The Athletic NBA Daily – December 3, 2025
Episode: Who are the Knicks trying to be?
Host: Dave DeFore
Guests: Law Murray, Esperahenny, James Edwards
Main Focus: Knicks’ identity crisis after a strange loss to the Celtics, Clippers’ Chris Paul departure, Thunder’s historic start, Raptors’ development, and Jalen Brown’s breakout.
Episode Overview
This episode dives into several top NBA storylines, with a sharp focus on the New York Knicks’ shifting identity after a confusing loss to the Boston Celtics. The team analyzes what the Knicks’ real calling card is, their offensive reinvention, and defensive concerns, while also breaking down Chris Paul's confusing exit from the Clippers, the Thunder’s remarkable run, and the evolution of the Raptors and Jaylen Brown.
Clippers & Chris Paul: Sudden (and Strange) Departure
[02:04 – 08:48]
- Law Murray reports live on the breaking news: Chris Paul and the LA Clippers are surprisingly parting ways mid-season.
- Chris Paul’s tenure with the Clippers felt like a “retirement tour,” yet ended without ceremony or clarity.
- Law details CP3’s unusual absence from media and games, failed tributes, and his cryptic Instagram post about “leeway.”
Notable Quote
“This is as unceremonious as it gets. I think the word ‘unceremonious’ might have to be redefined.”
— Law Murray [05:36]
- Clippers’ repeated patterns of treating stars poorly draws comparisons to Blake Griffin’s late-night trade after signing a contract.
- Dave DeFore: “This is one of the more disrespectful things I can remember a team doing to a player, period.” [07:35]
- Law & Dave note dysfunction within the Clippers’ organization: “It’s like a train wreck. We’re all going to watch it, right?” [08:48]
NBA Recap: Thunder’s Grit, Warriors Battle, & Historic Start
[09:17 – 12:14]
- Thunder vs. Warriors: OKC stretches to an NBA-best 21–1 record in a surprisingly tough game against a shorthanded Warriors team.
- Pat Spencer and unexpected contributions from Seth Curry highlight the Warriors’ fight without Steph.
- Draymond Green’s three-pointers shift momentum, but the Thunder finish strong behind SGA.
Notable Quote
“It’s all fun and games until Draymond’s hitting threes, and then all of a sudden, that’s when things start to happen.”
— Dave DeFore [10:47]
- Thunder’s winning streak is compared to the famed 2015–16 Warriors.
- Next tough test: Phoenix in the NBA Cup quarters for a potentially record-tying 24–1 mark.
Raptors’ Rising Star: Scottie Barnes’ Leap
[12:14 – 16:11]
- Esperahenny shares in-person impressions of the Raptors’ comeback win and Scottie Barnes’ growth.
- Barnes praised for top-tier defense (deflections, steals, blocks) and newfound offensive poise.
- The “game has slowed down” for Barnes; more physical, more decisive, now an All-Star level contributor.
Notable Quote
“He’s more assertive. He’s figuring out what kind of player he wants to be. He’s not necessarily forcing a bunch of three-point and midrange shots… He’s looking like an All-Star this year and the Raptors look good because of it.”
— Esperahenny [13:39]
- Raptors’ coaching staff deserves credit for fostering Barnes’ player development.
Feature: Who Are the Knicks Trying to Be?
[20:44 – 34:00]
The Knicks’ Baffling Loss to Boston
- Dave and James Edwards dissect the Knicks’ identity crisis following their hot start and second-half collapse vs. the Celtics.
Key Discussion Points
- Knicks started strong offensively, then lost all momentum when Boston’s defense adjusted.
- James Edwards: Defensive inconsistency is glaring, especially on the road; team lost cohesion and discipline.
“It was a team that was doing everything right. And then it just felt like… there was just frustration there that led to them getting out of what they were.”
— James Edwards [22:44]
- Egos and Frustration: Specific moment where Towns forced things instead of making the right play (missed an open Josh Hart).
- Knicks offense: multiple options (Towns as hub, Hart as initiator, Brunson more off-ball), but still searching for chemistry and identity under new coach Mike Brown.
Grace Period or Growing Pains?
- Esperahenny asks if the Knicks deserve patience as systems evolve; James concedes some grace but notes urgency as season approaches 20 games.
“Are we approaching that period [past a grace period]? I think so…There’s been inconsistency offensively.”
— James Edwards [24:44]
- Knicks’ offensive identity is clear, but defense lags; concern about how far offensive prowess alone can take them, especially in playoff environments where defense matters most.
Defensive Issues and Playoff Questions
- Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are liabilities in crunch-time lineups; opponents exploit them, as Boston did.
- Knicks’ repeated struggles vs. top defensive teams prompted the shift to Mike Brown, seeking a more creative, adaptable attack.
- Dave highlights the importance of “defense travels” on the road—role players don’t shoot as well away, so defense is vital.
“Whatever the offense is, if they’re scoring 150 a game, okay, they don’t have to defend, but they’re not doing that. So you know, what does it look like?”
— Dave DeFore [27:18]
- OG Anunoby’s absence matters, but even at full strength, there are persistent defensive holes.
Ranking the Knicks in the East
- James ranks the Knicks’ ceiling highest in the East based on talent, but warns the fit is still in question.
“I think the door is open for the Knicks again to get to the Eastern Conference finals because they have the firepower and they have one of the best players in the world. But…they can put up stinkers too.”
— James Edwards [33:22]
Boston’s Jaylen Brown: “Bag of the Year”
[34:00 – 35:42]
- Jaylen Brown outduels the Knicks with his third 40-point game, showcasing “mid-range bag” and greater patience/processing as a scorer.
- His handle still isn’t elite, but reads and control have improved.
“He’s really turned the corner with his processing.”
— James Edwards [34:31]
- Brown currently boasts the best midrange efficiency in the NBA.
Fun and Final Thoughts
[35:42 – End]
- The crew muses about the NBA Cup, with James still unenthusiastic until it brings in G League or European teams.
- Playful banter about how G League squads would dominate the NCAA tournament, final jokes about Wizards potentially losing to college teams.
- James previews upcoming features for The Athletic: a detailed look at the Knicks’ crazy loss and Mike Brown’s open-door coaching policy.
Memorable Quotes
-
On the Knicks’ identity:
“It was the best of the Knicks. It was the worst of the Knicks.”
— James Edwards [22:44] -
On the East’s uncertainty:
“I don’t know if any team in the east scares any team in the West.”
— James Edwards [32:25] -
On the NBA Cup’s value:
“I’ll never respect the Cup, man…until they add the G League teams or…Wow.”
— James Edwards [37:39]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Clippers & Chris Paul drama – 02:04 – 08:48
- Thunder’s big win, historic start – 09:17 – 12:14
- Raptors/Scottie Barnes leap – 12:14 – 16:11
- Knicks’ identity crisis/Celtics loss – 20:44 – 34:00
- Jaylen Brown scoring breakout – 34:00 – 35:42
- NBA Cup/G League debate & wrap – 35:42 – End
Summary Takeaway
This episode spotlights NBA teams at crossroads—chief among them, the Knicks wrestling with their true identity following a collapse against the Celtics. While their offensive ceiling is high, defensive cracks persist, making their championship dream murky. Meanwhile, the Clippers make a head-scratching move with Chris Paul, and Jaylen Brown and Scottie Barnes continue their ascensions. The East is wide open, the Thunder keep winning, and the league continues to be wildly unpredictable.