Wine and Gold Talk Podcast
Get the latest news and analysis about the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and special guests on cleveland.com.
Why the Cavs' win over the Knicks is only a step in the right direction
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the Cavs' 115-107 bounce-back victory over the New York Knicks following a poor showing against Charlotte.
A major theme of the conversation is the team's need for consistency, highlighting that the Cavaliers must rely on sustained effort and attention to detail rather than sheer talent to reach their championship aspirations. The discussion also covers James Harden’s 32-point standout performance, the necessary playmaking depth provided by young bench players Tyrese Proctor and Meleek Thomas, and Peyton Watson's growing de...
Does Kenny Atkinson need to make a statement with the Cavs' starting group on national television?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and guest Mike Lucas discuss the Cavs' underwhelming 5-6 start to the season.
The conversation centers on the team's inconsistent effort, highlighting the stark contrast between their high-intensity play against the 76ers and a lackluster showing against the Hornets. They argue that while head coach Kenny Atkinson faces valid criticism, accountability in a player-led league ultimately falls on veterans like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. The guys also explore potential tactical adjustments and lineup changes to get Cleveland back on the right page.
<...Was the Cavs’ loss to the Hornets the worst in the Donovan Mitchell era?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and guest Spencer Davies dissect the Cavs' embarrassing 124-112 loss to the injury-riddled Charlotte Hornets.
The conversation centers on the starting lineup's alarming lack of effort, urgency, and professional pride, which contrasted sharply with the high energy displayed by the reserve players in the fourth quarter.
The guys express deep concern over the team's mentality, noting that despite their championship aspirations, the Cavaliers are currently playing with a "Jekyll and Hyde" inconsistency that opponents are easily exploiting through simple effort and discipline.<...
Reacting to Cleveland’s loss to the Knicks: How pivotal is a resurgence from James Harden to the Cavs’ season?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor analyze Cleveland's 109-97 loss to the New York Knicks.
The discussion centers on the Cavs' ongoing struggles against New York, highlighting familiar issues with rebounding, defending Jalen Brunson, and a lingering psychological disadvantage dating back to the 2023 playoffs. The guys also examine James Harden's early-season struggles and the overall stagnation of the offense.
Finally, they cover recent roster adjustments — specifically shuffling two-way contracts to bring back Riley Minix due to an injury to Tristan En...
Reacting to a much-needed Cavs win over Philadelphia in LeBron’s first game back in Cleveland as a Sixer
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the Cavs' impressive defensive victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, which featured a dominant effort to stifle both LeBron James and Joel Embiid.
The conversation highlights the team's renewed sense of urgency and effort, analyzes Donovan Mitchell's evolving role as a facilitator within head coach Kenny Atkinson's system, and praises the standout performances of Evan Mobley, Peyton Watson, and Mario Hezonja.
The guys stress the importance of the Cavaliers building consistent, championship-level habits as they prepare...
What would it take for Kenny Atkinson to lose his job? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor address Subtext subscribers’ questions, particularly regarding head coach Kenny Atkinson's job security.
The conversation also highlights the statistical struggles of key players like James Harden and Evan Mobley while discussing whether Mobley could ever transition to the full-time center position.
The guys conclude with a detailed analysis of Nae’Qwan Tomlin's back injury and his timeline to return, while touching on the importance of upcoming games against the 76ers and Knicks.
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Are the Cavs' offensive struggles becoming a bigger problem than their 4-4 start?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the Cavs' underwhelming 4-4 start to the season after Cleveland’s 124-116 loss to the OKC Thunder.
The conversation centers on the team's glaring inconsistencies. Key themes also include mounting injury concerns for crucial rotation pieces and a stagnant, labor-intensive offensive system. The guys address visible bench frustrations and debate the validity of the recent criticism surrounding star guard Donovan Mitchell's early-season offensive struggles.
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Reacting to the Cavs' head scratching loss to the shorthanded OKC Thunder.
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the Cavs' frustrating 117-112 loss to a heavily depleted Oklahoma City Thunder team. The hosts note that the Cavaliers are currently facing an "identity crisis" on both ends of the floor, highlighted by their underwhelming 18th-ranked defense, poor rebounding, and missed free throws.
A major point of critique is head coach Kenny Atkinson’s controversial decision to repeatedly bench standout center Jarrett Allen in close fourth-quarter situations, raising questions about roster construction and Allen's lucrative contract. Despite the st...
Should the Cavs be asking more of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor break down the Cavs' early-season struggles following a 114-111 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
The discussion centers on the team's recurring foundational issues, specifically live-ball turnovers, poor transition defense, and a stagnant offense that leans too heavily on isolation plays from guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
They also highlight the alarming statistical underperformance of the Cavs' starting five, the need for the team's star guards to improve their point-of-attack defense, make better late-game decisions, and consistently...
Could Evan Mobley’s shooting leap finally be real?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins recap the Cavs' 121-111 comeback victory over the Washington Wizards.
The discussion centers on the team's starkly contrasting performance, highlighting a lazy and unengaged first-half defense followed by successful second-half schematic adjustments that secured the win.
The guys praise the critical energy and defensive efforts of Jarrett Allen and Peyton Watson for keeping the Cavaliers in the game during the first half. A major focus of the episode is the development of Evan Mobley's 3-point shot.<...
Will Jarrett Allen continue to be left out of closing lineups? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor answer Subtext subscriber questions regarding the Cavs.
The discussion focuses on Evan Mobley's mechanical and mental struggles at the free-throw line, head coach Kenny Atkinson's situational strategy for utilizing the two-big lineup of Mobley and Jarrett Allen in late-game scenarios, and the rationale behind keeping James Harden in the starting lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell.
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Analyzing the Cavs' come from behind overtime win over the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands, cleveland.com Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor and columnist Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive comeback overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Key themes include rookie Meleek Thomas's breakout performance and its implications for the team's backup guard rotation, particularly how it affects players like Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor.
The guys also analyze Peyton Watson's elite defensive playmaking, validating the organization's decision to acquire him over Jonathan Kuminga. Additionally, the conversation touches on the Cavaliers' lingering psychological struggles with...
How soon is too soon to worry about the Cavs’ old habits?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands reviews the Cavs' early-season performances and previews their upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite a 1-1 start, Sands expresses concern over the team's tendency to squander leads, attributing these collapses to poor free-throw shooting, defensive lapses, and a reversion to isolation-heavy basketball. He also calls for a higher level of internal accountability and urgency from the roster.
Looking ahead to the Timberwolves, he highlights Minnesota's blend of joyful yet disciplined basketball as the exact standard Cleveland must strive for during their...
Reacting to the Cavs’ historic collapse against LeBron and the 76ers: Have they learned anything from past playoff failures?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and reporter Chris Fedor analyze the Cavs' historic season-opening collapse against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite building a 29-point lead in the first half, the Cavaliers' subsequent meltdown highlighted recurring franchise issues, including a lack of mental toughness, an over-reliance on isolation play from stars, and the tendency for their offensive struggles to dictate their defensive effort.
The guys also discuss the profound impact of LeBron James choosing to sign with the 76ers over Cleveland during the offseason, noting that while there are...
Could this be the best NBA season in a decade? And why the Cavs are at the center of it
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavs reporter Chris Fedor explore why the upcoming NBA season could be one of the league’s most competitive in a decade and where the Cleveland Cavaliers fit into the bigger picture. From a deeper Eastern Conference and growing championship expectations to questions surrounding Jarrett Allen’s knee, the final rotation spot and the team’s offensive and defensive ceilings, the hosts break down what will shape Cleveland’s season.
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Are the Cavs one injury away from a season-long problem?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the impact of Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s lower back injury and how it will affect head coach Kenny Atkinson’s depth and lineup experimentation to begin the season. They also give an injury update on Sam Merrill.
Additionally, the pair analyzes Tom Thibodeau's recent visit to a Cavs practice, the fluid evaluation of Cleveland's two-way roster spots, and their reactions to a highly entertaining opening night across the NBA.
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Have the Cavs finally developed a killer mentality to become NBA title contenders?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cleveland.com Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor break down the Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship aspirations heading into the new NBA season. Following last year’s disappointing playoff exit, the Cavs enter the season with high expectations, a talented roster and plenty to prove in a loaded Eastern Conference. Sands and Fedor examine the team’s need to develop a killer mentality, embrace the pressure of championship contention and demonstrate the toughness and consistency required to make a deep postseason run. With Cleveland facing its best opportunity to rea...
Are the Cavs under more pressure to win now than any NBA team?
The Cavs enter the 2026-27 season with championship expectations and little room for error. The pressure is mounting on president of basketball operations Koby Altman’s roster construction and head coach Kenny Atkinson’s ability to turn Cleveland’s talent into a legitimate NBA Finals contender.
On this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor examine the stakes facing Cleveland after an offseason of significant roster changes and financial commitments. With the Eastern Conference getting tougher and the Cavs facing limited flexibility to reshape the roster, the conver...
Which 3 Cavs players will determine whether Cleveland’s 2026-27 season succeeds or fails?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor break down the biggest takeaways from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first two preseason games and examine the questions that could define their 2026-27 campaign.
From Kenny Atkinson’s evolving rotation and the team’s rebounding concerns to the offensive ceiling of Cleveland’s star core, the guys debate which players will have the greatest influence on the Cavs’ success this season.
Could James Harden’s playmaking unlock another level for Evan Mobley? Is Peyton Watson ready to become the two-way difference-maker Cleveland ne...
How vital is the Cavs’ backup point guard role?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor preview the Cavs' preseason and discuss the ongoing battle for the backup point guard position. They analyze the competition between Craig Porter Jr., Tyrese Proctor, and Meleek Thomas, noting that the coaching staff is prioritizing a reliable, defensive-minded stabilizer to complement their primary ball handlers.
The conversation also heavily focuses on the development of Jaylon Tyson. The guys examine head coach Kenny Atkinson's challenge in balancing Tyson's emotional, aggressive playstyle with the need to simplify his role, emphasizing that...
How important could Mario Hezonja's role be for the Cavs this season?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' team identity and recent roster adjustments as training camp concludes.
They debate whether the team will genuinely adopt a defense-first mentality or rely on a high-powered, versatile offense driven by their backcourt and new additions.
The conversation heavily focuses on the low-risk acquisition of Mario Hezonja, contrasting his offensive upside and physical presence with the elite defensive void left by Dean Wade.
Finally, the guys analyze the proactive trade of Max...
Is Jaylon Tyson already making his presence felt after Day 1 of Cavs training camp in Spain?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor recap the first day of the Cavs' training camp. The discussion focuses heavily on head coach Kenny Atkinson's strategy for integrating James Harden's isolation-heavy skill set while doubling down on the team's core defensive principles. A major focus is Jaylon Tyson's development, whose maturity, adaptability, and competitive fire position him to be critical for Cleveland off the bench. Additionally, they analyze the highly fluid nature of the Cavaliers' depth chart this season, noting that the lack of established veterans at the...
Which Cavs player could become more important than expected?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discuss key takeaways from the Cleveland Cavaliers' media day ahead of the upcoming season. The conversation centers on the team's off-season focus on building personal and on-court chemistry with James Harden, their collective maturity and accountability following a tough playoff sweep by the New York Knicks, and the organization's pride in forging a successful identity independent of LeBron James.
Additionally, the guys analyze training camp rotational battles — highlighting a physically transformed Mario Hezonja and incoming rookie Meleek Thomas — while emph...
What we learned from the Cavs’ preseason press conference: Is Cleveland betting on the right players?
The Cavs’ preseason press conference with president of basketball operations Koby Altman and head coach Kenny Atkinson offered a revealing look at how Cleveland is thinking about its roster, its future and the expectations surrounding its core. Altman and Atkinson made their priorities clear, but some of what they said raised just as many questions as it answered.
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins break down the biggest takeaways, from Cleveland’s excitement about one of its newest additions to the decisions shaping the team’s long-t...
Has the NBA finally found the right balance? How the new CBA, anti-tanking rules, tougher enforcement and parity are reshaping the league
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands steps outside the Cavs bubble to take a bigger-picture look at where the NBA stands heading into the 2026-27 season.
The Clippers’ stunning punishment over the Kawhi Leonard situation raises a larger question about how the league is policing itself, while the new CBA continues to force teams into increasingly difficult decisions about how they build and sustain their rosters. From there, Sands looks at the league’s attempts to reshape the competitive landscape — from anti-tanking measures and the NBA Cup to the Play-In Tournament.
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Can the Cavs steal wins by taking the regular season more seriously than the rest of the East?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands looks ahead to what could be one of the most competitive Eastern Conference races in recent memory and examines where the Cavs fit into the crowded picture. With more teams believing they can compete for a spot near the top of the standings, Sands explores what could separate Cleveland from the pack, why the regular season may carry more weight than usual and what the Cavs will need to get right over the course of 82 games.
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What can Peyton Watson become with the Cavs?
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins break down Peyton Watson’s introductory press conference as a Cleveland Cavalier.
They discuss Watson’s journey from fighting for minutes in Denver to securing a starting-level contract, highlighting his ambition to be more than a traditional "3-and-D" player. A major point of analysis is how his offensive game will blend with high-usage stars like Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley.
Defensively, the guys express high expectations, particularly playing alongside elite rim protectors like Jarrett Alle...
Which two-man pairing is most important for the Cavs’ success?
In this mailbag episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands breaks down the two-man pairings that could define the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season.
Sands examines what each grouping could unlock, how Cleveland can balance its veterans’ workloads with developing its younger players, and why Kenny Atkinson’s willingness to experiment during the regular season could be critical to building a deeper, more versatile rotation.
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Are the Cavs and Pistons the most slept on teams in the East? with the Detroit Free Press' Omari Sankofa II
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Detroit Free Press reporter Omari Sankofa II examine whether the Cavs and Pistons are the Eastern Conference’s most slept-on teams after both franchises made it to the conference semifinals this past season.
Sands and Sankofa compare Donovan Mitchell and Cade Cunningham as players to build around and explore what separates their respective ceilings. They also dive into Jalen Duren’s unresolved contract situation and why the young Pistons center enters the season with significant pressure to prove he’s worth the hefty extens...
Have the Cavs surpassed the Celtics in the Eastern Conference hierarchy? with the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Boston Globe NBA writer Gary Washburn discuss the financial and developmental realities shaping the NBA under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Washburn provides insight into the Boston Celtics' offseason, explaining that the breakup of the Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum duo was an inevitable financial decision rather than the result of personal animosity.
The conversation then pivots to the shifting hierarchy of the Eastern Conference and whether the Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason changes have elevated them above the Celtics.
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Did former Cavs GM Mike Gansey have the best first summer as a new executive in NBA history with the Sixers? with The Athletic's Tony Jones
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and The Athletic's Tony Jones discuss the Philadelphia 76ers' monumental offseason, focusing heavily on the franchise's acquisition of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown under new executive Mike Gansey, former Cavs GM.
They analyze how these stars will successfully coexist alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, emphasizing that while the team boasts remarkable depth and offensive potential, their championship ceiling ultimately relies on Embiid's mobility and defensive impact.
The conversation also explores how winning a title in Philadelphia would elevate LeBron's legacy, before piv...
Do the Hawks pose the biggest defensive threat to the Cavs in a seven-game series? with the AJC's Lauren Williams
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands is joined by Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to examine the evolving Atlanta Hawks through a Cleveland Cavaliers lens.
With Trae Young now gone, Atlanta is entering a new era built around a defense-first identity that could make the Hawks a difficult postseason matchup in the Eastern Conference.
Sands and Williams explore how Atlanta’s new-look roster compares with Cleveland’s established core of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, what a potential seven-game playoff series between the Hawks and Cavaliers could look...
Have the Cavs built a roster capable of winning an NBA championship?
In this mailbag episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands addresses Subtext subscriber questions regarding the Cavs' roster and their championship viability for the upcoming season.
Key themes include the team's specialized approach to bench depth, the competition for the starting small forward position between Jaylon Tyson and newly acquired Peyton Watson, and the pressure on Evan Mobley to justify the front office's long-term bet on his timeline.
Sands also details the critical elements required for a deep playoff run while explaining the financial cap maneuvering that could result in Cam...
Did the Cavs win the Peyton Watson trade? with The Denver Post's Bennett Durando
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and Denver Post Nuggets beat reporter Bennett Durando discuss the recent sign-and-trade that sent Peyton Watson from Denver to the Cavs.
The conversation breaks down Watson’s defensive versatility, underdeveloped ball-handling relative to his high upside, and how he figures to slot into Cleveland’s frontcourt rotation.
Finally, they evaluate Denver’s shifting status in the Western Conference hierarchy and address rumors regarding Nikola Jokic’s future.
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Change is coming to LA. Will LeBron's departure impact the Lakers like it did Cleveland? with OC Register beat reporter Ben Royer
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands is joined by Orange County Register beat reporter Ben Royer as they discuss a radically transformed Los Angeles Lakers organization.
Following LeBron James' departure, the Lakers pivoted their roster by building around their new franchise face, Luka Doncic. Royer discusses Doncic’s intense, quiet leadership and massive international marketing appeal, along with head coach JJ Redick’s meticulous and obsessive approach to developing the current roster.
The conversation concludes with an in-depth look at the monumental front-office transitions, detailing the end of the...
EMERGENCY POD: Reacting to the Cavs signing James Harden to a three-year deal at 37 years old
In this episode of the Wine and Gold podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent signing of James Harden to a three-year, $97 million contract. They discuss how Harden's willingness to structure a flexible deal allowed the front office to stay under the first luxury tax apron and successfully trade for defensive wing Peyton Watson.
To maintain this cap compliance, the team is expected to waive and stretch recently acquired forward Cam Whitmore. Ultimately, both speakers commend the Cavaliers' front office for escaping the highly restrictive second luxury tax apron while...
EMERGENCY POD: Reacting to the Cavs trading for Peyton Watson
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and Jimmy Watkins analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' major offseason transactions, highlighted by a three-team trade to acquire forward Peyton Watson.
The move, which cost Cleveland core rotational piece Max Strus and a highly valuable 2031 unprotected first-round pick, signals a clear "win-now" mentality from the front office.
The panelists discuss Watson's defensive upside and potential as a long-term starting small forward, the financial maneuvers made to create salary cap space for James Harden's expected new contract, and how players like Sam Merrill...
Does Evan Mobley have to become an MVP-level player for the Cavs to win a championship? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor answer questions from Subtext subscribers, weighing Max Strus’ value to the team’s culture and current rotation against his potential value as a trade asset.
They also take a critical look at Evan Mobley’s development and whether his offensive toolkit and mechanics are advanced enough to meet the organization’s lofty expectations. With Cleveland’s championship aspirations increasingly tied to Mobley’s evolution, they debate whether he needs to become an MVP-level player or primary offensive fo...
Could the Cavs' acquisition of Tre Mann signal that more moves are close behind?
In the latest episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast features host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor discussing the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent offseason moves, particularly the trade sending Dennis Schröder to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann.
The two also analyze the team's ongoing pursuit of a wing player, such as Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga, while navigating salary cap constraints and the reluctance to overpay with assets like Max Strus or future first-round picks.
Despite acknowledging past asset management failures — specifically the De’Andre Hunter transaction cycle — Fedor asserts that the cur...
Where does Kenny Atkinson rank amongst Eastern Conference coaches? Hey, Chris!
In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor evaluate Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson.
The conversation also analyzes the challenges of integrating James Harden into the offense mid-season, specifically addressing his high playoff turnover rate and the team's shift to a slower pace.
The episode concludes with a lighthearted segment where Sands and Fedor draft their personal all-time favorite Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineups.
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