351 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 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
    Wolves Force Game 7, Knicks-Pacers Preview, and OKC’s Odds in Dallas

    Wolves Force Game 7, Knicks-Pacers Preview, and OKC’s Odds in Dallas

    Verno and KOC discuss the Game 6 blowout win from the Timberwolves, as they force a Game 7 on Sunday in Denver (01:18). They then move on to tonight’s Game 6 between the Knicks and Pacers before discussing the Cavs' future after they got eliminated by the Celtics (23:14). Also, the guys debate whether the Thunder can push for a Game 7 against the Mavs and KOC shares his experience watching Dead & Company at the Sphere (42:42).

    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 5 min
    OKC’s Gritty Win in Dallas, Celtics Go Up 3-1, Game 5 Previews, and Draft Lottery Reaction.

    OKC’s Gritty Win in Dallas, Celtics Go Up 3-1, Game 5 Previews, and Draft Lottery Reaction.

    Chris and Kevin immediately react to the Thunder’s comeback win against the Mavericks to tie the series at 2-2 (1:17). They discuss Luka Doncic’s current status, and who will win the series (5:24). Then, they discuss the Celtics' win over the Cavaliers to take a commanding 3-1 lead (22:52). Later, they compare the Knicks and Pacers’ benches and the difference it can make in their series (27:58). And then, they debate whether Anthony Edwards could have scored even more points to lift the Timberwolves over the Nuggets in Game 4 (41:06). Last, they close the show discussing the results of the NBA draft lottery (52:30).

    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: Brian H. Waters
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Boston’s Big Blunder, Mavs-Thunder Takeaways, Jokic’s Legacy, and More NBA Playoff Analysis

    Boston’s Big Blunder, Mavs-Thunder Takeaways, Jokic’s Legacy, and More NBA Playoff Analysis

    Verno and KOC discuss PJ Washington’s performance in the Mavs' Game 2 win over the Thunder to tie the series (01:13). They also discuss Kyrie Irving’s impact, the Mavs defense, as well as Josh Giddey becoming close to unplayable. They then move on to the Cavs, who tied their series with the Celtics after the getting the best version of Evan Mobley, and also discuss why the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown era Celtics have been extremely inconsistent in the playoffs (20:34). Next, the guys discuss their excitement for the pair of Game 3s between Knicks-Pacers and Nuggets-Timberwolves (41:37). Can the Knicks continue to play at this fast pace? How will Nikola Jokic respond after winning his third MVP?

    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
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Is Denver Dead? Plus, Knicks Escape with a Win and Game 1 Previews

    Is Denver Dead? Plus, Knicks Escape with a Win and Game 1 Previews

    Verno and KOC go through the Timberwolves blowing out the Nuggets to take a 2-0 series lead (01:03). They discuss the Wolves stingy defense on Jamal Murray, Chris Finch’s shortened bench, and debate whether the Nuggets stand any chance to come back. The Knicks were lucky to escape with a Game 1 victory against the Pacers, and the guys debate whether the remainder of the series will be just as competitive, and if Tom Thibodeau can sustain playing his starters extended minutes (31:34). Also, they discuss Donovan Mitchell’s importance to the Cavs as they move on to face the Celtics, as well as share their excitement for the Thunder-Mavs series (45:29).

    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
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 12 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).

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