston’s Statement Win & Eastern Finals Preview

Timestamps: 17:38 – 29:53 (with Jay King)

First-Half Analysis: Tatum’s Return

• Celtics overcome slow start vs. Thunder; Tatum returns, dominates 2nd quarter, and looks healthy (“full control”).
• Thunder’s defense tested Boston, but Tatum’s attacking and playmaking (including for Jaylen Brown) shone through.
• Tatum’s visible frustration at minute restriction signals his desire and readiness.

“That second quarter was just as well as he’s played all year...in full control. There was one play where he had Chet Holmgren on him...and he just went right by him to the cup, physical right past him. That's the confidence you want to see...” — Jay King (19:40)

Small-Ball Lineup & Depth

• Celtics used Tatum at center in small-ball looks; surprising flexibility.
• Strong rebounding from wings (Gonzalez, Shireman, Brown, Tatum) allows Boston to go small without sacrificing on the glass.
• Key question: Will backup centers like Luke Garza hold up in the playoffs, or will small-ball be a necessary adjustment?

“Going small, you don’t necessarily have the disadvantage on the glass...one of the strengths I didn’t foresee in this team is just that they’re loaded with wings.” — Jay King (21:19)

Jaylen Brown’s Impact

• Jaylen Brown’s 31 points, aggressive play, and leadership highlighted.
• Hosts praise his off-court mentality: “He set a tone for them...his value goes beyond the numbers.” — Jay King (23:39)
• Brown’s physicality and willingness to attack smaller defenders is a mismatch Boston exploits.

“Jalen Lowkey plays like a guy who...grew up 20 years later and came back to avenge what happened to his family. And he brought along the Boston Celtics.” — Zena Keita (26:04)

Celtics’ Playoff Questions

• Balancing Tatum’s reintegration and the roster rhythm.
• Relying on multiple playoff first-timers (Shireman, Garza, Gonzalez, etc.).
• Remaining concerns: Tatum’s health/load; depth and playoff inexperience; backup center capabilities.

“Half their rotation is going to be really living through the playoffs for the first time...I want to see how all those guys show up when it matters.” — Jay King (27:52)

6. Quick Hits & Notable Moments

Timestamps: 29:53 – End

• Shout-out to LaMelo Ball as East Player of the Week:
  “Still the best unserious Hooper or the most unserious great Hooper, whatever you want to call it. But, man, he can play.” — Jay King (30:10)

Notable Quotes

• On the Rockets’ inconsistency:
  “It’s this Jekyll and Hyde thing with them, because when the shots are falling...they look great, but...you’re just saying, oh, wow, this is built on a house of cards.” — Dave DuFour (06:35)

• On Spurs/Wemby’s MVP push:
  “If Wemby and the Spurs find a way to catch OKC and he’s locked in...that is the ultimate story of the year.” — Zena Keita (09:11)

• On Celtics’ two-star system:
  “This is what makes Boston inseparable...you’ve got two superstars...defenses are required to give them the attention they deserve.” — Zena Keita (20:21)

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |--------------------------------------------------------|---------| | Rockets’ overtime collapse, Timberwolves’ win | 02:12 | | Discussion on Wembanyama and Spurs’ leap | 08:25 | | Jokic’s stat line & Nuggets’ defensive issues | 10:11 | | Embiid/George return for the Sixers | 11:02 | | BJ Edgecombe’s fit & rookie class flexibility | 14:41 | | Celtics-Thunder breakdown w/ Jay King | 17:38 | | Tatum’s second quarter dominance | 19:40 | | Celtics’ small-ball lineup & playoff implications | 21:19 | | Jaylen Brown’s mentality and impact | 23:39 | | Celtics playoff “weak spots” discussion | 27:52 | | LaMelo Ball shout-out as East POTW | 30:07 |

Tone and Language

• Conversational, enthusiastic, and analytical.
• Hosts mix humor, stats, and sharp observations.
• Jay King’s “inside” Boston analysis adds depth and local color.

Summary Takeaway

This episode paints a compelling picture of the NBA’s late-season chaos: wild comeback wins, emerging playoff threats, returning superstars, and especially, the Celtics’ transformation from “gap year” speculation to outright Finals favorite. The hosts balance granular analysis (e.g., backup center depth, rookie flexibility) with big-picture playoff takes and memorable banter—making this a must-listen for fans tracking the league’s pivotal moments and looming postseason drama.