Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down what makes Victor Wembanyama’s 4-0 start with the San Antonio Spurs truly historic, as he does something no other NBA player has EVER done before in a four-game stretch. The episode details how Wemby’s on-court presence reshapes defensive strategy, deters shots at the rim and generates a ripple effect for Spurs teammates. Tom and Dan also dissect the numbers behind San Antonio’s surprising 4-0 start and discuss how the team’s revamped tempo and lineup versatility could sustain a playoff push. Plus, a deep dive into the Emirates NBA Cup—format, contenders, group predictions and what fans can expect as the tournament tips off.

(1:03) The Big Number: Wemby is one of a kind
(19:00) The Little Numbers: Spurs opponent winning percentage
(22:39) The Little Numbers: San Antonio starting 5
(26:45) The Little Numbers: Spurs transition points per play
(30:05) The Little Numbers: Dylan Harper drives to the basket
(36:56) NBA Cup begins Friday

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This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to the NBA's opening night. They discuss Alperen Sengun's impressive three-point shooting to open the season. What kind of impact could this have on the Houston Rockets' season, and could Sengun be an MVP candidate? The duo also share their takeaways from the Golden State Warriors' win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Are the Warriors title contenders? What do the Lakers need to do to improve their defense? Plus, does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston's system after struggling in the opener?

Then Tom and Dan share their thoughts on Michael Jordan's sit down with Mike Tirico for the debut of "MJ: Insights to Excellence." What do they expect going forward?

(2:05) The Big Number: Alperen Sengun's 3-point shooting

(24:14) - Little Numbers: Warriors title contenders?

(28:25) - Little Numbers: Lakers defensive struggles

(32:19) - Little Numbers: Rockets unique defensive approach

(36:37) - Little Numbers: Does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston

(44:56) - "MJ: Insights to Excellence" debuts

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This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.

Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?

(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case
(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case
(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case
(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case
(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case
(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings

Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv