Author: Running It Back

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BAM’s 83 | Running It Back to Kobe, Wilt, and The Ethics of Going for the Record

Bam Adebayo 83 points

Bam Adebayo: 83 Points, No Apologies

Did that actually just happen? In an era of load management, Bam Adebayo just sent a shockwave through the league by dropping 83 points on the Washington Wizards. Join Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray for an emergency session of Running It Back as they break down one of the most surreal scoring outbursts in NBA history. We examine whether this was a pure display of physical dominance or a manufactured “barnstorming” moment against a G-League-heavy roster.

In this episode, we dive into the “A’ja Wilson Effect” and whether Bam went supernova specifically to show off for the WNBA GOAT in the stands. We also analyze the “purity” of the scoring output by comparing it to Kobe’s 81-point game and Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100 in a chocolate-scented gym. We discuss the reality of the Wizards’ tanking efforts and how a lack of starters allowed Bam to rack up a record-breaking 43 free throw attempts. Finally, we look at what this says about Heat Culture, as Coach Erik Spoelstra and the rest of the roster rallied to help Bam plant his flag on the mountain.

Whether you think it was a masterpiece or rec league stat-padding, you can’t deny the greatness. Bam didn’t apologize for the free throws, and we aren’t apologizing for this pod.

Read: ⁠Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game: The Associated Press Original Report (1962)⁠

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Emergency Pod Setup
  • 01:10 Bam Showing Off
  • 02:12 New Hip Update
  • 02:55 How They Heard
  • 03:58 Wizards Context
  • 05:05 Breaking Down 83
  • 06:40 Wilt Comparisons
  • 08:19 What Makes 80 Plus
  • 10:38 Kobe Purity Debate
  • 12:26 Hershey Legend Talk
  • 13:34 Box Score Deep Dive
  • 14:32 Comparing 100 81 83
  • 15:37 Kobe Comeback Context
  • 15:58 Smush Parker Detour
  • 16:18 Stat Lines Breakdown
  • 17:56 Free Throw Backlash
  • 19:17 Chasing Records Debate
  • 20:08 Celebrate Bam Night
  • 21:29 Playoffs Versus Regular
  • 22:28 Sports Cliches Segment
  • 23:22 Leadership Team Lessons
  • 24:54 NBA News Cycle Wins
  • 28:14 Final Thoughts Signoff

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SUPER BOWL XL PREVIEW | NFL COACHING CAROUSEL | THAT’S MY QB | WE’RE JUST HERE SO WE DON’T GET FINED

Super Bowl LX Preview

Running It Back Super Bowl XL Preview!

It’s Media Week 2026, and while the league builds the stage for Super Bowl XL, a coaching “Red Wedding” has left the NFL landscape looking like a chaotic game of musical chairs. In this episode, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray break down the fallout of the massive coaching turnover and a Super Bowl matchup defined by redemption stories and “Harvard-style” job interviews.

The guys dive deep into the hiring trends of the year—from the rise of the quarterback-influenced front office to the confusing lockout of the winningest coach in history from the Hall of Fame . We’re also paying homage to the 11th anniversary of the 2015 Marshawn Lynch era, reminding everyone that sometimes—“We’re just here so we don’t get fined” .

Key Takeaways:

🏈 The Quarterback Bequeathment: In an act of “tremendous generosity,” Mike hands Drake May over to Tarlin while betting his own reputation on a Sam Darnold redemption tour .

🤡 The HoF “Clown Show”: Why Bill Belichick’s first-ballot denial is being labeled a total farce and what it means for the future of coaching legacies .

🩸 The Coaching Red Wedding: From Eric Bieniemy’s demanding accountability to the “Harvard interview” essays in Cleveland, we track the bloodbath across the league .

🧬 Bloodlines & Systems: A look at the Kubiak family tree—Clint, Clay, and Klein—and how coaching dynasties are tightening their grip on the NFL .

📉 A Low Watermark: A candid look at the current state of minority head coaching hires in 2026 and why the numbers are hitting a historical low .

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Tactical shovels and the “sharper, more substantive” way to dig out of a Brooklyn snowstorm
  • 02:35 Tarlin’s “Titanium Hip” update: The bizarre experience of meeting a surgeon for 20 minutes and then being “released to the wild”
  • 03:55 Media week and the all-time press conference GOATs: From “Practice” to “I’m just here so I don’t get fined”
  • 06:55 Bequeathing Drake May: Why Mike is holding onto the “distressed asset” of Sam Darnold for the Super Bowl
  • 15:55 Bill Belichick and the Hall of Fame snub: Is the voting process a “clown show”?
  • 18:45 The Red Wedding: Analyzing the Eric Bieniemy dilemma and the “accountability” he brings back to Kansas City
  • 31:30 Mike McCarthy goes home: The “Yinzer” homecoming in Pittsburgh and the end of the Mike Tomlin era
  • 37:45 The Rooney Rule final tally: Exploring the “low watermark” and the movement of coaches like Robert Saleh
  • 39:15 Super Bowl predictions: Can Sam Darnold actually matriculate himself to the Vince Lombardi trophy?

If your GM forced you to write a “Harvard-style” essay just to keep your job, would you cite your sources or just walk out like a coach heading to Cancun?

Join the Conversation:

🚀 Follow the show on your favorite podcast app to catch every breakdown of this 2026 coaching cycle.

⭐ Leave a Review: Does Bill Belichick deserve to wait for the Hall of Fame, or is “Spygate” old news?

Tap that follow button like a tactical shovel through Brooklyn ice—Subscribe to Running It Back so you never miss a conversation like this one.

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Fantasy Football 2025: Draft Strategy, Flores v The NFL, the Rooney Rule and More | Running It Back

Fantasy Football 2025

Get ready, fantasy football fans, because we’re officially running it back! After a well-deserved summer hiatus, your favorite sports podcasters are back and ready to kick off the NFL season in style. This episode has everything you love: a healthy dose of signature banter, some wild personal updates, and a deep dive into the world of fantasy football—from its surprising origins to the drama of your home league.

Don’t miss a single second as we tackle the big topics:

  • The Origins of Fantasy: We’re talking 1960s, a league with a mouthful of a name (The Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League), and the very first player ever drafted in fantasy history. Tarlin, with his deep Gemini research, connects the past to the present with players who play both sides of the ball.
  • The Modern-Day Fantasy Grind: The guys break down their own league obsessions, from old-school in-person drafts with stickers to the new “Guillotine League”. We also get a look into Mike’s “Palmertron 5,000” and the eternal debate of bros versus cos.
  • Running Backs and the Art of General Management: Is the running back dead? The guys debate strategy, assess player health, and reveal their own plans for the upcoming drafts. Tarlin even has a new rule he’s trying to pass to “make tight ends great again”.
  • The Flores Lawsuit and the Rooney Rule: We shift gears to a serious but crucial conversation about the NFL’s ongoing legal battles. The guys discuss the Brian Flores lawsuit, the fact that he’s still a defensive coordinator while suing the league’s owners, and what it all says about the Rooney Rule and the future of minority coaches.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran with a “war room” and multiple leagues or a rookie looking to get a leg up, this episode is a must-listen. So grab your draft magazines, open up your pre-draft spreadsheets, and get ready because you know we’re ⁠Running It Back⁠.

Timestamps

  • 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
  • 01:07 Baseball Talk and Team Loyalty
  • 02:05 College Preparations and Nostalgia
  • 04:25 Transition to NFL and Fantasy Football
  • 06:00 Deep Dive into Fantasy Football
  • 07:42 Fantasy Football Strategies and History
  • 09:34 Fantasy Football Leagues and Rules
  • 11:28 Fantasy Football Drafts and Management
  • 19:47 Bros Over Cos: Fantasy Football Draft Strategies
  • 20:17 The Value of Running Backs in Modern Fantasy Football
  • 22:08 Quarterback Draft Picks: Who to Watch
  • 23:27 Wide Receivers: Top Picks and Strategies
  • 25:13 The Impact of the Rooney Rule and Minority Coaches
  • 26:56 Brian Flores’ Legal Battle Against the NFL
  • 30:21 The Future of Minority Coaches in the NFL
  • 37:43 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Topics
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Thibs’ Firing, Hali v SGA NBA Finals, Plus “Big Shot Rob” and the History of Clutch

Thib's Firing and Hali v. SGA

Get ready for an unfiltered and energetic breakdown of the NBA playoffs as we, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray from ⁠Running It Back⁠, dive headfirst into the latest on the hardwood!

We kick things off by dissecting the Knicks’ recent playoff run, asking the tough questions about what went wrong and what’s next for Mike’s beloved and Tarlin’s bandwagon team. Tarlin connects Coach Thibs’ firing to a fascinating historical trend—it seems winning Coach of the Year can be a bit of a curse. Meanwhile, Mike remains optimistic that this shake-up opens up exciting new possibilities for the Knicks in the trade and free agent markets.

Then, we shift gears to marvel at the Indiana Pacers’ surprising success. We’re talking about Tyrese Haliburton’s incredible clutch shooting and Rick Carlisle’s brilliant coaching. While we might not label Haliburton a “superstar,” you’ll hear why Mike concedes he is an elite point guard who consistently delivers in the clutch. Tarlin even drops some compelling stats, drawing comparisons between Haliburton and Chris Paul.

Of course, we can’t ignore the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC). We delve into their suffocating defensive intensity, and I’m even bold enough to make a finals prediction you won’t want to miss! We’re exploring the evolving landscape of basketball, celebrating deep teams that bring high intensity for all 48 minutes, rather than relying on just one “alpha” superstar. And Tarlin makes a powerful point: it’s about the quality of basketball, not just who’s the “face of the NBA.”

So, join us for all this and more—we promise a fun, insightful, and passionately debated journey through the world of NBA.

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Knicks Pacers Rivalry | Reggie v Patrick, Hali v Brunson and More | Running It Back

Knicks Pacers Rivalry

Tarlin and Mike are back to chop it up about the Knicks Pacers rivalry through the years heading into the big series starting this week. Tarlin asks in on the Knicks bandwagon. Mike extols Brunson’s leadership, doesn’t fear Haliburton, the Pacers, Pat McAfee, or even Hans Perez, the firefighter who wore a Haliburton jersey to the midtown New York celebration outside MSG on Friday night. Mike and Gilbert Arenas are saying Knicks in 5. Tarlin is on Knicks in 6–It sounds good, doesn’t it?

Where do you stand? Which half of Knicks Nation do you belong to? Or are you riding or dying with the House of Haliburton? Listen in and learn. Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Video episodes up on Youtube and Spotify.

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Allen Iverson’s “Practice?!?!” Turns 23 | Plus Pop Promoted to El Jefe, House of Haliburton and More

Allen Iverson

In this engaging episode, Running It Back takes you on a journey from the iconic to the immediate. We start by commemorating the anniversary of Allen Iverson’s “Practice” press conference – a moment that gave us one of the most quotable moments in NBA history. Then, we shift gears to the present, analyzing the ongoing NBA playoffs, the buzz around Tyrese Haliburton, and the contrasting leadership styles of coaches Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich. It’s a study in contrasts – from a legendary player’s raw emotion to the strategic minds shaping the game today.

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House of Giannis vs House of Haliburton | NBA Family Beef Edition

House of Giannis vs House of Haliburton

Get ready for a high-energy episode of Running It Back! Mike and Tarlin deliver instant analysis of the latest NBA drama: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton. We dissect the controversial end-of-game moments, the heated aftermath, and the unexpected involvement of family members. Is Halliburton soft or clutch? Is Giannis a philosopher or just tired of the drama? We’re also talking overrated players and the rise of the crazed sports parent. It’s a jam-packed episode with all the hot takes you crave!

Tarlin challenges Mike’s assessment of Halliburton, offering a compelling defense of the young star while Mike doubles down on his “soft” critique. We explore the complexities of Halliburton’s game, his interactions with other players (including Dame Lillard!), and the surprising revelation that he was voted one of the league’s most overrated players.  

Beyond the player face-off, we delve into the escalating trend of overzealous parents in youth and professional sports. The guys discuss the John Halliburton incident, comparing it to other examples of parental interference and debating the impact on the players and the game itself. It’s a conversation that goes beyond the headlines to examine the changing culture of sports.

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Unpacking Shedeur’s Slide: Lessons Learned from the 2025 NFL Draft

Alright, football fans, buckle up for a raw, unfiltered episode of Running It Back! We’re diving deep into the shocking NFL draft slide of Shedeur Sanders. Was it his interview style, his play, or the shadow of his outspoken father, Deion, that caused him to drop to the fifth round?  

Tarlin and Mike dissect the stats, the interviews, and the generational clash that might have contributed to this head-scratching draft day fall.  

We’re not holding back – from hard truths about draft interviews to the influence of superstar dads like Deion Sanders and LeBron James.  

Plus, we sprinkle in some NBA flavor with a shoutout to Anthony Edwards’ rise and the Knicks’ playoff run, and of course, Tarlin’s recognizing that Mike’s beloved Mets are still holding strong.  

Don’t miss this rollercoaster of an episode! Subscribe to Running It Back for your regular dose of unfiltered sports analysis, hot takes, and the occasional off-topic tangent. You won’t want to miss what we drop next!

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Why Nico Harrison Needs to Stop Talking | NBA Playoffs and the NFL Draft

Nico Harrison

Alright, sports fans, buckle up for a high-energy episode of “Running it Back”! The crew is back, and they’re diving headfirst into the NBA playoffs, where the stakes are high, and the drama is hotter than a five-alarm fire!  

The guys kick things off with a little smack talk. Tarlin Ray is feeling the heat in a step challenge, while Mike Palmer is dodging those “microaggressions”! But don’t worry, they quickly pivot to the hardwood!  

Nico Harrison is in the spotlight, stirring up buzz with his “defense wins championships” mantra. Is it just coach speak, or is there a deeper message? The crew breaks down the stats, debates Luka Doncic’s defensive game (or lack thereof), and even throws in some LeBron comparisons for good measure!  

They dissect the “eye test” versus the stat sheet, pondering whether Luka’s offensive brilliance outweighs his defensive deficiencies. And can we read between the lines of Nico Harrison’s press conferences?  

Like what you’re hearing, subscribe, spread the word, and let us know what you think.

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Jimmy Buckets to the Warriors | Unlocking Untapped Upside

Jimmy Buckets

The trade winds are blowing, and we’re breaking down the BIGGEST move since De’Aaron Fox! That’s right, folks, Jimmy “Buckets” Butler is heading to the Golden State Warriors, and your favorite hoops heads, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer, are here to give you the insider’s perspective.  

Tarlin was ON this trade from day one, calling it a total UNLOCK for the Warriors. Was he right? Mike, as always, brings the fire with his signature wit and wild takes (and you KNOW he’s gonna drop some knowledge bombs on you).  

In this can’t-miss episode, we dive deep into:

  • The Jimmy Butler Effect: What does Jimmy bring to the Warriors? Is he the missing piece for another championship run, or will his mercurial nature cause chaos in the Bay?
  • Draymond’s Reaction: Did Draymond Green REALLY say the Warriors are guaranteed a championship now? We break down Draymond’s antics and what this trade means for him.  
  • The Warriors’ Window: With Steph Curry getting older, is this the Warriors’ last chance? We discuss if this move puts them ahead of the OKC Thunder and the Lakers in the Western Conference.  
  • Team Chemistry: How will Jimmy fit alongside Steph, Draymond, and the young Warriors? We talk coaching genius with Steve Kerr and compare his style to Phil Jackson’s. Plus, Tarlin schools Mike on what “mercurial” really means (it involves mercury…obviously).  
  • Luka Doncic vs. Jimmy Butler: Is there a comparison between these two? We discuss the difference in their leadership and impact, and Tarlin explains why the Luka hate has got to stop.  

Tarlin and Mike bring their unique blend of expertise and humor to this essential basketball conversation. If you love NBA analysis with a twist, you NEED to subscribe to “Running It Back” for more hot takes, insightful commentary, and debates that will keep you on the edge of your seat.