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Duke's choke, UConn’s comeback & Final Four preview with Mark Titus + KOC’s thoughts on NBA lottery reform | The Kevin O'Connor Show Mar 30, 2026

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KOC reacts to the NBA’s new anti-tanking concepts and shares what his league sources have to say about each one. Then, he’s joined by Barstool’s Mark Titus to go over the electric Elite Eight over the weekend.
The pair discuss Braylon Mullins' historic game-winning 3-pointer against Duke, review freshman returns for some of college’s most talented NBA prospects and ponder if some freshmen would benefit from another year in the NCAA.
(0:19) NBA anti-tanking reform
(14:24) UConn epic comeback vs. Duke
(30:43) Cam Boozer freshman season recap
(37:41) Importance of size in NCAA tourney
(42:05) Keaton Wagler tournament check-in
(47:03) Which freshmen should go back to school?
(50:28) Yaxel Lendeborg tournament check-in
(54:22) Final Four preview

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All-Defense check-in, Jalen Duren's rise + Breanna Stewart joins the show | The Dunker Spot Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

After having a broader discussion about evaluating defense on the last episode, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss their top candidates for Defensive Player of the Year and the All-Defense awards.

From there, the guys talk about the awesome play of Jalen Duren. He's been great all year, earning All-Star honors for the first time. He's been even more dominant as of late, thriving while taking on more offensive responsibility in Cade Cunningham's absence. They discuss his growth areas, award merits (Most Improved, All-NBA), and his ranking among centers right now.

Finally, Breanna Stewart -- one of the greatest basketball players and winners of all-time -- joins the show! In a wide-ranging conversation, the trio talk about Stewart's basketball journey, her defensive prowess, Sarah Strong's dominance, her new life as a podcaster, and much more.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:47 DPOY +All-Defense discussion
9:37 Jalen Duren breakdown + center rankings
01:01:50 Breanna Stewart interview

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Houston, the problem is Ime Udoka + Celtics beat Thunder, Silver needs to take a stand + what to watch in the Sweet Sixteen | The Kevin O'Connor Show Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor & Tom Haberstroh break down the surprisingly fiery NBA Wednesday, giving their thoughts on Jaylen Brown’s best SGA impression, the historical overtime collapse of the Houston Rockets vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves and the return of Joel Embiid & Paul George to the 76ers.

They react to Adam Silver’s recent press conference with big questions about tanking and expansion and discuss Victor Wembanyama’s MVP case. KOC & Tom also preview the biggest matchups and players in watch in the Sweet Sixteen round of March Madness games.

(1:03) Celtics beat Thunder at home
(13:28) Wolves comeback vs. Rockets in OT
(30:09) Heat blow out Cavs
(37:12) Embiid & George return to 76ers
(39:46) Will Billy Donovan leave Bulls for Tar Heels?
(45:34) Will Steph Curry move to Charlotte?
(51:16) Draymond Green comments on Wemby MVP case
(1:00:45) State of Milwaukee Bucks
(1:04:05) Adam Silver talks tanking, expansion & 65-game rule
(1:23:31) NCAA Sweet Sixteen preview

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Wemby vs. SGA for MVP + time to scrap the NBA’s 65-game rule for awards? Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the NBA MVP debate between Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by diving deep into the advanced stats. With Wemby’s league-best +16.5 on/off swing and SGA’s dominance across nearly every all-in-one metric, the MVP race may be closer than the odds indicate.
Tom & Dan also discuss why the NBA’s 65-game rule might be overdue for reconsideration and react to the possible NBA expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle.
(1:12) Wemby’s MVP case
(22:22) SGA’s MVP case
(40:43) NBPA calls for awards rule changes
(1:02:50) NBA votes to explore expansion

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Evaluating the defense awards, Jayson Tatum check-in + Derik Queen joins the show | The Dunker Spot Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!
Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones have a broader discussion about the Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive team races. They discuss what they're evaluating, how they weigh different types of defenders and the value of their responsibilities, what statistics they find useful, and a PSA to always, always #WatchTheTape.
From there, the guys check in on Jayson Tatum ahead of a potential Finals preview between the Celtics and Thunder. They talk about his growing fit within the offense, growth areas they're keeping an eye on (OTD shooting, drive, lower-body power generation), and have a mini-debate about the Celtics potentially tweaking his usage to aid his comfort in the offense.
Next, Nekias asks Steve about a couple of end-of-game defensive mishaps that led to game-winning baskets -- Amen Thompson's putback against the Heat, and Luke Kennard's three against the Magic -- to see where he thought blame, if any, should go.
Finally, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen joins the show! In a wide-ranging conversation, the trio talks about Queen's basketball journey, his stacked Montverde team, adjusting to the Pelicans vs. his teammates adjusting to him, the Baltimore Ravens' offseason and more!
If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.
3:58 Defensive award discussion
35:38 Checking in on Jayson Tatum
49:28 What went wrong: Amen Thompson's game-winner
52:26 What went wrong: Luke Kennard's game-winner
56:22 Derik Queen interview

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Lakers playoff chances, JDub’s return, Darryn Peterson tourney recap + are NCAA Cinderella teams gone for good? | The Kevin O'Connor Show Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor is joined by FS1’s Danny Parkins to talk NBA & NCAA hoops. They discuss the white-hot Lakers, the future of Dylan Harper, the upcoming returns of Jalen Williams & Steph Curry and the historic tank put on by the Wizards and Pacers.

Next, they cover the big March Madness games over the weekend—St. John's vs. KU and Iowa vs. Florida—and ask some big questions about the state of the NCAA and this year’s draft class.

(1:03) Lakers extend win streak

(11:43) Jalen Williams to return to OKC lineup

(20:50) Dylan Harper season check-in

(26:48) Steph Curry injury update

(30:29) Pacers & Wizards 16-game losing streaks

(34:14) Darryn Peterson NCAA Tournament performance

(42:46) AJ Dybantsa NCAA Tournament performance

(45:28) Death of NCAA Cinderella teams

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Is Luka Doncic coming for MVP? A role player draft + WNBA CBA thoughts | The Dunker Spot Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!
Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones start the show discussing the absurd run Luka Doncic has been on over the past 24 hours -- 100 points across two games?! They talk about what makes him so tough to deal with, and dabble in some "Best In The World" talk. From there, Nekias asks Steve how concerned he is (if at all) about the Pistons, Wolves, Bucks, and Rockets.
Next, the guys have a Role Player draft! Based on a recent article written by Steve, the two chose from a 13-player pool to build a starting five of some of the most impactful role players in the league this year. Make sure to grade their roster this weekend!
You can also read Steve's piece here: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/the-nbas-most-impactful-role-players-who-elevate-these-title-contenders-175656183.html
Finally, a new WNBA CBA has been agreed to! Nekias and Steve salute the transformational nature of the deal, then dig into some of the details that intrigue them most. What will this expansion period look like? How much movement will we see in free agency? Who's going to be the biggest domino of the offseason? Are we truly ready for a 52-game season?
If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.
2:20 -- Luka Doncic is unreal
20:11 -- Are we concerned? (Pistons/Bucks/Wolves/Rockets)
40:02 -- NBA Role Player Draft
55:11-- WNBA CBA thoughts

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NBA teams streaking, others skidding, Cade Cunningham's collapsed lung + is expansion really a good idea? | The Kevin O'Connor Show Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to discuss the latest NBA news. First, they talk about Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung and the implications that come with it for the Pistons and for his award chances.
Then, they talk the longest winning streaks and recent losses in the league and debate whether they're a 'big deal' or 'no big deal.' From the Atlanta Hawks’ 11-game win streak to the NBA embracing expansion to a continuation of Giannis' drama with the Bucks, KOC and Tom go over it all.

(1:05) Cade Cunningham collapsed lung

(15:16) Hawks 11-game win streak

(20:56) OKC win 10 in a row

(33:04) Lakers 7-game win streak

(40:38) Rockets lose both games vs. Lakers

(49:34) Nuggets lose to Grizzlies

(58:57) Giannis won’t be shut down

(1:00:44) Jaylen Brown's leadership

(1:04:55) Is expansion a good idea?

(1:12:17) Final Four predictions

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The revived Lakers + NBA board of governors to vote on expansion | The Big Number Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

We have an action-packed episode of The Big Number coming your way!

Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh break down Luka Doncic’s dominance this stretch. They discuss the recipe for success for the Lakers and Marcus Smart’s contributions this year. Where do the Lakers actually stand in the West? Is this the peak version of Luka?

Next, they share how the Lakers’ defense is improving in the stretch. But is this a real top-10 defense, or is the sample size too small? Plus, the duo analyzes the impact of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the court together and how their roles are evolving. What version of LeBron will we see in the postseason?

Later, Tom and Dan discuss the NBA holding a vote to explore adding expansion teams, exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle. What does the potential return of the Seattle Supersonics mean for the NBA? What are the ripple effects of expansion?

All that and more on this episode of The Big Number!

(1:10) The Big Number - Luka's Hot Streak
(22:26) The Little Number 1 - Luka from 3
(26:34) The Little Number 2 - Lakers Defensive Efficiency
(32:35) The Little Number 3 - Lakers Big 3 +/-
(43:11) NBA Expansion

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The Lakers & Hawks Can't Stop Winning, Luka & Wemby Pushing for MVP + Team USA Takeaways | The Dunker Spot Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!
Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, boasting six and ten-game winning streaks respectively. They discuss what's standing out to them during this stretch, and how much they believe in them moving forward.
Next, Nekias has some quick-hitting questions for Steve. How real are the MVP chances for Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama right now? Can Kawhi Leonard land an All-NBA First Team selection among a crowded group of contenders? How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' second best player?
Finally, they discuss Team USA's undefeated weekend. Team USA assistant, and Phoenix Mercury head coach, Nate Tibbetts took over for Kara Lawson as she returned to Duke ahead of this year's tournament. The guys discuss what looked different under Tibbetts, and have a broader discussion about who's led the way through four games, and who's put themselves in (better) position to ultimately make the 2028 Olympic roster.
If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(1:38) -- Los Angeles Lakers
29:02 -- Atlanta Hawks
39:55 -- Victor Wembanyama for MVP?
45:20 -- Kawhi Leonard for All-NBA First Team?
48:22 -- How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' 2nd best player?
51:08 -- Team USA

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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