Ball Up Top: SGA and J-Dub TAKEOVER in Game 5, Hali INJURED, Pacers COOKED?
“Ball Up Top” is a weekly NBA video series where Andscape’s David Dennis Jr. talks about the hot topics in the league and pop culture with special guests and Andscape personalities.
In Episode 16, David is joined by senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears and columnist William C. Rhoden to discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 120-109 win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, including Tyrese Haliburton’s injury (1:09), the role players of the Thunder and Pacers stepping up, including T.J. McConnell and Jalen Williams (2:13), the historical context of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams as a duo (3:40), the greatness of the Thunder’s defense (5:58), what the Thunder need to close out the series in six games (7:19). Then David asks Marc and Bill their favorite Lil Yachty song (9:00).
Episode 16, June 16, 2025
Host: David Dennis Jr.
Guests: William C. Rhoden, Marc J. Spears
Producers: Hannah Jones, Brandon Meyer
Archive
Episode 1 (March 7, 2025): Quentin Richardson on Phoenix Suns, his ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment and beef with ‘Above the Rim’
Episode 2 (March 14, 2025): Plus/Minus! Nikola Jokic (not) MVP, who the Knicks and Lakers don’t want to see, Cooper Flagg questions
Episode 3 (March 21, 2025): Danny Green ranks his Western Conference contenders, all-time teammates
Episode 4 (March 28, 2025): Talking Heat Culture after blowout of Warriors, more PLUS/MINUS takes
Episode 5 (April 4, 2025): The most important games left on the NBA schedule
Episode 6 (April 17, 2025): Kazeem Famuyide talks NBA playoffs, WrestleMania 41, WaleMania X
Episode 7 (April 24, 2025): Which NBA playoffs teams are cooked/not cooked?
Episode 8 (May 2, 2025): Lakers, Fakers, Quakers … Wolves in 5
Episode 9 (May 8, 2025): Talking NBA playoffs with Vince Goodwill
Episode 10 (May 14, 2025): Who’s cooked or not cooked + Giannis predictions
Episode 11 (May 22, 2025): Pacers beat Knicks in THRILLING Game 1 of ECF
Episode 12 (May 29, 2025): Jenkins & Jonez talk Pacers-Knicks, Tyrese Haliburton, Timothée Chalamet
Episode 13 (June 4, 2025): NBA Finals bets, superteam era is OVER … F*&% ratings!
Episode 14 (June 6, 2025): Kendrick Perkins on Pacers STUNNING Thunder in NBA Finals Game 1
Episode 15 (June 12, 2025): NBA Finals Game 3 SAVIORS, Hali vs. SGA + Thunder lineup questions with Kendrick Perkins