The Athletic NBA Daily: NBA Finals + Caitlin Clark Talk With Candace Buckner
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Host/Authors: David Aldridge, Marcus Thompson, Candace Buckner

Overview

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts David Aldridge and Marcus Thompson engage in an in-depth discussion with Candace Buckner from the Washington Post. The conversation primarily revolves around the upcoming NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks, with a special focus on Caitlin Clark's impact on women's basketball. The episode delves into player performances, team dynamics, and broader discussions on sports culture and media coverage.

Discussion on Caitlin Clark

Candace Buckner shares her perspectives on the intense scrutiny and high expectations placed upon Caitlin Clark, highlighting the challenges she faces transitioning to professional basketball.

• [05:24] Candace: "I just want to have a nuanced discussion about not just athletics, but professional athletics."

• [07:16] Candace: "What you want is to test her and you want to be the one to shut down Caitlin Clark."

David Aldridge emphasizes the importance of allowing Clark to grow through these challenges, drawing parallels with other NBA stars who faced similar testing periods early in their careers.

• [11:03] David: "She was like, oh, okay, okay, I get it now."

They discuss the media's tendency to either overly praise or harshly criticize standout players like Clark, questioning the fairness and depth of such coverage.

• [17:10] Candace: "It's common. It happens. It's a sports story."

NBA Finals Breakdown: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks

The hosts analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, offering predictions and highlighting key players who could influence the outcome of the series.

Boston Celtics

Candace Buckner commends the Celtics' depth and strategic coaching, noting the significant contributions of players beyond the star duo.

• [23:02] Candace: "I'm concerned about their depth, but maybe the reintroduction of KP will help."

Marcus Thompson points out the Celtics' improved composure in tight games, attributing it to the maturation of players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

• [25:24] Marcus: "I think Derrick White is a little bit better."

David Aldridge praises the Celtics' shooting prowess, questioning how the Mavericks can effectively counter their three-point strategy.

• [28:00] Candace: "Boston does care about paint touches. They don't care. They are trying to shoot 53s."

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are lauded for their defensive enhancements and the exceptional performances of key players like Luka Dončić.

• [38:17] David: "They've got two guys that can beat any defense. They're too good."

Candace Buckner expresses admiration for Luka Dončić's ability to adapt and elevate his game under pressure.

• [30:04] Candace: "Happy he's having this moment."

Marcus Thompson discusses the Mavericks' strategic adjustments, including player rotations and defensive plays that could be pivotal in the Finals.

• [38:29] David: "I could see them playing Lively in Cleaver a lot more in this series than Gaff."

Player Spotlights and Performance Analysis

The conversation delves into individual performances and their potential impact on the Finals.

• Jayson Tatum: His leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments are highlighted as key factors for the Celtics.

  • [27:38] Candace: "He did not look like a shrinking violet."

• Luka Dončić: Recognized for his versatility and offensive threat, making him a formidable opponent.

  • [30:52] David: "That's Larry Bird's legacy. She was like, you know what? I'm not being shown off."

• Tyrese Haliburton: Discussed in terms of his contributions and the concerns around his absence in critical games.

  • [24:30] Candace: "Two games without Tyrese Halliburton. They found ways to win, especially when it mattered."

Caitlin Clark and the Broader Sports Culture

Candace Buckner addresses the societal and cultural implications of Clark's rise, criticizing how certain narratives focus on racial aspects rather than athletic prowess.

• [08:09] Candace: "You want to shut down Caitlin Clark. And I think those young women in college wanted to do the same."

Marcus Thompson reflects on the evolving fan bases and the loyalty of groups like the "Clarkies," emphasizing the need for broader appreciation of women's basketball beyond idolizing single figures.

• [14:38] Candace: "These really aren't fans of women's basketball... they just want to muddy up the conversation."

Final Predictions and Closing Remarks

The panel wraps up with their predictions for the NBA Finals, favoring the Boston Celtics due to their strategic depth and shooting capabilities.

• [36:54] Candace: "I could see Celtics in six for sure."

• [37:01] Marcus: "I'm going with whatever Candace says... Boston and six."

They also touch upon the potential outcomes of close games, strategies to counter key players, and the importance of adaptability in high-stakes matches.

• [37:40] David: "If it's a one possession game, because they've just got two guys that can beat any defense."

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look at both the NBA Finals and the state of women's basketball through Caitlin Clark's experiences. The hosts and guest provide insightful analysis, blending player performance with broader discussions on sports culture, media coverage, and fan dynamics. Their predictions lean towards a Celtics victory, underscoring the team's strategic strengths and depth.

Notable Quotes:

• David Aldridge [05:24]: "I just want to have a nuanced discussion about not just athletics, but professional athletics."

• Candace Buckner [07:16]: "What you want is to test her and you want to be the one to shut down Caitlin Clark."

• Candace Buckner [17:10]: "It's common. It happens. It's a sports story."

• Candace Buckner [23:02]: "I'm concerned about their depth, but maybe the reintroduction of KP will help."

• Candace Buckner [30:04]: "Happy he's having this moment."

• Candace Buckner [36:54]: "I could see Celtics in six for sure."

Timestamp Overview:

• 02:23 - 43:05: Main content discussing NBA Finals and Caitlin Clark
• 43:05 onwards: Advertisements and Outro (Skipped in summary)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear and structured overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.