355 episodes

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.

The Mismatch Ringer NBA

    • Sports
    • 4.7 • 5.2K Ratings

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.

    Celtics-Mavericks Game 1 Analysis, and Will Dan Hurley Leave UConn for the Lakers?

    Celtics-Mavericks Game 1 Analysis, and Will Dan Hurley Leave UConn for the Lakers?

    Verno and KOC react to the Celtics' Game 1 blowout victory, as they take a 1-0 series lead in the Finals (01:54). They discuss Kristaps Porzingis's dominant return, how the Celtics defense dramatically affected the Mavs offense, shot-quality numbers, expectations for how the Mavs can respond, and more takeaways from Game 1. Next, the guys dive into the latest rumors involving the Lakers' head coaching search that now includes UConn’s Dan Hurley (38:32). Can the Lakers offer Hurley enough to make the jump to the NBA? How would this affect LeBron James’s situation? And how would his potential jump affect the college basketball world? The NBA had their scouting combine in Italy, as they guys finish off the show debating whether international prospect Nikola Topic’s ACL injury will impact his draft stock, as well as some more draft talk (55:51).

    Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
    Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

    The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

    Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
    Producer: Jessie Lopez
    Social: Keith Fujimoto
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 10 min
    NBA Finals Preview, Celtics-Mavericks Predictions, and Draft Talk

    NBA Finals Preview, Celtics-Mavericks Predictions, and Draft Talk

    Ahead of the Finals, Verno and KOC have a rendition of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous (01:09)! They discuss various topics regarding the Finals, including Kristaps Porzingis’s health issues, the Mavs' defensive strategies, Luka’s first Finals appearance, and Jayson Tatum. They also give their predictions for the series. The guys then dive into some draft talk and discuss the vast parity that is currently in the league, as this season will have the sixth consecutive different champion.

    Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
    Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

    The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

    Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
    Producer: Jessie Lopez
    Social: Keith Fujimoto
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Dallas Advances to the NBA Finals, Wolves Exit Interviews, and an Offseason Lookahead

    Dallas Advances to the NBA Finals, Wolves Exit Interviews, and an Offseason Lookahead

    Verno and KOC congratulate the Dallas Mavericks as they beat the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals to face the Celtics (01:07). They discuss Luka Doncic’s brilliant Game 5 performance, and give credit to Mavs GM Nico Harrison for finally building the right roster around Luka. Next, they debate what the future holds for the Timberwolves, as they are nearing the second luxury tax apron and will face several restrictions when it comes to improving the team (18:08). Do they run it back? Or will they look to make a trade and retool for next season? Also, the guys answer what lessons can be learned from the impact that Dereck Lively II has made with the Mavs (43:47). Lastly, the guys talk about prospects who are going to return for another season in college, and how NIL has completely changed the game when it comes to prospects deciding to go pro (51:50).

    Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
    Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!
    The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

    Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
    Producer: Jessie Lopez
    Social: Keith Fujimoto
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Celtics Sweep, Mavs On The Brink, and Remembering Bill Walton

    Celtics Sweep, Mavs On The Brink, and Remembering Bill Walton

    Verno and KOC discuss the Celtics' comeback win as they sweep the Pacers and move on to the NBA Finals (00:55). They dive into why the Celtics have been so successful with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as what the sweep means from the Pacers' perspective. Next, they discuss the potential sweep in the West, as the Mavs look to finish the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals (25:27). The guys discuss the Mavs' terrific defense on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns all series long, as well as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s clutch minutes. Lastly, the guys share stories about Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who passed away on Monday (46:08).

    Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
    Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

    The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

    Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
    Producer: Jessie Lopez
    Social: Keith Fujimoto
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 59 min
    Celtics Roll Pacers, the Dominant Dallas Defense, and Some Timberwolves Concerns

    Celtics Roll Pacers, the Dominant Dallas Defense, and Some Timberwolves Concerns

    Verno and KOC discuss the absolute stomping of the Pacers by the Celtics as Boston takes a 2-0 series lead (01:00). They debate whether the Pacers stand any chance of coming back without Tyrese Haliburton, who left Game 2 with an injury, and discuss Jaylen Brown’s performance after he was snubbed for an All-NBA team. Moving on, they discuss how the Mavs defense was able to restrain Anthony Edwards to take Game 1 (23:48). They discuss the Timberwolves’ defensive strategies and whether Chris Finch needs to make some adjustments, as well as Rudy Gobert’s overall impact. Also, the guys share their reaction to the All-NBA teams, J. B. Bickerstaff’s firing, and whether Trajan Langdon can bring some much-needed stability to the Pistons' front office (48:26).

    Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
    Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

    The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

    Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
    Producer: Jessie Lopez
    Social: Keith Fujimoto
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 4 min
    NBA Conference Finals Preview, Plus Denver’s Implosion, Draft Talk, and the All-Rookie Teams

    NBA Conference Finals Preview, Plus Denver’s Implosion, Draft Talk, and the All-Rookie Teams

    The conference finals are finally here, as Verno and KOC break down how the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets in Denver to reach the Western Conference finals (01:23). Now that the Nuggets are eliminated, the guys go through what they should prioritize this offseason in order to remain competitive in the rapidly growing West. Next, the guys dive into the Thunder’s weakness in the middle that was exposed in their series against the Mavs, and debate whether Zach Edey can be the missing piece (25:20). Also, they preview what expects to be a competitive series between the Wolves and Mavs, debate whether the Pacers can make the Eastern Conference finals interesting against the Celtics, and applaud this year’s rookie class after the league announced its All-Rookie teams (41:18).

    Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
    Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

    The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

    Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
    Producer: Jessie Lopez
    Social: Keith Fujimoto
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 11 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
5.2K Ratings

5.2K Ratings

Ritmonegro ,

The Mismatch

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative pod. The chemistry between KOC and Verno brings great energy!

macadamia12 ,

Awesome NBA analysis!

Been a long time listener and was on the fence actually with these guys but their chemistry has grown and it’s really worth the listen. KOC is such an excellent and brilliant analyst, it’s always great to hear his breakdowns. Verno can ramble a bit at times but his old school thoughts do have merit. Give them a shot! Keep it up guys! BLOW IT UP

JCVD93 ,

Kevin O'Insufferable

KOC used to be one of the better basketball analysts online but in recent years has built his own narratives and sets out to prove those narratives to be true, regardless of what's happening on the court. Cherry picks what stats and games he wants to talk about and complete ignores any stat, eye test, or final score that proves him wrong (and there is almost always something to prove him wrong).

Top Podcasts In Sports

Pardon My Take
Barstool Sports
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
Wave Sports + Entertainment
The Ryen Russillo Podcast
The Ringer
Club Shay Shay
iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

You Might Also Like

The Ringer NBA Show
The Ringer
The Lowe Post
ESPN, Zach Lowe
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective
ESPN, NBA, Brian Windhorst
The Ryen Russillo Podcast
The Ringer
The Athletic NBA Show
The Athletic

More by The Ringer

The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
The Ryen Russillo Podcast
The Ringer
The Rewatchables
The Ringer
The Big Picture
The Ringer
The Watch
The Ringer
The Ringer NBA Show
The Ringer