The Athletic NBA Daily – November 25, 2025

Episode Focus: Raptors Extend Streak to 8 + What Is the Warriors' Identity?

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Toronto Raptors’ impressive eight-game winning streak and examines the identity crisis facing the Golden State Warriors. Host Dave DuFour is joined by Esfandiar Baraheni (“S”) live from Toronto and Zena Keita (“Zena K”) from the Bay Area for firsthand insights. Additional discussion covers the Detroit Pistons’ surprising 13-game win streak.

1. Toronto Raptors: Streaking and Finding Early Season Rhythm

Segment: 01:53 – 12:11

Big Win Over Banged-Up Cavs

• The Raptors defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, holding them to 99 points.
• Both teams on the second leg of a back-to-back; the Cavs were missing key pieces.
• Donovan Mitchell, averaging 30 for the season, was limited to 17 points on 6-of-20 shooting.

“They held them to 99 points...and they made life tough on Donovan Mitchell.”
—Dave DuFour (03:14)

S:

• Raptors’ defensive resurgence highlighted. They started the season 1-4 but are now near top 10 in defensive rating.
• Aggressive ball pressure from guards like Jamal Shead and Jacoby Walter, with strong backline help from Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl.
• Emphasis on “aggressive but to a point”—forcing turnovers and challenging shots without overextending.

“He had seven points heading into the fourth quarter, which is a huge testament to just how elite this defense has been, especially against these feistier guards.”
—Esfandiar Baraheni (03:40)

Brandon Ingram’s Impact and Darko Rajakovic’s Influence

• Ingram: 37 points, 5 threes, career-high rebounding, shooting 45% from three over last six games.
• Postgame, Ingram credits head coach Darko Rajakovic for making him buy into playing unselfishly and trusting the offensive flow.

“Brandon Ingram was like, the big reason why I'm playing like this is because of Darko Rajakovic. He's made me completely buy in to being unselfish... they’ve empowered him to be more of a rebounder.”
—Esfandiar Baraheni (05:28)

Depth and Bench Production

• Sandro Mamukelashvili ("Mamu") cited as a major catalyst off the bench—stretch big who boosts Raptors’ offensive rating by 19 points per 100 possessions.
• Bench duo of Mamu and Jamal Shead showing strong chemistry and pace in transition.

“He comes in and instantly juices every lineup that they throw out there... I think he will be in the sixth man of the year conversation just by how impactful he's been off the bench.”
—Esfandiar Baraheni (07:27)

• Rookie CMB (Colin Murray Bowles) praised for finishing tough plays against elite defenders like Evan Mobley.
• Unselfish, uptempo playstyle when bench units are in.

Where Do the Raptors Go From Here?

• This season viewed as a “trial run”—integration of new talent and post-injury returns (e.g., Ingram).
• Raptors retain all their draft picks and could make a trade if win streak continues and standings hold.
• Baraheni: The East is open; teams like Toronto, Atlanta, and even Detroit have reason to feel optimistic.

“This season is more about data and collecting as much data as you possibly can to see what you can build moving forward... If this team continues to win, you will obviously see them be aggressive in the trade market.”
—Esfandiar Baraheni (10:10)

Notable Quote

“Winning cures all things. Winning also boosts the value of the players on the court for you.”
—Esfandiar Baraheni (10:25)

2. Golden State Warriors: Searching for an Identity

Segment: 16:19 – 25:08

Warriors Snap Skid Against Utah Jazz

• Warriors beat Utah, leveraging the Jazz’s defensive struggles.
• Practice on Sunday was key—over 40 film clips, focus on effort and mental approach rather than schematic overhaul.
• Stars: Steph Curry (31 points) leads; team-wide contribution highlighted by 34 assists and eight different players hitting threes.

Zena K:

• Warriors’ identity this season fluctuates—overreliance on Steph Curry.
• The game against Utah was one of only three times they've scored 130+ this season.
• GP2 (Gary Payton II) started for injured Draymond Green and provided the “connective tissue,” with eight assists and strong PnR chemistry with Steph.

“Their identity is Steph. It has been. And that’s been the challenge this season—how do you find more than just Steph?”
—Zena Keita (19:27)

• Warriors showed rare ability to answer runs—21-0 stretch to start the second quarter vs Utah.
• Lack of reliable secondary options has been a problem (Jimmy has been solid but not enough), alongside roster instability due to injuries (Draymond, Jonathan Kuminga).

The Jonathan Kuminga Situation

• Kuminga’s absence (missing six straight games with bilateral knee tendinitis) looms large.
• Steve Kerr’s vague update (“you gotta ask him”) suggests frustration or lack of clarity about his return.
• Imaging was clear; pain management and timetable are uncertain.

“There's something there in terms of, like, the communication, because how rare is it for you to say, you know, to a coach or head coach to say, hey, like, what's going on with this guy? And his response, especially Steve Kerr, right? ...’you've gotta ask him.’”
—Zena Keita (21:30)

• Kuminga remains a trade asset; his progression (improved passing, defense, and athleticism) makes him valuable for possible deals as trade season approaches.

“He hasn't played in six games and he's still leading the team in rebounds... you saw the growth, the jump in his ability to pass, his ability to read offenses... I'm sure a lot of teams picked up on that.”
—Zena Keita (24:32)

3. Detroit Pistons: The Surprise Juggernaut

Segment: 25:11 – 26:29

• The Pistons’ 13-game win streak acknowledged as one of the season’s biggest surprises.
• Multiple players have stepped up beside Cade Cunningham, including Caris LeVert.
• Indiana put up a fight; team benefiting from unsung role players stepping up while Siakam shoulders a big load.

“Let’s be real. When the season started, would you have imagined that they were going to go on a 13-win streak?”
—Zena Keita (25:15)

• Both hosts agree Pistons still need a consistent “number two” scorer and more backcourt identity—but are “rolling through teams” and having fun.

4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Raptors Defense:
  “They made life tough on Donovan Mitchell.” —Dave DuFour (03:14)

• On Ingram and Coaching:
  “The big reason why I’m playing like this is because of Darko Rajakovic.” —Esfandiar Baraheni (05:28)

• On Warriors Identity:
  “Their identity is Steph.” —Zena Keita (19:27)

• On Kuminga’s Situation:
  “…you gotta ask him.” —Steve Kerr, quoted by Zena Keita (21:30)

• On Pistons’ Surprise:
  “I did see that. I’m very proud of the Pistons.” —Zena Keita (25:15)

5. Timestamps for Key Segments

• Raptors Defensive Performance/Upset Cavs: 01:53 – 05:28
• Brandon Ingram Coach Impact: 04:39 – 06:40
• Bench & Mamu’s Role: 06:40 – 08:58
• Raptors: Growth & the Next Step/Trade Deadline Outlook: 08:58 – 12:11
• Warriors Identity Crisis & Win over Jazz: 16:19 – 19:29
• GP2’s Role & Team Play: 17:17 – 19:15
• Kuminga’s Absence and Trade Value: 20:49 – 24:32
• Pistons Winning Streak: 25:11 – 26:29

Tone:
Knowledgeable, candid, and conversational, with hosts directly quoting players, coaches, and each other to provide insights and context.

Conclusion:
This episode offers sharp, timely breakdowns of two of the most intriguing NBA storylines: Toronto’s sudden surge supported by defense, depth, and coaching buy-in; and Golden State’s transition year, with Steph still central, young talent in flux, and a looming sense that change is coming. The Pistons’ run is embraced as a welcome dose of fun in the early season chaos.