The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode Summary
Release Date: March 21, 2025

Warriors vs. Raptors: A Narrow Victory and Curry's Injury

Game Overview
In a tightly contested matchup, the Golden State Warriors edged out the Toronto Raptors with a final score of 117-114. Despite the Warriors securing the win, the spotlight was firmly on Steph Curry, who sustained an injury during the game.

Steph Curry’s Injury
At [03:17], host Marcus Thompson highlighted the critical moment when Curry fell hard, "[...] Steph Curry fell just directly on his backside. And it was one of the louder falls that I've heard on an NBA broadcast."
Jared Weiss elaborated on the severity of the fall at [04:05], stating, "Like, we heard that in arena. It's one of them falls where the moment it happens, you immediately react like your body's like, oh, like, ah. Yeah, that. That hurt."
Despite the immediate concern, [04:25] Jared provided a glimmer of hope: "Steve Kerr says Steph was trying to get back in the game." However, with Rick Celebrini, Warriors’ Head of Sports Performance, known for his cautious approach, the team opted to have Curry undergo an MRI post-game to assess the extent of the injury.

Implications for the Warriors
The injury raises questions about Curry's availability for the upcoming games, particularly the Tuesday game in Miami against a returning Jimmy Butler. Jared Weiss speculated, "I see them holding them out at least until the Tuesday game in Miami, because that'll give them, like, they've got several days until Jimmy Butler's return."
The Warriors' strategy without Curry has been a topic of discussion, especially regarding Draymond Green's shooting performance, which was underwhelming at [06:21], "Draymond Green goes 5 of 14 from 3 in this game." This performance is part of a growing trend where Green takes more shots, impacting the team's overall dynamics.

Celtics Sold for a Record $6.1 Billion to New Owners

Details of the Sale
In a landmark deal, the Boston Celtics have been sold for a staggering $6.1 billion, marking it as one of the most expensive transactions in NBA history. At [21:17], host Marcus Thompson introduced the news, "The Celtics have sold for how much money? Record $6.1 billion."

New Ownership Group
The new majority owner is Bill Chisum, a native of Northern Massachusetts and a seasoned private equity investor from the North Shore. Chisum's commitment to the team is evident, as he plans to retain control until 2028 before fully transferring ownership. At [22:44], Jared Weiss added, "He grew up a Celtics fan. He went out west and made a lot of money as a private equity guy, and now he's coming back east to buy his boyhood club."

Implications for Team Management
Despite the change in ownership, the current management and coaching staff are expected to remain intact. [27:29] Jared Weiss assured listeners, "Brad is one of the most respected people in the basketball world and he is clearly proven that his approach has worked very well." This continuity is crucial for maintaining the Celtics' competitive edge.

Potential Challenges and Future Directions
The involvement of a private equity group, which already holds stakes in three other NBA teams, introduces complexities regarding managerial responsibilities and potential conflicts of interest. At [24:39], Dave DuFour noted, "That's why the guardrails on managerial responsibility have to be really strong."
Looking ahead, the Celtics face challenges related to player contracts and team composition, especially concerning aging stars like Jrue Holiday and the need for a sustainable starting center. Marcus Thompson speculated on the future, "They can take out some of the older guys, which is what you're supposed to do when you're trying to sustain a contender."

Other Notable NBA Developments

Knicks’ Disappointing Performance
The New York Knicks suffered a humiliating defeat against the Charlotte Hornets, losing 115-98. Marcus Thompson expressed his skepticism about the Knicks' playoff prospects, especially with key players like Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama sidelined.

Bucks vs. Lakers Blowout
In another game, the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Los Angeles Lakers, primarily due to the absence of five of the Lakers' top six scorers. Despite the Lakers' struggles, Rahul Donning highlighted the broader issue of star players frequently sitting out games, which can undermine the competitive integrity of the league.

NBA Expansion Talks
The Celtics' record-breaking sale has reignited conversations about NBA expansion. With franchise fees soaring, discussions are underway about adding new teams in lucrative markets like Seattle and potentially Mexico City. Dave DuFour emphasized the importance of breaking existing records to set new standards for future expansions.

Conclusion

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provided a comprehensive overview of significant NBA events, focusing on the Golden State Warriors' narrow victory amid Steph Curry's injury and the Boston Celtics' monumental sale to new ownership. The discussions between Marcus Thompson and Jared Weiss offered deep insights into the implications of these developments, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the teams involved.

Notable Quotes:

• Marcus Thompson [03:17]: "Steph Curry fell just directly on his backside. And it was one of the louder falls that I've heard on an NBA broadcast."

• Jared Weiss [04:05]: "Like, we heard that in arena. It's one of them falls where the moment it happens, you immediately react like your body's like, oh, like, ah. Yeah, that. That hurt."

• Jared Weiss [21:21]: "Yeah, it's a lot."

• Dave DuFour [24:45]: "They have conflicts of interest."

• Marcus Thompson [33:06]: "If you want to put your team in Seattle, put your team in Las Vegas."

Stay tuned to The Athletic NBA Daily for more in-depth analysis and updates from the world of professional basketball.