The Athletic NBA Daily – December 9, 2025

Episode: Derik Queen’s Historic Night + Timberwolves Lose Focus
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Kada
Guest: John Krasinski

Episode Overview

This fast-paced recap episode focuses on two main stories: the rookie sensation Derik Queen’s historic performance in the Spurs-Pelicans game, and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ surprising lack of focus in a loss to the Devin Booker-less Phoenix Suns. Injury updates, team chemistry questions, and implications for both teams going forward are discussed with real insight, wit, and stat-savvy analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Franz Wagner Injury Update

[02:30]

• Previous speculation that the Orlando Magic were “cursed” with injuries proved premature; Franz Wagner’s injury is just a high ankle sprain, expected absence of 2–4 weeks rather than a season-threatening issue.
• Jalen Suggs is also cleared to play.

  “Thank goodness for Franz Wagner.” — Zena Kada [03:15]
  Tone: Relief mixed with good-natured apology from Dave for his earlier pessimism.

2. Derik Queen’s Record-Breaking Night

[03:49] - [06:58]

• Queen put up a historic stat line: 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 blocks as a rookie center.

• This makes him:

  • First rookie in NBA history to have at least 33/10/10/4 in a game.
  • First rookie center ever to have a 30-point triple double.
  • Only the 8th player ever with that stat line—joining LeBron, Jokic, David Robinson, Michael Jordan, and others.
  • Set a record for most assists by a center in their first 25 games since the ABA/NBA merger.

  “Derrick Queen joins a list… LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, David Robinson, Michael Jordan... That’s not a bad list to be a part of. And this guy is a rookie.” — Dave DuFour [04:33]

  “First rookie NBA history to have the stat line that he did last night... he is doing surreal things.” — Zena Kada [05:07]

• Analysis:

  • Queen’s poise vs. doubles and elite passing vision were praised, particularly his feel in finding corner shooters and breaking down defenses off the dribble.
  • The league is in a new era with centers as offensive hubs.
  • Some say his size is deceiving, underestimating his quick feet and overall agility.
  • Queen’s passing will become a handle-on-scouting issue for opponents going forward.

  “He is really good.” — Zena Kada [06:58]

3. Spurs’ Depth and Rookie Returns

[06:58] - [10:07]

• Stephen Castle returned from injury, showing immediate impact but leading to lineup and minutes questions.

• Dylan Harper provided a scoring punch off the bench (22 points).

• Julian Champagnie surprised with 17 points in extended minutes.

• Zena expresses concern: With Castle and eventually Wembanyama back, who gets squeezed (e.g., Devin Vassell’s touches dropped markedly)?

• Harrison Barnes’ expanded role and minutes—likely to shrink when Wemby returns.

• Overarching issue: Spurs now have a “bevy of riches.” Allocation of shots/minutes will be a “good problem” but a real challenge.

  “There’s too many mouths to feed... I’m just very curious as to what the competition is going to look like for that backcourt and the competition for shots.” — Zena Kada [10:07]

• Dave compares the problem to OKC’s: “You look and you’re just like, wow, you guys have too much talent. How does everyone play?” [10:39]

4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Loss of Focus & Playoff Mindset

[15:27] - [29:20]
With special guest John Krasinski

Game Recap & Team Critique

• Wolves lose to a scrappy, Booker-less Suns, with Colin Gillespie starring unexpectedly.

• Big issue: Lack of focus and urgency, especially against inferior/undermanned teams.

• Chris Finch previously highlighted “defense and focus” as needs; neither improved.

  “They have allowed that lack of star power that they’re playing against to dull their senses.” — John Krasinski [16:16]

  “It feels like a team that just wants to fast forward through the boring stuff and get to the exciting stuff.” — John Krasinski [18:13]

• Stat anomaly: Wolves are top 10 in most key categories, but let bad offensive teams explode on them (e.g., 142 points to Pelicans).

Playoff Hangover & Habits

• Wolves’ “Western Conference Finals twice” experience is possibly making them bored with the regular season.
• This could cost them home court or drop them into the play-in—a risk in a competitive West.

“It may cost you... a home court advantage to maybe a six seed... literally playing with fire.” — John Krasinski [18:13]

Rudy Gobert’s Ejection & Team Leadership

• Gobert was having a great game until an ejection for a retaliatory dirty elbow—now one flagrant point away from suspension.

• This incident is seen as anti-championship culture; leadership lapse at a key moment.

  “He retaliates... absolutely dirty play. Gets ejected and now he sits with five flagrant foul points...” — Dave DuFour [20:05] “For a veteran leader... to make that mistake in that moment... it was incredibly disappointing.” — John Krasinski [21:45]

Clutch Situation: Edwards & McDaniels

• With game on the line, Edwards (off a 40-point night) gives final shot to Jaden McDaniels (1-7 shooting).

• Analysis: This is both a symptom of trying to be less predictable but, on that night, possibly the wrong choice.

  “You like that he did trust Jaden... but the Suns really did try to load up as much as they could on him and make someone else beat them.” — John Krasinski [24:37]

• Praise for Suns’ effort: “A team that is playing better than the sum of their parts, and the Wolves... not played up to the sum of its parts yet.” — John Krasinski [25:24]

5. Quarter-Season Timberwolves Grades & Outlook

[25:57] - [29:20]

• Where do the Wolves stand? 6th seed seems fair, but with their continuity and talent, it feels more like underachievement.

• High expectations due to a core that’s been together and continuity from last year.

• There’s belief the Wolves can still coalesce and peak by playoff time; they’ve done it before.

• No panic, but the clock is ticking for urgency and consistency.

  “It feels more like they’ve underachieved at 15 and 9... and yet... a couple games back from the four seed. By no means a disaster.” — John Krasinski [27:35] “We know what they can be at their peak—it’s just that they don’t seem to hit it as often as we want them to..." — Dave DuFour [28:28]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Derik Queen’s Historic Night
  “He is doing surreal things.” — Zena Kada [05:07]
  “He is really good.” — Zena Kada [06:58]

• On Timberwolves’ Attitude:
  “They have allowed that lack of star power that they’re playing against to dull their senses.” — John Krasinski [16:16]
  “It feels like a team that just wants to fast forward through the boring stuff and get to the exciting stuff.” — John Krasinski [18:13]

• Gobert’s Ejection:
  “He retaliates...absolutely dirty play. Gets ejected and now he sits with five flagrant foul points…” — Dave DuFour [20:05]
  “...for a veteran leader… to make that mistake in that moment… it was incredibly disappointing.” — John Krasinski [21:45]

• Edwards’ Unselfish Pass:
  “You like that he did trust Jaden... but the Suns really did try to load up as much as they could on him and make someone else beat them.” — John Krasinski [24:37]

• On the West:
  “...right in that 6 range is probably deserved for the Wolves. At the start of the season... I would have said, man, that’s really good... but it’s actually more of a left handed compliment than anything else right now...” — John Krasinski [26:33]

Key Timestamps

• [02:30] – Franz Wagner injury update: "only" a high ankle sprain
• [03:49] - [06:58] – Derik Queen’s historic performance (stat lines, context, implications)
• [06:58] - [10:39] – Spurs lineup depth, Stefan Castle’s return, who loses minutes?
• [15:27] - [29:20] – John Krasinski on Wolves: lack of regular-season urgency, Gobert’s leadership, clutch play decision-making, team grades and projections

Takeaway

• Derik Queen’s rise as a historic rookie signals a new generation of skilled, playmaking bigs and a potential franchise superstar for the Pelicans.
• The Spurs boast a unique problem: too much young talent to keep happy—a luxury and a challenge as stars return from injury.
• The Timberwolves remain a sleeping giant, but their lack of focus, lapses in discipline, and excessive regular-season boredom threaten to derail their chances in a loaded Western Conference unless their stars and leaders—on and off the court—tighten up the habits and set a playoff mentality now.

For full breakdowns, stats, and deep analysis, read John Krasinski at The Athletic and tune in for more NBA Daily recaps.