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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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.

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.

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.

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.

Luka-AD Super-Trade and Super Bowl LIX

Super Bowl LIX Hype

We’re back with a special Super Bowl LIX preview episode! We’ve got all the latest news and analysis, including our predictions for who will win the big game. Plus, we’re talking about the Luka Doncic trade and what it means for the future of the NBA.

Tune in to hear our takes on the following:

  • Our Super Bowl LIX predictions, including our thoughts on the Eagles’ and Chiefs’ rosters, coaching staffs, and matchups. We’re also discussing the latest odds and betting lines.  
  • The Luka Doncic trade, including our analysis of the trade’s winners and losers, and what it means for the future of the Mavericks and Lakers. We’re also discussing the trade’s impact on the NBA’s power dynamics.  
  • The future of the NBA, including our predictions for the playoffs and Finals. We’re also discussing the latest news and rumors from around the league.  

We’re also giving our listeners a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Super Bowl! To enter, subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

We’ll be back next week with a new episode. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on social media for all the latest updates.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome Back!
00:34 NFL vs NBA: Media Week Madness
00:56 Pro Bowl and Flag Football Fun
02:17 Super Bowl Predictions and Analysis
04:52 Eagles vs Chiefs: The Underdog Story
10:56 Super Bowl Party Plans
11:43 The Luka Trade Shocker
13:42 AD’s Availability Issues
14:17 Luka’s Impact and Trade Shock
15:37 Lakers’ Business Strategy
16:29 Pronunciation and Jersey Numbers
17:16 Dallas Mavericks’ Future
22:36 Player Empowerment vs. Front Office
27:41 NFL MVP and Hall of Fame Debates
28:57 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

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

Is the “Big 3” Era Over in the NBA? 🏀

Is the Superstar “Big 3” Era Over in the NBA? 🏀 Knicks’ Cinderella Run & the Rise of the WNBA 🌟

On this episode of the Running It Back sports podcast, hosts Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer break down:

  • Golf star Scotty Scheffler’s bizarre arrest before the PGA Championship 🚓 Drawing hilarious comparisons to Tiger Woods and John Daly mugshots
  • The New York Knicks’ unexpected underdog playoff run led by the “Nova Knicks” 🗽 Is this gritty team the end of NBA’s superstar “Big 3” era?
  • Why the WNBA is having a moment with rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese 👀 Is this the tipping point for the league’s popularity?
  • Should NBA teams stop chasing manufactured “Big 3” superstar trios? 🤷‍♂️ The benefits of cohesive, role-oriented squads

Get insight, analysis and laughs as the hosts banter about the latest NBA, golf and WNBA storylines in this must-listen episode! ⛳️🏀👂

Hoops IQ Part 1 – Jalen Brunson vs Luka Doncic – Recorded Live at ASU+GSV

NBA Playoffs 2024

Running It Back recorded live together in person for the first time! Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray record this podcast live from the 39th floor of a hotel in San Diego while attending the ASU+GSV education technology conference. Despite the non-sports setting, we managed to discuss a variety of basketball topics in our signature free-flowing style.

Our main focus rests on Jalen Brunson’s impact on the New York Knicks and his potential to be one of the most underrated stars in the NBA this playoff season. We debate his elite basketball IQ, leadership qualities that have unlocked teammates like Isaiah Hartenstein, and how his game compares to past greats like Isiah Thomas and Kevin Johnson. Other storylines include our playoff predictions, the Knicks’ chances against teams like the Bucks, Celtics and 76ers in the East, and frequent references to the 1990s Knicks.

Sans our usual prep, and in-person, not in Zoom, the new dynamic brings a fresh energy to the conversation. Don’t miss insights into leadership, life, and more while chopping it up heading into the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Jokic, Murray and the Nuggets – Lessons Learned from the 2023 NBA Finals

Jokic, Murray, Nuggets

Tarlin and Mike return to talk Lessons Learned from the 2023 NBA Finals as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the Denver “Chicken” Nuggets prepare to close out the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. We start with a conversation about the crazy weather and some (TMI) details about Tarlin’s footcare regimens before digging into what we can learn from the selflessness and chemistry of the 2023 Denver Nuggets. Once again we compare the Miami Heat to the 1999 New York Knicks before going deeper into the connections between the 2023 Nuggets and the 1999 San Antonio Spurs. Are we on the verge of a new dynasty? How does Jokic compare to other legends of the game and what legendary NBA Duo is an easy target for comparison with Jokic and Murray? What does this teach us about leadership, chemistry, and the importance of intangibles? Listen in to find out.

Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more amazing lessons learned from sports.