Category: Basketball

Posted on

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

Like, follow, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation like this one!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Lessons Learned from Court of Gold on Netflix

Court of Gold

“Best sports docuseries I’ve ever watched!” – That’s high praise from co-host Tarlin Ray, and it’s exactly what we’re diving into on this episode of Running It Back. We’re breaking down Netflix’s “Court of Gold,” the captivating documentary that takes you inside the Paris Olympics and the quest for basketball gold.  

Relive the drama with Steph Curry’s Olympic debut, Kevin Durant’s pursuit of history, and LeBron James’s behind the scenes presence as Team USA faces fierce competition from teams like Serbia, France, and Canada. We analyze Steve Kerr’s coaching, the clash of big personalities, and the incredible access that puts you in the locker room and on the sidelines.  

We’ll also discuss the standout performances from players like Nikola Jokic, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, and Bogdan Bogdanovic and more, plus debate the future of the NBA All-Star game. Is an international vs. USA format the answer? We’re looking at you, Adam Silver.  

If you loved “The Last Dance” or any great sports documentary, “Court of Gold” is a must-watch, and this podcast episode is your perfect companion.

Posted on

Mind the Game and Basketball IQ – Running It Back’s NBA 2024-2024 Tipoff

Mind the Game and Basketball IQ

In this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray dive into the start of the NBA season, keying off of the Mind the Game podcast and reflecting on LeBron and Bronny James’ father-son debut and offering thoughts on how Bronny will navigate the league. We also pay tribute to Fernando Valenzuela, discussing his legacy and recent passing.

Tarlin shares his insights on key NBA players to watch this season, including JJ Redick, Lonzo Ball, and Ja Morant. Mike shouts out a surprising dark horse for NBA Comeback Player. As always, we weave in lessons in management both on and off the court, exploring the importance of emotional intelligence, strategy, and leadership in sports and beyond.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more lessons learned from the world of sports.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Banter
00:51 Remembering Fernando Valenzuela
02:12 Mets and Dodgers Talk
06:46 NBA Season Kickoff
09:03 JJ Redick and Coaching Insights
19:24 USC Hoops and Juju Watkins
19:44 LeBron and Bronny: A Basketball Legacy
20:33 Famous Father-Son Duos in Sports
22:16 Bronny’s Role and Future in the NBA
24:39 Pharrell’s Prolific Career
26:15 Jason Tatum and Caitlyn Clark: The Revenge Tour
28:44 Lonzo Ball’s Comeback
29:42 Ja Morant and the Grizzlies
32:12 NBA Season Excitement and Future Episodes

Posted on

Paris 2024: Simone Biles, The Pommel Horse Guy, Team USA and More

Summer Olympics 2024

In this episode of Running It Back, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer dive into the 2024 Paris Olympics, exploring the captivating stories and performances that have captured the world’s attention. We discuss the remarkable comeback of Simone Biles, highlighting her resilience and continued dominance in gymnastics. Check out our episode about Biles at the Tokyo Olympics for more on this. We also shine a spotlight on the “pommel horse guy,” Steven Nedoroscik, and his crucial role in securing a bronze medal for the U.S. men’s gymnastics team. And as promised, here’s Christopher Guest and Martin Short from SNL doing their legendary Men’s Synchronized Swimming Skit back in the day.

We explore the impressive showing of host country France, particularly in swimming, where Léon Marchand is making waves with his performances. We touch on the heartwarming sportsmanship displayed by Michael Phelps as he cheers on Marchand’s success.

The episode also covers the controversies and dynamics within Team USA basketball, analyzing player selections and on-court chemistry. We discuss the unexpected benching of star players and the adaptability of others to the international style of play.

Throughout the episode, we draw parallels between Olympic team dynamics and effective management in professional settings, offering insights on specialization, individual contributions, and team cohesion. We wrap up by expressing our excitement for the upcoming track and field events and looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.