Verno and KOC react to the Christmas Day slate of games, beginning with last night’s monster performance by Luka Doncic as he carried the Mavs to a victory over the Suns (04:27). Are the Suns still viewed as a title contender? The guys move on to the Celtics' decisive win over the Lakers and discuss Kristaps Porzingis’s influence at the rim, as well Derrick White's continuing emergence as a key player (24:25). While looking at the Warriors-Nuggets and 76ers-Heat games, the guys discuss the impact of rookies Brandin Podziemski and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (36:38). Next, can Jalen Brunson be the best player on a championship team (01:01:10)? Also, the guys give out their New Year's resolutions (01:07:32).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG  to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Porzingis’s Rim Influence, Luka’s Dominance, Emerging Rookies, and New Year’s Resolutions

Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.

Sports

Verno and KOC recap Monday night's slate of playoff basketball, starting with another Jamal Murray game-winning shot for the Nuggets, who eliminate the Lakers (01:06). They discuss Murray’s rise as a playoff performer and debate what the future holds for the Lakers, as well as for LeBron James. While the Lakers avoided a sweep, the Suns weren’t so lucky, as the guys discuss Anthony Edwards’s rise to superstar status while determining what’s next for the Suns (15:50). Also, they discuss the Thunder's dominance over the Pelicans in their sweep, and the impact of possibly losing Kristaps Porzingis for the Celtics (27:16). The guys discuss how impressive Jalen Brunson was in the Knicks' Game 4 win over the Sixers, as well as Joel Embiid continuing his poor postseason play (44:05). Next, the guys debate the Bucks' future as they are in a 3-1 hole to the Pacers, and discuss how the Magic defense has completely blanked the Cavs (01:03:57). Lastly, they discuss the awesome Clippers-Mavs game from over the weekend, and preview Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday night (01:20:47).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming.
Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Playoff Murray Is Real, Superstar Ant, and Where Do the Lakers Go From Here? Plus: Bucks and Sixers on the Brink of Elimination

Verno and KOC recap Thursday night’s slate of playoff basketball, starting with the Nuggets' 11th straight win over the Lakers (01:13). With the Lakers in an 0-3 hole again, the guys discuss what the future holds for LeBron James and the team. They next discuss how the Magic and 76ers were able to win their Game 3 matchups against the Cavs and Knicks (24:10). The guys move on to preview Friday’s night games, starting with Bucks-Pacers, before moving on to Mavs-Clippers (46:28). After going down 0-2, are the Suns just completely outmatched against the Timberwolves (01:12:09)? Also, did the Heat find the formula to beat the Celtics? Plus, why the Thunder are primed for a deep playoff run (01:28:17).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming.
Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers Collapse Again, Embiid Drops 50, Magic Dominate, and Game 3 Previews

Verno and KOC go through all the playoff matchups from Monday night, starting off with Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot to put the Nuggets up 2-0 over the Lakers (01:26). Next, they discuss how the Knicks were able to grind out a victory over Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the Sixers (14:06). Also, the guys discuss what makes the Cavs a little different this year, and debate how far the Timberwolves can go with this version of Anthony Edwards (30:06). They then discuss why Khris Middleton is pivotal for the Bucks' success, what the key difference is in the Mavs-Clippers series, and debate whether the Pelicans can truly challenge the Thunder (48:12).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thrillers in Denver and New York, Plus Breaking Down Every NBA Playoff Series

Verno and KOC share what they enjoyed the most from KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama before turning their attention to the play-in games from earlier this week (01:29). They discuss their disappointment with Zion Williamson's injury and Brandon Ingram’s performance in the Pelicans' loss to the Lakers, as well as their surprise at the Kings easily defeating the Warriors (10:16). Do the Lakers stand any chance to upset the Nuggets? How far can the inexperienced Thunder go? The guys debate whether Joel Embiid can bounce back to his MVP form against the Knicks (38:48). Also, they discuss the hideous performance from the Hawks, Coby White’s huge game for the Bulls, the Heat’s chances without Jimmy Butler, and more (47:09).

You can find KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama here.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sixers Survive, Impactful Injuries, Believing in OKC, and Playoff Predictions

Verno and KOC open the episode by briefly teasing KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama (01:52). They then turn their attention to the playoff matchups, as well as this week’s play-in tournament (13:20). Should the Lakers lose on purpose to avoid the Nuggets in the first round? Do the Timberwolves stand any chance against the Suns? They debate this and look at the other playoff series in the West. Also, while looking at the East, the guys discuss which teams are in the best positions to make a run (35:17).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Porzingis’s Rim Influence, Luka’s Dominance, Emerging Rookies, and New Year’s Resolutions

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