The Mismatch
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The Ringer
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.
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.
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Duration
Release Date
Memphis Trades Up to the Top 10, and Top Prospect Info
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). Also Chris talks about some inside info he's gathered on some of the top players to watch for and what some teams and execs think about them (30:58). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
28 Jul 2021
1 HR 15 MINS
1:15:10
28 Jul 2021
Draft-Night Trade Conversations Reach a Crescendo and the Restricted Free Agency Market Is Hot
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 pick, and so much more (0:30). Then they talk about whether we could see an undue amount of action on the restricted free agent market this offseason (42:35) and the precarious situation in New Orleans with their new head coach Willie Green (50:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
23 Jul 2021
1 HR 16 MINS
1:16:24
23 Jul 2021
Giannis Drops 50 Points and the Bucks are NBA Champions
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 Suns (40:00) and which teams are built to slow down Giannis (46:30). Finally, they prepare for the offseason by talking a little bit of Damian Lillard (57:30), Ben Simmons (1:01:50), and the NBA Draft (1:07:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
21 Jul 2021
1 HR 36 MINS
1:36:47
21 Jul 2021
The Bucks' Adjustments, Kawhi Leonard Speculation, and Late First-Round Sleepers
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 other players get (23:30). Then they talk about Kawhi Leonard's future with Clippers after his knee injury and rumored unhappy experience with the Clippers medical staff (42:18). They wrap up by talking about a couple of potential late first-round prospects in Ayo Dosunmu and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (49:10). Check out The Ringer's NBA Draft Guide. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16 Jul 2021
1 HR 03 MINS
1:03:31
16 Jul 2021
The Clippers’ Future Is Uncertain After Kawhi Leonard Undergoes Surgery to Repair a Partial ACL Tear...
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 about what they’ve taken away from the first three games of the NBA Finals and what they expect from Game 4 (20:28). Then they hit on Team USA’s losses in the exhibition games prior to the Olympics (37:23), the 76ers opening up trade talks for Ben Simmons (49:02), and some of Kevin’s draft thoughts from the past couple of weeks (55:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
14 Jul 2021
1 HR 17 MINS
1:17:03
14 Jul 2021
The Suns Take Game 2 of the NBA Finals
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 stick around next year (40:58), his comments on player injuries this season (45:20), the front-runner for the Orlando Magic head coaching job, Jamahl Mosley (51:54), and Chris’s new favorite player in the draft, Moses Moody (55:22). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
09 Jul 2021
1 HR 10 MINS
1:10:22
09 Jul 2021
Giannis Plays but the Suns Take Game 1 of the Finals. Plus: Looking Forward to the Rest of the Serie...
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 (14:10), and how will the Bucks adjust for the rest of the series (24:15)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
07 Jul 2021
1 HR 09 MINS
1:09:14
07 Jul 2021
The Bucks Win Game 5 Without Giannis. Plus: Chris Paul and the Suns are Headed to the Finals
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 Clippers (49:30). Plus, what's next for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (54:42)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
02 Jul 2021
1 HR 23 MINS
1:23:45
02 Jul 2021
Hawks Take Game 4 and Giannis Gets Hurt. Plus: Chauncey Billups Controversy and Combine Talk
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 Billups (40:30). Then they discuss some of the standouts from the NBA Draft Combine (1:00:35). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
30 Jun 2021
1 HR 12 MINS
1:12:28
30 Jun 2021
Clippers Cut the Series Deficit in Half with Game 3 Win. Plus: Trae Young Scores 48 in Game 1 and Ne...
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 performance (25:53), and finally they discuss the new coaching hires in the NBA (51:59). Hosts Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
25 Jun 2021
1 HR 14 MINS
1:14:06
25 Jun 2021
The Suns Win a Crazy Game 2 Over the Clippers. Plus: Eastern Conference Finals Preview and Draft Lot...
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 for Ben Simmons and the Sixers (23:06) before previewing the Eastern Conference Finals (37:55). Finally, they recap the results of the Draft Lottery and discuss possible draft scenarios (48:13). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
23 Jun 2021
1 HR 15 MINS
1:15:06
23 Jun 2021
The Bucks Force a Game 7. Plus: The Sixers Blow a 26-Point Lead and Major Coaching Changes
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 (37:32). Then they get into the latest NBA news with Chris Paul potentially missing games (53:07), Rick Carlisle’s resignation (54:57), the Pelicans firing Stan Van Gundy (1:07:27) and the Wizards parting ways with Scott Brooks (1:16:47). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
18 Jun 2021
1 HR 25 MINS
1:25:05
18 Jun 2021
Kevin Durant's Dominant 49-Point Game Gives the Nets a 3-2 Series Lead. Plus: Chris Paul's Playoff R...
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 Young needs to make moving forward in the Hawks and Sixers series (26:35), the success of Chris Paul and the Suns (39:40), and the Jazz and Clippers' tied series (56:45). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16 Jun 2021
1 HR 11 MINS
1:11:15
16 Jun 2021
The Clippers Fall to 0-2 Against the Jazz and the Bucks Beat the Nets. Plus: How Many Games can the ...
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 the Hawks figure out a way to stop Joel Embiid (32:58) and how many games can the Nuggets take off of the Suns (49:45)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
11 Jun 2021
1 HR 21 MINS
1:21:05
11 Jun 2021
Donovan Mitchell Balls Out and 76ers Even Series. Plus, Notes on Nets, Suns, and Award Winners.
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). The guys then recap Joel Embiid and the Sixers' bounce-back win vs. the Hawks (20:07) before discussing how the Bucks can put up a better fight vs. KD and the Nets (37:35). Plus, are the Suns simply too deep for the Nuggets (1:00:59) and did the voters get the MVP and COTY awards right (1:11:53)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Associate Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
09 Jun 2021
1 HR 24 MINS
1:24:17
09 Jun 2021
The Suns and Nuggets Take Care of Business in Round 1 of the Playoffs. Plus: Looking Forward to Roun...
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 to win their first-round series (22:47). Then they look forward to the second-round matchups of Nuggets-Suns (34:45), Jazz versus either the Mavericks or Clippers (41:25), Hawks-76ers (49:17), and Bucks-Nets (57:14). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
04 Jun 2021
1 HR 15 MINS
1:15:18
04 Jun 2021
Damian Lillard Puts Up Historic 55-Point Performance in Game 5 Loss to the Nuggets. Plus: The Lakers...
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 who isn’t LeBron’s utter collapse against the Suns to drop Game 5 of their series (19:32), and the very intriguing upcoming Nets-Bucks second-round series now that the Nets have ousted the Celtics (40:29). Finally, they look forward to Wednesday night’s games in light of Embiid’s injury, Trae Young’s dominance, Ja Morant’s incredible performances against the Jazz, and the Clippers’ comeback (52:26). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
02 Jun 2021
1 HR 32 MINS
1:32:13
02 Jun 2021
Bucks Beat Down the Heat in Third Straight Win. Plus: Lakers and Nuggets Win Their Game 3s, and the ...
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 (19:15), and the Nuggets’ victory over the Trail Blazers to go up 2-1 (37:36). Then they get into the Clippers’ wretched performance this postseason (45:30), Ja Morant's incredible 47-point game Wednesday night (1:03:35), and the Knicks-Hawks series (1:16:05). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
28 May 2021
1 HR 30 MINS
1:30:43
28 May 2021
Trae Young Is Becoming the NBA’s Next Great Villain. Plus: The Bucks Destroy the Heat in Game 2 and ...
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 with the Grizzlies’ unexpected win over the Jazz in Utah and the subsequent public rift between Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz (5:42). Then they move on to Monday night’s matchups, with the Bucks picking apart the Heat in Game 2 to go up 2-0 (14:36) and the Nuggets blowing out the Blazers to tie up the series (21:20). And finally, they talk about the Lakers losing their first game on the road to the Suns (35:34), the Clippers dropping their first game at home to the Mavericks (47:20), the Wizards putting up at least one decent half of basketball against the 76ers (57:51), and the pure fun of Trae Young’s newfound villainy in the Knicks-Hawks series (59:34). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
25 May 2021
1 HR 20 MINS
1:20:05
25 May 2021
Previewing the First-Round NBA Playoff Matchups. Plus: Do the Grizzlies Have a Chance at Beating the...
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 76ers in the first round of the playoffs (10:30). After that, they preview the very last play-in game, Grizzlies-Warriors, and discuss which team could challenge the Utah Jazz the most (16:34). Finally, they take a look at all the determined first-round matchups, starting with Celtics-Nets (28:57), Heat-Bucks (33:15), Hawks-Knicks (42:30), Utah Jazz versus the Grizzlies or Warriors (48:52), Lakers-Suns (1:02:15), Blazers-Nuggets (1:10:25), and Mavericks-Clippers (1:15:50). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
21 May 2021
1 HR 27 MINS
1:27:42
21 May 2021
Previewing the First Round of the Play-in Tournament, Plus KOC's All-NBA Picks
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, they talk about the Hornets-Pacers game (3:39), which will decide who plays the loser of the Wizards-Celtics game (10:00). Then they get into the first round of the Western Conference play-in with the ultimate experience-versus-inexperience matchup, Spurs-Grizzlies (24:45), which will decide who plays the loser of the most anticipated game in a long time, Warriors-Lakers (32:13). And, of course, they give their thoughts on LeBron and Steph’s legacies (47:20), and KOC shares his All-NBA rosters (1:03:08). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
18 May 2021
1 HR 15 MINS
1:15:04
18 May 2021
Playoff Seeding Remains Uncertain With Three Days Left in the Regular Season. Plus: Udonis Haslem Pl...
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 implications on the Western Conference play-in of the Suns' win over the Trail Blazers on Thursday night (0:31), and the tough first-round matchups that could cause upsets in the Western Conference, with the Warriors, Lakers, and Trail Blazers at the bottom of playoff contention (18:45). Then they get into the Eastern side of things with Boston clinching the seventh seed for a home game in the play-in tournament (26:56), and how Miami could upset the balance in the East as it peaks at just the right moment (33:29). Finally, they talk about Steve Kerr voicing support for the play-in tournament (44:25), the mess that is the Sacramento Kings (48:18), Matisse Thybulle playing himself into being the third-most-important player on the 76ers (56:48), and their memories of those who will be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame this weekend (1:01:42). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
14 May 2021
1 HR 14 MINS
1:14:06
14 May 2021
Intriguing Lower Seeds, Jaylen Brown’s Injury, Russ Breaks the Record, and Discussing KOC’s NBA Awar...
KOC and Verno start by discussing which lower-seeded teams from each conference could pull an upset in the playoffs (2:35). Then they talk about Jaylen Brown’s season-ending wrist injury and recap the issues the Celtics have had all season (19:38). After that, they discuss Russell Westbrook breaking Oscar Robertson’s record for most triple-doubles in a career (28:11). Later on, they also discuss KOC’s NBA awards ballot (45:42). Lastly, they talk about whether the G League helped or hurt NBA lottery prospect Jalen Green’s draft stock (1:12:14). Check out KOC's full NBA awards ballot. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
11 May 2021
1 HR 19 MINS
1:19:43
11 May 2021
Play-in Matchups, Plus the Impact of the Mavericks Missing Porzingis, Nets Missing Harden, and Laker...
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 potential strategies heading into the playoffs. Later, they preview the play-in standings and discuss the East's top competitors, the 76ers and Bucks (16:45), before weighing in on the teams that are up for a challenging schedule during the tournament (27:07). Plus, updates on coaches in the hot seat and the argument for Nikola Jokic as MVP (49:05). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
07 May 2021
1 HR 08 MINS
1:08:18
07 May 2021
The Play-in Tournament Is Increasing Competition Down the Stretch. Plus: Redemption for Marc Gasol, ...
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 teams and top teams for seeding down the stretch (0:32). Then they get into everyone’s favorite feel-good story of the season, the New York Knicks, who beat down the Grizzlies on Monday with monster performances from who else but recently dubbed top 25 player in the NBA Julius Randle, plus Derrick Rose (7:48). The stories of this week are truly those of redemption as Marc Gasol proves his worth for the Lakers against the Nuggets (19:22), Russell Westbrook secures a triple-double average on the season (38:03), and Carmelo Anthony breaks into the list of top 10 scorers of all time (48:27). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
04 May 2021
1 HR 09 MINS
1:09:04
04 May 2021
The Ascent of Kevin Porter Jr. and Michael Porter Jr. Plus: The Phoenix Suns End Their Playoff Droug...
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 Jr., who has proved himself in the absence of Jamal Murray (16:27). Then they touch briefly on Giannis exiting the Bucks-Rockets game after rolling his ankle (27:20) and the Warriors' baffling loss to the Timberwolves (30:04), before getting into the incredible success of the Phoenix Suns clinching a playoff spot after an 11-year drought and how the first round of the playoffs could shake out in the West (35:50). Finally, they touch on the Trail Blazers’ supposed heart-to-heart that was meant to propel them into the postseason (45:55) and the relationship between Jimmy Butler and Erik Spoelstra (50:07). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
30 Apr 2021
1 HR 03 MINS
1:03:00
30 Apr 2021
The Suns Could Nab the 1-seed in the West From the Jazz. Plus: The Timberwolves’ Future Remains Murk...
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 Love phoning it in for $31 million (15:27), the Phoenix Suns snapping the Knicks’ winning streak (23:13), and Western Conference playoff seeding (29:33). Finally, they talk about the Trail Blazers’ disappointing season, historically bad defense, and what, if anything, the team can do in the future to remake its roster (36:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
27 Apr 2021
57 MINS
57:22
27 Apr 2021