
The Daily Thunder Podcast
By Daily Thunder


Thunder vs. Pacers - The NBA Finals Preview Pod
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar recap Games 4 and 5 of the Western Conference Finals, which saw the Thunder take two straight, including Game 5 in blowout fashion, to advance to the NBA Finals. Then, in the main course, Brandon and John break down the Finals series against the Indiana Pacers, going through various matchups to see which team holds the edge.

Thunder Win Games 1 & 2, But Get Smoked in Game 3
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar recap the very high highs of Games 1 and 2 and dig deep to analyze the very low lows of the whipping the Thunder took in Game 3. Plus, the duo look ahead to Game 4, and gush about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win.

Thunder Take Game 7, Face the Timberwolves
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar recap the tough Game 6 loss, and gush about the Thunder's glorious Game 7 win to advance to the Western Conference Finals, plus a deep dive into the Thunder-Wolves series, including predictions.

Thunder Survive Game 4
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the latest in the Thunder-Nuggets playoff series, including:
- What happened between Game 2 and 3?
- Is the pressure affecting the team?
- SGA and the bench rise to the occasion in Game 4
- Game 5 thoughts
- A look at other playoff series
- When will the NBA MVP winner be announced?

Thunder vs. Nuggets: A Tale of Two Games
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the wild first two games of the Thunder vs. Nuggets playoff series and discuss:
- What happened in Game 1?!
- Love for Alex Caruso
- The fouling strategy
- Big Game 2 bounce back
- How the rest of the series will play out

Thunder vs. Nuggets Preview Pod
It's time for the Western Conference Semifinals, and in an emergency pod, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the Thunder vs. Nuggets playoff series.
- How do the teams match up
- What do the regular season results indicate
- How do the Thunder defend Jokic
- How can the Nuggets slow the Thunder
- Brandon's series prediction

Thunder Sweeps the Grizzlies
On this week's show, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar recap the Thunder's sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies and discuss:
- Was Ja right?
- Any cause for concern after Games 3 and 4?
- Who was the MVP of the series
- Nuggets/Clippers talk
- And more...

Thunder Outclass the Grizzlies in Games 1 and 2
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer break down the first two games of the series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies, including:
- Shai's struggles and OKC's record-setting Game 1 win
- Things go better for Memphis and still lose by double digits
- Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams showing up big
- A look at Clippers/Nuggets

It's Playoff Time in Oklahoma City
On this week's show, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, including how OKC matches up against either Memphis or Dallas, plus:
- Standout moments in the last three games
- It's SGA's MVP to lose
- Does Dort have a chance to win DPOY
- Listener questions ahead of the playoffs
- And more

Hot Takes on the Lakers and More
On this week's show, host John Napier puts Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar in the uncomfortable position of ranking takes from Lakers Reddit, plus:
- What went wrong vs Houston and the Lakers
- Who got the better end of the whistle, OKC or LA?
- Shai's brilliance (regular segment)
- The Luka ejection
- The final 3 games of the regular season

The NBA MVP Race is Over
This week on the podcast, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar confirm that the MVP race is basically over, with SGA expected to take home the award, plus the duo discuss:
- The most impressive wins of the last two weeks
- COY and DPOY analysis
- Should the Thunder go for 70 and how good is this team?
- Preview of the week ahead

Shai isn't the free throw merchant, someone else is
On this week's pod, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar bust the myth that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a free throw merchant, and also discuss:
- How the Thunder beat the Celtics
- The T-Fest against the Pistons
- Locking down Giannis and the Bucks
- The NBA's investigation into the Thunder resting players
- Which picks in the 2025 NBA Draft will the Thunder get

The SGA v. Jokic MVP Showdown
On this week's podcast, host John Napier tests Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar's best arguments for why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should take the MVP award over Nikola Jokic, plus:
- The impressive win over Memphis
- No starters, no problem vs Portland
- OKC gets a big win vs Denver, then loses the next night
- A preview of the next 3 games

Thunder Score at Will but Struggle on Defense
This week on the pod, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar do a deep dive into the Thunder's defensive struggles, plus:
- What does SGA need to do to secure the MVP?
- J-Dub goes for a new career high
- Why do supporting and bit players always go nuts against the Thunder?
- Why do the Thunder keep blowing leads?
- A week at the look ahead

Do the Wolves Have the Thunder's Number?
This week on the pod, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer discuss the Thunder's struggles against the Wolves and the epic meltdown, plus:
- All-Star Game takeaways
- Could Dort win DPOY?
- The Western Conference playoff race and threats to OKC
- A look at the games ahead

Chet Returns Amidst Wigginsanity
On this week's episode, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar discuss the last 7 games of Thunder basketball including:
- Another 50 point game for SGA
- Chet returns against the Raptors
- Thunder notches an impressive win over Memphis
- Chet blocks the Pelicans
- A tribute to OKC's dominance
- Wigginsanity
- Trade deadline recap
- Looking ahead to the next 7 days

The Trade Deadline Show
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the last 7 days of Thunder basketball and discuss:
- The Thunder adds Daniel Theis in a deadline deal
- Luka Doncic trade reactions
- Other trade deadline topics and their impact on the Western Conference playoff race
- Why OKC lost to the Warriors
- Aaron Wiggins career night
- The basketball game played against players wearing Milwaukee Bucks jerseys
- A preview of the next four Thunder games

Kevin Durant to the Thunder?!
Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar and host John Napier break down the last 7 days of Thunder basketball and discuss:
- Which reserves will be named to the West All-Star team?
- SGA scores 54 against the Jazz
- Why can't the Thunder solve the Mavs?
- OKC takes care of Portland
- Trade deadline talk, including Paul Pierce's insane KD-Chet trade idea
- Previewing the next 7 days
- Is SGA really committed to OKC for the long haul?

Branden Carlson for Rookie of the Year
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the last 7 days of Thunder basketball and discuss:
-HUGE win over the Cavs + Shai's brilliance -Tough loss to the Mavs -Isaiah Joe catches fire again vs the Nets -Cam Johnson trade thoughts -Previewing games against the Jazz, Mavs, and Blazers -Which Thunder player should win every NBA player award

New Week, New Streak
On this week's episode, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar discuss:
- The epic clash between the Thunder and Cavs
- The impressive win over the Knicks at the Garden + Hot Cup of Joe
- Thunder manhandles the Wizards
- An ugly win over the 76ers
- Previewing Thunder-Cavs Part 2 and the Mavs and Nets
- J-Dub for All Star

Aaron Wiggins Saves the Thunder
On this week's episode, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar look back at the last week of Thunder, look ahead to next week, and discuss:
- The win over Clippers
- Aaron Wiggins saves the Thunder
- Celtics locked down
- Cavs preview
- Thunder Reddit take rankings
- And more!

12 Games and Counting
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the latest in Thunder nation, including:
- OKC's wins over the Pacers and Hornets
- Superlatives from the Grizzlies win
- Record-setting win against the Wolves
- Ajay Mitchell love
- New Year's Resolutions for SGA, J-Dub, and others

Twas the Day After Christmas
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer break down the last seven days of Thunder basketball and discuss:
- OKC's wins over the Magic, Heat, and Wizards
- Alex Caruso's extension
- Cam Johnson trade talk
- Previewing games against the Pacers, Hornets, Grizzlies, and T-Wolves
- What would Brandon give Thunder players if he was Santa Claus

NBA Cup Commentary: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer recap the last 7 days of Thunder basketball and discuss:
- The Thunder's big win over the Rockets
- Dort's stellar performance
- The team's fun dynamic
- What happened against the Bucks
- Why the loss is not that big of a deal
- Previewing the next 3 games
- Alex Caruso extension day
- The new NBA All-Star format

Viva Las Vegas
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar recap the last week of Thunder basketball and look ahead to this weekend's NBA Cup action. This week on the show:
- Thunder demolishes the Raptors
- A tale of two halves vs the Pelicans
- Breaking down the Thunder-Mavs
- Previewing the NBA Cup semifinals and potential finals matchups
- Unrestrained love for SGA
- Examining OKC's shooting struggles

Thunder Advances in the NBA Cup
Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar and host John Napier recap the last week of Thunder basketball and discuss:
- The NBA Cup, and what it means for the Thunder
- OKC wipes out the Utah Jazz
- Should SGA be getting more MVP buzz
- ESPN's 25 Under 25 rankings
- Recap of the team's 3-1 road trip
- Preview of OKC vs Toronto, New Orleans, and Dallas
- Thunder Player Grades, quarter season edition

Happy Hartsgiving
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down Isaiah Hartenstein's dazzling debut, recap the last week of Thunder basketball, and dish on what Thunder players and fans should be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Riding the Rollercoaster: Should fans be worried?
After dropping two straight, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar discuss what's going wrong, should there be cause of concern, or whether patience should be the takeaway. The pair also analyze free throw issues, shooting woes, and defensive struggles. And don't miss Brandon playing a game of "Thunder Players As Ninja Turtles."

What's Next Without Chet
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar dig in to how Chet Holmgren's injury impacts the Thunder, whether the team should look at the free agent market, and whether small ball can carry the team through; the pair also recap the last week of Thunder basketball, preview the week ahead, and take listener questions.

Thunder Stays Unbeaten
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer discuss yet another unbeaten week for the Oklahoma City Thunder, gush about the defensive, examine any potential issues with the offense, clown on Draymond Green, and much more.

Chet Starts Hot
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the Thunder's 3-0 start, gush about Chet Holmgren and the Thunder's defense, preview the week ahead, play a game of "start, bench, or cut," and much more.

Season Preview!
The most anticipated season in years is finally here. Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar get you ready for the season, dishing on the impact of Isaiah Hartenstein's injury, Thunder win totals, who will win the MVP award, can OKC break the NBA record for three-pointers made in a game, and much more.

Impressive Debuts
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar break down the impressive debuts by Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Dillon Jones, and Ajay Mitchell; dish on the annual NBA GM survey; and discuss how the bettors are high on the Thunder.

We Are Back
Host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar get you ready for the preseason, discussing Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, media day impressions, Sam Presti's press conference, "swole" Chet, nicknames, and more.

Game 6 Predictions and Hot Takes
Ryan and Brandon let John Napier and Cray Allred crash the podcast to present some hot takes from the Daily Thunder commenters ahead of Game 6.

How did they do it? OKC's dramatic Game 4 win
Ryan and Brandon go deep on Game 4 and the Thunder's outlook for the rest of the series.

Time for expectations?
After a strong Game 1, Ryan and Brandon discuss whether the Oklahoma City is now the strong favorites to reach the Western Conference Finals over Dallas.

Round 1 is a wrap
Ryan and Brandon bask in a Thunder sweep.

GAME 1: LOUD CITY IS BACK
Ryan Woods and Brandon Rahbar break down Game 1 and look ahead to the Thunder's next showdown with the Pelicans.

Top 5 Thunder Players
Ryan and Brandon debate the top 5 Thunder players this season. Could Chet Holmgren be #1?

The Home Stretch
Should the Thunder try and avoid the Lakers in the playoffs?

After the Break
Here we go.

All-Star Breakin'
Ryan Woods and Brandon Rahbar on all things Thunder heading into the extended break.

Catching Up to the Trade Deadline
Ryan Woods and Brandon Rahbar reflect on the season and weigh in on the Thunder's trade deadline moves.

Summer League Chop Session
Ryan and Spenser chop it up following the Thunder's emphatic win over the Indiana Pacers.
As always, thanks for listening!

INSTANT REACTION: Chet's Return, OKC Summer League Night 1
Ryan, Brandon and Spenser react to OKC vs Utah as Chet Holmgren and the Thunder begin the 2023 Summer League!
As always, thanks for listening!

2023 Lottery Mock Draft
It's time! Picks 1-14 with Ryan, Brandon, Spenser and special guest Aidan Eldrod!
As always, thanks for listening!

DRAFT CHOP SESSION, PART 1
The DT crew chops it up ahead of the 2023 draft.

2022-23 Thunder Season Review & Offseason Preview
Brandon, Ryan and Spenser review the Thunder's incredible season and all of their favorite moments. Then look ahead to another key offseason for Sam Presti and the front office.
As always thanks for listening!

Thunder Chop Session w/Brandon, Ryan and Spenser
Brandon Ryan and Spenser dive deep into all things thunder as the regular season winds down!
As always, thanks for listening!