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Host 1
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Xena
Good morning and welcome to the athletic NBA Daily. Coming up, we've got Kelly Eco here to talk about the Rockets, who were surging and not so surging anymore after losing to the Nuggets. We're going to be doing a game of something, Nothing or Everything since Dave isn't here and we wanted to take over the show. Good morning, everybody. Xena, how you doing? Good morning to you. No, Dave, it feels feels a little strange here, but I know we're going to try to keep it similar to the vibes, right, because we're bringing back a segment everybody loves, which is something, nothing or everything. Let's recap this weekend by doing that. Okay, so the Cleveland Cavaliers have lost four of their last five. They beat the Utah Jazz on Sunday. But that's no real great thing, if you will. That's not a feather in your cap. So they've lost four in a row outside of Sunday. They lost the Magic, the Clippers, Kings and Sons. Is that something, nothing or everything?
Kelly Eco
I want to say it's nothing only because I've seen teams have skids at the end of the year. And it's like, is this going to be an indication on the fact that this is a team that's had 12 game winning streaks three times this season, 15 game winning streaks two times this season. However, in those four games, there were a few things I noticed. Number one, the Cavs have struggled against perimeter physicality, particularly the Magic. And the Clippers were giving it to their guards outside in terms of just bumping up against them. And. And Mitchell struggled, Garland struggled. And so very curious on that. Also, if Donovan Mitchell isn't producing. Yeah, that offense looks suspect. So that's something to me. I'm looking at those four games and that's something to me. What about you?
Xena
Yeah, I think it is something. I actually like the fact that they are dealing with this adversity. It's good to get punched in the mouth, you know, when you're a team that is winning and rolling like they were, it kind of feels like nothing can kind of make you feel anything. But losing these games, especially towards the late, later half of the season, it makes you rethink if you have everything figured out, especially for a young team like that that's heading into the playoffs, don't want to get over confident, feel a little humbled, you know what I mean?
Kelly Eco
Yeah.
Xena
Okay. We'll see. The Cavs are fine. Don't worry about the Cleveland Cavaliers. They're all right. Okay. Team that's trying to be all right is the Phoenix Suns. They are winners of three in a row. One of those wins against the Cavaliers, you know, they also beat the Raptors and Bulls, which again, not, not the greatest wins, but still wins if you're, if you're the Suns trying to get into that 10 seed in the play, and they did. KD dropped 42 points.
Kelly Eco
Yes, he did.
Xena
Is that something, nothing or everything? Are the Suns figuring things out?
Kelly Eco
That's. I gotta say nothing. I gotta say nothing. I'm like Kevin Durant putting on a masterclass like that, as Devin Booker called it.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, that's.
Kelly Eco
That's normal. Like, don't get me wrong, we cannot regular. You know, it's not. It's not regular in the sense that it's not impressive. It's just like we've come to expect this out of Kevin Durant.
Host 2
Right.
Kelly Eco
And so him putting on this masterclass to be able to beat the Cavs, them surging at the end of the year in a desperation move to get into the play in like it's almost expected. Of course Phoenix would try to put their last foot effort or the last ditch effort to try and get into the play in and play at the level that we've all expected them to play all season. So I'm not going to say too too much. I want to see what happens in the play in. Are they able to get those through those two kind of death matches and get into the playoffs? Then I'm like, all right, maybe it's something. But right now, Kevin Durant being amazing, surreal. Kevin Durant feels weird to say nothing, but it's like, all right, I mean, this is who he is.
Xena
It's kind of expected, right? This is exactly what they're supposed to do against that, right? Yeah, exactly. I think it is something just for the fact that they're playing their rookies again. Oso Iguidaro is finally playing back in the rotation. He played 44 minutes against Cleveland. Ryan Dunn also back in the rotation. And it's clear that their defense cents is better because of those guys.
Kelly Eco
Correct.
Xena
So I think it might be something. I don't think it's too much of something. I'm going to give it like a 25% something on the something meter. But this is something for sure. LeBron James back with the Los Angeles Lakers. He returned versus the Chicago Bulls. They didn't have the greatest game though. The lakers gave up 146 points to the Chicago Bulls. LeBron played 31 minutes, had 17 points, six rebounds of four assists. Rui Hachimora also returned. So LeBron coming back. Xena, I'm assuming something, nothing, everything for the LA Lakers.
Kelly Eco
I'm going to say everything. Everyone knows what LeBron James brings in terms of a calmness out there on the floor. And even Lucas said this in the post game, like he knows. And even with him being the person that's been leading this defense without LeBron, he's been averaging 31 points. He's been putting up ridiculous performances. But even he knows that when LeBron James is out there, it's his team. There is a natural rhythm to the way that they play. They just. He adds a little bit more poise for the Lakers overall. And so I think it's everything that LeBron is back, especially at this juncture in the season when the Lakers are trying to solidify their position in the playoffs, not playing particularly in the playoffs, and then avoid a matchup with OKC to enter the season or, excuse me, enter the playoffs.
Xena
Yeah, that 2 to 5 range and 6 range kind of for the playoffs right now in the west is, is the best playoff race there is for the next couple of weeks between the Nuggets, Rockets, Lakers, maybe even the warriors creeping up in there, depending on Steph Curry's health. We'll see what happens there. But yeah, this game versus Chicago just felt like a team that was just getting back to full strength and was getting used to the fact that they were playing a different style of basketball. Now you insert two guys who are so important to what they do, there's going to be a bit of a feel out process. I'm not worried at all by the Lakers losing this game to the Bulls, but I kind of want to talk about it from Chicago side too. So The Bulls are ninth in the east now. They've been in that 910 for pretty much the entire year. They love that play in basketball. And modest Bouz Ellis, their rookie, who by the way, if you didn't know the Bulls broadcast is trying to use Lil Boozy Vert as his nickname. Yes, let's make it happen. Yes, let's make it happen.
Kelly Eco
I like it.
Xena
I had to give credit to that because I thought that was awesome. He had his career high. He had 31 points against the Lakers. A lot of Bulls balled out. Kobe White had 36 points. Josh Giddey basically almost had a quadruple double, 15 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists and eight steals. So the Bulls and this, this is a little bit different of a something, nothing or everything because there's no take here. But this Bulls team, a lot of their fans always want them to tank, to bottom out. And rightfully so, to be honest with you. I think they have a case for the fact that they've had some bad decision making situations going on for that team over the last three or five seasons. Right?
Kelly Eco
Sure, sure.
Xena
But does them being fun, is that something, nothing or everything? Can a team just be fun, Zena?
Kelly Eco
I think it's everything because of the dog days of the season right now. Like they're March basketball, right? It's March basketball, which is so hilarious because obviously it's the opposite. In the college sphere, March madness is a real thing. But right now, March for the NBA is always a drag. And the way that Chicago is playing is the complete opposite of that. I mean Lil Boozy Vert is so apt. I hate it. But I love it at the same time because I mean Mattis Roselles has a 40 inch vertical at 6:10. He is a high flyer, he plays above the brim. But he's also like this, this shot creator. He handles the ball well. He, he moves really well in transition and I love my favorite part of this story is that he is a hometown product. Like the Bulls were in his backyard growing up. And so it's really dope to see him put on this performance for his hometown team, especially alongside these other kind of flashy players. I don't want very flashy players. And Kobe White and then Josh Giddy, who I think everyone that watched him at OKC knew what he was capable of, but wasn't sure if it would translate to Chicago. And it absolutely has. In his last 10 games, he's had nine triple doubles. Excuse me, double doubles, two of which were triple doubles. He's just constantly playmaking, constantly finding a way to like, get the Bulls offensively going. And so I, I think it's everything right now. As a fan. I love watching them. It's fun. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Xena
I think it's something just because, like, if you're a Bulls fan, you have to be looking forward to watching this team play. They're fun. If you turn on a Bulls game, like if we do league pass rankings, I would probably have the Bulls in my top 10 because they're just fun to watch. Offensively, they run like crazy. They are the best transition teams in the league. And to your point, Bou Zelis is a lot is a big part of that because he's this athlete and he can utilize that ATH in transition. He's also great at driving the ball. He just, he needs to get stronger. That's the one thing about Brazilis. But he'll get there. Very, very intriguing. Yeah, he'll get there. Okay. The one game from Sunday night, that was awesome. Which was the Clippers losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder. No Jalen Williams, no chet Holmgren for OKC. They now move to 59 and 12, one win away from 60 and 12. They've never had a 60 win season. That is. To me, that's crazy.
Kelly Eco
Yeah, that's. That's huge.
Xena
For the fact that's everything. Absolutely it is. Want to talk about the Clippers side, though? Because before this loss, they had won five in a row. Kawhi, in his last 11 games, is averaging 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, doing so efficiently. And Xena, I kind of feel like the boy who cried wolf here because every season I go in saying, am I going to believe in the LA Clippers, but are they going to stay healthy? And I have thought, oh, well, Kawhi is back, the Clippers are back every single year. And I'm at the point where I've just accepted the fact that I'm the boy who cried wolf. And I have to ask you this because I think it's something. I think the fact that the Clippers are playing good basketball recently is something. And the fact that it's leading to the playoffs and they're, they're fighting for the six seed in the west and all that type of stuff, that is something to me. Their defense is something to me.
Kelly Eco
Absolutely.
Xena
I want to believe in this team, but the health and the injuries. I know hold me back. Do you believe. Is it something, nothing or everything?
Kelly Eco
No, it's something. It absolutely is something. And I think, I mean, you're absolutely right. The aspect of Kawhi, particularly his health, is huge.
Xena
Yep.
Kelly Eco
However, he spent a significant more time out this year being very cognizant about this particular portion of the season, being able to come back and making sure that he was ready. Right. His team, the Clippers, did a phenomenal job of blocking out the noise of what's going to happen with Kawhi and not sending him out there too early. And so now you're seeing a Kawhi that looks healthy, that's moving really well, that's fighting well against pressure, which you saw. OKC was incredibly physical with them on Sunday night. And you know, Kawhi in that high post area, you know, was really maneuvering pretty well around that and that's where I was. I was a little shaky of what's those turnaround fader jumpers going to look like with two people trapping them or trying to, you know, swarm them. And he looked really good. So I do agree with you in that this has been a factor. What I'll say is Kawhi looks really good, but there's also other elements to the Clippers totally have elevated. Zubots to me is number one Zubots. His game, particularly the connection he has with James Harden. But his game in general has elevated to another level. You add in Bogdan Bogdanovich, who's been phenomenal for them since the trade from Atlanta, great fill in for Terrence Mann, and then you add in the defense of Chris Dunn and there's all of these factors and elements coming together to play that I don't know if the Clippers have had recently. I mean, yes, Amir Coffey was shooting before and you know, Derek Jones Jr. Has been a great high flying alley type of player and they also can hit the wing three. But I feel like all of these elements about their defense and their like, their capacity for offense is on another level this year and that like especially now with quies back and I feel pretty confident about it. So I think it's something.
Xena
Yeah, the defense is interesting because they were just switching against OKC tonight and living with the consequences and like that's a team that you throw in. Nick Btoom, you mentioned some of their other wings like, like you, you're fine with done switching on anybody and he did a great job against SGA tonight. So Clippers surging for sure. By the way, it wasn't 60 wins for OKC. They've won 60. They've never won more than 60. So if they get 61, that's historic for them. A good win for them tonight. Okay, coming up we're going to talk to Kelly Eco about the Rockets who lost to the Nuggets with Jamal Murray and DeAndre Jordan. Well, Xena, the NBA Daily Curse struck again. It was and I'm sorry, Kelly. The Houston Rockets, we thought we were going to talk about a 10 game winning streak here, but they lose to the Denver Nuggets without Nicola Jokic. It was the Jamal Murray and DeAndre Jordan show. What happened tonight in this game, do you think that that kind of forced the Rockets to lose this one?
Andrew Schlecht
I think if you boil it down, it comes down to a older, experienced team like the Denver Nuggets that have been to the NBA Finals, that have been in those championship, you know, settings, understanding what it takes to get a victory, you know, in a high pressure situation. And you know, the Rockets, obviously, everyone knows that they like to control the offensive glass, they like to attack teams in transition. So what Denver did was they, they were more efficient with their second chance opportunities. They outscored them 20 to 10 in those second chance opportunities. And in transition, Denver has been one of the, I think their top five all year in transition. And they outscored Houston 14 points to zero. So their defense was elite in being able to get back and match Houston's physicality and speed, which came out at a surprise obviously because this is a ruckus team that have been playing arguably the best basketball in the NBA over the last two weeks. Now, granted, yeah, over that nine game winning streak they had beaten teams that were all under.500. But in terms of not being able to play down to your competition and trying to take care of business while you're trying to, you know, in the tight seeding race for the number two seed in the Western Conference, they look like the team that, you know, were in full control of their future. And then after tonight, you know, now it looks like it's going to be anyone's game for the number two seed.
Kelly Eco
I'm kind of laughing at like all the winning win streaks that have happened in the west have been against teams that weren't that great. It's like, how much did we really learn? But you talk about, you know, the transition aspect and particularly the Rockets wanting to control the offensive glass. I'm looking at that double big lineup, of course, that helps him in that capacity, but could have been a hindrance to them going the other way. How much do you think that that double big lineup with Shangun and Adams, Stephen Adams in the middle, was a help or a hindrance?
Andrew Schlecht
So I think tonight it might have been a hindrance. And just because, you know, Denver almost played into the narrative that they're going to embrace playing slower, they're going to embrace taking more ownership of these possessions. And the whole point of the double big lineup and Steven Adams and Alpi is to double down on physicality but also control the glass. And, you know, it's hard to imagine that in 2025, DeAndre Jordan was the one that was being the enforcer, you know, both ends of the floor. But, you know, you know, for the Rockets that don't have that Jamal Murray type or a go to guy, they have to find advantages wherever they can. And one of those in game advantages is a double big lineup. Even if you want to go as far as calling it the three man with Jabari Smith, you know, if they want to go supersize, you know, in the front court. But it's all about trying to find advantages. I just think that tonight they ran into a much smarter team, a much more, much more prepared team in Denver. That's understanding where exactly they want to go to over these last 10 or 12 games. And the Rockets just got caught slipping.
Xena
Yeah, it feels like youth is obviously a huge part of this Rocket season, but it feels like people are dismissing them and their postseason chances because of that youth. How do you think they look at that internally?
Andrew Schlecht
Well, you know, you know, if you're around these guys, you know that their, their ego is through the roof and they're, they're a very prideful bunch. They embrace that, you know, underdog mentality, you know, having been where they came from over the last couple years, just to be in this position alone is enough to be a success story. But in terms of, you know, actually trying to make a deep run and trying to see yourself, you know, the Western Conference finals, the second round, I think it's going to have to take them embracing defeats and Going through these lessons against teams like Denver, against teams like the Lakers, against teams like Golden State, to understand that, you know, while they are a very good team, there's a difference in terms of, you know, having that go to guy like a Jamal Murray that we saw had 39 points on efficient shooting. And then you have guys in Houston where you preach this equal opportunity offense, which is great from, you know, October to March, but we've seen time and time again the teams that go far, they have a hierarchy, they have an understanding, they have an ecosystem, no pun intended. They understand what needs to happen on any possession to get the best shot possible. And until they get to that point, or until they either either go trade for a guy that can be that alpha or just find someone to take that leap, you're going to have nights like this. And then, you know, come next month, whenever the playoffs roll around, they might be, you know, first round out, but it might even, even if it's a six or seven game series, I just don't think they have enough, as currently constructed to make a deep run.
Kelly Eco
Ooh, you hit on two things we want to talk about one, the playoffs, but also who they could get this offseason as. I'll let you ask that question. I want to ask about this playoff month coming up and particularly those teams that have the hierarchies. Because when I'm looking at the six to seven, I mean, yeah, six, seven, eight. I mean, the warriors have a system. I think the Clippers have a system. They have veterans, too. Right?
Andrew Schlecht
Right.
Kelly Eco
What's the team in your, in your. As you're looking at that. That standings, who's a team that the Houston Rockets absolutely should not want to face off against?
Andrew Schlecht
Golden State? Whatever you can do. Whatever you can do to. I think they're my. They're my.
Xena
They're my dark versus the roc.
Andrew Schlecht
They're my dark horse. There's something about Steph, something about Jimmy Butler in the playoffs. I don't think you want to get those guys in this building again because of the trauma he's given Rockets fans over the years. And now you add in Jimmy Butler, who's from Tomball, by the way, was down. Was down the road. A guy that can come in and who's tried and tested in those playoff games. I don't think you want to see them at all. I don't want. If, if I'm Houston, I don't think you want to see the Lakers at all either. Because that dual system of Luka and LeBron is just it's just like trying to construct a defense around it. It can be a scary thing to approach even teams like Minnesota, like we've seen Anthony Edwards and what he's done in the playoffs. You add a Randle, you add a Nas Reed, who the Rockets have historically struggled against. There are a lot of teams that if I'm the Rockets, I don't want to face in the playoffs because this is a numbers game. This is a matchup game. And you've seen over the years, these older, experienced teams, they have these gamesmanship. Well, they'll arrest guys, they'll sit guys out as a means to kind of figure out where they want to be after the dust settles. So I think for the Rockets now, if I'm them, and I'm going to be honest with myself, I know there are at least four or five teams I don't want to see in the first round. So if you're trying to make a deep run, you might have to go the gamesman route.
Xena
Yeah, I was about to say four or five teams is a lot. You're gonna have to try to gauge that. You know, I mean, the only team I'm only.
Andrew Schlecht
I'm only looking at Memphis.
Xena
Memphis, right.
Andrew Schlecht
Yeah, that's probably a gimme. I don't want to see Kawhi and James. James being back home. It's a lot of things that can go wrong for them.
Xena
Completely agree. Look, I mean the season is already access a success. To your point, like you've said it, this is the playoff series and being potentially a 2 seed is just a cherry on top. They're going into a really important summer though. Potentially resigning Fred Van Vliet. There's obviously the rumors of potentially chasing after Devin Booker or Kevin Durant owning those Suns picks. How much does this next month of playoff basketball determine? How aggressive they are in the summer for going out and maybe making an upgrade?
Andrew Schlecht
I think a lot. I think this is the summer, I think. I mean, I think this is the playoff run that's going to determine everything. Because if these last three or four years have been about collecting information and seeing, you know, what sticks, what needs to stay, what needs to be, you know, molded or mended, I think it's clear anybody watching this team that they need a go to guy in the half court. Right, right. And the Phoenix connection has been there all year long because of the leverage that they have over their future in terms of their picks and everything. And you know, the rumors about Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and those are guys that, you know they've looked at for a while.
Kelly Eco
Right.
Andrew Schlecht
But, you know, it all comes down to what they do in the playoffs because if you're, if you're looking at it long term. You mentioned the Fred thing. I think from everything I've heard, Fred wants to be here for a long time. So if you have that sorted out now, you're looking at where do you want to go in terms of. You have a log jam at the fourth position, you have a log jam at guard. You have to at some point, you know, figure out who is that guy. And then. And the list is. The list is short. Like for a long time. For a long time it was Devin Booker or Donovan Mitchell, you know, as far as their prime, like, targets. But obviously Donovan's not going anywhere because he's in a great situation. The only thing that you can look at is what happens with Phoenix. And this is why the playoffs are so fascinating, because there's a situation where, you know, Phoenix could sneak into that playing somehow, some way, maybe get the eight seeds, the seventh seed and play Houston round one. And now that would be a fascinating storyline because of the implications for the future. But, you know, if I'm the Rockets, I'm definitely keeping them, you know, on speed dial because like I said, you have leverage over their immediate future because, you know, everything has gone to. To. To shit, you know, for Phoenix this season. So I think just in terms of that leverage and that and that flexibility, they should be in a good spot to, to. To assess what happens after the playoffs and come back to the table and figure out the best way to move forward.
Xena
Yeah, I feel like it won't be the first last time we talk about the Houston Rockets this summer. That's probably what's going to happen. Go read Kelly Eco at the Athletic. Always great, great work, Kelly. Thank you so much. Xena, thank you very much. Thank you to Andrew Schlecht for hopping on with us. As always, thank you for listening to the Athletic NBA Daily. As always, we'll see you guys next time. Peace out.
Host 3
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The Athletic NBA Daily: Episode Summary - "The Cavs Slide + Houston’s Playoff Prep"
Release Date: March 24, 2025
In this engaging episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Xena Keita and Kelly Eco delve deep into the current state of several NBA teams, focusing primarily on the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent struggles and the Houston Rockets' playoff preparations. Additionally, they explore the performances of the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Clippers. The episode features insightful analysis, notable quotes with timestamps, and expert opinions that provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the unfolding NBA narratives.
Overview: The Cleveland Cavaliers have faced a challenging stretch, losing four of their last five games despite a recent victory over the Utah Jazz.
Key Points:
Recent Performance: The Cavaliers' inconsistency is highlighted by their four consecutive losses following the win against Utah Jazz on Sunday. Their defeats came against the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and the San Antonio Spurs.
Team Struggles: Kelly Eco points out, “[05:36] Kelly Eco: I want to say it's nothing only because I've seen teams have skids at the end of the year... However, in those four games, there were a few things I noticed. Number one, the Cavs have struggled against perimeter physicality... Mitchell struggled, Garland struggled.”
Analysis: Kelly suggests that while the Cavaliers' current slump is concerning, it doesn't necessarily spell disaster. Their ability to secure victories has been hampered by defensive issues, particularly against perimeter play, and inconsistent performances from key players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Xena adds a contrasting perspective:
Conclusion: While the Cavaliers are experiencing a rough patch, the hosts maintain optimism about the team's resilience and potential to bounce back as they approach the playoff season.
Overview: The Phoenix Suns are on a winning streak, bolstered by an exceptional performance from Kevin Durant.
Key Points:
Winning Streak: The Suns have won three consecutive games, including victories over the Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Chicago Bulls. Notably, Kevin Durant dropped 42 points in their latest win.
Durant’s Impact: Kelly Eco remarks, “[07:35] Kelly Eco: Kevin Durant putting on a masterclass like that... he is putting on this masterclass to be able to beat the Cavs.”
Analysis: The hosts discuss whether the Suns’ recent success is significant or expected. Kelly assesses it as “nothing” in the sense that Durant’s high-level play has been anticipated. However, Xena introduces nuance by noting the integration of rookies and improvements in defense:
Conclusion: While Kevin Durant’s performances are impressive, the Suns' success is also attributed to the integration of young talent and enhanced defensive strategies, making their current form a combination of expected excellence and emerging potential.
Overview: The discussion shifts to the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting LeBron James' return, and the Chicago Bulls' unexpected vigor against the Lakers.
Key Points:
LeBron James Returns: LeBron returned to the Lakers lineup, playing 31 minutes and contributing 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists in their loss to the Bulls.
Bulls' Performance: The Bulls secured a victory with standout performances from rookie Modestas "Lil Boozy" Vert, Kobe White (36 points), and Josh Giddey almost achieving a quadruple-double (15 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists, and eight steals).
Notable Quote: Kelly comments on LeBron’s impact: “[09:24] Kelly Eco: ...LeBron James brings in terms of a calmness out there on the floor... there is a natural rhythm to the way that they play.”
Analysis: Kelly classifies LeBron’s return as “everything,” emphasizing the stabilizing presence he brings to the Lakers. Conversely, the Bulls’ unexpected performance is a mix of fun and competitiveness, proving to be a significant "everything" in terms of entertainment and potential playoff implications.
Bulls’ Fun Factor: “[12:04] Xena: But does them being fun, is that something, nothing or everything? Can a team just be fun, Zena?”
Kelly’s Perspective: “[12:15] Kelly Eco: I think it's everything because of the dog days of the season right now... Mattis Roselles has a 40 inch vertical... Josh Giddy... constant playmaking... it's everything right now.”
Conclusion: LeBron’s re-entry into the Lakers lineup is crucial for their playoff aspirations, bringing much-needed stability. Meanwhile, the Bulls’ surprising and entertaining performances inject excitement into the season, positioning them as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference.
Overview: The Clippers are striving to secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference, led by Kawhi Leonard’s resurgence and improved team dynamics.
Key Points:
Clippers’ Performance: Despite a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Clippers previously enjoyed a five-game winning streak. Kawhi Leonard has been averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and six assists over the last 11 games.
Team Dynamics: Kelly highlights the elevation of players like Zubots, who has developed strong chemistry with James Harden, and the contributions of Bogdan Bogdanovich and Chris Dunn on defense.
Notable Quote: Kelly discusses Kawhi’s impact: “[16:01] Kelly Eco: ...He spent significant more time out this year being very cognizant about this particular portion of the season... he looked really good.”
Analysis: While the Clippers show promise with their improved defense and offensive efficiency, concerns about Kawhi Leonard’s health persist. Kelly affirms that despite these concerns, the overall team performance justifies categorizing their current state as “something” positive.
Conclusion: The Clippers are on an upward trajectory, with key players stepping up their performances. However, ongoing concerns about player health, particularly Kawhi Leonard’s, remain a critical factor in their quest for a playoff spot.
Overview: The Houston Rockets face a setback with a loss to the Denver Nuggets, prompting discussions on their playoff readiness and potential offseason moves.
Key Points:
Game Analysis: The Rockets lost to the Nuggets without Nikola Jokić, relying heavily on Jamal Murray and DeAndre Jordan’s performances.
Transition and Defense Issues: Andrew Schlecht explains, “[19:07] Andrew Schlecht: ...Denver has been one of the, I think their top five all year in transition... their defense was elite in being able to get back and match Houston's physicality and speed.”
Roster Decisions: Kelly questions the effectiveness of the Rockets' double big lineup, consisting of Stephen Adams and DeAndre Jordan, suggesting it may have hindered their performance against a smarter, more prepared Denver team.
Notable Quotes:
Kelly on the double big lineup: “[20:29] Kelly Eco: ...the Rockets wanting to control the offensive glass... could have been a hindrance.”
Andrew on playoff matchups: “[24:34] Andrew Schlecht: ...Golden State is my dark horse. There's something about Steph, something about Jimmy Butler in the playoffs.”
Analysis: The Rockets’ youth and lack of a definitive star player are seen as significant challenges in their playoff aspirations. Andrew emphasizes the need for a go-to scorer and a more structured offensive system to compete against established teams.
Playoff Matchups: The hosts discuss potential first-round opponents the Rockets would prefer to avoid, such as the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, citing their experienced rosters and strategic play.
Future Moves: The conversation shifts to the upcoming offseason, where the Rockets may need to acquire a key player (e.g., Devin Booker or Kevin Durant) to bolster their lineup and enhance their playoff prospects.
Conclusion: The Rockets are at a crossroads, needing to address structural weaknesses and consider strategic acquisitions to improve their chances in the postseason. The hosts suggest that without significant changes, the Rockets may struggle to advance far in the playoffs.
The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the importance of the upcoming weeks for playoff positioning and the critical decisions teams must make to secure their future. They emphasize the interconnectedness of team performance, player health, and strategic acquisitions in determining the final playoff landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Cavaliers' Resilience: Despite recent losses, the Cavaliers have the potential to recover and make a strong playoff push.
Suns' Balanced Success: The combination of veteran leadership and young talent positions the Suns as serious contenders.
Lakers' Stability with LeBron: LeBron’s return is a pivotal factor for the Lakers’ postseason success.
Clippers' Promising Upside: Improved team dynamics and defense make the Clippers a team to watch, provided health remains stable.
Rockets' Critical Juncture: The Rockets must address fundamental issues and consider key acquisitions to enhance their playoff viability.
This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily offers a thorough analysis of current NBA dynamics, providing listeners with expert insights and nuanced perspectives on team performances and future prospects. Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated follower, the hosts deliver a rich and engaging discussion that encapsulates the essence of the NBA's evolving landscape.