The Athletic NBA Daily

Episode: Shai Gets Career High + Warriors Out Duel Nuggets
Date: October 24, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni
Guest: Marcus Thompson (Warriors/NBA analyst)

Episode Overview

This episode recaps a wild NBA night marked by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s career-high 55 points in a double-overtime thriller between the Thunder and Pacers, and a classic duel between the Warriors and Nuggets, featuring Steph Curry’s dazzling 42-point performance. The hosts also touch on the shockwave news of NBA figures Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier being under federal investigation for gambling.

Key Segments & Discussions

1. NBA Gambling Scandal Reaction

Timestamps: 02:13–04:51

• Esfandiar opens by sharing the surreal experience of waking up to “47 text messages” about Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier facing federal indictment for gambling.
  • "I wasn't feeling well and I woke up to a bunch of text messages...That is not hyperbole, it was 47 and I didn't know what it was." – Esfandiar (02:13)
• Hosts joke about the bizarre details—X-ray poker tables and tech-laden scams.
• Light banter about what NBA player could rope someone into a scam poker game, agreeing Chauncey's status wouldn’t lure serious players but someone like Jokic (if “horse racing” was involved) might.
  • "Chauncey Billups had a great career. He's a Hall of Famer. That's not getting me into some high stakes poker game." – Esfandiar (03:36)

2. Oklahoma City Thunder-Pacers Double Overtime Epic

Timestamps: 04:54–14:17

Game Context & Standout Players

• Thunder win 141–135 in double OT; have now played four overtimes in their first two games.
• Pacers missing key ball-handlers Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard (injury), TJ McConnell.
• Pascal Siakam shines—32 points, 3-pt shooting enables spacing.
  • "This is an awesome year for Pascal to show what he can be as a half court player." – Esfandiar (06:33)
• Benedict Mathurin: 36 points on 17 FT attempts, strong candidate for breakout/Most Improved.
  • "If he's playing like this, that's a most improved player type of candidate." – Dave (07:14)

Thunder Depth & Development

• AJ Mitchell: Emerging as Sixth Man of the Year candidate, 26 off the bench.
  • "AJ Mitchell, like in two games, he looks like he's going to be 6 man of the year. Puts up 26 off the bench." – Esfandiar (07:55)
• Ball-handling by committee as Jaylen Williams (J-Dub) sits; Mitchell credited with “Jalen Brunson” style, savvy in pick-and-roll.
• Aaron Wiggins tallies 23 as a starter; Chet Holmgren solid in early returns; Mark Daigneault’s experimental rotations praised.
• Brooks Barnheiser, rookie, praised for physicality.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Historic Night

Timestamps: 10:33–12:03

• Shai posts career-high 55 (23/26 FT), the NBA's early high-water mark.
  • "Shay with 55. This is the most points so far this season. 23 career high. 23 of 26 from the free throw line." – Esfandiar (10:35)
• Hosts note his poise, patience, and continued dominance despite absent three-point shot.
• Workload concern: Should Thunder gun for 70 wins or pace Shai for playoff health?
  • "That's what really is going to help you win a championship this year. I don't think it's like, hey, let's win 70 games again. I think it's let's try to win 60." – Dave (11:54)
• Depth, experimentation, and surprising stamina emphasized after early OT marathons.

Pacers Upside with Pascal Siakam

• Indiana’s ability to remain competitive without traditional point guards and create versatility around Siakam is praised.
• Obi Toppin’s energy and depth key to team's high floor.
• "I think they can be a top six team in the East...They've got the guys." – Esfandiar (13:19)

3. Warriors’ Overtime Win vs. Nuggets – Marcus Thompson Joins

Timestamps: 17:30–34:54

Steph Curry’s 42-Point Masterpiece

• Marcus Thompson lauds Curry’s “ageless marvel,” still looking “like he’s 28” at 37.
  • "You just forget that he's 37...Steph looks 28. The way he's moving, how, like, the energy he has, like, it's kind of a marvel." – Marcus Thompson (18:40)
• Second half and OT described as “ridiculous,” Curry repeatedly beating traps, getting to the rim, finishing through contact.
• Offseason rest/fresh prep blamed for extra bounce and fitness.
  • "He looks fresher. He looks like a rejuvenated player." – Marcus (20:34)

Warriors’ Big Lineup Tricks

• Hosts discuss “fake size” lineups with Horford and Draymond, plus Kaminga and their effectiveness against Denver’s size.
• Defensive slippage noted—“Denver’s offensive numbers are insane”—but Warriors survive via scoring.
  • “They're not going to go get a big just for the sake of having a big...They can survive. And they did enough with Denver, which is massive.” – Marcus (22:48)

Jonathan Kuminga’s Evolving Role

• Kaminga’s expanded responsibilities (due to injuries/rest for veterans) seen as a necessity and unexpectedly positive.
  • "They've essentially decided, like, you're going to play. And he seems to have responded...like, okay, I'm going to do the things you're asking me to do." – Marcus (24:16)
• Improved interior passing, rebounding, defensive assignment highlighted.
• On his aggression:
  • "He's like, you give me a blink, I'm going through it. And Steph needs that. They need to punish teams...Kaminga is the guy to do it." – Marcus (27:00)

Nuggets’ Depth and Growth

• Co-hosts and Marcus agree Denver is the title favorite. Aaron Gordon’s offensive jump (10-11 3pt, 50 points) seen as transformative.
  • "He produces like a star, he threatens like a star. It opens up the game for Jamal Murray...They just have places to go." – Marcus (30:11)
• New additions (e.g., Cam Johnson) make non-Jokic minutes less vulnerable.
• Team has greater flexibility and less desperation in non-Jokic lineups.

Warriors’ Sustainability Concerns

• Sustainability, health management, and supporting scorer development (Moody, Pods) called essential for Warriors’ postseason hopes.
  • "Can they win the games they should win and get, like, comfortably into a place where they're not battling for a play-in?" – Marcus (32:22)
• Emphasis on Warriors’ “corporate knowledge” and championship savvy, even as they face age questions.

Bench Depth: Will Richard

• Will Richard, 56th pick, has “Moses Moody” skillset and the “moxie” to stick in rotation.
  • "He fits the Warriors in that very—I know how to play basketball...and I have enough skill...the rest is just like, heart, and he's got the heart." – Marcus (33:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Shai's performance:
  "We're gonna pay attention because I think that they can win 70 and I would like to see them do it...I don't think that's what the Thunder are about. And so far they're not." – Esfandiar (07:55)
• On Pascal Siakam’s versatility:
  "Every year he adds something to his game, every year he adds a new wrinkle. I think this is a perfectly built team for him." – Esfandiar (06:33)
• On Curry’s longevity:
  "Steph looks 28. The way he's moving, how, like, the energy he has, like, he's still... It's kind of a marvel." – Marcus Thompson (18:40)
• On Warriors’ age and playoff hopes:
  "You got the corporate knowledge of how to win, man. And that stuff matters massive, too." – Esfandiar (33:04)

Important Timestamps

• 02:13 – Reaction to Chauncey Billups/Terry Rozier gambling scandal.
• 04:54–14:17 – Thunder-Pacers double OT breakdown and Shai’s 55.
• 10:33 – Discussion on Shai’s career-high.
• 17:30 – Marcus Thompson joins: Warriors-Nuggets, Curry’s 42.
• 18:40 – Marcus: “Steph looks 28… It’s a marvel.”
• 27:00 – Kaminga’s role and his benefit to Steph and the team.
• 30:11 – Aaron Gordon’s shooting leap and Nuggets’ depth.
• 32:22 – Marcus on Warriors' path and playoff sustainability.

Tone & Language

• Conversational, basketball-nerd-friendly, lighthearted with moments of sharp analysis.
• Frequent jokes and asides about NBA culture, player personalities, and the oddities of league life.

Summary

The hosts serve up a vibrant, analysis-rich breakdown of an early-season NBA night to remember. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring explosion cements his superstar status and signals the Thunder’s deep, experiment-happy approach. The Indiana Pacers’ resilience and Pascal Siakam’s fit get credit, while the high stakes of the NBA’s ongoing gambling controversy get both scrutiny and laughs.

In the West, Steph Curry’s enduring brilliance is the headline as the Warriors pull off an overtime win over a deep, evolving Nuggets team led by a breakout Aaron Gordon. With Marcus Thompson’s expert insights, the show weighs Golden State’s age and depth concerns against their experience and corporate know-how. Kaminga’s growth and rookie Will Richard’s emergence are promising subplots, but the season’s big question remains: Can these squads convert their early statement games into sustained playoff success?