Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the NBA’s Christmas Day slate and preview Cooper Flagg’s historic holiday start at just 19 years, 4 days old. Dan then shares four little numbers for the top players to watch in each Christmas Day game: Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive leap for the Knicks, Stephon Castle’s ascent with the Spurs, LeBron James’ shift away from predominantly creating his own shots and Jamal Murray’s elite efficiency for Denver.

Later, Tom & Dan push for radical reform and suggest the NBA get rid of the Draft system to prevent teams from tanking.

(1:23) The Big Number: Flagg’s Christmas Day debut
(17:28) The Little Numbers: KAT at-rim defense
(22:21) The Little Numbers: Stephon Castle a superstar?
(27:35) The Little Numbers: LeBron’s assisted baskets
(33:11) The Little Numbers: Jamal Murray’s efficiency
(38:24) Should the NBA get rid of the Draft?

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Happy Holidays from The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones previewed this year's Christmas slate.

We have Cavaliers vs. Knicks, Spurs vs. Thunder, Rockets vs. Lakers, Mavericks vs Warriors and Timberwolves vs. Nuggets as the nightcap. Steve and Nokias are examining the key matchups, mini-battles and potential swing factors in each game.

Also, shout out to Wilt Chamberlain.

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

(1:17) — Cavs-Knicks

(15:23) — Spurs-Thunder

(30:32) — Mavs-Warriors

(42:22) — Rockets-Lakers

(54:16) — Wolves-Nuggets

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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

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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

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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

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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

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)

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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

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