The Mismatch

By The Ringer

What's The Mismatch about?

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.

4.8

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Can Devin Booker Win MVP? P...

11.28.2023

Verno and KOC discuss the dominant performance by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the rest of the 76ers as they blew out the Lakers by 44 points on Monday night (01:05). After watching the Suns and Timberwolves over the weekend, ...

The Mismatch episodes:

11.28.2023 Can Devin Booker Win MVP? Plus, KOC’s Power Rankings, the Surging Sixers, and True Contenders Verno and KOC discuss the dominant performance by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the rest of the 76ers as they blew out the Lakers by 44 points on Monday night (01:05). After watching the Suns and Timberwolves over the weekend, ...
11.22.2023 Thanksgiving Week Mismatch Mega-Pod Verno and KOC go through last night’s in-season tournament play, starting with the Pacers, who clinched their spot in the knockout stage, and the growing star power of Tyrese Haliburton (02:57). The guys explain the 76ers’ struggles and debate whether ...
11.17.2023 Are the Warriors Dead? Plus, the Loaded Celtics, Haliburton's Ascent, and Detroit’s Breakdown Verno and KOC open up the show by discussing the bad as well as some good about Draymond Green’s suspension for choking Rudy Gobert (01:13). The guys dive into Kelly Oubre Jr.'s strange situation after he was (or wasn't) hit ...
11.14.2023 Maxey’s Rise, Steph Needs Help, and The Clippers’ Problems Heading into the second month of the season, Verno and KOC discuss a handful of teams whose stock is trending up, and which teams are trending down. Los Angeles Clippers (01:30) Philadelphia 76ers (14:29) Golden State Warriors (23:01) Minnesota Timberwolves ...
11.10.2023 Is Minnesota for Real? Plus, Scottie’s Emergence, the Bucks' Issues, and NBA Media Changes Verno and KOC discuss the Bucks losing to the Pacers despite getting 54 points from Giannis, before discussing Adam Silver’s comments wishing that NBA media was more "NFL-like" (01:16). As the in-season tournament continues, Verno suggests an idea to help ...
11.07.2023 Harden’s Big "Meh" Debut, What the In-Season Tournament Is Missing, and Sophomore Check-ins Verno and KOC discuss the Monday slate of NBA games, including James Harden’s debut with the Clippers, before discussing how they felt about the new in-season tournament that began last week (01:38). Will the tournament grow on fans? The guys ...
11.03.2023 Will James Harden Be Happy With the Clippers? Plus, Three Early Winners and Losers of the Season Verno and KOC discuss James Harden’s comments at his introductory press conference with the Clippers, and explain why what he said is worrisome (03:27). Will he show willingness to adapt while playing next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George? Next, ...
10.31.2023 James Harden Trade Reaction, Plus Second Impressions From the NBA Season So Far After requesting a trade in June, James Harden finally got his wish, and Verno and KOC react to the 76ers sending him to the Clippers for a handful of expiring contracts and picks (02:30). The guys take a look at ...
10.27.2023 Dame Time Debut, The Hardenless Sixers, and More First Impressions From Opening Week Verno and KOC discuss the phenomenal debut of Damian Lillard in Milwaukee, as the Bucks defeat the 76ers despite a rare off night from Giannis (01:25). Also, what do the Sixers do with James Harden? With the NBA season fully ...
10.24.2023 Giannis Extends with the Bucks, Grizzlies Options at Center, and NBA Season Predictions Verno and KOC go through all the latest NBA news, beginning with Giannis’s three-year extension with the Bucks and how this solidifies Milwaukee's future (01:43). They then move on to discuss the contract extensions of Jaden McDaniels, Onyeka Okongwu, Josh ...
10.20.2023 2023-24 Semi-Bold NBA Season Predictions Verno and KOC break down the news of assistant coach Terry Stott's departure from Bucks, as well as the never-ending drama with James Harden (00:00). The guys also discuss Calvin Booth’s comments to ESPN after his quotes in KOC’s story ...
10.17.2023 Denver’s Dynasty Plans, Dame’s Debut, and NBA Preseason Observations Verno and KOC open the show by discussing Kevin’s latest article detailing Nuggets GM Calvin Booth's desire to build a dynasty in Denver (01:36). Damian Lillard made his Bucks debut over the weekend, as the guys share what they like ...
10.10.2023 Wemby Vs. Chet, Loaded Suns, Bleak Mavs, and More Early Preseason Takeaways Verno and KOC discuss their excitement for the upcoming season after watching Victor Wembanyama battle Chet Holmgren in the Spurs' preseason opener against the Thunder (01:32). The Suns defeated the Pistons in their first preseason game, and the guys debate ...
10.01.2023 Breaking Down Jrue to Boston, the Bright-Future Blazers, and the Sphere After being included in the trade for Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday is on the move once again as the Celtics acquire him from the Blazers for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and multiple picks (01:58). Verno and KOC debate how ...
09.28.2023 Damian Lillard Finally Traded, Set to Join Giannis and the Bucks It finally happened ... Damian Lillard has been traded and will join Giannis on the Bucks after a three-team trade sent Dame to Milwaukee; Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, and picks to Portland; and Jusuf Nurkic and more players to Phoenix. ...
09.26.2023 Eight Things to Look Forward to Entering the NBA Season After it was reported that the Raptors are front-runners to trade for Damian Lillard, Verno and KOC discuss Toronto’s interest in Dame, what it would take for both sides to agree to a deal, and the other teams that could ...
09.19.2023 Who’s the Mystery Dame Team? Plus, Lakers Reloaded, and KOC’s Rising Sarr Verno and KOC discuss the low-risk signing of Kelly Oubre Jr. for the 76ers and debate whether Jarred Vanderbilt can exceed expectations after the Lakers gave him an extension (04:25). After it was reported that a secret Eastern Conference team ...
09.12.2023 Team USA's World Cup Woes, KOC’s Franz Crush, and the NBA's New Rest Rules Verno and KOC recap the FIBA World Cup and discuss what went wrong for Team USA, before showing some love to Dillon Brooks and Team Canada (01:58). After congratulating Germany for beating Serbia to win the World Cup, the guys ...
09.05.2023 Can SGA Make the Leap Next Season? Plus, Admiring All the Talent at the World Cup and the Lost Art of Rebounding. Verno and KOC continue to share their excitement for the ongoing FIBA Basketball World Cup (01:00). They discuss Team USA’s roster, which is filled with rising young talent, as well as their lack of size before diving into the rebounding ...
08.29.2023 World Cup Takeaways, Luka’s MVP Odds, and the Bright Now Suns Verno and KOC discuss how impressed they are with the presentation of the World Cup and their excitement watching this new era of Team USA basketball (01:38). Luka Doncic continues to shine in the World Cup, but can he translate ...
08.22.2023 World Cup Takeaways, Anthony Edwards's Ascension, and Another NBA Investigation The NBA is investigating James Harden calling Daryl Morey a liar, as Verno and KOC discuss the ongoing drama that surrounds Harden (01:27). With the FIBA World Cup around the corner, the guys discuss some of Team USA’s young rising ...
08.15.2023 The James Harden Soap Opera, Broadcast Changes, and Cooper Flagg Reclassifies Verno and KOC react to James Harden's comments, in which he called Daryl Morey a liar, at an Adidas media event in China (02:12). The guys debate if Harden would have gotten more money if he never opted into his ...
08.08.2023 AD’s New Bag, Paolo Vs. Melo, and Is This the Hawks' Last Chance With Trae? Verno and KOC react to Anthony Davis’s historic contract extension and explain why this was the right move for both AD and the Lakers (01:37). Also, the guys continue to answer your mailbag questions! This week features questions on Cade ...
08.01.2023 The Summer 'Mismatch' Mailbag: Hyped Teams, Timberwolves' Future, and Perfect Movies As the news cycle slows down, Verno and KOC open up the mailbag and answer all of your burning questions, from the in-season tournament to Matas Buzelis! They also discuss hyped teams, Ja Morant, and so much more. Got a ...
07.25.2023 That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous: LIV NBA, 2024 Futures, and Player Empowerment Verno and KOC have another rendition of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That's Ridiculous (01:53)! They debate all the hottest topics in the NBA, from Austin Rivers’s comments about players demanding trades to why the Celtics ...
07.18.2023 Embiid's Future, Summer League Standouts, and Lingering NBA Story Lines Verno and KOC discuss how impressed they are by the Summer League performance of Cam Whitmore after he fell in the draft, and take a look at other players who stood out in Las Vegas (01:35). After Joel Embiid said ...
07.14.2023 Summer League Takeaways, Bright Futures, and the Dame-Harden Sagas Verno and KOC are back home from Las Vegas, and they discuss the top performances from this year's summer league, including those from last year's top picks Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr., as well as other young standouts like ...
07.10.2023 The Wembanyama Experience, Summer League Observations, and Will People Care about the In-Season Tournament? Verno and KOC are in Las Vegas for NBA Summer League, as they discuss what made Victor Wembanyama’s debut feel so special (03:04). After discussing Marcus Smart’s introductory press conference in Memphis, the guys discuss some of the players that ...
07.04.2023 Damian Lillard’s Demands, Free Agency Takeaways, and Summer League Preview Verno and KOC discuss Damian Lillard's request for a trade from the Blazers (01:20). Despite Dame’s desire to go to the Miami Heat, do they have enough assets to entice Portland to make the trade? The guys discuss some of ...
06.30.2023 James Harden on the Move, Kyrie Irving's Future, and the Next Bruce Brown Verno and KOC debate where James Harden will land after he opted into his contract with the 76ers and now expects to be traded (01:10). Which interested teams are the best fit for Harden and what could Daryl Morey get ...
06.27.2023 Dame’s Future, KAT Trades, Wemby, and Underrated Free Agents Verno and KOC discuss all the latest around Damian Lillard, who remains a Blazer for now (02:08). Can Portland finally build a championship-caliber team around Dame (10:37)? The guys discuss the Hawks finally trading John Collins, the thinking behind the ...
06.23.2023 NBA Draft Reactions: Big Surprises, Risers and Fallers, and Contenders Reloading. Plus, the Marcus Smart Trade Verno and KOC react to last night’s NBA draft, starting with their thoughts on the Hornets taking Brandon Miller at no. 2. Then, they move onto the weird picks made by the Magic and debate if Bilal Coulibaly could have ...
06.20.2023 Suns Add Beal, the Next Big Move, Zion Trades, Draymond's Future, and NBA Draft Talk Verno and KOC discuss the blockbuster trade that sent Bradley Beal to the Suns and what it means for the future of the franchise (03:06). Is the clock now ticking on Deandre Ayton’s time in Phoenix (13:18)? Also, the guys ...
06.16.2023 NBA Trade Rumors Galore: Scoot, Zion, Beal, Dame, LaVine, and More Leading Up to Draft Night After Verno shares his experience broadcasting the 'U.S. Open All-Access,' he and KOC dive into the NBA offseason, starting with next week’s draft (08:22). The guys debate if the Pelicans should trade Zion Williamson for a chance to enter the ...
06.13.2023 Nuggets Win NBA Finals: A Dynasty in the Making? Plus, Miami Offseason Preview, Playoff Lessons Learned, and Head-Coaching Verno and KOC congratulate the Denver Nuggets for winning their first NBA title! They recap Game 5, which went down to the wire, and discuss why the Nuggets are the new team to go through in the NBA (01:31). The ...
06.09.2023 Chris Paul Rumors, Zion's Adventures, Draft Talk, and NBA Finals Game 4 Preview Verno and KOC break down how the Nuggets won Game 3, and discuss how great Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have become as a duo in Denver (01:40). Is it time to discuss how we evaluate at Jokic and Murray? ...
06.06.2023 How Will the Nuggets Respond? Plus, Pick Your Poison With Jokic and a LeBron Power Play? The Heat even the series against the Nuggets, and Verno and KOC discuss how the Heat took Game 2, Michael Malone’s comment about the team’s effort, Jimmy Butler’s brilliant facilitating, and Michael Porter Jr.’s poor performance (01:31). While Erik Spoelstra ...
06.02.2023 NBA Finals: Nuggets Pummel Heat in Game 1, Jokic's Dominance, and Breaking Miami's Zone The Nuggets take the early lead in the NBA Finals as Verno and KOC break down their Game 1 victory over the Heat behind stellar performances from Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon (02:12). They discuss the Heat’s lack ...
05.30.2023 Miami Dominates the Crumbling Celtics, Nuggets-Heat NBA Finals Preview, the Coaching Carousel, and Future Draft Gems The Celtics fail to complete the historic comeback and get blown out at home as the Heat advance to the Finals to face the Nuggets. Verno and KOC break down the lackluster effort from the Celtics and discuss what the ...
05.26.2023 Will the Celtics Make History? Plus, LeBron's Injury, Coaching Scuttlebutt, and Ja's Cryptic Social Posts. The Celtics stay alive, and Verno and KOC discuss how they blew out the Heat to remain in the Eastern Conference finals (01:05). No one believes LeBron James is going to retire, but the news of his injury will definitely ...
05.23.2023 Nuggets Sweep Their Way Into the Finals, Debating the Lakers' Future, and Why Joe Needs to Go Verno and KOC congratulate Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets for sweeping the Lakers en route to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance (01:18). LeBron James had another amazing night in the loss, as the guys debate the Lakers' future after ...
05.19.2023 Nuggets Clean Up Game 2 Against Lakers, Heat Take Game 1, and Post-Lottery Thoughts Verno and KOC are back after an exciting, if not floppy, Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, in which Jamal Murray’s monster fourth quarter put the Nuggets up 2-0 on the Lakers (1:00). Then, they talk about the Cinderella ...
05.16.2023 Jayson Tatum’s Signature Performance to Beat the 76ers, Next Steps for Philly, Lakers-Nuggets Preview, and More Verno and KOC are back on a rare day without basketball during these 2023 NBA playoffs. They start off with Jayson Tatum’s incredible signature performance to take out the 76ers (0:56) and what the 76ers might do next after going ...
05.12.2023 The Nuggets Embarrass the Suns, the Celtics Take Game 6 From Philly, and a Warriors-Lakers Game 6 Preview Verno and KOC are back talking about the Nuggets egregiously embarrassing the Suns in front of their own fans to win the series 4-2 (0:45) and the Celtics eking out a win on the road in Game 6 against the ...
05.09.2023 The Lonnie Walker Game, Heat Want It More, Devin Booker’s Godly Playoffs, and the Complex Celtics-Sixers Series Verno and KOC react to a wild Game 4 that saw Lonnie Walker IV explode in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers take the victory and a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Warriors (01:05). The Heat also take ...
05.05.2023 The Warriors Flatten the Lakers in Game 2, the Bucks Fire Coach Bud, and Joel Embiid Returns Verno and KOC come together after Tristan Thompson takes the court once again in the blowout Lakers-Warriors Game 2 to parse through the Warriors’ stellar adjustments, Klay Thompson’s unbelievable performance, and how the Lakers may be able to answer in ...
05.02.2023 Previewing Lakers-Warriors, and Can the Heat Keep This Up? Plus, the Return of James Harden. Verno and KOC recap the exciting Game 1 that saw the 76ers beat the Celtics and take a 1-0 series lead (00:59). The outlook of the series will completely change if James Harden continues to play this way, and that's ...
04.28.2023 NBA Playoff Talk: Celtics Escape Hawks, Milwaukee’s Choke Job, and Round 2 Previews Verno and KOC begin the episode by recapping the Celtics’ series win over the Hawks (01:57). Will this type of competitiveness remain for their series between the 76ers? The Bucks got eliminated by the Heat after a master-class offensive performance ...
04.25.2023 Not Taking LeBron for Granted, Jimmy Buckets at It Again, and the Kings' Missed Opportunity The Lakers win Game 4 and take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Grizzlies as Verno and KOC recap the Lakers' overtime win (01:06). The guys discuss the unbelievable performance that Jimmy Butler had as the Heat took down ...
04.20.2023 Grizzlies-Lakers Analysis, Draymond’s Suspension, Bucks Cruise Without Giannis, and Potential Playoff Adjustments Fresh off the Grizzlies’ Game 2 victory over the Lakers, Verno and KOC discuss how the Grizz were able to tie up the series despite not having Ja Morant (01:19). They move on to the teams in the East, as ...

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The Mismatch

What's The Mismatch about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Mismatch episodes:

Can Devin Booker Win MVP? Plus, KOC’s Power Rankings, the Surging Sixers, and True Contenders

Thanksgiving Week Mismatch Mega-Pod

Are the Warriors Dead? Plus, the Loaded Celtics, Haliburton's Ascent, and Detroit’s Breakdown

Maxey’s Rise, Steph Needs Help, and The Clippers’ Problems

Is Minnesota for Real? Plus, Scottie’s Emergence, the Bucks' Issues, and NBA Media Changes

Harden’s Big "Meh" Debut, What the In-Season Tournament Is Missing, and Sophomore Check-ins

Will James Harden Be Happy With the Clippers? Plus, Three Early Winners and Losers of the Season

James Harden Trade Reaction, Plus Second Impressions From the NBA Season So Far

Dame Time Debut, The Hardenless Sixers, and More First Impressions From Opening Week

Giannis Extends with the Bucks, Grizzlies Options at Center, and NBA Season Predictions

2023-24 Semi-Bold NBA Season Predictions

Denver’s Dynasty Plans, Dame’s Debut, and NBA Preseason Observations

Wemby Vs. Chet, Loaded Suns, Bleak Mavs, and More Early Preseason Takeaways

Breaking Down Jrue to Boston, the Bright-Future Blazers, and the Sphere

Damian Lillard Finally Traded, Set to Join Giannis and the Bucks

Eight Things to Look Forward to Entering the NBA Season

Who’s the Mystery Dame Team? Plus, Lakers Reloaded, and KOC’s Rising Sarr

Team USA's World Cup Woes, KOC’s Franz Crush, and the NBA's New Rest Rules

Can SGA Make the Leap Next Season? Plus, Admiring All the Talent at the World Cup and the Lost Art of Rebounding.

World Cup Takeaways, Luka’s MVP Odds, and the Bright Now Suns

World Cup Takeaways, Anthony Edwards's Ascension, and Another NBA Investigation

The James Harden Soap Opera, Broadcast Changes, and Cooper Flagg Reclassifies

AD’s New Bag, Paolo Vs. Melo, and Is This the Hawks' Last Chance With Trae?

The Summer 'Mismatch' Mailbag: Hyped Teams, Timberwolves' Future, and Perfect Movies

That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous: LIV NBA, 2024 Futures, and Player Empowerment

Embiid's Future, Summer League Standouts, and Lingering NBA Story Lines

Summer League Takeaways, Bright Futures, and the Dame-Harden Sagas

The Wembanyama Experience, Summer League Observations, and Will People Care about the In-Season Tournament?

Damian Lillard’s Demands, Free Agency Takeaways, and Summer League Preview

James Harden on the Move, Kyrie Irving's Future, and the Next Bruce Brown

Dame’s Future, KAT Trades, Wemby, and Underrated Free Agents

NBA Draft Reactions: Big Surprises, Risers and Fallers, and Contenders Reloading. Plus, the Marcus Smart Trade

Suns Add Beal, the Next Big Move, Zion Trades, Draymond's Future, and NBA Draft Talk

NBA Trade Rumors Galore: Scoot, Zion, Beal, Dame, LaVine, and More Leading Up to Draft Night

Nuggets Win NBA Finals: A Dynasty in the Making? Plus, Miami Offseason Preview, Playoff Lessons Learned, and Head-Coaching

Chris Paul Rumors, Zion's Adventures, Draft Talk, and NBA Finals Game 4 Preview

How Will the Nuggets Respond? Plus, Pick Your Poison With Jokic and a LeBron Power Play?

NBA Finals: Nuggets Pummel Heat in Game 1, Jokic's Dominance, and Breaking Miami's Zone

Miami Dominates the Crumbling Celtics, Nuggets-Heat NBA Finals Preview, the Coaching Carousel, and Future Draft Gems

Will the Celtics Make History? Plus, LeBron's Injury, Coaching Scuttlebutt, and Ja's Cryptic Social Posts.

Nuggets Sweep Their Way Into the Finals, Debating the Lakers' Future, and Why Joe Needs to Go

Nuggets Clean Up Game 2 Against Lakers, Heat Take Game 1, and Post-Lottery Thoughts

Jayson Tatum’s Signature Performance to Beat the 76ers, Next Steps for Philly, Lakers-Nuggets Preview, and More

The Nuggets Embarrass the Suns, the Celtics Take Game 6 From Philly, and a Warriors-Lakers Game 6 Preview

The Lonnie Walker Game, Heat Want It More, Devin Booker’s Godly Playoffs, and the Complex Celtics-Sixers Series

The Warriors Flatten the Lakers in Game 2, the Bucks Fire Coach Bud, and Joel Embiid Returns

Previewing Lakers-Warriors, and Can the Heat Keep This Up? Plus, the Return of James Harden.

NBA Playoff Talk: Celtics Escape Hawks, Milwaukee’s Choke Job, and Round 2 Previews

Not Taking LeBron for Granted, Jimmy Buckets at It Again, and the Kings' Missed Opportunity

Grizzlies-Lakers Analysis, Draymond’s Suspension, Bucks Cruise Without Giannis, and Potential Playoff Adjustments

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