The Athletic NBA Daily: Sixers Refuse to Tank | Kawhi & Clippers Are Back

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni
Guests: Regular appearances by The Athletic’s NBA reporters

1. Cleveland Cavaliers' Challenging Streak

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent struggles. The team has suffered three consecutive losses, including defeats against the Houston Rockets and the Philadelphia 76ers. Host Dave DeFore raises concerns about the Cavs' performance trajectory.

Dave DuFour [04:34]: "Are they just coming back down to earth? Is that what's happening?"

Zena Keita provides an optimistic perspective, emphasizing that losses are part of every team's journey and highlighting specific issues affecting the Cavs, such as their defensive lapses and excessive free throw attempts by opponents.

Zena Keita [05:35]: "They're a very good team, and it's expected for them to kind of come down to earth a little bit, given the crazy shooting that started off this year."

Esfandiar Baraheni concurs, suggesting that Cleveland remains a top-tier team despite the setbacks and pointing out the challenges posed by aggressive matchups from other teams.

Esfandiar Baraheni [06:42]: "The aggressiveness that we're seeing other teams approach Garland and Mitchell with is probably something that's repeatable for what, a handful of teams in the league."

2. Philadelphia 76ers' Commitment to Compete

Shifting focus to the Philadelphia 76ers, the hosts discuss the team's refusal to tank despite facing challenges such as Joel Embiid's absence. David Aldridge's article is referenced to underline differing opinions on the Sixers' current strategy.

Dave DuFour [07:28]: "The Sixers won a couple of games over the weekend. They beat Chicago, they beat Cleveland, they're three games behind Chicago for that last play-in spot."

Zena Keita highlights the team's positioning between the competitive Eastern Conference race and a firmly established bottom six, making tanking an unattractive option.

Zena Keita [07:53]: "They're not bad enough to get to bottom six because the bottom six is pretty established right now."

The discussion further explores Paul George's commitment to winning, despite injuries, and the Sixers' tough upcoming schedule, which includes matchups against powerhouse teams like the Lakers and Celtics.

Dave DuFour [11:50]: "Their schedule is pretty tough."

3. Los Angeles Clippers' Resurgence with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Los Angeles Clippers' impressive performance since Kawhi Leonard's return. With a record of 6-1 when Leonard is on the court, the Clippers are showcasing a formidable combination of talent.

Zena Keita [14:03]: "That's absurd."

Dave DuFour cautions about the small sample size but acknowledges the historic offensive and defensive ratings the Clippers are achieving with Leonard and Harden.

Dave DuFour [14:02]: "With Kawhi Leonard and James Harden on the court, they have a 124 offensive rating and a 96 defensive rating, both of which would be first. They would be historic. It is absurd."

Esfandiar Baraheni praises the synergy between Leonard and Harden, noting Harden's evolution into a more impactful scorer and the natural flow between the two stars.

Esfandiar Baraheni [15:21]: "I'm really excited for the vision that the Clippers had for these two starting to come together out on the court."

Zena Keita adds insights into Kawhi's role as a super-subs and the strategic management of his minutes to maximize team performance.

Zena Keita [14:28]: "He's like this, like, closer or innings eater on offense, which is really, really fun."

4. Memphis Grizzlies' Unheralded Success

The hosts shed light on the Memphis Grizzlies' current six-game winning streak, attributing their success to health and standout performances by Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite his significant contributions, Jackson remains underappreciated in broader NBA discussions.

Esfandiar Baraheni [17:15]: "Jaren Jackson is leading the Memphis Grizzlies in points, in blocks, in steals. He's actually one of only three people in the league doing that."

Dave DuFour emphasizes Memphis as a team often overlooked in trade discussions, noting their strategic location and strong performances.

Dave DuFour [18:22]: "Memphis I think is the one market guys that, that players that are there can actually complain about being a small market because we really don't talk about the Grizzlies enough."

Zena Keita highlights Jackson's versatility and the Grizzlies' unique basketball style, further advocating for his recognition.

Zena Keita [19:08]: "He's able to create his own shots, which is a really, really cool wrinkle to this whole thing where it's like, he is the offensive option for the Grizzlies."

5. Miami Heat's Promising Rookie: Khalil Ware

Another spotlight is on Miami Heat's rookie Khalil Ware, who is making waves with his versatile performances. Ware's ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game has quickly made him a favorite among the hosts.

Zena Keita [20:36]: "His nickname is the Kryptonian... He can do it all on the floor. He can shoot the ball, blocks shots, he's a great rim runner, good screener, great cutter."

Esfandiar Baraheni commends Ware's immediate impact and his potential role in strengthening Miami's front court alongside veteran Bam Adebayo.

Esfandiar Baraheni [21:45]: "He's only played three games as a starter, but in those three games, 16 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks. Only guy as a rookie to do that since Wemby."

Dave DuFour discusses Ware's potential in the context of Miami's strategies, including the possibility of acquiring Jimmy Butler and how Ware fits into the team's long-term plans.

Dave DuFour [22:21]: "Miami is looking in a Jimmy Butler trade. Khalil Ware being as good as he is, is probably a part of that rather than looking for other young players."

6. Upcoming Game Picks and "Sicko" Games

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their picks for upcoming games, highlighting particularly exciting matchups they deem as "sicko games." Highlights include:

• Rockets vs. Grizzlies: Both teams are on hot streaks, making this a must-watch matchup.

  Dave DuFour [24:35]: "Let me pick a fun player, guys. Who you got? Rockets. Grizzlies. I'm going Grizzlies, guys."

• Pistons vs. Pacers: Emphasis on the Pacers' defensive improvements led by Andrew Nemhardt.

  Esfandiar Baraheni [25:27]: "I like them beating the Pistons on Wednesday. I think that Kate Cunningham has been really good."

• Blazers vs. Magic: A rematch with high expectations from both teams.

  Zena Keita [25:27]: "They got destroyed. It's a bounce back game for Orlando, but also the Blazers have been playing pretty good basketball recently."

• 76ers vs. Kings: Anticipation of a revenge game following a previous loss.

  Esfandiar Baraheni [27:14]: "I have a weirder, more sick game here for you guys. I have the Blazers facing off against the Orlando Magic on Thursday."

Notable Quotes:

• Dave DuFour [04:34]: "Are they just coming back down to earth? Is that what's happening?"
• Zena Keita [05:35]: "They’re not trying to tank… they’re fighting for their spot."
• Esfandiar Baraheni [15:21]: "I'm really excited for the vision that the Clippers had for these two starting to come together out on the court."
• Zena Keita [19:08]: "He's able to create his own shots, which is a really, really cool wrinkle."
• Esfandiar Baraheni [27:14]: "There's going to be a good game."

Conclusion

Dave DuFour wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to share their thoughts on overlooked NBA topics, fostering an engaging community discussion.

Dave DuFour [28:36]: "Let us know what you think in the comments. What's your thing that nobody's talking about in the NBA right now?"

The hosts bid farewell, encouraging fans to stay tuned for more insightful NBA coverage throughout the week.

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily offers a comprehensive analysis of current NBA trends, focusing on team performances, player impacts, and strategic developments. Whether it's the Cavaliers' resilience, the Sixers' competitive spirit, the Clippers' dynamic duo, the Grizzlies' hidden gems, or the Heat's promising rookie, listeners are provided with in-depth perspectives and expert commentary to stay informed and engaged with the evolving basketball landscape.