Podcasts by The Mismatch
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.
Further podcasts by The Ringer & JJ Redick
Podcast on the topic Sport
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LeBron’s Loser Lakers, Zion News, and the Play-in Race With Jason Maples | The Void from 2022-03-03T00:02:41
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Today’s guest is Jason Maples. He is a cohost of the ‘Temple of Hoop’ podcast with Big K...
ListenRecapping Ja’s Epic Night and How Good Are the T-Wolves? Plus, the Lakers Still Have a Chance. from 2022-03-01T21:20:17
Verno is still buzzing from last night’s Grizzlies game after watching Ja Mortant drop 52 points (01:10). KOC points out how Morant has fully embraced the city of Memphis and how he’s revitalized a...
ListenDeMar the Cheat Code, Embiid Wanted Someone Else, and the Growing Questions in Portland from 2022-02-25T21:03:04
The All-Star break is over as the second half of the NBA season is underway! The Bulls beat the Hawks on Thursday night, with DeMar DeRozan continuing his historic shooting streak (02:05). The guys...
ListenZion Ripple Effects, Knicks Outlook, and the State of the NBA With Jason Concepcion | The Void from 2022-02-24T22:00:58
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. KOC brings on Crooked Media’s Jason Concepcion, host of Crooked’s 'Takeline,' 'ALL CAPS ...
ListenRecapping All-Star Festivities and Predicting Second-Half Story Lines from 2022-02-22T21:49:34
Verno and KOC begin the show detailing their All-Star Weekend. This weekend’s dunk contest was a complete dud, and the guys debate what the NBA can do to bring excitement back to the contest (00:48...
ListenTwo Sides of New York Basketball, Whether Simons Gives the Blazers a Chance, and the Mavs' Future With Rob Mahoney | The Void from 2022-02-17T22:22:08
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Today, KOC is joined by The Ringer's own Rob Mahoney. They begin by discussing the Knick...
ListenThe James Harden Drama Continues, Getting Giddy About Giddey, and All-Star Game Predictions from 2022-02-15T20:46:24
Verno and KOC begin the show discussing Jake Fischer’s latest article, which details Kevin Durant’s role in the James Harden trade (03:59). Will drama ever stop following Harden? Josh Giddey’s rook...
ListenFinding the Right Roles in Philly and Brooklyn, and Recapping the Trade Deadline from 2022-02-11T20:48:39
Verno and KOC recap the slew of NBA trades made yesterday, beginning with the one trade everyone was waiting for: James Harden for Ben Simmons (02:00). KOC still believes the Bucks are the safe pic...
ListenSecuring Trade Intel With Jake Fischer | The Void from 2022-02-09T22:32
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer joins KOC to go over all the latest information with the ...
ListenInstant Reaction to the Kings-Pacers Trade from 2022-02-08T23:10
Kevin O’Connor, Seerat Sohi, and Logan Murdock got together on Greenroom to discuss today’s trade between the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers, which sent Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tri...
ListenReacting to the CJ McCollum Trade, Wondering Whether James Harden Will Be Dealt, and Watching Myles Turner Shoot His Shot from 2022-02-08T21:15:46
Trade week is here for the NBA, and Verno and KOC discuss the most recent transaction between the Blazers and Pelicans (02:01). CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, and Tony Snell are off to New Orleans, whil...
ListenQuestioning Middleton’s All-Star Selection, Congrats to Fred VanVleet, and Reggie's "Skip-to-my-Lou" Game-Winner from 2022-02-04T20:35:36
Verno and KOC begin the show discussing the selection of the All-Star reserves (04:08). They discuss the surprising selection of Khris Middleton over players like Jarrett Allen and Jrue Holiday. Ou...
ListenThe Beautiful Suns, Deadline Deals, and All-Star Reserves With Wosny Lambre | The Void from 2022-02-03T00:00
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. With his birthday on Sunday, it’s Wos Week! KOC brings on The Ringer's Wosny Lambre to d...
ListenNBA CrunchTime Debut, Predicting the Remaining All-Stars, and Looking Across the League With Ryen Russilo from 2022-02-01T21:55:04
Verno and KOC discuss the debut of the NBA’s version of NFL RedZone, NBA CrunchTime (02:00). Both share ideas for how to improve the show. As the Ben Simmons saga continues in Philadelphia, Verno p...
ListenThe Surprise All-Star, Embiid's MVP Case, Pelicans Have a Chance, and the G League Initiative from 2022-01-28T20:46:42
Verno and KOC begin the show discussing the 2022 NBA All-Star starters and Andrew Wiggins's surprise nod (01:40). Did Wiggins get some help from an unexpected fan base (09:16)? Trae Young was also ...
ListenSpo Keeping the Heat Hot, Bucks Defensive Evolution, and the Flawed All-Star Process With Nekias Duncan | The Void from 2022-01-27T00:00
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Basketaballnews.com writer and podcaster ('The Dunker Spot') Nekias Duncan is today’s gu...
ListenDon’t Count Out Hawks Just Yet, the Lakers' Brodie Trade Decision, and a Surprise Guest from 2022-01-25T20:06:39
Verno and KOC begin the show discussing the up-and-down season from Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks (02:31). They also discuss the importance of De'Andre Hunter. The Bulls' injury woes continue, a...
ListenHow the Suns are Maintaining Success, Laker Woes, and the Continuing Uncertainty With Ben Simmons from 2022-01-21T21:10
We’re just past the halfway point of the NBA season and the Suns have yet to hit double-digit losses, so Verno and KOC detail how Phoenix has been able to maintain its success this season (01:47). ...
ListenFinding Hope in Detroit and Looking Back at the 2021 NBA Draft Class With Nick Henkel | The Void from 2022-01-20T00:00
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. In today’s episode, KOC welcomes Nicolas Henkel, who covers the NBA and the Pistons for ...
ListenHeating Up in Miami, Whether Harden Can Lead the Nets, and Mavs Are Turning the Corner from 2022-01-18T20:56
With the Bulls and Nets dealing with key injuries, Verno and KOC debate whether the Heat can take advantage and become the 1-seed in the East (03:45). They explain how "Heat Culture" keeps the team...
ListenHawks and Knicks Swap Players, Dray’s Importance to the Dubs, and the Two Sides of All the Ben Simmons Talk from 2022-01-14T21:10:22
Verno and KOC react to the Knicks-Hawks trade involving Cam Reddish and Kevin Knox. They debate the low-risk move and discuss how Reddish can succeed in New York (05:49) before asking whether there...
ListenIn the Heart of Mavs Country With Jonathan Tjarks | The Void from 2022-01-13T00:00
Welcome to 'The Void' as Kevin O'Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. KOC goes deep into the state of Texas for today’s guest as he is joined by The Ringer's Jona...
ListenWelcome Back Klay, Real Ones in the West, and the Ben Simmons Trade Machine from 2022-01-11T20:38
Verno and KOC discuss Klay Thompson's exciting return to the hardwood over the weekend (00:56). With Klay back, the guys debate which teams in the West are for real (11:27). The Raptors are riding ...
ListenWho’s the Leader in Boston? Plus, Playing in Today’s NBA and Kawhi’s Possible Return. from 2022-01-07T20:39:22
Verno and KOC discuss last night’s wild Knicks victory over the Celtics. They go over the lack of leadership on the Celtics and debate whether Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown can become that true lead...
ListenLeBron The Center, Weirdo Thunder, and NBA Rookie Talk With J. Kyle Mann | The Void from 2022-01-06T00:00
Welcome to 'The Void' as Kevin O'Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. KOC goes internal for today’s guest as he brings on The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann, host of 'Upsi...
ListenThe Grizz Are for Real, DeMar and the Bulls Continue to Prove People Wrong, and High Praise for Becky Hammon from 2022-01-04T20:20
Verno and KOC jump right into last night’s Grizzlies win over the Nets (00:50). KOC is all in on the Grizz and believes they are only getting better. In looking at the Nets, the guys debate what th...
ListenWhich Franchise Will Finally Get Over the Hump? | The Void from 2021-12-29T20:00
Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. KOC brings on Gibson Pyper, basketball coach and owner/creator of The Basketball Playboo...
ListenGrizzlies Impressing, What to Do With the Lakers, and What an In-Season Tournament Could Mean from 2021-12-28T20:23:35
In the final episode of 2021, Verno and KOC discuss Monday night’s Grizzlies win over the Suns, as Ja Morant hit the game-winning floater in the final seconds. The guys debate whether the Grizz can...
ListenEvaluating DeMar From Afar, Love Affair With Scottie Barnes, and Stuck Teams in the NBA from 2021-12-23T00:00
Welcome to ‘The Void’ as Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. KOC brings on Sportsnet 950 The FAN hosts and Toronto Raptors reporters Blake Murphy and Wil...
Listen'The Mismatch' Christmas List and Wishes for Next Year from 2021-12-21T20:32:37
With Christmas around the corner, Verno and KOC get into their Christmas lists for teams in the NBA (02:19), including getting the Nets healthy, Joel Embiid continuing to play at an MVP level, and ...
ListenPerfect Fits for KD, Patience with Ben Simmons, and No More Magic for the Wiz from 2021-12-17T20:26:57
Kevin Durant is on a tear and has the Nets on his back, but it’s the surrounding role players who are impressing Verno and KOC the most. KOC gives props to the Nets front office for finding the pie...
ListenSteph Curry’s Greatness, Rise of the Zone, and a Look Around the Association | The Void from 2021-12-15T11:00
Welcome to 'The Void,' as Kevin O'Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. In today’s episode, KOC sits down with ‘Thinking Basketball’ author and YouTuber Ben Taylor...
ListenThe Return of Kyrie? Plus Cleveland Rising, King Down in Sac Town, and the Nearing Trade Season. from 2021-12-14T20:45:42
Verno and KOC discuss the potential return of Kyrie Irving (01:01). Despite the Nets being on top in the East, KOC argues that the Nets still need him. While discussing the surprising Cavs team, th...
ListenWill the Real Anthony Davis Please Stand Up, Imagining Ben Simmons With the Spurs, and the Mess in Indiana from 2021-12-10T19:55:41
Verno and KOC discuss the Grizzlies-Lakers game from Thursday night. Verno was there and he details his experience watching the purple and gold up close for the first time this season (01:26). Anth...
ListenHow the Suns Got Better and Four Young NBA Teams Close to Finals Contention from 2021-12-08T11:00
Welcome to The Void! Kevin O'Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. In this episode, KOC is joined by Mike Vigil and Sam Cooper from 'The Timeline: A Phoenix Suns P...
ListenDealing With COVID, the Lakers Are "Two" Top-Heavy, the Issues in Portland, and GOATs Don’t Dance from 2021-12-07T21:45:02
Verno and KOC discuss Joel Embiid’s return to the court after COVID-19 (02:59) and discuss how the virus could potentially derail a team if it's not safe (06:05). The Grizzlies are undefeated since...
ListenDescribing the Grizzlies' Record-Setting Night, What to Do in Portland, and Changing the Thought Process for DPOY from 2021-12-03T21:02:49
Verno and KOC discuss the Grizzlies' record-setting night as they beat the Thunder by 73 points! Verno was there, and he describes the scene inside FedEx Forum throughout the game (01:58). After jo...
ListenRunning With T-Wolves, "Dirk" Valanciunas, and the Warriors Are Standing Their Ground from 2021-11-30T21:07:23
KOC tried to recap his Thanksgiving holiday, but Verno wasn’t having it and the two get right down to the NBA action. Despite the league being more balanced than in years past, last night’s slate o...
ListenThe Kings' Woes, Fox vs. Morant, and the Hot Suns from 2021-11-23T23:35
Verno and KOC discuss the Kings' disgusting loss to the 76ers last night. After Luke Walton’s firing, the guys thought the Kings would show more passion and fight. One thing is for sure: It all sta...
ListenSteph As MVP?, Impact Player Tyrese Maxey, and Final Contenders from 2021-11-19T19:23:27
Verno and KOC discuss Steph’s performance this season as he’s averaging 42 percent from the 3-point line and has gained support for MVP (1:09). Then, they touch on the 76ers, from the up-and-coming...
ListenThree Big Surprises, Lonzo’s Resurgence, and an Epic Rant From Verno from 2021-11-16T19:26:53
As the Eastern Conference continues to surprise us, Verno and KOC break down three teams that are exceeding expectations. Then the guys discuss abysmal starts for the Pelicans and Rockets (which ge...
ListenBen Simmons Saga, Tom Thibodeau Benching His Starters, and the Evolution of Physicality from 2021-11-12T22:00
Verno and KOC touch on the Pacers-Jazz game resulting in four ejections and discuss the side effect of a higher level of physicality in the game (0:58). Then they discuss Toronto’s win at Philly an...
ListenUnstoppable Steph, Harden’s Scoring Slump, Chicago’s Hot Start, and Jokic’s Cheap Shot from 2021-11-09T20:11
Verno and KOC begin by discussing the Bulls’ 7-3 start and how uncommon it is for new rosters to come roaring out of the gates like this. Then, the guys talk about another huge performance from Ste...
ListenThe Celtics Blow Out the Heat, OKC Upsets the Lakers Again, and a Busy NBA News Week from 2021-11-05T21:14:52
Verno and KOC start by talking about upset wins on Thursday night by the Celtics and Thunder (1:03). Then they discuss all the major news items that have been reported this week, including Damian L...
ListenBulls Back, Fractured Celtics, Scorching Heat, and More! from 2021-11-02T17:46:20
Verno and KOC discuss the Chicago Bulls' tremendous early returns, the Boston Celtics’ need for leadership, and the Miami Heat’s blistering start to the season, as well as some other impressive (an...
ListenAn NBA Game of “That’s True, That Might Be True, or That’s Ridiculous” from 2021-10-29T19:14:05
Manic and excitable after a very late night of Grizzlies-Warriors basketball (0:30), Verno and KOC play a game called “That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous,” in which Chris states an ...
ListenJa Morant Is the Most Fun Player to Watch in the NBA. Plus, Rule Changes and the Bulls’ Possibly Unsustainable Success. from 2021-10-26T17:57
Verno and KOC are back talking about the best games from this past week of basketball, starting with Bulls-Raptors and the question of whether the Bulls can sustain their current success (0:45) and...
ListenTen First Impressions From the Opening Games. Plus, Issues With the NBA 75 List. from 2021-10-22T18:02:24
Verno and KOC first discuss all the issues with the NBA 75 rollout over the past week, including the most glaring omissions and the fact that it ended up actually being the NBA 76 (0:30). Then they...
ListenTen Questions About the Upcoming Season, Plus Zion Williamson’s Health and Kyrie Irving’s Instagram Live from 2021-10-15T18:36
Verno and KOC first touch on the recent developments in Zion Williamson’s health (0:35) and Kyrie Irving’s Instagram Live explaining why he won’t get vaccinated (10:50). Then they ask each other 10...
ListenKyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, and Zion Williamson Developments, Plus Eight People to Keep an Eye on for the Upcoming Season from 2021-10-12T18:22
Verno and KOC delve into the developments of Kyrie Irving’s situation in Brooklyn, with the Nets releasing a statement saying he will not be practicing or playing games until he can be a full-time ...
ListenEight Intriguing Observations From Preseason and What Kevin Learned About the Brooklyn Nets from 2021-10-08T18:30:57
Verno and KOC discuss what KOC learned after spending some time with the Brooklyn Nets, including Harden’s newfound leadership and the love players have for head coach Steve Nash (0:35). Then they ...
ListenEvaluating the GM Survey and Preseason Overreactions from 2021-10-05T18:27:51
Verno and KOC first go over the surprises and revelations from NBA.com’s recently released 2021-22 GM Survey (0:50). Then Chris asks Kevin to assess his preseason overreactions on the Nets, Kings, ...
ListenUnpacking Joel Embiid’s Recent Comments on Ben Simmons, Plus Evaluating NBA Player Rankings and Six Teams to Watch This Preseason from 2021-10-01T18:24:25
Happy Friday! Joel Embiid unloaded the clip in response to rumors that Ben Simmons is done playing with him, so Verno and KOC dissect the most interesting parts of Embiid’s statement (0:45). Then t...
ListenMedia Day Revelations, From Zion Williamson to Ben Simmons and Beyond from 2021-09-28T18:20
Media day is upon us! Verno and KOC discuss the vaccine hype at the various media days across the NBA (1:10), before getting into some of the other revelations from Monday. First up, they talk abou...
ListenListener Mailbag Part 4! Plus: the Gersson Rosas Debacle in Minnesota from 2021-09-24T18:44:03
Verno and KOC first dig into the reporting on the sudden dismissal of Timberwolves general manager Gersson Rosas (0:45) and discuss a few of the particulars of the Ben Simmons situation in Philly (...
ListenPicking New NBA Player Islands to Inhabit and Evaluating Old Choices from 2021-09-21T18:31:29
Verno and KOC take a look back to 2019 to evaluate their previous picks for which NBA player islands to inhabit, most of which are pretty unfortunate and some of which have come off well (0:45). Th...
ListenListener Mailbag Part 3! Plus: a Bit of Football and a Bit of Ben Simmons. from 2021-09-10T17:31:21
After a bit of banter about Thursday night’s Cowboys-Buccaneers game (0:30), Verno and KOC talk about some of the developments in the Ben Simmons saga (5:30). Then they dig into the mailbag to answ...
ListenWhat Are the Washington Wizards Capable of This Season? Plus More Ben Simmons Rumors. from 2021-09-07T17:52
Free agency may be winding down, but you can’t stop NBA players from opening their mouths. Verno and KOC discuss Kyle Kuzma’s comments on ‘The No Chill Podcast’ that the Buddy Hield trade was basic...
ListenListener Mailbag Part 2! Plus: Will Ben Simmons Be Playing in a 76ers Uniform in October? from 2021-09-03T18:46:52
Before opening up the mailbag, Verno and KOC talk about the recent reports that Ben Simmons has informed the 76ers that he will not show up to training camp in September (0:30), as well as the news...
ListenAn NBA Offseason Game of "Do You Believe…?" from 2021-08-31T18:13
It’s a tradition like no other. Verno and KOC play an NBA offseason edition of "Do You Believe…?" They definitely believe in life after love, but do they believe that there is a trade out there for...
ListenMismatch Mailbag! Plus: Lauri Markkanen Is Headed to the Cavaliers and Emoni Bates Commits to Memphis from 2021-08-27T18:58
Up top, Verno and KOC chat about the stacked team the University of Memphis has put together for this upcoming season with Emoni Bates (0:30) and then react to the breaking news that Lauri Markkane...
ListenThe Celtics Extend Josh Richardson and the Timberwolves Continue to Explore a Ben Simmons Trade. Plus: The Overtime Elite League Signals New Opportunities for High School Prospects. from 2021-08-24T18:52
Verno and KOC first talk about some of the particulars of the NBA schedule that was released on Friday, including how the national games are spread around (0:30). Then they talk about the Josh Rich...
ListenDavion Mitchell Cements His Defensive Reputation in the Summer League Championship Game. Plus: How Can Patrick Beverley Help the Timberwolves? from 2021-08-20T18:04:27
Verno and KOC start off the show by wrapping up their thoughts from summer league after Davion Mitchell shut the Celtics down with his lockdown defense and cemented his reputation as a fierce defen...
ListenDavion Mitchell, Payton Pritchard, and the Knicks Picks Shine at Summer League. Plus: Joel Embiid and Marcus Smart Sign Extensions and Memphis Sends Patrick Beverley to Minnesota. from 2021-08-17T17:59
Verno and KOC start with all the news and movement around the league. First they dig into Joel Embiid’s supermax extension with the Philadelphia 76ers (0:30) and Marcus Smart’s four-year extension ...
ListenCam Thomas Looks Like an NBA Scoring Threat and More Summer League Observations. Plus: Mirin Fader on Her New Giannis Antetokounmpo Biography. from 2021-08-13T18:18:15
Kevin O’Connor has landed in Las Vegas for summer league, so he and Chris dive into all of their observations, starting with how last year’s rookie class is faring and whether we underrated them be...
ListenFirst Impressions of This Year’s Rookie Class in Summer League from 2021-08-10T18:32
Verno and KOC do a big summer league catchup after the first few days of play, starting with this year’s rookie class and why rookies are more able than ever to contribute to a winning team in the ...
ListenAndre Iguodala Returns to the Warriors and More Transactions Around the League from 2021-08-06T18:31
Verno and KOC are back and full of anticipation for the Olympic gold-medal game between France and Team USA Friday night (0:30). They are also full of joy at Andre Iguodala’s return to the Warriors...
ListenFree Agency Shuffles, Surprise Contracts, and NBA Draft Reactions from 2021-08-03T19:08:27
KOC and Verno rejoin after the draft and the first night of free agency to discuss the big trades and deals that went down. They start in Miami, where Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry got excellent deal...
ListenMemphis Trades Up to the Top 10, and Top Prospect Info from 2021-07-28T04:22
As the NBA draft nears, Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor talk about all of the big moves the top teams are looking to make, including Memphis making a big trade to move to the top 10 in picks (01:46...
ListenDraft-Night Trade Conversations Reach a Crescendo and the Restricted Free Agency Market Is Hot from 2021-07-23T05:56:32
First, Verno and KOC dive into all the action surrounding the upcoming draft, with Cleveland fielding trade offers for their pick and Collin Sexton, the Raptors trying to move up from the fourth pi...
ListenGiannis Drops 50 Points and the Bucks are NBA Champions from 2021-07-21T08:09:37
Verno and KOC start by breaking down Giannis' historic Game 6 (0:51) and everything else that helped push the Bucks past the Suns in the Finals (9:40). They also discuss what went wrong for the Sun...
ListenThe Bucks' Adjustments, Kawhi Leonard Speculation, and Late First-Round Sleepers from 2021-07-16T03:58
KOC and Verno start by discussing the adjustments the Bucks have made to tie the series (1:25). Then they discuss why they think Giannis doesn't appear to get the same hype from his peers that othe...
ListenThe Clippers’ Future Is Uncertain After Kawhi Leonard Undergoes Surgery to Repair a Partial ACL Tear. Plus: Team USA Struggles and the 76ers Make Ben Simmons Available. from 2021-07-14T06:04:38
Chris and Kevin kick off the episode talking about Kawhi Leonard’s recently reported ACL repair surgery and what that means for him and for the Clippers’ next season (0:40). They talk a little bit ...
ListenThe Suns Take Game 2 of the NBA Finals from 2021-07-09T07:05
Chris and Kevin get together right after Game 2 of the NBA Finals to talk about the Suns going up 2-0 over the Bucks (0:40). Then they talk about Adam Silver saying that the play-in tournament will...
ListenGiannis Plays but the Suns Take Game 1 of the Finals. Plus: Looking Forward to the Rest of the Series from 2021-07-07T07:28:31
Immediately following Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Verno and KOC discuss Chris Paul taking over and pushing the Suns to a Game 1 win over the Bucks (2:18), how well Giannis played despite his injury (...
ListenThe Bucks Win Game 5 Without Giannis. Plus: Chris Paul and the Suns are Headed to the Finals from 2021-07-02T07:20:09
Late Thursday night, Verno and KOC talk about the Bucks winning Game 5 without Giannis (1:30), the Suns making it to the NBA Finals and what it means for Chris Paul (19:56), and the state of the Cl...
ListenHawks Take Game 4 and Giannis Gets Hurt. Plus: Chauncey Billups Controversy and Combine Talk from 2021-06-30T07:15:33
Verno and KOC react to the Hawks' Game 4 win and Giannis' injury (0:43), the Clippers impressive Game 5 win over the Suns (13:45), and the controversy surrounding Portland's hiring of Chauncey Bill...
ListenClippers Cut the Series Deficit in Half with Game 3 Win. Plus: Trae Young Scores 48 in Game 1 and New NBA Coaching Hires. from 2021-06-25T08:03
Late Thursday night, Verno and KOC get into the Clippers Game 3 win over the Suns and how big of a role injuries played (1:04), then give Trae Young the credit he deserves for his Game 1 performanc...
ListenThe Suns Win a Crazy Game 2 Over the Clippers. Plus: Eastern Conference Finals Preview and Draft Lottery Recap from 2021-06-23T08:03:32
Immediately following the Suns Game 2 win over the Clippers, Verno and KOC discuss the crazy final 2 minutes, plus Deandre Ayton and Cam Payne's big night (1:10). Then they talk about what's next f...
ListenThe Bucks Force a Game 7. Plus: The Sixers Blow a 26-Point Lead and Major Coaching Changes from 2021-06-18T07:54:10
Verno and KOC discuss Game 6 of the Bucks and Nets series and look forward to Game 7 (1:07), the Sixers blowing a 26 point lead to the Hawks (11:12) and Paul George stepping up for the Clippers (37...
ListenKevin Durant's Dominant 49-Point Game Gives the Nets a 3-2 Series Lead. Plus: Chris Paul's Playoff Run with the Suns and Young Players Adjusting in the Playoffs from 2021-06-16T07:46:26
Verno and KOC get together late Tuesday night to discuss the Nets win over the Bucks in which Kevin Durant played all 48 minutes and scored 49 points (1:08). Then they get into the adjustments Trae...
ListenThe Clippers Fall to 0-2 Against the Jazz and the Bucks Beat the Nets. Plus: How Many Games can the Nuggets Win Against the Suns? from 2021-06-11T09:31
Late Thursday night, Verno&KOC talk about the Jazz taking care of business at home to go up 2-0 against the Clippers (0:42) and the Bucks winning a strange game against the Nets (21:27) Also, can t...
ListenDonovan Mitchell Balls Out and 76ers Even Series. Plus, Notes on Nets, Suns, and Award Winners. from 2021-06-09T08:48
Immediately following the Jazz’s Game 1 victory over the Clippers, Verno and KOC discuss Donovan Mitchell’s 45-point performance and whether the Jazz can win the series without Mike Conley (1:49). ...
ListenThe Suns and Nuggets Take Care of Business in Round 1 of the Playoffs. Plus: Looking Forward to Round 2 Matchups. from 2021-06-04T18:28:22
Late Thursday night, Verno and KOC talk about the Suns beating the hobbled Lakers in the first round of the playoffs (0:30) and the Nuggets powering through Damian Lillard’s incredible performances...
ListenDamian Lillard Puts Up Historic 55-Point Performance in Game 5 Loss to the Nuggets. Plus: The Lakers' Collapse and Looking Forward to Nets-Bucks. from 2021-06-02T08:29
Verno and KOC first get into Damian Lillard’s unbelievable 55-point, 10-assist performance in a double-overtime loss to the Nuggets in a thrilling Game 5 (0:30). Then they talk about every Laker wh...
ListenBucks Beat Down the Heat in Third Straight Win. Plus: Lakers and Nuggets Win Their Game 3s, and the Clippers Are Wretched from 2021-05-28T07:50:46
Verno and KOC get together after Thursday night’s slate of playoff games to discuss the Bucks’ beatdown of the Heat to go up 3-0 (0:30), the Lakers’ defeat of the overheated Suns to go up 2-1 (19:1...
ListenTrae Young Is Becoming the NBA’s Next Great Villain. Plus: The Bucks Destroy the Heat in Game 2 and the Clippers and Lakers Disappoint. from 2021-05-25T18:34
First things first, Chris shares a couple of voicemails he received from some very special people before he and KOC get into all the matchups in Round 1 of the NBA playoffs (0:24). They start out w...
ListenPreviewing the First-Round NBA Playoff Matchups. Plus: Do the Grizzlies Have a Chance at Beating the Warriors? from 2021-05-21T18:05
Verno and KOC are back this Friday to talk about the Pacers' embarrassing loss to the Wizards in the second round of the Eastern Conference play-in (0:24) and the matchup between the Wizards and 76...
ListenPreviewing the First Round of the Play-in Tournament, Plus KOC's All-NBA Picks from 2021-05-18T19:42:58
Verno and KOC are back this Tuesday morning previewing all the play-in matchups coming at you over the next couple of days (0:30). First up, in the first round of the Eastern Conference play-in, th...
ListenPlayoff Seeding Remains Uncertain With Three Days Left in the Regular Season. Plus: Udonis Haslem Plays Basketball, and Looking Forward to the Hall of Fame Ceremony. from 2021-05-14T19:10
Verno and KOC are back talking about all the crazy matchups and movements in playoff seeding and the uncertainty going into the last three days of regular-season basketball, including the implicati...
ListenPlay-in Matchups, Plus the Impact of the Mavericks Missing Porzingis, Nets Missing Harden, and Lakers Missing Davis from 2021-05-07T18:46
Verno and KOC discuss the teams that are missing a vital player— the Mavericks and Kristaps Porzingis, the Nets and James Harden, and the Lakers and Anthony Davis (2:52)—then touch on their potenti...
ListenThe Play-in Tournament Is Increasing Competition Down the Stretch. Plus: Redemption for Marc Gasol, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony. from 2021-05-04T17:52
This Tuesday, Verno and KOC discuss how, whatever players in danger of falling into it may say, the looming threat of the play-in tournament has indeed worked to increase competition between cusp t...
ListenThe Ascent of Kevin Porter Jr. and Michael Porter Jr. Plus: The Phoenix Suns End Their Playoff Drought and the Trail Blazers Have a Heart-to-Heart. from 2021-04-30T18:38
Verno and KOC are back this Friday covering the ascent of Kevin Porter Jr., who became the fourth youngest in history to score 50 points in an NBA game on Thursday night (6:51), and Michael Porter ...
ListenThe Suns Could Nab the 1-seed in the West From the Jazz. Plus: The Timberwolves’ Future Remains Murky and the Trail Blazers’ Defense Is Historically Bad. from 2021-04-27T18:06
Verno and KOC get into the odd phenomenon of the Minnesota Timberwolves sweeping the Utah Jazz this season and where the Timberwolves can go with their roster (0:30). Then they talk about Kevin Lov...
ListenAre the 76ers a Genuine Finals Threat? Plus: The Celtics, Knicks, and Wizards Surge and Anthony Davis Returns. from 2021-04-23T18:41
Verno and KOC are back this Friday, talking about Anthony Davis returning to the basketball court against the Dallas Mavericks (0:25) and what the most important factors are to the Mavericks’ succe...
ListenWe Are Standing Witness to Steph Curry’s Historic Greatness. Plus: The Clippers Are a Major Threat in the West and Stan Van Gundy Has Lost His Pelicans Team. from 2021-04-20T18:39
Verno and KOC first get into the Steph Curry run that just keeps going (0:27) and Nikola Jokic doing things that no center has done before (19:47). Then they talk about whether the Suns are a major...
ListenThe Bulls’ and Kings’ Win-Now Moves Ultimately Amount to Losses. Plus: Jrue Holiday Is the Bucks’ Defensive Key, the Celtics Are Back on Form, and LaMarcus Aldridge Retires. from 2021-04-16T18:49
Verno and KOC start off this Friday talking about the Bucks continuing their run in the second half of the season and how Jrue Holiday could be the piece that allows them to compete with the two ot...
ListenJamal Murray Tears His ACL. Plus: The Bulls Aren’t Fitting Together, the Knicks Are at a Crossroads, and the Celtics Might Be Able to Make a Run. from 2021-04-13T18:08
This Tuesday it’s KOC’s flu pod as he and Verno get into the sad news that Jamal Murray tore his ACL on Monday night during a game against the Warriors (3:10), in which Steph Curry racked up an ast...
ListenNikola Jokic Should Be the MVP. Plus: Wacky Western Conference Seeding and the Buyout Period Ends. from 2021-04-09T18:23
Verno and KOC start this Friday off talking about who’s left in the MVP pool and why Jokic’s case is the strongest (0:30). Then they get into Thursday’s contentious Clippers-Suns game and the swirl...
ListenWhich Teams Are Surging and Which Are Faltering Heading Into the NBA Season’s Final Stretch? from 2021-04-06T18:32
As the stretch run approaches, Verno and KOC talk about the teams that are surging toward the postseason and those that are falling behind. The Utah Jazz haven’t let up with their 3-heavy playing s...
ListenWho’s to Blame for the Celtics’ Underwhelming Season? Plus: LaMarcus Aldridge Starts for the Nets and the Clippers Overhaul Their Culture from 2021-04-02T19:02
Verno and KOC get into all the league business this Friday, starting with LaMarcus Aldridge heading straight to the starting five for the Brooklyn Nets (0:30) and Miami’s continued high level of pl...
ListenThe Nets and Lakers Fortify Their Rosters on the Buyout Market. Plus: Zion Williamson's Monster Performance Against the Mavericks. from 2021-03-30T18:43
Verno and KOC start off by talking about the biggest signings from the buyout market, with LaMarcus Aldridge going to the Nets and Andre Drummond going to the Lakers (0:30). Then they get into Zion...
ListenThe Mismatch’s Trade Deadline Postmortem from 2021-03-26T18:44
This Friday, Verno and KOC get into the most active trade deadline in NBA history, starting with the unexpected trade of Nikola Vucevic from the Magic to the Bulls (3:00). Then they get into the ad...
ListenThe Mismatch's Trade Deadline Preview. Plus: The Bucks Are Back and Steve Kerr’s Comments on 'Real Ones.' from 2021-03-23T18:33
Verno and KOC are back with all the potential trades you need to know about before the trade deadline this Thursday. First up: The Lakers have made Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell ava...
ListenThe Hawks’ and Timberwolves’ Midseason Coaching Changes Have Paid Off. Plus: The Trade Deadline Approaches and KOC’s 2021 Draft Guide Drops. from 2021-03-19T18:30
Verno and KOC dive into the recent success of the Hawks and Timberwolves, who both replaced their head coaches midseason, and how a coach can unlock players’ talents and effort (6:52). Then they wo...
ListenThe Charlotte Hornets Are Taking the League by Swarm. Plus: Chris Paul’s Gas Tank Is Still Full and the Hawks Look Rejuvenated. from 2021-03-16T18:56:43
Verno and KOC go all the way around the league this Tuesday starting in sunny Miami where Jimmy Butler could be playing himself into the MVP conversation (0:30), and moving on to the team that’s ta...
ListenWould You Rather Have LaMelo Ball or Ja Morant? Plus: Full Slate of NBA Games and LaMarcus Aldridge and PJ Tucker Are on the Market. from 2021-03-12T19:36
Verno and KOC first get into a little beef this Friday because Kevin said he would take LaMelo Ball over Ja Morant on 'Ringer NBA University' (0:45). Then they get into all the games that have happ...
ListenWhat Can Blake Griffin Add to the Brooklyn Nets? Plus: KOC’s Midseason Power Rankings from 2021-03-09T19:30
Verno and KOC discuss their reactions to the All-Star Game (0:25) and what, if anything, Blake Griffin has left in the tank to pursue a championship with the Brooklyn Nets (9:20). Then they dive de...
ListenCan Jrue Holiday Help the Bucks Break Their Postseason Slump? Plus: Surprises and Disappointments at the Halfway Mark, and Mailbag! from 2021-03-05T20:18
Verno and KOC start off the podcast with the shady-as-all-hell All-Star draft in which the two Jazz stars were chosen last (0:30) before getting into what Jrue Holiday adds to the Bucks' postseason...
ListenHawks Fire Lloyd Pierce, Zion Williamson Is a Force of Nature, and the Nets Still Have Higher Levels to Reach from 2021-03-02T19:14:08
Verno and KOC get into all the factors that led to the Atlanta Hawks firing head coach Lloyd Pierce midseason and what this Hawks team’s ceiling can be moving forward (0:30). After the Pelicans' ex...
ListenBen Simmons Devastates Luka Doncic and the Pelicans Are Confusing As Ever. Plus: Coach Malone Put His Foot in His Mouth, and Mailbag! from 2021-02-26T20:12
Verno and KOC are back this Friday covering the Bucks' win over the Pelicans and what makes the Pelicans the most confusing team in the NBA (4:30), Michael Malone’s ill-advised comments after the N...
ListenDo the Wizards Have a Chance at the Playoffs? Plus: the Timberwolves’ Future, All-Star Reserves, and More from 2021-02-23T19:48
Verno and KOC are back this Tuesday getting into the Wizards’ overtime win over the Lakers and five-game winning streak that raises the question of whether the team’s newfound success will last (0:...
ListenLuka Doncic Snags an All-Star Starter Position Over Damian Lillard. Plus: Blazers, Celtics, Jazz, Nets, and Mailbag! from 2021-02-19T21:02
Verno and KOC take a look at the All-Star starters and talk about the inclusion of Luka Doncic over Damian Lillard (1:00), then get into the injury-riddled Blazers and Lillard’s incredible effort (...
ListenThe Dominant Jazz, the Faltering Hawks, and the Rising Suns from 2021-02-16T19:57
Verno and KOC have so much to talk about this week. They get into the Utah Jazz just dominating the league (1:00), Julius Randle’s 44-point game (16:30), and the Hawks taking a nosedive in recent w...
ListenZach Lowe on the Teams He’s Most Surprised by This Season, All-Star Voting, Joel Embiid, and More from 2021-02-12T20:24
ESPN’s Zach Lowe stops by to talk with Verno and KOC about how he got into sports journalism (0:45), the teams he’s most surprised by this season (20:00), the state of his All-Star ballot (31:45), ...
ListenLaMelo Ball and the Instant Impact of NBA Rookies. Plus: Appreciating Dejounte Murray, Steph Curry, and De’Aaron Fox. from 2021-02-09T19:39
Verno and KOC take a tour around the league, starting with LaMelo Ball's success in Charlotte (3:00) and what factors play into the increasingly early success of young players over the past decade ...
ListenSix Players Who Deserve More Recognition This Season. Plus: LeBron James's Comments on NBA All-Star Plans. from 2021-02-05T20:06
Verno and KOC are back this Friday talking about Adam Silver’s LeBron James–induced headache over the NBA’s All-Star plans in Atlanta (0:30) and James's MVP-level performance against the Nuggets on...
ListenWhat’s Holding the Dallas Mavericks Back From Reaching Their Full Potential? from 2021-02-02T19:26
Verno and KOC get into LaMelo Ball’s first start and Malik Monk’s fantastic play in the Hornets’ win over the Heat, as well as how the Heat haven’t been putting the pedal to the metal this season a...
ListenHow Christian Wood, Jerami Grant, and Mikal Bridges Are Lifting Up Their Teams from 2021-01-29T19:54
On this Friday, Chris and Kevin get into the new-look, defensively minded Rockets after the James Harden trade brought them Victor Oladipo (8:00), how good Jerami Grant looks on the "giant killer" ...
ListenJaylen Brown Is Making The Leap Towards Greatness Before Our Eyes from 2021-01-26T19:51:31
Chris and Kevin start off by reflecting on the legacy of the late great Kobe Bryant a year after his death (3:00). Then they get into the pure fun of the Lakers-Cavaliers game Monday night where Le...
ListenWhy Are the Pelicans Playing So Far Below Their Potential This Season? from 2021-01-22T19:34
Chris and Kevin get into the most interesting games of the week, starting with the Lakers’ lackadaisical win over the not-quite-complete Bucks (0:45). Then they get into Tom Thibodeau’s continually...
ListenAre the Suns Getting the Most Out of Devin Booker? from 2021-01-19T18:24:20
Chris and Kevin dive into the emerging story lines in the league, starting with how James Harden and KD played together against the Bucks on Monday (1:00), how CJ McCollum’s injury, in conjunction ...
ListenWhat Does the James Harden Trade Say About How the NBA Has Changed? from 2021-01-15T17:59:07
Chris and Kevin discuss the details of the intricate and wide-reaching James Harden trade on Wednesday (0:40). Then they get into a conversation about what the nature of Harden’s trade request says...
ListenAn NBA Game of "Do You Believe…?" from 2021-01-12T19:32:25
Since it’s still early in the season, Chris and Kevin play a game of “Do You Believe..?” to discuss emerging trends across the NBA. Do you believe that the season will go on without having to take...
ListenBiggest Surprises From the NBA Season So Far from 2021-01-08T19:22:19
Chris and Kevin take a look at how the COVID-19 protocols are working after Seth Curry’s positive test (5:07) and at the massive leak from the Hawks’ locker room reported by The Athletic (13:14). T...
ListenCan Steph Curry and the Warriors Reach the Postseason? from 2021-01-05T19:50
Chris and Kevin go through all the big games and story lines in the NBA, kicking it off with a discussion about Tom Thibodeau’s 4-3 Knicks and their win over the Hawks on Monday (0:39). Then they g...
ListenTen Early Season Observations from 2020-12-29T20:50
Verno and KOC talk about 10 observations they've made in the early part of the season, including impressive showings from rookies Precious Achiuwa (18:18) and Tyrese Haliburton (34:45), hot starts ...
ListenTen Early Season Observations from 2020-12-29T20:50
Verno and KOC talk about 10 observations they've made in the early part of the season, including impressive showings from rookies Precious Achiuwa (18:18) and Tyrese Haliburton (34:45), hot starts ...
ListenThe Mismatch’s 2020-21 NBA Season Preview from 2020-12-22T06:26
Verno and KOC go through the slew of extensions and deals that have and haven’t closed over the past week (0:36). Then they get into the 10 teams in each conference they think will make the playoff...
ListenNick Wright on James Harden, the Clippers, MVP Picks, and More from 2020-12-18T19:38:04
After Verno attends his first live basketball game in person since March, the boys get into the Grizzlies-Hawks game (0:47) and the Twitter kerfuffle last night about Ben Simmons potentially being ...
ListenGiannis Contract Reaction and Five NBA Preseason Takeaways from 2020-12-15T20:32
Before the show, KOC gives his instant reactions to Giannis' brand new shiny contract with the Bucks (0:01). Then Verno and KOC get into the new Pelicans offense under Stan Van Gundy (5:52), Talen ...
ListenWhere in the League is James Harden Headed? from 2020-12-11T11:00
Verno and KOC start with Paul George’s shiny new contract with the Clippers (0:41), what in the world the Rockets can do with Harden (8:33), and Kyrie’s $25,000 fine levied by the NBA (18:40), befo...
ListenBill Simmons on the Harden Fiasco, Teams He’s High and Low on, Rookie of the Year Picks, and More from 2020-12-08T11:00
Bill Simmons joins Verno and KOC on the brand-new feed to talk about James Harden skipping training camp in favor of the strip club (0:45), the Brooklyn Nets (23:24), teams Bill is higher on and lo...
ListenWill Westbrook Help the Wizards? Plus: Lakers Loom Large and PG-13 Talks Trash from 2020-12-04T11:00
Verno and KOC get into the nitty gritty of the Westbrook-Wall trade (3:00), then talk over the latest news around the league, including the LeBron and AD signings (42:30), Paul George’s recent comm...
ListenWelcome to 'The Mismatch'! from 2020-12-01T22:49
That's right, NBA fans! 'The Mismatch' now has its very own feed, where you can find Verno and KOC getting in fights and making up, as they always do. Welcome to 'The Mismatch.' Follow on Spotify o...
ListenWelcome to 'The Mismatch'! from 2020-12-01T22:49
That's right, NBA fans! 'The Mismatch' now has its very own feed, where you can find Verno and KOC getting in fights and making up, as they always do. Welcome to 'The Mismatch.' Follow on Spotify o...
ListenWelcome to 'The Mismatch'! from 2020-12-01T22:49
That's right, NBA fans! 'The Mismatch' now has its very own feed, where you can find Verno and KOC getting in fights and making up, as they always do. Welcome to 'The Mismatch.' Follow on Spotify o...
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