On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric discusses the monumental collapse by the 76ers and the gutsy performance by the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. Also addressed: Derrick Rose and his place among free-agent point guards.

Support th…

Ric provides insight into the relationship between young star Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, as well as a breakdown of what Kevin Durant did in Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks and, converse…

Ric takes exception to the 76ers' loss in Game 4 to the Atlanta Hawks being blamed on center Joel Embiid and examines Philadelphia's absence of a floor leadership despite having Ben Simmons on a maxi…

Ric examines the circumstances that led to MVP Nikola Jokic being ejected from Game 4 of the Suns-Nuggets series and calls for Giannis Antetokounmpo to be punished for Kyrie Irving landing on his foo…

Ric discusses the shot selection and offensive decisions Giannis Antetokounmpo made in the Milwaukee Bucks' 86-83 over the Brooklyn Nets and questions if they are congruent with Coach Mike Budenholze…

Ric takes a look at the entire list of players who appeared on one of the 101 MVP ballots and makes a disturbing discovery: only one is American-born and developed and under 30.

Support this show http…

Ric discusses an array of topics that are bothering him among the sights and scenes in the NBA Playoffs so far. Also broached: the series where the three-point shot could be the biggest factor.

Suppor…

Ric discusses Mavericks' forward Kristaps Porzingis' complaint that he's not getting star treatment in Dallas and looks at the Bucks facing the same dilemma the Clippers did in the first round -- wit…

Ric examines the dramatic changes Clippers coach Ty Lue made to his starting lineup and playing rotation through the course of the team's successful seven-game series against the Dallas Mavericks and…

Ric examines the elements that led to the defending champion Lakers being eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the first round, a possible connection between injuries and inefficient play and takes a cl…

Ric discusses a potential name for the Boston Celtics' opening that is not on the oddsmaker's list and breaks down why he disagrees with the Warriors' Draymond Green that the Mavericks won Game 5 by …

Ric examines how Lebron James approached Game 5 vs. the Phoenix Suns without fellow All-Star Anthony Davis to still produce a respectable stat line despite losing 115-85. Also discussed: the one play…

Ric examines the uneasy place the 76ers find themselves with Joel Embiid suffering yet another knee injury and a look at what The Process did and didn't accomplish. Also: Kyrie Irving and his content…

Ric examines the play of the Knicks' Julius Randle and RJ Barrett in their series against the Atlanta Hawks, why it's been so hard for them to replicate their regular-season performances and whether …

Ric revises his view of Devin Booker after his series-opening performance against the Lakers as a legit playoff performer and breaks down the parts of his game still missing. Also discussed: Anthony …

Ric examines the similarities between the Warriors keeping Steph Curry in the fold with the decision the 49ers once upon a time had to make on Joe Montana. Also discussed: the divergent paths of Derr…

Ric applauds the Nets making a statement, examines the subplots contained in the Lakers tying their series with the Suns and vents about the Clippers casually slipping into a 2-0 hole against the Mav…

Ric examines the Game 2s between the Heat-Bucks and Blazers-Nuggets and which teams are better built for the allowance of more physical play in the postseason. Also examined: how serious to take Dona…

Ric looks at the results of Game 1s played over the weekend in each of the eight playoff series and what we should and shouldn't take away from the results, including upsets by the Grizzlies, Blazers…

Ric discusses the Memphis Grizzlies' overtime play-in win that ended the Golden State Warriors and star guard Steph Curry's season and why Ja Morant is set up for success far better than New Orleans …