The Athletic NBA Daily — Episode Summary
Episode: Spooky Wemby Stats + Bucks Beat Warriors Without Giannis
Date: October 31, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni (Es), Nick Friedell
Episode Overview
In this Halloween edition of The Athletic NBA Daily, the hosts dive into the San Antonio Spurs’ stunning 5-0 start, led by Victor Wembanyama’s historic performances, sharing some appropriately “spooky” stats. Later, they break down the Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Golden State Warriors—earned without Giannis Antetokounmpo—and analyze both teams’ early-season outlooks. The show wraps with NBA Cup predictions and a lighthearted conversation about Halloween costumes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. San Antonio Spurs: Wembanyama’s “Spooky” Stats and Team Identity
(Segment Start: 02:12)
- The Spurs defeated the Miami Heat, moving to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.
- Miami’s unorthodox offense (not running screens/pick and roll) was tested against emerging Spurs defense.
Wembanyama’s Stat-Line & Impact
“Victor Womenyama…27 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks. That’s his third game with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks.”
— Dave DuFour (03:04)
- The hosts marvel at Wemby's rare stat lines, noting he's putting up numbers usually reserved for video-game create-a-players.
- Wemby already holds more blocks this season (19) than 10 entire NBA teams—teams are visibly avoiding him at the rim (06:26).
Historic 120-Game Pace
“Through 120 games, he has more points than LeBron James did, more rebounds than Karl Malone, more blocks than Hakeem Olajuwon, and more threes than Steph Curry.”
— Es (06:26)
- The consensus: He’s setting a new standard for rookie impact and versatility.
Spurs’ Identity
- The team shows classic “young team” traits: build big leads, let them slip, then battle to close.
- The local energy is “back”—Spurs’ home atmosphere is described as electric (05:34).
- Dylan Harper is highlighted for valuable bench scoring (13 pts).
- Speculation that adding De’Aaron Fox could elevate the team into upper-tier contention.
“Spurs might win 50 [games].”
— Es (08:14)
2. NBA Cup Outlook and Underdog Picks
(Segment Start: 10:44)
- Halloween night also marks the NBA Cup kickoff—hosts discuss favorites and sleepers for the in-season tournament.
- Bulls, led by Josh Giddey, cited as a possible surprise team.
- Dave singles out the Charlotte Hornets as a scrappy potential dark horse.
“You can’t have too many guards. … The ball-handling they’ll have with Harper, [Stephon] Castle, and Fox will help Wemby a lot.”
— Es (09:37)
Bucks as Back-to-Back Favorites
- Hosts argue that with the Bucks’ current form and depth, a repeat NBA Cup title is realistic.
- Special mention of Ryan Rollins’ emergence at PG and AJ Green’s sharpshooting.
“Let’s go ahead and do it. Our pick to win the 2025 NBA cup…back to back, the Milwaukee Bucks.”
— Dave (14:01)
3. Bucks Beat Warriors Minus Giannis: Ryan Rollins’ Breakout & Warriors’ Mindset
(Segment Start: 18:06)
- Nick Friedell joins live from the arena after Bucks’ surprise victory over the Warriors—with Giannis resting.
- The focal point: Ryan Rollins’ career night and overall Bucks resilience.
“Steph was signing a jersey at his locker. Rollins reveals after the game that he had Steph sign one for him.”
— Nick Friedell (18:34)
Warriors’ Habits & Fatigue
- Steve Kerr jokes about the team being winless (0-12) when opposing stars sit, blaming “mental fatigue” from travel and a congested early schedule.
- The mood in the locker room isn’t panicked—they know it’s early.
“Pro athletes…they’re still humans. You play that many games in a short stretch…stuff like this happens.”
— Nick (19:45)
Warriors’ Roster Evaluation
Improved Depth & Youth:
- Jonathan Kuminga’s leap in play—passing, defense, rebounding—stands out.
- Brandon Podziemski, Moses Moody, Quinton Post, and Will Richard are all contributing.
“When you have that many different guys who can give you a lift…maybe this team really is pretty deep all the way around.”
— Nick (23:43)
Versatility & Potential Moves:
- Dave notes interchangeable lineups, though says they lack an “elite center” and perhaps a true wing stopper.
- Al Horford contributing off the bench; depth could be further bolstered.
- Nick suggests a big man would be the most useful deadline pickup, but overall optimism remains:
“I think they have the pieces in place. … All you can hope for if you’re the Warriors at this stage is to have a chance. And I absolutely believe…with Steph at the level he’s still at, they have a chance.”
— Nick (25:52)
Bucks’ Culture & Coaching
- Bucks are praised for “playing hard,” echoing successful regular-season teams of the past (e.g., Tom Thibodeau’s Bulls).
- Doc Rivers’ sideline intensity noted.
- Key takeaway: The Bucks have a “nothing to lose” mindset, which can propel them until Giannis returns.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Wemby’s absurd stat lines:
“He’s terrifying. … His block totals have gone down because teams are afraid to shoot the ball against him.”
— Es (06:26) -
Comparing Wemby to video-game players:
“You would try to make a guy like this. … To see that happen in real life…doesn’t it feel like he’s going to be a 35 point a game guy?”
— Dave (07:28) -
On the Spurs’ early surge:
“They get a five game head start…they’re looking like a playoff team, not play-in, which completely shuffles everything in the West.”
— Dave (08:59) -
On NBA Cup’s meaning:
“Teams that absolutely should just be trying to win the NBA cup because they don’t really have much else to play for.”
— Dave (11:46) -
On the Warriors’ perspective:
“This team, when they have confidence, they are going to be tough for anybody to beat. … It’s all about April. Get healthy going into April. It’ll be all right.”
— Nick (21:20) -
On Bucks’ style minus Giannis:
“You can win a lot of games in the regular season by playing hard…if you have a team that’s playing with very little expectations, having fun, that’s a combination in this league for a lot of success.”
— Nick (27:31)
Important Timestamps
- 02:12 – Start of main show (skip ads)
- 03:04–04:13 – Spurs defeat Heat, Wemby’s outrageous performance
- 06:26 – Wemby’s defensive dominance and record-breaking early stats
- 08:14–09:37 – Spurs as a 50-win/contender and impact of early winning streak
- 10:44–14:01 – NBA Cup preview, sleeper picks (Bulls, Hornets, Bucks)
- 18:06 – Bucks stun Warriors; Ryan Rollins’ breakout, Warriors’ mentality
- 21:20–24:05 – Warriors’ depth, Kuminga’s improvement, lineup versatility
- 25:52–27:14 – Potential Warriors moves, confidence if healthy
- 27:31–28:43 – Bucks’ “play hard” culture, Doc Rivers’ coaching
- 29:34 – Nick’s NBA Cup ambivalence, Halloween costume chat
Tone & Style
- Upbeat, fast-paced, playful (Halloween jokes and banter).
- Direct basketball analysis intermingled with statistical deep-dives.
- Warm camaraderie between hosts; seamless transitions between stats talk and league-wide discussions.
Summary Takeaways
- Victor Wembanyama has begun his second season obliterating rookie and early-career records, validating “unicorn” hype. His impact is translating to real team wins, with the Spurs now seen as possible dark-horse contenders in the West and for the NBA Cup title.
- The Warriors, despite a surprising loss to a Giannis-less Bucks squad, remain positive, buoyed by youth contributions and veteran steadiness, but still eyeing bench and frontline improvements for another title push.
- The Bucks—with Rollins, AJ Green, and a strong team culture—look dangerous even without their superstar, fueling speculation they could repeat as NBA Cup champions.
- The NBA Cup is earning respect as a coveted mid-season goal for teams on the cusp or in rebuilds.
- The episode delivers a blend of timely insight, lively debate, and basketball-fan energy, keeping the Halloween spirit alive throughout.
For listeners:
This episode offers a snapshot of early-season surprises, the excitement of emergent stars, and how the NBA’s mid-season tournament is shaping team priorities—plus a few laughs and Halloween camaraderie. Even if you missed the games, you’ll walk away feeling in-the-know and entertained.