Nikola Jokic is the best player in the NBA and we have our national writer at the Athletic Fred Katz to discuss some nuances in his approach and game. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss Fred’s article on Nikola Jokic and what other players in the NBA are saying about his game. In part 2 Fred sticks around and the crew discusses their favorite Playoff matchups including Nuggets/Clippers, Wolves/Lakers and the return of Damian Lillard.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Zena Keita and Fred Katz
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6276862/2025/04/16/nikola-jokic-christian-braun-mentorship-nba-mvp-denver-nuggets/
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35:41
Better future: Kings or Bulls? + Mavs move on
Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis combined for 50 points as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings to move on in the Play-in tournament. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Miami Heat win, Tyler Herro’s development, and debate the futures of the Kings and Bulls. Then, the Athletic’s Christian Clark joins the show to breakdown the Mavs winning formula, how they stack up against the Grizzlies, and Nico Harrison’s closed-door press conference.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & Marcus Thompson
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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30:03
Gritty Warriors win play-in + Orlando moves on
Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry combined for 71 points as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies to clinch the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Grizzlies gritty loss, Desmond Bane’s incredible game, and the Magic defeating the Hawks. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show from Chase Center to discuss Playoff Jimmy Butler, the Warriors game plan, and the looming Houston Rockets.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & Marcus Thompson
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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30:52
Warriors, Grizzlies deep dive + Play-in Preview
Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the NBA play-in and playoff brackets and discuss the most compelling series. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater joins the show to breakdown the Warriors and Grizzlies play-in matchup, Jonathan Kuminga’s status, and Playoff Jimmy Butler.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Zena Keita & Anthony Slater
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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32:23
Clippers clinch playoffs; Warriors to play-in + NBA Regular Season Finale
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden combined for 72 points as the Clippers defeated Steph Curry and the Warriors to clinch a playoff spot. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita discuss the Clippers big win, Jonathan Kuminga’s benching, and the Warriors issues. Then, the gang recaps the final day of the regular season, discusses Chris Paul’s future, and the big takeaways from the year.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, Law Murray
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode.
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