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On The Ball with Ric Bucher
Quad Shot: Jokic-Towns, JJ's Reality, Kerr's Magic, Bronny Plan
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Ric introduces a new format, diving into four topics or events that caught his attention on a single night's slate of games. In this one: Nikola Jokic laying waste to suggestions Karl-Anthony Towns is more skilled in defeating the OKC Thunder; Lakers coach JJ Redick coming to grips with the challenges of his roster; Warriors' coach Steve Kerr showing his versatility in achieving a 7-1 record playing a 12-man rotation; and the questionable wisdom of not making Bronny James a fixture with the South Bay Lakers.
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Who is in Bigger Trouble, Bucks or Nuggets?
37:38|Ric discusses the early struggles of two teams projected as title contenders this season, the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Also: a look at LeBron James' bucket list and what might be motivating him at this stage of his career.
Lonzo and Giannis, Both Breaking New Ground
20:34|Ric discusses the return of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball thanks to the latest innovative surgery to replace damaged knee cartilage and what it would mean if the rumors that superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is on his way out of Milwaukee are true.
The Danger of Playing by Numbers
24:24|Ric discusses the emphasis by the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers on increasing their volume of three-point shooting and the questionable wisdom of that strategy based on their personnel.
The Early Returns on JJ Redick
28:22|Ric discusses the impact first-year coach JJ Redick has had on the Los Angeles Lakers through the first four games of the season and if he has erased any doubts he's capable of coaching them to a championship.
Why The Lakers Still Have The Suns' Number
27:33|Ric discusses the Los Angeles Lakers' latest comeback upset victory over the Phoenix Suns and sheds light on a few early conspiracy theories that have cropped the first week of the NBA season.
Takeaways From the NBA's Opening Night
26:38|Ric discusses the Boston Celtics' dominant win over the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers' upset of the Minnesota Timberwolves and how we will look back at LeBron and Bronny James getting their historic moment as the first father-son duo in NBA history.
What the NBA Could Learn From the WNBA Championship
32:47|Ric discusses the New York Liberty's Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Lynx to clinch the 2024 WNBA title and the elements that reminded him of the NBA's more innocent, and authentic, times.
What the Bucks Need from Giannis to Contend
31:08|Ric discusses what he has seen of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo this preseason and what it foreshadows for the Bucks' chance of competing for another NBA title.