Tensions within Redick’s Lakers | Warriors back to their old best?

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily: Tensions within Redick’s Lakers | Warriors Back to Their Old Best?

Release Date: November 7, 2024

Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni

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Introduction

On November 7, 2024, "The Athletic NBA Daily" delved into the latest NBA developments, focusing on internal tensions within the Los Angeles Lakers, the resurgence of the Golden State Warriors, and other significant game highlights. Hosted by Dave DuFour alongside analysts Zena Keita and Esfandiar Baraheni, the episode provided in-depth analysis, notable quotes, and expert insights to keep fans informed and engaged.

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Paul George’s Return and Sixers’ Struggles

The episode opened with a discussion on Paul George's return to face the Philadelphia 76ers. Analyst 1 noted, “Paul George making his Sixers debut at the Intuit Dome and getting blown out. Man, this was a dud” ([02:16]).

• Clippers vs. Sixers Breakdown: The Sixers suffered a heavy loss, with a final score of 110-98 against the Clippers. Analyst 1 attributed the deficit to the Clippers’ formidable defense, stating, “Clippers defense really shut him down” ([02:30]).

• Injuries Impacting the Sixers: The injury of Tyrese Maxey was highlighted as a significant blow for the Sixers. Analyst 2 commented, “Maxi getting hurt, it’s just like, how do I go from LA to Philadelphia?” ([03:45]).

• Clippers Fans’ Reaction: Tensions were evident as Clippers fans displayed signs saying “pg. Think before you speak,” reflecting mixed feelings about Paul George's tenure with the team. Analyst 1 remarked, “I don’t think Clippers fans really cared all that much” ([04:15]).

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Internal Tensions Within the Lakers

Transitioning to the Los Angeles Lakers, the conversation shifted to J.J. Redick’s dissatisfaction with his teammates’ performance.

• Redick’s Frustration with D'Angelo Russell: Redick expressed his frustration, claiming, “the only person out there really competing is LeBron. I didn’t like the level of compete that we were getting from D'Angelo Russell” ([05:10]).

• Coaching Challenges: Analyst 2 discussed the difficulties of Redick transitioning from player to coach, noting, “He still has the tendency of a player to be obsessive about the game itself” ([06:39]). This transition appears to be causing friction within the team dynamic.

• Performance Issues: D'Angelo Russell's poor performance was critiqued, with Analyst 2 stating, “He’s been outright terrible to start the year. 12 points, shooting like 37% from the field, 29% from three” ([06:39]).

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Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Controversial Call

The podcast addressed a contentious referee decision in the Denver Nuggets' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

• Controversial Foul Call: Analyst 1 argued, “Nicola Jokic gets fouled on what is, I have to say, did not look like a foul to me” ([08:34]).

• Replay Review Suggestion: Analyst 1 suggested that the play merited a replay, stating, “they go to the replay and the place challenge it” ([08:41]).

• Game Highlight: Peyton Watson’s remarkable block on SGA was praised as a pivotal moment that contributed to Denver’s win. Analyst 2 highlighted, “Peyton Watson getting that crazy block on SGA too. This was an awesome win for Denver” ([09:03]).

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Golden State Warriors’ Defensive Resurgence

A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to the Golden State Warriors, who are showing signs of returning to their dominant form.

• Recent Victory Over the Celtics: The Warriors secured a 118-112 win against the Boston Celtics. Analyst 1 praised the team’s defensive efforts, stating, “they held Boston to 40 points in the first half” ([12:43]).

• Steph Curry’s Early Return: Steph Curry’s return from an ankle injury was a focal point. Analyst 1 remarked, “Steph Curry came back in this game with about eight minutes to go” ([12:43]). His performance was deemed instrumental in securing the win.

• Defensive Strategy Enhancements: The addition of Jerry Stackhouse to the coaching staff was highlighted as a key factor in the Warriors’ improved defense. Analyst 2 mentioned, “Jerry Stackhouse... delivering a level of accountability that they say they haven’t had on the defensive end since Mike Brown” ([18:44]).

• Steve Kerr’s Coaching Approach: The hosts discussed Steve Kerr’s willingness to make bold decisions, such as benching key players to instill accountability. Analyst 1 criticized, “He’s chasing a win... coaching a really good opening” ([14:40]).

• Team Identity and Personnel: Emphasis was placed on the Warriors prioritizing defense over offense, with additions like Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson enhancing their defensive capabilities. Analyst 1 stated, “they just decided, and you saw it tonight, really go down 14 3” ([17:17]).

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Cleveland Cavaliers’ Historic Start

The Cavaliers’ impressive start to the season was another highlight of the episode.

• Record-Breaking Performance: The Cavs achieved a 9-0 start, a historic first for the franchise. Analyst 2 noted, “the Cavs first time in franchise history they start 9-0” ([20:57]).

• Strong Team Dynamics: Their balanced offense and defense were commended, with Analyst 1 adding, “they’re clicking on all cylinders” ([21:18]).

• Key Players’ Contributions: Kevin Durant's exceptional performance was underscored, with Analyst 2 praising him as “Mr. Clutch to start the season” and stating, “if the season were to end tomorrow, KD is my MVP” ([21:37]).

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Trey Young and Atlanta Hawks’ Performance

The rivalry between Trey Young and the New York Knicks was discussed, highlighting Trey Young’s aggressive playstyle.

• Trey Young’s Dominance: Analyst 1 observed, “Trey gets another win over New York” and emphasized his role in the Hawks' victories ([21:37]).

• Rookie Spotlight: Zachary Reisha Shay’s standout performance was highlighted as a potential Rookie of the Year contender. Analyst 1 boldly predicted, “That was the best rookie performance we’ve seen so far” ([23:38]).

• Hornets’ Buzzer Beater: Brandon Miller’s game-winning putback was celebrated as the first buzzer-beater of the season, marking an exciting moment for the Hornets ([23:38] - [24:30]).

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Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concluded with a recap of the day's significant events and a look ahead to upcoming games. The hosts encouraged listeners to engage via email and subscribe to additional content for comprehensive NBA coverage.

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Notable Quotes

• Analyst 1: “Paul George making his Sixers debut at the Intuit Dome and getting blown out. Man, this was a dud.” ([02:16])

• Analyst 2: “Maxi getting hurt, it’s just like, how do I go from LA to Philadelphia?” ([03:45])

• Analyst 1: “Nicola Jokic gets fouled on what is, I have to say, did not look like a foul to me.” ([08:34])

• Analyst 2: “Jerry Stackhouse... delivering a level of accountability that they say they haven’t had on the defensive end since Mike Brown.” ([18:44])

• Analyst 2: “Kevin Durant right now, if the season were to end tomorrow, would be my MVP.” ([21:37])

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Final Remarks

Dave DuFour and the team of analysts provided a comprehensive overview of the NBA's current landscape, addressing team dynamics, player performances, and coaching strategies. The episode effectively captured the tensions and triumphs shaping the season, offering valuable insights for both avid fans and casual listeners.

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For more detailed coverage and in-depth analysis, visit The Athletic.

Transcript

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[Podcast Host]

Good.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Morning and welcome to the NBA Daily for November 7, 2024. Coming up, Paul George returns to face the Clipp. The Lakers are having some internal division. We've got a controversial call in Denver that gives them a win and we get Anthony Slater to talk about the warriors big win over the Celtics. Good morning everybody. Good morning S guys. Wow, what another crazy night in the NBA. The NBA just like loaded up the schedule post election day thankfully and we had what I am calling animosity night in the NBA. S Right now it feels like nobody likes each other and I actually think that's kind of cool. That's how sports is supposed to work. We had Paul George making his Sixers debut at into a dome and getting blown out. Man, this was a dud. Much like Paul George's time with the Clippers. They. They really, they, you know, the, the Clippers put a hurting on them. The final score was 110, 98, but it really wasn't all that close. Clippers defense really shut him down. And I think the worst thing to happen in this game, you know, if you're the Sixers, isn't just the loss, is that man, Tyrese Maxey seems to have injured his hamstring in this game. So again, this is a very Paul George Clippers game for the Sixers in the Intuit Dome.

[NBA Analyst 2]

It must feel like Groundhog's Day for Paul George right now. Between the embiid injury and now Maxi getting hurt, it's just like, how do I go from LA to Philadelphia? And it's just the same story. But that being said, yeah, the Maxi injury hurts a lot, right? They officially listed it as hamstring soreness. We'll see how that elevates and we'll see inevitably what that ends up being. But on the PG front, I feel like this is silly from the Clippers perspective, turning their backs.

[NBA Analyst 1]

I don't understand the Clippers fans during the game, they turn their backs on PG and they had a sign that said pg. Think before you speak. I'm not sure. Again, Paul George wasn't there that long. It's not like he's some, you know, all time great for this franchise or anything like that. I don't think Clippers fans really cared all that much. And the Clippers didn't even offer the same money. They don't want him.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Yeah, that, that's the part that's baffling to me. It's like this was the Clippers decision to not bring Paul George, right? This was not Paul George saying, I'm leaving, I'm out the door. No, this wasn't anything like that. Doesn't make sense.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Yeah. So the booze, listen, they were half hearted booze at best. You know what I mean? Because again, I just felt like Clippers fans couldn't chin up enough feeling about it. You know, there was a tribute video.

[NBA Analyst 2]

He's the guy who led them to the Western Conference finals for the first time. Congratulations.

[NBA Analyst 1]

But like, well, all right, we got to talk about the Lakers. And you know, normally, you know, this is kind of a podcast trope, right? We always have to talk about the Lakers. Lakers this is an odd one, because the Lakers got blown out, and that's why we got to talk about them. Look, Memphis just handed him. Handed it to him. 131, Ward, 114, John Morant. Just crazy. They had no answer for him. You know, Jaren Jackson was really, really good in this game. No, Anthony Davis for the Lakers. LeBron in this game, I mean, he plays just a tremendous amount of minutes in what equates to a blowout. Plays 35 minutes, scores 39 points after the game. JJ Red.

[NBA Analyst 2]

A lot of animosity. Yeah.

[NBA Analyst 1]

JJ Redick was not happy. They. They essentially benched D'Angelo Russell during this game. He only plays 22 minutes after the game. JJ Redick is saying, you know, the only person out there really competing is LeBron. I didn't like the level of. Of compete that we were getting from D'Angelo Russell. That's why he didn't get back out there. He was throwing shots before the game at guys who were playing minutes and not getting up shots. Listen, this is very, very early in his coaching career to be doing this, much less his tenure. I have this feeling that he's, like, coaching the game a little too heavily and not thinking enough about the season. You got to think about the Forest, man. Yeah, yeah.

[NBA Analyst 2]

I mean, look, that. That's what comes with the territory of bringing on a player coach. Right. Because they get so. They still have the tendency of a player to be obsessive about the game itself. And so when that goes haywire, it builds and it has that level of frustration. And, you know, we talked to Jovan Buha last week where he's. He actually saw JJ become actively mad in one of the press conferences after their loss, I believe, against the Cavaliers. And so there's this. You could tell that he still is a player in his heart. Right. And so some of these moments might hit him a little bit more than it should for a coach who's still trying to figure things out. I will say, though, he's not wrong about D'Angelo Russell. He's been outright terrible to start the year. 12 points, shooting like 37% from the field, 29% from three. It's just been like. It's been bad for DLO and for a team that is already lacking in the shooting department, having one of their, quote, unquote, best shooters not be able to hit their shots. I don't.

[Podcast Host]

I don't.

[NBA Analyst 2]

I don't blame J.J. really, for calling. You know what I mean?

[NBA Analyst 1]

Yes. But also, there's a. There's A right and a wrong way to do things. I just think it's divisive for your team. You know, your ego is not your amigo, especially if you're going to be a basketball coach. I just think you gotta, you know, just, just chill out just a little bit. You don't need a good sound bite. Ask Doc Rivers how these sound bites work out. We gotta get to the game tonight. Last night S because I, I, I don't know what we were expecting. The, the Nuggets are just, they're shorthanded right now. They had no Jamal Murray, no Aaron Gordon. And I mean this was a, this was a huge problem for them against the Thunder. And the Thunder already seemed like they had their number after that opening night win. And it looked like it again in this game. But the Nuggets just gutted this one out. They had a 40 point third quarter and they come back and win at 1:24, 1:22. We're going to start at the finish though.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Nicola Jokic gets fouled on what is, I have to say, did not look like a foul to me.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Hand is part of the ball handle.

[NBA Analyst 1]

That's right. Alex Caruso, he, you know, the, the Nuggets are up. Jokic end of shot clock has to take a heave essentially like just a desperation shot from top of the key. Alex Caruso contests high fives and when they contest, Jokic gets a bailout foul call. In my opinion, they go to the replay and the place challenge it.

[NBA Analyst 2]

That's, that's the thing that's bizarre to me is, you know, I think the, the ruling always is hand is a part of the ball. And so if there's any level of contact with the hand, I've seen it typically be overturned not and for that to stand. I wonder if there was something else on the play that they saw contact wise maybe with the body. But yeah, that was bizarre. And then the finish, the finish at the end with Peyton Watson getting that crazy block on SGA too. This was, this was an awesome win for Denver who is trying to figure out the machinations of like what their bench looks like. Russell Westbrook had a great game. 29 points and the box score.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Peepers are going to see the negative plus minus for him. But you got to go back and watch, watch the game when they were getting blown out. He was the only thing working totally.

[NBA Analyst 2]

He was, he set the tone like he was pushing it in transition. Especially against like how good of a defense the Oklahoma City Thunder are. You want to push in transition to not see them set. So he was setting the tone for them. I thought Michael Porter Jr. Had a good game, too.

[NBA Analyst 1]

It was.

[NBA Analyst 2]

It was a pretty crazy game. Overall, I will say maybe the injuries are a blessing in disguise. Maybe. Maybe this is like their way of figuring out how this team works.

[NBA Analyst 1]

If they lost this game, would you have said the exact same thing? Fair.

[NBA Analyst 2]

That's fair.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Definitely not. Coming up after the break, we got Anthony Slater to talk about the warriors. And they're seven one, start, five, and oh, on the road for the first time since the 20152016 season. S. I smell this conference finals run. I think you called it. I think we're on one. We said the other day that the warriors are off to a great start, but we haven't seen them play anybody. Well, last night they beat the Celtics 118 to 112. I guess you could say they played somebody. They beat somebody. So we got somebody. Anthony Slater, our beat reporter that covers the warriors, the Kings. I mean, you're writing about Oklahoma City, but you were in the Garden last night to watch the warriors beat the Celtics. What were your initial impressions on what I think we could all classify as a statement win this early in the season?

[Podcast Host]

Well, I've had a few worries. People be like, hey, Houston's pretty good. Can you give us that Houston win? Like, does that not count?

[NBA Analyst 1]

No way. No.

[NBA Analyst 2]

But they fought off the comeback. They fought off the comeback, right?

[Podcast Host]

I did, but that is the point I made to moms. Like, you did blow a 31 point lead in that game. And then they're like, no. Steph Draymond fouls out. Pajemski fouls out. It was a good win. The Houston one was good. This one was better. This one was more impressive. Boston, you know, without Jaylen Brown, without Porzingis, this wasn't like full throttle Boston. There was a lot more rotation places you could pick at, but they held Boston to 40 points in the first half. And then they went down 7 in the fourth quarter. You know, talking to Draymond Green post game and Looney a little bit too. Like the Houston game when. When Houston came back and tied it and actually took a one point lead in that fourth. And then this game tonight, when, you know they play a good game, we would all golf clap if they had lost that game in the fourth quarter. Said, hey, they look pretty good. You know, warriors are solid, but they lose that game last year and they were agreeing like, we don't come back. We don't survive that onslaught in Houston or in Boston and come back and win the game. So what they did down the stretch was impressive. There are a lot of reasons for it. The depths, the defense, which we talked about. And then just like Looney, for example, just looks slimmer and better this year. He has two huge putbacks. Gary Payton, how good was he in his burst stretch today? Physically, he couldn't have done that last season. So there's just a lot of things going. Right.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Also, I, I want to point out, you know, Steph Curry came back in this game with about eight minutes to go.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[NBA Analyst 1]

And that's a little early for Steve Kerr in the rotation. You know, typically and especially I'm thinking coming back from an injury, I'm guessing we're not going to be seeing Steph until like the six minute mark, but I thought that was instrumental and it worked out. The end of the game, you know, you got a couple of like some, some delays on calls or whatever. So whatever the rest issue you might have dealt with with Steph, I thought wasn't a concern. But he looks great coming back from the ankle injury.

[Podcast Host]

It was really the first game of the season he's looked great, which by the way is the first game of the season he's played 30 minutes because they blow out Portland and Utah and he doesn't even have to play the fourth quarter. And then they're playing this 12 man rotation and then he sprains his ankle twice in the third game. The Clippers game misses three games, comes back in D.C. and it's. I don't think they were trying to necessarily disrespect the Wizards with this, but it was clear Steph almost was using that Wizards game as a tune up for tonight, even after the game's like, Yeah, I played 24 minutes tonight, but that was so I could play 30 plus against Boston. And yeah, I mean, they went a little bit more normal star rotation, which I, you know, Steve Kerr's always been willing to do that to go chase down a win. Right. That's the warriors fan base favorite Steve Kerr phrase. Are they. Is he chasing a win tonight or not? He chased it and you know, again, we can get into a bunch of things. I think Steve Kerr is coaching a really good opening.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Was it a revenge game? Right.

[Podcast Host]

He was. His pregame press conference was something here. It was super sarcastic against the Boston fans almost being like, yeah, you know, maybe they should cheer me. You know, I only won a gold medal for the country and got three of their players gold medals. Right. You know, does Derek White matter? Does Drew all matter, by the way. There was four. Four Celtics fans. I don't know if they. It seemed a little barstool type. They were.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Oh, they were all wearing the Team usa.

[Salesperson]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

All wearing in, like, a seat down from Steve Kerr. I was like, that's. That's excellent from Boston fans.

[NBA Analyst 1]

But sure, I've been. I've been toying with the idea that Steve Kerr has gotten a Team USA coaching bump, and part of it is actually benching Tatum.

[Podcast Host]

I.

[NBA Analyst 1]

That's got to be a little bit empowering to say, hey, Jason Tatum's one of the best players in the world, and I'm going to sit him down and it's the right thing to do, and then you win a gold medal. I mean, you know what?

[Podcast Host]

Jonathan Kaminga, I think you can come off.

[NBA Analyst 1]

That's right.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Actually, that's something I want to ask. So Buddy Healed is on fire to start the year. They move Kaminga to the bench. They're just. They're leading the league in bench points this season just by a mile and a half. First, obviously, the Steve Kerr element of being empowered to do that. But second, like, what is it about the fact that they can just plug and play anybody and it'll work in that system that they run?

[Podcast Host]

I think they have become better over the last few years of specifically going after guys that will fit in the system. It isn't that everyone can. Because Kelly, we've seen it.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Not.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, certainly did not. There's, you know, there's scar tissue for, you know, James Wiseman, to be honest. Like, Kaminga does it really now. Kaminga does a lot of stuff that they really need. They're, you know, he won him the Houston game because people found out and they're like, they need a bucket room somewhere. Kaminga's individual skill kind of got them that win. But Buddy Healed was a guy they for years have thought would work perfectly as the kind of the movement shooter, Clay 2.0, whatever you want to call him. Email said he's basically is doing all the Clay Thompson stuff the other day after they played him. He's look, he's just scorching hot right now. Also, I think he's like 50 from 3 on high volume. That won't continue, but he's having a good time. He's really compared to the Philadelphia days where I don't think they were just passing to him that often, and they certainly weren't using him in movement ways that he prefers to play in. He's like, glowing about, like, how fun it is to play with Steph Curry, how fun it is to play in the system. And it does seem to fit him. And yeah, he's. He's shooting the hell out.

[NBA Analyst 1]

So this defense, they held the Celtics to 40 points in the, in the first half of this game. Obviously the second half. Look, the Celtics, they have a system and they are getting up threes. That's a. Another story for another day that the warriors weren't able to keep pa. Keep pace with the Celtics in three point attempts, but they were able to make the looks tough. They were able to cut off the inside. I mean, what's the difference between last year's defense and this year's defense? Because I saw this in the preseason and I've seen it so far this season. I think they're going to be a top five defense when it all shakes out, as long as they can stay healthy with their guys. But what's the big difference in your mind?

[Podcast Host]

Personnel. They would tell you that, too. They're trying to tell you that. And subtler ways that isn't, you know, taking shots at two hall of Famers. Because you were talking about last year, they had a lot of Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, Steph Curry lineups, and she couldn't stay in front of the ball. I mean, that's been like. When you ask them, hey, what's the biggest difference? It's like we just kept getting beat off the dribble last year. And then it's rotation, rotation, swing, swing, three. You know, we haven't even barely seen much DE Anthony Melton, but he's going to be a big help to them. Kyle Anderson, Gary Payton is healthy, as I mentioned, Looney looks healthy. Draymond's engaged. They're starting Draymond next to a center. Trace Jackson, Davis, which they decided very late last season. It's just a must. He wants it. Draymond prefers to play with the center next to him, protecting the rim so he can roam. And they're prioritizing defense over offense. I think they're going to have offensive issues at various points this season, but they've just decided, and you saw it tonight, really go down 14 3. Yep. They just kind of drag their way back into it because Boston went scoreless for five minutes, five straight minutes. And it's like, it's not like they were just, oh, wow, they shot back into it because Steph, you know, got nuclear. It's just like they just kept getting stopped. So that is what they want their identity to be. And. And they added this summer with that in mind, you know, particularly Melton and Kyle Anderson. Pajemski is a really good, like, team defender. They're just playing better defenders. Then the other thing I will say, because they keep talking about it. Jerry Stackhouse, they hired him away.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Interesting.

[Podcast Host]

From the college and he's fired up on the sidelines and he's delivering a level of accountability that they say they haven't had on the defensive end since Mike Brown. You know, implementing a.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Well, new voices in the room. Right. Like, it's good.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. No, I mean, he's. He's different than the other warriors coaches. He carries the level of like, oh, wow, that's Jerry Stackhouse over there. And also he's kind of yelling at people.

[NBA Analyst 2]

You could hear him on the broadcast yelling.

[Podcast Host]

It's.

[NBA Analyst 2]

It's very loud.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Hey, that's a good thing. Listen, sometimes those guys, you know, you got to get into him a little bit. Although I don't know if you got to ever yell at Steph Curry.

[Podcast Host]

It's funny you say that because my lead of my story tonight is going to be a second quarter turnover. When they were up four, that Steph Curry just flung a terrible pass upcourt. There was a no chance it gets picked off. Celtics bring it back, hit a three, and Steve Kerr yells at Steph Curry, lights into him, calls timeout. He's yelling at him in the huddle because they've spent all offseason saying we are not who we used to be. We don't have Kevin Durant. We can't just turn it over 18 times, but win by 18 because we're so much better than everyone. We need to win in the margins. And those are the plays that they're demanding that Stefan Draymond cut out. So I say that because you said you can't yell at Steph Curry.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Yeah, just don't kill the joy. That's all that matters to me. Anthony Slater, go and read him over at the Athletic. He's got literally all the coverage that you need if you. If you love the Warriors. So go and check that out. Coming up after the break, the Cavs are undefeated. And we had a couple of firsts for the NBA season. Somehow lost in the shuffle just because, you know, it's the Cleveland Cavaliers and they've been rolling to start the year. The Cavs moved to nine and oh, surviving a early first half scare where they were actually losing by quite a bit. S. They. They beat the Pelicans. The Pelicans lost Zion for a little bit in this game. Seems to have dodged injury. I think he took a knee to the quad. But you know the Cavs rolling nine and oh yeah, first of all, the.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Pels can't sustain another injury that would just be brutal for them. So glad Z. Okay, but look, the Cavs first time in franchise history they're start starting 9 0. I believe it was 8. 0 since the 197677 season. So this is historic on all fronts for them. They're clicking on all cylinders. One of the best offenses, one of the best defenses just absolutely rolling so far in the regulation.

[NBA Analyst 1]

And look, speaking of rolling, we talked about him on the show yesterday. Kevin Durant just continues to roll his, his late game performances. This guy is Mr. Clutch to start the season. The Suns are now 7 1. They beat the Miami Heat. Feel like you got a bold take that you can get off your chest.

[NBA Analyst 2]

I do. And you know what? Like it is eight games in but we're doing podcasting for a reason, you know what I mean? So look, Kevin Durant right now, if the season were to end tomorrow, would be my mvp. To your point about the clutch stuff, he's one of the best clutch players in the league this season. Plus 4.7 in the clutch, shooting a ridiculous 67% from the field. Had another dagger tonight against Miami. He's averaging 27 points this year on a ridiculous 55, 42, 81 shooting splits playing defense on the other end. This is a guy who's coming off like a crazy Team USA season or summer and now also like leading the Suns to this incredible start. So yes, if the season were to end tomorrow, KD is my mp.

[NBA Analyst 1]

It's crazy to me what these old guys are doing. I, I'm just, it's just, it's, it's astounding. I hope they can keep it up all year. Nixon Hawks, which has become a rivalry really just Trey Young versus New York exists. Well, Trey gets another win over New York. 121 to 116. And then after the game, man, Trey, he has really embraced this villain role when it comes to the Knicks. And he said he's like, look, the Knicks fans are getting out of here fast as. But look, not to be lost in this, we had a career night for the, you know, number one draft pick, Zachary Reisha Shay. He becomes the fourth youngest player in NBA history to score 30 plus points and have no turnovers. I mean this guy is kind of the missing piece for them. Like I told you how much I liked Atlanta coming into the year. Yeah, him, Jalen Johnson had another great game. I mean coming off the bench is incredible. I mean, yeah. Ooh, they're doing stuff there. It's still a play in team but at least they're fun. Yeah.

[NBA Analyst 2]

And they're missing a couple guys. Like Kobe Buffkin isn't playing for them. Bogdan Bogdanovich isn't playing for them right now. Deandre Hunter isn't playing for them right now. Like they're still missing a few guys too. And so. So I kind of agree that they're frisky. For what it's worth about Reese's Shay, I think that was the best rookie performance we've seen so far this year.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Rookie of the Year. I mean, let me make a bold prediction. That's my rookie of the year so far. Way too early. Rookie of the Year not to steal your thunder on the KD thing. We also we had our first buzzer beater. Yes. Last night. Brandon Miller gets a game winning put back off a Lamelo ball miss to to bring the Hornets over the Pistons. Man, I gotta tell you, you know what? The Pistons went for a quack two in this. They did a quick two at the end of the game. They were down three.

[Podcast Host]

It worked.

[NBA Analyst 1]

They were down three. Jaden Ivy takes it in, gets a layup.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[NBA Analyst 1]

And with 20 seconds left, they're down one. Okay. It worked for them because they did wind up with the lead.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Which they did.

[NBA Analyst 2]

Holland.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Yeah, immediately. Ron Holland makes a great play. They blow that immediately. But Brandon Miller gets the game winner. Our first buzzer beater. That was fun. That was a great way to start off this day. Yeah.

[NBA Analyst 2]

And Lamelo was just hitting some crazy shots in that fourth quarter. Like step back after step back. The three point shooting like when he gets on a roll like that. It's incredible. One thing I'll say, I was ready. I was very ready to come to you with a. Pistons have won three games in a row for the first time since April of 2022. They failed me. They failed me.

[NBA Analyst 1]

Probably not going to happen anytime this season. That's going to do it for today's show, folks. Thank you guys for listening. Don't forget, shoot us your emails at NBA daily@the athletic.com and go and subscribe to the Bounce. My buddy Zach Harper writes the best basketball newsletter on the Internet. For esperaheny, I'm Dave Dufour and this has been the NBA Daily. Thanks for waking up with us.

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Hey guys. Welcome to Giggly Squad, a place where.

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We make fun of everything but most importantly ourselves.

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I'm Paige desorbo.

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I'm Hannah Burner.

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Welcome to the squad.

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Giggly Squad started on Summer House when we were giggling during an inappropriate time.

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But of course we can't be managed.

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So we decided to start this podcast to continue giggling.

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Listen to Giggly Squad on ACAST or wherever you get your podcasts.

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