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Defector

Patrick Redford

Podcasts

The Defector Era Of ‘Nothing But Respect’ Is Here, With Maitreyi Anantharaman And David Roth

David Roth

Isabelle Harrison and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty making some fantastic What Can You Do faces on the bench during a July 25 game against the Phoenix Mercury.

A Huge W, With Maitreyi Anantharaman

Defector Staff

Announcements

In Paradigm-Shifting Business Maneuver, Defector Acquires Basketball Podcast

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - JUNE 22: Oklahoma City Thunder players celebrate with the Larry O'Brien trophy after winning Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Thunder Finished The Job

The Thunder Are Sharpening Their Knives

Ray Ratto

New York Knicks owner James Dolan attends the game between the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden.

The Whole NBA Is Telling James Dolan To Piss Off

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is defended by Andrew Nembhard.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Can Make Anyone Look Bad

Lauren Theisen

Ellie the Elephant, the New York Liberty mascot, performs before the game between the New York Liberty and the Connecticut Sun

WNBA

The Liberty Are Godzilla And The WNBA Is A Bunch Of Tall Buildings

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to his right, seemingly at The Distraction logo, with a towel over his shoulder, after the team's Game 4 loss in the Western Conference Finals.

Activating The Dunk Machine

Thunder players smile on the sideline during their victory.

Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Oklahoma City

The Pacers celebrate Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beater.

What The Hell Is Going On Here?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes It Feel Bad

Jayson Tatum attempts a three-pointer in Game 3.

Celtics Flatten Knicks By Sticking To The Formula

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during their game at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2025 in New York City. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

How To Watch Basketball

Owner Steve Ballmer of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs.

I’m Feeling Like Steve, With Patrick Redford

Big Lakers Ambitions Squished By, Of All People, Rudy Gobert

JJ Redick Pushed The Panic Button And Lost Anyway

You Would Cry Too If It Happened To You

Tom Ley

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth speak during the teams training camp at the UCSD campus in La Jolla, California on Thursday, September 28, 2022.

Michael Malone And Calvin Booth Lose Their War Over The Soul Of The Nuggets

James Harden shoots against Kai Jones of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of a game in April 5, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

The Western Conference Is Heading Into A Week Of Glorious Chaos

looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 1, 2025. His mouthpiece is hanging out of his mouth and he looks faintly sinister in how delighted he seems.

Steph Curry Went Off, Again

Ronald Holland II #00 of the Detroit Pistons and Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves fight in the second quarter. Holland II and DiVincenzo were ejected from the game at Target Center on March 30, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.