Quad Shot: PG Exorcising, JJ-Barkley Beefing, Kings Surging, Cavs-Thunder Entertaining

·32 min·3 clips

An eight-time All-Star in his 15th season claims he didn't understand the shot clock in a crucial loss.

Host Ric Bucher opens the episode by explaining a delayed schedule due to holidays and work on his upcoming book 'Coachable.' He outlines the episode's four topics: Paul George's performance, JJ Redick's comments, the Sacramento Kings' streak, and the Cavaliers-Thunder game. Bucher first dissects the Philadelphia 76ers' loss to the Sacramento Kings, focusing on Paul George's fourth-quarter failures. He reads George's post-game comments, where George cited 'bad time management' and not understanding the shot clock. Bucher finds this explanation illogical for an eight-time All-Star in his 15th season, arguing it reveals a lack of basic clutch-time awareness. He concludes he can no longer view George as a reliable closer. Next, Bucher discusses JJ Redick's public comments blaming broadcast negativity for declining NBA TV ratings, which sparked a response from Charles Barkley. Bucher analyzes Redick's position as Lakers coach, noting his lack of coaching pedigree but his entertainment value, which might be crucial in Los Angeles. He critiques Redick's theory, suggesting it underestimates fans' ability to think independently. The third segment addresses the Sacramento Kings' five-game winning streak since firing Mike Brown and promoting Doug Christie. Bucher lists the opponents—Mavericks, 76ers, Grizzlies, Warriors, Heat—noting each was missing key players like Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Jimmy Butler. He expresses skepticism about Christie's impact, calling his coaching style 'rah-rah' with 'Fugazi vibes' and attributing wins more to player performance and weak schedules. The final topic is a review of the Cleveland Cavaliers-Oklahoma City Thunder game. Bucher praises both teams for their depth, ball movement, and balanced three-point shooting. He highlights a smart play by Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein to avoid late free throws. However, Bucher expresses playoff doubts about the Thunder, citing a predictable offense, reliance on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the need for injured players Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren. He contrasts them with the Cavaliers, who benefit from having three point guards. Bucher closes by teasing a future episode on the Phoenix Suns.

As heard by us

A focused NBA quad shot works through the freedom behind J.J. Redick's clash with Charles Barkley.

Rick Buecher's quad shot lands best when it settles into the J.J. Redick-Charles Barkley dispute over NBA TV ratings. Buecher treats Redick's criticism of national broadcast partners as unusually blunt, then uses Barkley's response to open up a wider conversation about coaching,…

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Why you'd press play

You get NBA story angles, JJ Redick's sideline theater, a Lakers coaching-pressure read, and one very liberated ratings feud.

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