Yahoo Sports NBA

Latest Episodes:

NBA ‘Naughty & Nice Lists’ with KOC & Tom Haberstroh | The Kevin O'Connor Show Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss who is on the NBA 'Naughty' and 'Nice' lists. The duo breaks down how the Celtics’ rookies have made a splash without Jayson Tatum, how the Detroit Pistons can raise their ceiling and how the Warriors can maximize their opportunity with Steph Curry. Plus, should Anthony Edwards be the new face of the league for the next generation? Is Maxime Raynaud the steal of the draft? Are the Pacers tanking??

Next, they discuss why the New York Knicks opting out of raising the NBA Cup banner landed them on the naughty list, Evan Mobley taking a step back this season and why referee and player relations are spiraling. Later, does Giannis truly want out of the Bucks? Is it time for the Lakers to trade Austin Reaves?

(0:13) NBA Naughty & Nice List

(0:49) Nice: Boston Celtics

(4:52) Nice: Detroit Pistons

(8:47) Nice: Steph Curry

(14:32) Nice: Minnesota Timberwolves

(17:51) Nice: Maxime Raynaud

(21:05) Nice: Indiana Pacers

(22:51) Stocking Stuffers

(26:21) Naughty: New York Knicks

(30:59) Naughty: Evan Mobley

(36:03) Naughty: Referee relations

(50:06) Naughty: Giannis

(56:24) Naughty: Los Angeles Lakers

(1:03:43) Naughty: Nico Harrison

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

All-Star Check-In + a Knicks Offense Breakdown | The Dunker Spot Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot on deck!

With All-Star voting officially live, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones give their current All-Star teams — the games played minimum is (annoyingly, amusingly) in play for Nekias.

From there, they salute the NBA Cup champion Knicks and dive further into the shifts they've made offensively. They discuss the uptick in tempo, the empowerment of non-Brunson/KAT initiators, their lineup versatility and more.

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

(5:38) — West All-Star thoughts

(20:46) — East All-Star thoughts

(39:44) — Knicks offense breakdown

(59:14) — Free Throws

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

New York Knicks are NBA Cup champions + how can the NBA solve the injury crisis? | The Big Number Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the New York Knicks’ first NBA Cup championship run. Following the departure of Tom Thibodeau, has the Knickerbockers’ offensive scheme unlocked a new level? With the defense maintaining its integrity as the offense continues to explode, are the Knicks now a real championship threat? Then, the pair discusses and shares their thoughts on the Knicks' decision not to celebrate their NBA Cup championship with a banner.

Later, they respond to commissioner Adam Silver’s comments regarding the NBA injury crisis and propose solutions to end the prolonged absence of star power for the league.

(1:14) The big number: $530,933 - Knicks player earnings from NBA Cup
(11:20) Knicks refuse to hang NBA Cup Banner
(19:32) The little number: +21.5 Knicks net rating with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart on the floor
(22:36) The little number: 7.9 minutes per game Jalen Brunson has possession of the ball this season
(26:40) The little number: 11th - Knicks defensive efficiency ranking
(32:07) Injury Crisis Update

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Knicks win NBA Cup + Harden, Kawhi, Ja trade watch, old Warriors & Giannis update with Raheem Palmer & Kelly Iko | The Kevin O'Connor Show Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O'Connor breaks down the Knicks’ dominant NBA Cup final win against the Spurs and what it means for the team’s NBA title chances. He reacts to Victor Wembanyama’s tough night and the standout performances from Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Dylan Harper.

Kelly Iko joins to talk Giannis Antetokounmpo’s possible trade destinations, and shares why both the Rockets and Spurs are unlikely to mortgage their future for the superstar. Then, Raheem Palmer dishes on the Clippers' openness to dealing James Harden & Kawhi Leonard and why the Rockets may be the Thunder’s top challenger for the NBA title.

(0:32) Knicks win 2025 NBA Cup

(14:49) What's next for Ja Morant & Grizzlies?

(21:53) Giannis trade destinations

(28:30) Will Nuggets make a trade?

(37:36) Clippers open to trading James Harden & Kawhi Leonard

(43:20) Are Lakers & Warriors too old to contend?

(51:18) Which teams can challenge OKC?

(56:23) Should there be an NBA team in Vegas?

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

MVP + ROY Check-Ins, Wemby's Strong Return, NBA Cup Final Thoughts | The Dunker Spot Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot on deck!

First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on the MVP and ROY races — the top two for each award will be heavily contested throughout the year. Then, the guys react to a thrilling game between the Rockets and Nuggets, and open a broader discussion about the top of the West.

From there, they quickly salute the Knicks before diving into the Spurs' upset victory over the historically-good Thunder. They examine Victor Wembanyama's impact — and the ways the Thunder bothered him — as well as potential growth areas for the Thunder to hone in on. Then, it's a quick peek into Tuesday night's Final between the Spurs and Knicks.

(1:59) — MVP discussion

(30:51) — Rookie of the Year discussion

(48:08) — HOU/DEN thoughts + Who's the 2nd best team in the West?

(01:01:27) — NBA Cup discussion (NYK salute, OKC-SA, NYK-SA thoughts)

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Blake Griffin talks Wemby, Chris Paul, Lob City Clippers, rookie stars & NBA evolution | The Kevin O'Connor Show Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Blake Griffin to break down the impact of Wemby in the Spurs’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals. Did the Spurs find the formula for stopping OKC? Is Victor Wembanyama on track to become the greatest of all time?

Next, Blake Griffin shares his favorite dunks, how his game evolved throughout his career and the evolution of the NBA. Then, he shares his experience of being traded during his career path and his reaction to the Clippers sending Chris Paul home.

Later, the duo discusses Jalen Brunson's performance against the Magic in the NBA Cup semis and their top candidates for Rookie of the Year this season.

Plus, who will be crowned the champions of the NBA Cup this year?

(0:45) Wemby vs. OKC in NBA Cup semis
(5:01) Did Spurs unlock formula for stopping OKC?
(8:26) Could Victor Wembanyama become the GOAT?
(14:28) Blake Griffin’s greatest dunks
(18:36) Evolution of Griffin’s game
(26:18) Evolution of the NBA
(31:58) Griffin’s experience when traded by Clippers
(37:33) Reaction to Chris Paul sent home by Clippers
(44:30) Jalen Brunson vs. Magic in NBA Cup semis
(47:49) Rookie of the Year candidates this season
(51:50) Blake Griffin life after basketball
(58:31) NBA Cup Final predictions

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

NBA Cup Semifinals reaction with Amin Elhassan + Giannis trade rumors with Chris Haynes | The Kevin O'Connor Show Dec 14, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Amin Elhassan to recap the San Antonio Spurs ending the Oklahoma City Thunder’s winning streak in their electric NBA Cup semifinal victory. They break down Victor Wembanyama’s immediate defensive impact and the Spurs’ formula for success against OKC. Should the Spurs be aggressive with trades or stick with their young roster?

Next, the duo breaks down the keys to the New York Knicks' NBA Cup semifinal win over the Orlando Magic. They discuss Jalen Brunson’s showstopping 40-piece, why Paolo Banchero isn’t fitting in with the Magic and whether Jamahl Mosley is the best fit for the Magic’s head coaching role. Are we overthinking the New York Knicks?

Plus, they give their final picks for who will win the NBA Cup Finals. Who does Wemby defend? Can KAT pull Wemby out of the paint? How will the NBA Cup MVP title impact the legacy of the greats?

Later, Chris Haynes joins the show, giving the latest news, including potential landing spots for Giannis, what moves the Warriors need to make and whether the Clippers should trade James Harden or Kawhi Leonard?

(1:31) Spurs beat Thunder in NBA Cup semis (16:40) Should Spurs or Thunder trade for Giannis?
(27:39) Knicks beat Magic in NBA Cup semis
(42:04) NBA Cup Final preview
(53:32) Giannis trade rumors with Chris Haynes
(1:08:14) What is Trae Young's future with Atlanta?
(1:12:07) Should Mavericks make a trade?
(1:19:46) Will Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard or James Harden?

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

NBA Cup Semifinals Preview + Quarterfinals Recap | The Dunker Spot Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Ahead of this weekend's NBA Cup slate, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones recap how the Magic, Knicks, Thunder and Spurs earned victories in the quarterfinals.

Then, the guys preview the semifinals — Knicks-Magic and Spurs-Thunder — asking and answering big picture questions about each matchup.

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

(1:22) — Heat-Magic

(13:08) — Knicks-Raptors

(20:25) — Suns-Thunder

(27:31) — Lakers-Spurs

(35:55) — Knicks-Magic preview

(51:52) — Spurs-Thunder preview

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

NBA Cup predictions, Ja check-in & the AD sweepstakes with Tom Haberstroh + Draft Class with James Barlowe | The Kevin O'Connor Show Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to break down the Oklahoma City Thunder dominating the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup quarterfinal as they continue their historic winning streak. Can OKC break the NBA record for longest single-season win streak? Then, they discuss the San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers without superstar Victor Wembanyama and share their picks for who will reign supreme in the NBA Cup.

Next, the duo shares why the NBA is seeing a rise in calf strains across the league and shares their thoughts on the NBA’s response. And, are the Grizzlies better without Ja Morant? Where are potential landing spots for Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Plus, James Barlowe joins to discuss AJ Dybansta’s electric game against Clemson, Darryn Peterson’s return to Kansas and how Nate Ament can bounce back from his struggles.

(0:47) OKC defeats Phoenix in NBA Cup quarterfinals
(6:10) Spurs beat Lakers in NBA Cup quarterfinals
(8:54) Thunder vs. Spurs NBA Cup semifinal preview
(13:00) Increase of calf strain injuries in the NBA
(23:54) Knicks vs. Magic NBA Cup semifinal preview
(34:35) Ja's last chance to make things right with Memphis
(43:36) Queen continues to shine for Pelicans
(46:28) Anthony Davis trade suitors
(57:20) Draft Class with James Barlowe

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

NBA Cup reactions + are the Knicks the team to beat in the East? | The Big Number Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the keys to the New York Knicks punching their ticket to Vegas with their victory over the Toronto Raptors, including Jalen Brunson’s impact this year and the Knicks’ elite 3-point shooting game. Are the Knicks now the East favorite?

Next, they discuss the Magic’s victory over the Heat as they advance to the next round of the NBA Cup. They share how Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are the difference makers for Orlando and discuss the keys to Orlando’s success in the next round of the NBA Cup.

Later, the duo shares their picks for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. Are the Thunder untouchable? Can the Spurs take down the Lakers without Wemby?

1:42 Are the New York Knicks the top contender in the East?

20:02 Are Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black better on the floor without Banchero?

29:10 NBA Cup Eastern Conference semifinal preview

36:56 NBA Cup Western Conference quarterfinal preview

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

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!