The Kevin O'Connor Show - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

The Buddy Hield game, Pacers wake-up call, Clippers collapse (again), and the zone wars ahead in Round 2 May 05, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O'Connor was joined by Yahoo's Dan Titus to instantly react to the Golden State Warriors' win over the Houston Rockets in Game 7. Don't miss KOC's thoughts on what he's calling "The Buddy Hield Game." Do the Dubs have a chance to keep the magic rolling in Round 2 against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves? Plus Dan and Kevin react to the Indiana Pacers' SHOCKING win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. Kevin is now picking Indy to win the series. Speaking of shocking upsets, don't miss Titus explain why the NEW YORK KNICKS have a chance to knock off the Boston Celtics! Plus the guys preview OKC-Denver, but not before tearing the Los Angeles Clippers to shreds. Does Kawhi Leonard deserve some of the blame that James Harden has been getting?

(0:42) Warriors beat Rockets in Game 7

(14:20) Nuggets beat Clippers in Game 7

(22:38) Nuggets vs. Thunder Game 1 preview

(30:22) Pacers beat Cavs in conf. semis Game 1

(37:33) Celtics vs. Knicks Game 1 preview

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Hello Game 7! + Pop steps down, LeBron's leverage & clutch Brunson May 02, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC and Tom discuss the 2 best words in sports: Game Seven. Who will walk away the winner in the grueling Denver Nuggets-Los Angeles Clippers series, and will Nikola Jokic fix his late-game struggles? Will we get a Game 7 in Golden State-Houston, too? Jalen Brunson says "goodbye" to the Detroit Pistons as the New York Knicks advance to take on the Boston Celtics. Plus mid-pod Kevin and Tom react to the stunning news that Gregg Popovich would be stepping down from his HC role with the San Antonio Spurs. And lastly, might LeBron James consider returning home (again!) to Cleveland for a final season, poetically season #23? It's all on this news-packed Friday edition of the KOC Show!

(1:09) Knicks defeat Pistons in Game 6

(16:21) Clippers force Game 7 vs. Nuggets

(25:22) Rockets vs. Warriors Game 6 preview

(30:09) Could Giannis go to Spurs or Rockets?

(40:34) Pacers vs. Cavs semifinals preview

(45:37) Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs HC

(49:36) Suns hire Brian Gregory as GM

(54:50) Lakers not in ‘championship shape’

(57:38) Could LeBron leave LA for Cleveland?

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Luka’s flaws, LeBron’s future & Lakers carnage with Nick Wright + 7 NBA Playoff questions and KOC’s latest mock draft May 01, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O'Connor is joined by the one and only Nick Wright of FS1 to put a bow on the Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season. Nick didn't expect things to end so early and abruptly for LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but here we are. Where did things go wrong? Nick thinks you can point at JJ Redick's Head Coaching decisions in the Playoffs, and he's noticing a disturbing pattern emerge with JJ shrinking in big moments. Where does LeBron James go from here; could that be the end of his career? And how do the Lakers move forward, rebuild and trade for the right pieces around Luka? Plus Nick and Kevin hit on every other Playoff series, and even weigh in on the conspiracy surrounding Victor Wembanyama's "real" height.

With the NBA Draft Lottery about a week away, KOC has you covered on this 1st Round mock that spans all 30 picks. With the Lottery draft order totally randomized, wait until you see where Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey all wind up.

Read KOC’s most recent mock draft: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/

(0:39) Nick Wright joins the show

(1:10) Wolves knock out Lakers from playoffs

(36:47) LeBron’s legacy in LA

(43:23) Who do Wolves want in conf semis?

(45:56) Can Rockets win Game 6?

(47:48) Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 6 preview

(50:07) Pistons vs. Knicks Game 6 preview

(51:47) Can Bucks do anything to keep Giannis?

(54:42) How tall is Wemby really??

(55:46) Nick disrespecting Evan Mobley?

(57:38) KOC’s latest 2025 NBA mock draft

(58:07) Picks 1-5

(1:02:30) Picks 6-10

(1:05:51) Picks 11-20

(1:13:38) Picks 21-30

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

NBA Playoff weak links and must-make adjustments with Marcus Morris, Warriors-Rockets series breakdown with Ethan Strauss and Sam Esfandiari Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Marcus Morris is back on The Kevin O'Connor Show, and didn't hold back on any of his takes. Find out why Marcus believes Anthony Edwards is exposing JJ Redick as a rookie Head Coach, why he thinks the conditioning (and defense!) of Luka Doncic is perfectly fine, and what the Lakers need to do to make this a series. Plus, Marcus weighs in on what Ty Lue needs to change for the Los Angeles Clippers to regain the upper hand against the Denver Nuggets. Morris explains why he sees Giannis Antetokounmpo taking his talents to South Beach this summer, and why the Orlando Magic need to trade for Trae Young this offseason, too. Morris went in on everyone from Pat Riley to Ja Morant to NBA refs, and even had time to tell us why Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft slide made him angry!

Then Ethan Strauss and Sam Esfandiari both stop by to give their takes on the Golden State Warriors' 3-1 lead on the Houston Rockets. Ethan says it's finally time to admit that the Steph Curry-Draymond Green duo has joined Stockton/Malone and Jordan/Pippen as an all-time legendary tandem. Sam gives Draymond Green his flowers too, but acknowledges that even some Warriors fans still don't like Green. And, is Steve Kerr soundly out-coaching Ime Udoka?

It's all on this must-consume episode of the KOC Show!

(0:26) Marcus Morris joins the show

(0:47) Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 5 preview

(12:17) 'Weak link' vs. 'strong link' NBA

(21:10) Lakers vs. Wolves Game 5 preview

(35:59) Ja Morant says ‘I had them figured out’

(38:59) Pistons vs. Knicks Game 4 replay review controversy

(45:01) Celtics vs. Magic Game 5 preview

(48:50) Bucks down bad after Damian Lillard injury

(57:33) Cavs sweep Heat

(1:00:45) NBA Draft’s Shedeur Sanders equivalent?

(1:08:47) Sam & Ethan join the show

(1:08:57) Warriors vs. Rockets Game 4 reaction

(1:36:39) 'Weak link' vs. 'strong link' NBA continued

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

NBA Playoff series breakdowns, banged up stars & LA’s Jokic blueprint Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Tom Haberstroh and the guys do a deep-dive on every single series. Do the Los Angeles Clippers have the Nikola Jokic stopper? Did the New York Knicks turn a corner against the Detroit Pistons? Why the physicality of the Houston Rockets-Golden State Warriors series is a bad thing, how Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies would have been better off missing the Playoffs altogether, and Darius Garland's blunt trash talk about Tyler Herro. And why Jayson Tatum's wrist injury is a great thing for Jaylen Brown. The guys give their takes on where every single NBA Playoff matchup stands -- don't miss this episode of the KOC Show!

(0:47) Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 3 reaction

(12:12) Lakers vs. Wolves Game 3 preview

(18:33) Rockets vs. Warriors Game 3 preview

(30:25) Pistons vs. Knicks Game 3 reaction

(40:13) Bucks vs. Pacers Game 3 preview

(52:29) Thunder vs. Grizzlies series update

(1:06:45) Celtics vs. Magic series update

(1:12:58) Cavs vs. Heat series update

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kawhi’s masterpiece, KAT’s vanishing act & the state of every NBA Playoff series Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Nate Duncan on this jam-packed edition of the KOC Show. First the guys react to the Game 2 thriller between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers -- Kawhi Leonard's performance has Kevin asking some big legacy questions. The New York Knicks fall to Cade Cunningham's Detroit Pistons -- what options does Tom Thibodeau have at this point? Nico Harrison's latest comments have Kevin and Nate befuddled. Cooper Flagg officially declares for the Draft! Damian Lillard is back! Plus Kevin and Nate discuss each NBA Playoff series -- this episode has you covered!

(0:48) Clippers beat Nuggets in game 2

(12:33) Pistons FINALLY get a playoff win

(25:08) Landry Fields fired by Hawks

(30:42) Cooper Flagg officially declares for Draft

(33:47) Nico Harrison stupidity strikes again…

(39:01) Damian Lillard to return for Bucks vs. Pacers

(47:01) Most overrated NBA players

(50:23) Thunder vs. Grizzlies game 2 preview

(52:01) Magic vs. Celtics game 2 preview

(53:09) Warriors vs. Rockets game 2 preview

(1:02:17) Lakers vs. Timberwolves game 2 preview

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

NBA's Top 40 Players in the 2025 Playoffs – KOC's CONTROVERSIAL Rankings REVEALED! Apr 19, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O'Connor went into the lab and cooked up his definitive TOP 40 players of the the 2025 NBA Playoffs, in order. Come for the snubs, stay for the controversy. It's KOC's opinion and if you don't like it, let him know in the comments. All 16 NBA Playoff teams are represented in this comprehensive, first-ever Top 40 Postseason Player rankings — and you can only get it on this special edition of The KOC Show!

(02:00) - #40-31

(16:20) - #30-21

(28:35) - #20-11

(43:35) - Top 10

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Steph & Butler dominate the play-in, Lakers-Wolves and Nuggets-Clippers breakdowns and Nico Harrison drops more stupidity Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

KOC is joined by Esfandiar Baraheni to preview and predict some of the best Round 1 matchups of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, starting with the Golden State Warriors vs. the Houston Rockets, who are fresh off the Dubs advancing out of the Play-In against the Memphis Grizzlies. Will Amen Thompson shut down Steph Curry again??

Don't miss Kevin's prediction for the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves -- as the guys preview what to expect when LeBron James and Luka Doncic take on Anthony Edwards and company. Why Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets vs. Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers could be the best matchup of Round 1.

Plus: KOC's got hot takes on Trae Young having "sore loser energy," the Boston Celtics-Orlando Magic Round 1 series, what the Joe Dumars news means for Zion Williamson's future in New Orleans (hint: TRADE time!) and, of course, Kevin goes scorched earth on Nico Harrison's latest boneheaded comments about the Dallas Mavericks.

(0:43) Warriors beat Grizzlies Tuesday night

(8:24) Warriors vs. Rockets preview

(22:32) Magic defeat Hawks on Tuesday

(28:15) Magic vs. Celtics preview

(33:51) Timberwolves vs. Lakers preview

(45:35) Nuggets vs. Clippers preview

(58:16) Nico Harrison says ‘defense wins championships’

(1:05:15) Pelicans hire Joe Dumars

(1:10:43) Damian Lillard out for start of playoffs

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Did the Warriors blow it? Full NBA playoff preview, Flagg’s ideal teams, Suns fire Bud & Andrew Sharp joins Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O'Connor is joined by fellow NBA podcaster Andrew Sharp, host of "The Greatest of All Talk"and "Sharp Tech with Stratechery” to preview the Play-In Tournament, as well as the NBA Playoffs. Are the Golden State Warriors too fatigued to make it out of the Play-In, and what version of Jimmy Butler can Steph Curry expect?

Why is Andrew picking Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves to knock out Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus, the biggest question when it comes to each of the contender's chances just before the postseason begins.

And don't miss KOC and Sharp reacting to the breaking news that the Phoenix Suns were firing Mike Budenholzer — what could that mean for the future of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant?

(0:30) Andrew Sharp joins

(1:02) Clippers beat Warriors in OT

(14:22) Is this the best Kawhi-Clippers team?

(19:07) Can the Denver/Clippers winner beat OKC?

(24:46) Lakers vs. Timberwolves preview

(31:54) Eastern Conference Playoffs questions & answers

(31:56) Which play-in team is most likely to make a run?

(33:41) Do the Celtics need Jaylen Brown?

(35:52) What do the Cavs need to win?

(40:31) Is Cade Cunningham the best player in the DET/NYK series?

(44:07) Should Knicks fire Thibs?

(49:08) What do the Bucks need out of Damian Lilliard?

(50:51) Are we sleeping on the Pacers?

(51:43) KOC’s 5 favorite Flagg fits

(1:02:38) Pelicans fire executive VP Griffin

(1:03:00) Suns fire head coach Budenholzer

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

KOC hands out his 2025 NBA Awards hardware, & latest on jam-packed Playoff Picture out West Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

On the latest episode of the Kevin O’Connor Show, KOC is joined by Tom Haberstroh to reveal his 2024-25 NBA awards ballot. The pair debate all the biggest honors including Nikola Jokic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP and Amen Thompson vs. Draymond Green for DPOY. Plus, is Payton Pritchard the undisputed Sixth Man of the Year? And should Cade Cunningham even be ELIGIBLE for Most-Improved Player considering he was a no. 1 overall draft pick??

Later, they recap the Minnesota Timberwolves routing of the Memphis Grizzlies. Anthony Edwards dropped 40+ despite Zach Edey finding his footing for Memphis—could the Wolves find themselves the four seed in the West?

(0:35) Timberwolves beat Grizzlies Thursday night

(3:12) Updated Western Conference playoff picture

(11:11) KOC’s NBA awards ballots

(11:12) SGA vs. Jokic for MVP?

(24:54) Stephon Castle for Rookie of the Year?

(34:39) Amen Thompson vs. Draymond Green for DPOY?

(50:25) Payton Pritchard for 6th Man of the Year?

(54:55) Who should win Coach of the Year?

(1:00:11) Cade Cunningham MIP controversy

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

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