The Athletic NBA Daily – Spurs Beat Rival Thunder Again

Date: December 24, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esper Henny, Jared Weiss (guest)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Spurs’ impressive performance against the Thunder—beating their rival for the second time this season. The hosts break down what makes the Spurs so effective right now, explore the shifting dynamics in their guard rotation, and debate if this is turning into an official rivalry. Other topics include the Mavericks’ big win over Denver and Dallas’s development with Cooper Flagg, concerns about the Hawks’ trajectory with Trae Young’s return, and a look ahead to possible Christmas Day fireworks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mavericks Beat Nuggets: Cooper Flagg’s Breakout (02:27–08:14)

• Cooper Flagg Shines:
  Flagg has flourished since moving into a more balanced role, culminating in a huge game (33 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists).
  • Quote: “The crazy thing is he's 19 years old. He had 33, 9 and 9. He's the youngest player, youngest player ever to put up those stats.” — Esper Henny (06:39)
• Better Teammate Fit:
  Mavs are playing more guards (Nemhardt, Brandon Williams), which lets Flagg expend more defensive energy and focus less on being a point guard first.
• Impact of Anthony Davis:
  Davis’ return has stabilized the team on both ends.
• Room for Growth:
  Flagg isn’t drawing many free throws yet, and the hype looks justified.
  • Quote: “Starting to believe the hype … the early struggles or whatever tainted what people think about him. But the guy right now …” — Dave DuFour (07:12)
• Stacked Rookie Class:
  Not just Flagg—Con Kanipple, Dylan Harper, Derrick Queen, and others look like future All-NBA guys.

[Timestamps]

• Flagg’s new role and development: 03:34–06:12
• Rookie class talk: 07:39

2. Denver Nuggets: Health and Depth Questions (08:14–10:40)

• Nuggets’ Shortcomings:
  Denver had a massive 47-point third quarter but was missing key starters (Cam Johnson injured) and depth is being tested.
• Jokic & Murray Overburdened:
  The two combined for 60 points and 28 assists, carrying an unsustainable offensive load.
  • Quote: “Every single thing that the Nuggets have going on offense is those two guys and oh yeah, Cam Johnson hurt his knee and now they're down a third starter.” — Dave DuFour (08:38)
• Depth Moves:
  Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, Strother, and Pickett cited as upgrade in bench depth.
• Christmas Day Preview:
  Nuggets to face the Timberwolves, who present a tough challenge.

[Timestamp]

• Nuggets’ injuries and depth talk: 09:32

3. Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young’s Return & Team Identity (10:41–13:32)

• Losing Skid:
  Hawks have lost four straight since Trae’s return—even giving up nearly 300 points in regulation in one game.
• Team Dynamics:
  Nikhil Alexander-Walker’s two-way play complemented lineup better in Trae’s absence.
• Fit Questions:
  Both hosts wonder if the offense needs more off-ball and collaborative play—Trae is “not as much of a collaborative player.”
  • Quote: “We talked about this when Trae went down … Nikhil Alexander Walker really plugs into that starting lineup very nicely. He does the two way play.” — Dave DuFour (11:39)
• Ceiling Remains Higher With Trae:
  Team’s offensive ceiling is at its best with Young, but they need more buy-in and off-ball movement from him.
  • Quote: “I think they'll actually be better. And truthfully, like you said, their ceiling is much higher when Trey is on this team.” — Esper Henny (12:41)

[Timestamp]

• Hawks lineups and Trae’s fit: 11:09–13:32

Main Segment: Spurs Beat Thunder… Again

Setting the Stage (16:41–17:40)

• Jared Weiss (Spurs Beat Reporter) joins after attending the game.
• Question: Have the Spurs ‘broken’ the Thunder?
  • Quote: “The Spurs are not better than the Thunder yet. Obviously not. Let's not be ridiculous. But this matchup is going their way.” — Jared Weiss (17:15)

Is This a Rivalry? (17:40–18:55)

• The Spurs have taken both contests with the Thunder this year, causing buzz about a new rivalry.
• Both teams’ staff and players downplay the rivalry narrative, but emotionally, something’s there.

Spurs’ Defensive Edge & Backcourt Depth (18:55–21:28)

• Defensive Pressure:
  Spurs pressured OKC in the fourth, took away every Thunder option but SGA and J-Dub.
• Bench Impact:
  Keldon Johnson scores 25 off the bench; discussion of Victor Wembanyama’s continued bench role (possibly sixth man of the year).
  • Quote: “If he wants six man of the year, he has to beat Keldon Johnson out, who actually might be the sixth man of the year right now. He had 25 points.” — Jared Weiss (19:07)
• Guards Driving Success:
  Rookie and sophomore backcourt (Harper, Castle, plus De’Aaron Fox) combine for aggressive defense, pressure in the paint, and elite playmaking.
• Egalitarian Offense:
  Even veteran Fox is part of a natural ball-sharing, unselfish system.
  • Quote: “I don’t really ever see them really having to sacrifice. It just kind of happens naturally that they spread the wealth really well, you know?” — Jared Weiss (24:00)

[Timestamps]

• Spurs defensive key vs. Thunder: 19:50–21:24
• Division of scoring/system: 21:24–24:27

Wembanyama’s Role & Spurs’ Identity (21:28–24:52)

• Wemby Coming Off Bench:
  Limited by injury, but his reduced role coincides with emergence of a team identity based on aggressive defense and guard penetration.
  • Quote: “They couldn’t make their offense happen the way they designed it until Wemby went down.” — Jared Weiss (22:45)
• How to Reinvolve Wemby:
  Question remains how to reincorporate Victor as he returns.

Atmosphere and “Rivalry” in the Arena (24:50–27:29)

• Fan Energy:
  San Antonio crowd extremely loud—“almost 110 decibels”—and ready to travel to OKC for Christmas.
• Rivalry Realness:
  Media and fans feel it more than players/coaches admit:
  • Quote: “We get to decide. We're the media. We get to tell you if it’s [a rivalry]. And then the fans get to decide if they agree.” — Jared Weiss (27:14)
  • “Don’t sleep on the Spurs winning on Christmas Day. I can feel it.” — Dave DuFour (28:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Esper Henny on Cooper Flagg (06:39): "The crazy thing is he's 19 years old. He had 33, 9 and 9. He's the youngest player, youngest player ever to put up those stats."
• Dave Dufour on Mavericks’ improvement (03:34): "All of a sudden this team looks like a real basketball team."
• Jared Weiss on Spurs' team-play (24:00): “It never feels like anyone's deferring on that team... It just kind of happens naturally that they spread the wealth really well.”
• Jared Weiss on San Antonio's home court (25:51): "It was, like, almost hitting 110 [decibels], which is, like, kind of dangerous, honestly."
• Dave DuFour on rivalry feeling (27:29): "I know. We're there, Jared. No, Dave is already there. Just say right now, we have a lot of... we have a lot of Spurs fans that listen to this show, and we have a lot of Thunder fans."

Key Timestamps

• Mavericks/Nuggets, Cooper Flagg discussion: 02:27–08:14
• Nuggets’ injury/depth concerns: 08:14–10:40
• Hawks/Trae Young: 10:41–13:32
• Spurs-Thunder, rivalry, Jared Weiss joins: 16:41–28:42

Tone & Takeaways

• The hosts keep the vibe conversational and lively, poking fun but also sharing sharp insights.
• Recurring theme: Young stars and rookie classes are dramatically impacting the NBA landscape.
• Spurs’ fanbase and new core are breathing new energy into the "rivalry" with the defending-champion Thunder.
• The show wraps with hosts eager to see if San Antonio keeps the heat turned up in their Christmas rematch.

Summary prepared for listeners who missed the episode—useful, detailed, and with the original energy & wit of the speakers.