The Ringer NBA Show | Real Ones

Episode: "Shai Shines in Thunder's Thriller Win. Plus, Jayson Tatum’s Return."
Date: March 10, 2026
Hosts: Logan Murdoch, Raja Bell, Howard Beck
Producer/Contributors: Cliff (Boards), Victoria (Video)

Episode Overview

This episode features Logan, Raja, and Howard dissecting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s statement performance in the Thunder's dramatic win over the Nuggets, discussing his MVP case, and analyzing the crowded MVP race. The show later pivots to Jayson Tatum's comeback from injury for the Boston Celtics, what it means for their playoff hopes, and how the rest of the league stacks up approaching the postseason. The mailbag tackles questions about the Warriors' future, “dog” teams, and historical injury comebacks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Moment & Thunder’s Statement Win

Shai’s Monster Night and MVP Narrative

• Recap: SGA posted 35 points, 9 rebounds, 15 assists, and hit two clutch threes to edge the Nuggets, tying Wilt Chamberlain’s record with his 126th consecutive 20+ point game.
• Christian Braun's Post-Game Quote: “I think he busted my ass tonight, and it's kind of what it is… he made the shot in the big moment. He made a couple of them. So I know I'm gonna see him again. I’m going to play him in the playoffs. I'm very confident he got the better of me of this matchup.” (04:44)
• This game highlighted Shai’s unique ability to elevate both statistically and as a leader, especially under pressure.

Raja’s Take: SGA’s Game & What He Proved

• “He didn't prove anything to me last night. I mean he's in, in my opinion, he's the best player in the NBA.” (05:38)
• Raja emphasized SGA’s efficiency, cerebral control, and his uncanny ability to shift gears as a scorer and facilitator. Naming him perhaps “the best closer in the game.”

Howard’s Perspective: Signature Games & MVP Framing

• Howard pushed back on the notion that one game locks up the MVP:
  “It's all bullshit. All of that is bullshit. I'm telling you, as somebody who has voted for MVP for most of the last 29 years, I don't vote based on at least me. I can't speak for everybody else. It's not about a signature game, and it's not about going head to head against the other guy who's in the running for mvp.” (07:15)
• Howard highlighted recency bias and the weight of narrative but said real MVP cases are built on season-long resume and team performance.

The MVP Field & the 65-Game Rule

• Discussion about SGA’s lead in recent straw polls (ESPN Feb 20: 78 first-place votes vs. Jokic’s 18).
• The importance of eligibility rules (player must play 65 games), impacting SGA, Jokic, and Wemby.

2. Defining the MVP Debate: Team Success vs. Individual Excellence

How Far Can Jokic or Wemby Chase SGA?

• Logan: “I can't put [Jokic] ahead of Wimby nor sga...I think Denver has to go on a real big run right now...” (11:05)
• The crew agreed that for Jokic to have a real MVP shot, the Nuggets would have to surge in standings, possibly to a top-3 seed.

The Role of Team Success in MVP

• Howard: “I'm not putting the guy in the top line of the MVP ballot if his team is sixth in their conference...it's always been a blend of both [excellence and team success], and I still believe in that.” (14:24)
• They discussed Russell Westbrook’s MVP year as a precedent for players outside the top 2/3 seeds.

Nuggets’ Current State & Outlook

• The Nuggets are a “mystery” team due to injuries but remain a playoff threat if recouped.

SGA’s Unique Leadership

• Logan: “He is able to calm the team down and make other players play above themselves. And I think that's what all the great players have.”
• Raja: “He's the ultimate fire extinguisher...he's just as good as anybody in the league at all, putting out that fire real quick.” (23:08)

3. Jayson Tatum’s Return: Substance Over Style

Observations from Tatum’s First Games Back

• The crew dissected Tatum’s performances, noting flashes of his old self but cautioning his burst and explosion were not fully back.
• Raja: “I don't think you're winning the chip [with him at this level]. And so I then said that I don't know that the reward was worth, worth the risk. Like, I'm still standing on that.” (32:27)
• Logan: “He's still not fully back… that easy dunk for Jayson Tatum” became a missed opportunity, showing how far he is from pre-injury form.

Human Response Around Tatum

• Howard highlighted the emotion and support from league peers:
  “The coolest thing about these last two games has been the way everyone else has reacted to him. James Harden and other guys, like opponents, you know, dabbing him up before the game.” (35:42)
• Tatum is “just so happy to be back out here” (Howard, 36:41).

What Tatum Can and Can't Do Right Now

• Positives: Keeps attacking, not tentative about contact.
• Limitations: 75%-90% athleticism, lacking full explosiveness (Howard, 38:38).
• “He is a net plus…if we’re gauging the success of his return…it’s just been really great to see.” (Howard, 39:30)

Celtics’ Reality & Path Forward

• Logan: “Let the game come to him a little bit more…pick his spots a little more as his legs come back” (40:51)
• Raja warned teams might force Tatum to be the scorer, testing if he can regain his game-tilting shot creation.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Christian Braun on defending SGA:
  “I think he busted my ass tonight, and it's kind of what it is.” (04:44)
• Howard on MVP narratives:
  “All of that is bullshit. I'm telling you, as somebody who has voted for MVP… It's not about a signature game…” (07:15)
• Logan on SGA’s leadership:
  “He is able to calm the team down and make other players play above themselves.” (12:01)
• Raja on SGA:
  “He's the ultimate fire extinguisher…putting out that fire real quick.” (23:08)
• Raja on Tatum:
  “I don't think you're winning the chip…if you're going to risk something like that…would be worth it at that point.” (32:27)
• Howard on Tatum’s mindset:
  “He does not look tentative to me…as you would expect from a guy coming back from an Achilles 10 months later, the athleticism…the burst is maybe 90% of where we're used to it being.” (38:38)
• Howard on aging legends:
  “Anytime you get a chance to watch [Steph] hoop, enjoy that.” (54:17)
• Howard on Dominique Wilkins’ Achilles comeback:
  “He was for a time. But some combination of the Achilles and his age made that very short lived.” (69:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start | |-------------------------------------------|-------------| | Opening banter and pod craft | 01:24 | | SGA’s MVP statement game recap | 03:44 | | SGA as best player/closer & MVP resumes | 05:38 | | Team success in MVP race | 11:05 | | Jokic, Wemby, and MVP criteria | 14:24 | | Nuggets & Thunder as playoff threats | 20:26 | | SGA’s calm and leadership qualities | 23:08 | | Denver’s injury/health outlook | 25:22 | | Lead-out for MVP race | 28:26 | | Celtics: Tatum’s injury return | 32:19 | | Tatum’s limitations and next steps | 35:42 | | Tatum’s current impact and advice | 39:30 | | Mailbag begins (Warriors, “dog” teams) | 49:38 | | Warriors: To tank or not? | 52:46 | | Most “dog” teams in the NBA | 58:03 | | Dominique Wilkins injury-comeback debate | 65:31 |

Mailbag Highlights

Should the Warriors Tank and Sit Steph?

• Logan: Doesn't want Steph shut down, craves seeing him play meaningful games.
• Howard: Understands the temptation for draft positioning, but emphasizes “basketball purity” in watching legends compete. (54:17)

Which Team Has the Most “Dog”?

• Knicks are a prime candidate, but their “dog” level may have peaked a couple postseasons ago. (62:13)
• San Antonio and Detroit cited as tough, competitive teams despite record.
• “Some of [having dog] has to do with winning the game.” (60:37 - Raja)

Dominique Wilkins’ Achilles Recovery Legacy

• Listener wonders why Wilkins isn’t referenced more in discussions about Tatum's comeback.
• Logan: Wilkins' return was once the standard, but volume of Achilles injuries and younger listeners means it's less referenced now. (65:31)
• Howard: Wilkins was spectacular for two years post-injury but declined due to age/Achilles combo. Notes historical context. (69:33)

Style, Tone, and Atmosphere

The tone is irreverent, highly conversational, and honest—mixing deep hoops analysis with candid personal admissions and plenty of self-aware inside jokes. The banter is good-natured, and the hosts admit their biases and historical perspective, always rooting their discussion in firsthand reporting or lived NBA experience.

Summary for the Uninitiated

This episode provides a sharp, nuanced assessment of the MVP race headlined by SGA’s otherworldly play and what it means for the Thunder’s playoff equity. The hosts explain why “signature moments” are only part of a season-long MVP case—keep an eye on team results and the 65-game requirement! The Celtics’ hopes hinge on how fully Jayson Tatum recovers, with explanations of what he’s already contributing and what he may never fully regain this season. The mailbag spotlights Warriors’ team-building decisions and what defines a “dog” team in today’s NBA.

Whether you’re wondering if SGA is truly the NBA’s best or curious about the hidden layers behind a superstar’s return from injury, this episode delivers depth, perspective, and a heavy dose of entertainment.