The Athletic NBA Daily | February 2, 2026

Episode Title: Thunder strike down Nuggets + All Star Reserves
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni

Main Theme

This episode delivers a detailed recap and analysis of the Oklahoma City Thunder's statement win over the Denver Nuggets, breaks down the 2026 NBA All-Star reserves—including notable snubs and controversies—and discusses recent NBA trades and their implications ahead of the trade deadline. The hosts maintain a lively, humorous, and insightful tone throughout, blending sharp basketball insight with friendly banter.

Key Topics & Segments

Thunder Beat Nuggets: OKC’s Statement Win

[01:54 – 11:02]

• Shea Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Case

  • SGA exploded for 34 points and 13 assists, slicing up Denver’s defense and showcasing “superstar gravity.”
  • Dave Dufour: “This was a game where Shay Gilgeous-Alexander came out looking like he was trying to seal the deal on the MVP award... He was on another level last night.” (01:54)

• Thunder’s Offense Clicks

  • OKC shot 19/48 from three. SGA’s gravity freed up shooters like Cason Wallace (7 threes), Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins.
  • Zena K: “Just how many guys he pulled, which allowed Case and Wallace to go off, which allowed Isaiah Joe to get those open threes. That... is another way you showcase why you are the most valuable player.” (02:40)
  • S. Baraheni: “When they go 19 of 48, when they take more threes than the Nuggets, that is a big equation too… This is how you show OKC can be one of the best offenses in the NBA.” (03:47)

• Defensive Gameplan on Jokic

  • Lou Dort and physical team defense pestered Jokic, causing 6 turnovers and limiting his shot attempts (just two in the first half).
  • Dave Dufour: “It was like bees, you know, let’s just send two or three guys at him... they caught him early.” (06:25)
  • S. Baraheni: “Six turnovers for Jokic... they weren’t able to get him the ball as frequently as they could. OKC is the number one defense in the league.” (07:06)
  • Denver missing 3 starters (Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon) didn’t help.

• Denver’s Out-of-Rhythm Offense

  • Jamal Murray and Jokic were held to 16 and 12 points, respectively. Peyton Watson had 29, but hosts question if that’s sustainable.
  • Dave Dufour: “If Peyton Watson can give you 29 a night against us in a playoff series, we’re gonna watch him do it.” (08:26)

• Potential Playoff Rematch

  • Hopes for both teams to be healthy come playoffs, curious to see if OKC’s style can hold up in a full-strength series.

All-Star Reserves Announced: Discussion & Snubs

[11:02 – 16:50]

• East & West Reserves
  • East: Scotty Barnes, Jalen Duren, Jalen Johnson, Donovan Mitchell, Norm Powell (first-timer), Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns
  • West: Deni Avdija, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, LeBron James (22nd time), Jamal Murray
• Kawhi Leonard Snub Debate
  • Dave Dufour: “Kawhi Leonard not making the All Star reserves, I do believe is a controversy.” (11:43)
  • S. Baraheni: “LeBron has played less games than Kawhi... Kawhi, this year, 27 points... over last 20 games averaging about 30.” (13:12)
  • Consensus: Kawhi deserved a spot, but the problem is, “Who do you take out?” (Zena K, 12:41)
• LeBron’s Lifetime Achievement Nod
  • Hosts acknowledge LeBron’s iconic status but argue that on performance, Kawhi had a better year.
  • S. Baraheni: “I agree with the lifetime achievement award that LeBron James is getting here... but if this was all fair and just, Kawhi Leonard would be in the All Star Game.” (14:00)
• Injury Replacements & Format Confusion
  • Questions on Giannis’ replacement as he’ll sit out; Embiid seen as an obvious snub but dogged by availability concerns.
  • S. Baraheni: “There is at least a case for Embiid to be in this conversation... just depends if you think the availability is enough compared to other guys.” (14:53)
• Other Snubs
  • Brandon Ingram’s case discussed; hosts ultimately see his numbers/downside (“efficiency is down, turnovers are higher”—S. Baraheni, 15:59) as not quite enough for selection.
  • Surprised that no Clipper made the All-Star team despite their strong run (16–4 in last 20 games).

Trade Deadline Moves & Analysis

[19:46 – 27:17]

• Keon Ellis / DeAndre Hunter / Cavs-Kings-Bulls Trade Breakdown
  • Cavs receive Dennis Schröder & Keon Ellis (described as possibly the most valuable trade asset for his contract/production combo); Kings get DeAndre Hunter; Bulls acquire Dario Šarić and picks.
  • S. Baraheni: “This is the most Sacramento Kings trade of all time... they helped the Cavs save money, got themselves deeper into the luxury tax... for a worse player in DeAndre Hunter.” (21:30)
  • Keon Ellis deemed a great fit to address Cavs’ 3-and-D need.
  • Kings’ logic is questioned. “Not only did you mess up your present, you mess up your future...” (Zena K, 23:28)
• Hawks-Blazers Minor Trade
  • Hawks send Vít Krejčí to Portland for Duop Reath (out for season) and picks.
  • Purely a cap/move roster bookkeeping trade. “Feels like Portland already has a lot of guys that need minutes.” (Dave Dufour, 24:44)
  • Also opens up a potential roster spot in Atlanta to convert Christian Koloko’s contract. Zena expresses excitement for Koloko’s potential fit.
• Paul George PED Suspension
  • 25-game suspension, eligible to return March 25. Helps Sixers financially ($6 million in tax savings).
  • Dave Dufour: “For Paul George, it’s just kind of like if he can come back and be the same guy he’s been so far—good. If he can’t, then I think Philly is still going to be okay.” (27:51)
  • Debate over whether this affects PG’s Hall of Fame case; consensus is it won’t (“I don’t think it’s going to have any effect whatsoever.”—Dave Dufour, 29:19)
  • Empathy for Paul George’s situation and mental health, hoping for a strong return.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On SGA’s dominance:
  • "He was on another level last night."
    — Dave Dufour (01:54)
• On OKC’s math game:
  • "They did the math last night, right? It worked for them."
    — Dave Dufour (03:17)
• On Denver’s lack of aggression:
  • "I would have loved to see him come out and try to set the tone by being aggressive..."
    — Dave Dufour on Jokic (05:05)
• On Kings’ confusing deadline strategy:
  • "This is the most Sacramento Kings trade of all time. What are we doing?... Kangs is fully back."
    — S. Baraheni (21:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Thunder-Nuggets recap: 01:54–11:02
• All-Star Reserve Announcements & Snubs: 11:02–16:50
• Trade Deadline News (Keon Ellis, Kings/Cavs/Bulls): 19:46–23:28
• Smaller Trades & Cap Moves: 23:59–26:22
• Paul George Suspension & Implications: 26:30–29:49

Conclusion

This episode seamlessly blends analysis of the league’s biggest storylines: the answer SGA and the Thunder delivered to the reigning champs, All-Star selection debates and controversies (esp. Kawhi and Embiid left out), and a practical look at how trades are shaping contenders and oddballs alike (Sacramento, we’re looking at you). The hosts deliver expert insight, stats, and some sharp humor—perfect for staying on top of NBA drama as the trade deadline approaches.