The Athletic NBA Daily: Nuggets Survive to Force Game 7

Release Date: May 16, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni
Special Guests: Kelly Eco and Ethan

Introduction

In this thrilling episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts delve deep into the intense playoff battles currently unfolding in the NBA. The primary focus is on the electrifying Thunder vs. Nuggets series, which has now extended to a decisive Game 7. Additionally, the Celtics vs. Knicks series is briefly touched upon, highlighting the high stakes and strategic maneuvers from both sides.

Thunder vs. Nuggets Series Analysis

Game 6 Recap The Thunder narrowly lost Game 6 to the Nuggets, forcing the series into a dramatic Game 7. Kelly Eco sets the stage: “We got ourselves a game seven. How you guys feeling?” at [02:44]. The game showcased Jamal Murray’s resilience, battling through flu-like symptoms to lead the Nuggets, and Julian Strother’s impactful performance off the bench.

Team Performances Gu provides a critical analysis at [03:38], stating, “I think overall the Thunder probably didn't realize the level of desperation that Denver was going to play with.” He highlights Denver’s physical dominance, superior glass control, and tactical prowess under coach David Adelman. Despite the Thunder's impressive 68 regular-season wins, Denver's depth and offensive firepower have consistently outmatched them in the series.

Key Players' Contributions

• Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray and Julian Strother were pivotal in Game 6. Strother’s “eight straight points” [07:10] revitalized the Nuggets, allowing Jokic to rest and maintain energy for critical moments.
• Oklahoma City Thunder: Shay Gilgeous Alexander and Jalen Williams were key figures. However, fatigue was evident, with Gu noting at [07:10], “they just look the hardship. They just look tired.”

Strategies and Tactics The Thunder struggled against Denver's versatile zone defenses, switching between various formations like 1-3-1 and 2-3 zones ([08:48]). This made it difficult for Jalen Williams’ offense to find rhythm, as noted by Gu: “Denver's doing so many different things with their zone” ([08:57]). The Thunder’s reliance on Williams also became a vulnerability when his shooting faltered, “as he went 3 for 16 in the playoff game” ([09:49]).

Fatigue and Physicality Ethan comments at [05:07], “Denver just allows the Nuggets to get back,” pointing to the exhaustion affecting both teams. The Nuggets, despite appearing tired, maintained a tactical edge, thanks to their experience and strategic substitutions.

Predictions and Adjustments for Game 7

Thunder’s Potential Adjustments Gu suggests that the Thunder need to address their defensive lapses and offensive dependencies: “if Shay... doesn’t have that help from a J dub consistently, you're working against yourself” ([10:32]). Ethan emphasizes the importance of reducing early fouls and leveraging players like Kayson Wallace: “tapping into him sooner and more often in Game seven will be an adjustment” ([11:45]).

Thunder’s Betting Outlook Kelly posits at [18:16], “I think that as a 68 win team, you should be able to win at home in a game seven. So I'm going to go Thunder.” He highlights the Thunder’s strong regular season and home-court advantage as key factors that could tip the scales in their favor.

Nuggets’ Resilience Despite their fatigue, the Nuggets demonstrated resilience and depth. Kelly notes, “If this game is close, the Thunder have the ability to just blow them out. The Nuggets can't blow out the Thunder” ([18:45]). This underscores the Nuggets’ capability to perform under pressure, particularly with Jokic’s leadership.

Celtics vs. Knicks Series Overview

Series Status and Key Performances The Celtics are pushing the Knicks to a Game 7 after trailing 3-1. Gu anticipates, “I think it's going seven” ([19:35]), citing Boston’s balanced effort and New York’s gritty playstyle. Jalen Brown and Luke Cornett have emerged as crucial players for the Celtics, compensating for Kristaps Porzingis’ absence.

Strategic Insights Ethan highlights Boston’s evolving game plan: “they’re not settle for three pointers... it was just a true inside out, outside in” ([20:55]). This adjustment has allowed them to match New York’s physicality and diversity in play, increasing their chances of overcoming the deficit.

Predictions Both hosts agree on the likelihood of a Game 7. Kelly asserts, “I think it's going seven” ([22:00]), emphasizing the Knicks’ tenacity and the Celtics’ strategic depth as factors that will drive the series to its final game.

Conclusion

As the NBA playoffs intensify, The Athletic NBA Daily provides insightful analysis and expert predictions on the nail-biting Thunder vs. Nuggets and Celtics vs. Knicks series. With both matchups heading towards decisive Game 7s, the hosts underscore the blend of strategy, player performance, and sheer willpower that defines championship basketball. Whether it’s the Thunder’s strategic adjustments or the Celtics’ balanced offense, viewers are treated to a comprehensive breakdown of what’s at stake in these high-stakes encounters.

Notable Quotes:

• Gu on Thunder’s Underestimation: “I think overall the Thunder probably didn't realize the level of desperation that Denver was going to play with.” [03:38]
• Kelly on Thunder’s Exhaustion: “It looked gassed, looked a little defeated, honestly.” [07:01]
• Ethan on Game 7 Predictions: “I absolutely think it's going to seven.” [20:55]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and expert analyses from The Athletic NBA Daily, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the current NBA playoff dynamics.