Episodes

  • Golden State Valkyries: From WNBA Champion To Head Coach, Natalie Nakase Reveals All! (Clip)

    Golden State Valkyries: From WNBA Champion To Head Coach, Natalie Nakase Reveals All! (Clip)
    Mar 14 2025
    Natalie Nakase, Head Coach of the Golden State Valkyries, opens up about her time with the Las Vegas Aces, working alongside fellow trailblazer Becky Hammon, and the unforgettable moment of becoming the first Asian American coach to win a WNBA title. She also shares the exciting journey that led her to take the reins as head coach of the Golden State Valkyries and the unique challenges of building an expansion team! Catch this insightful conversation with Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell on Hold My Banner. Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • Golden State Valkyries: Natalie Nakase Overcoming Expectations!

    Golden State Valkyries: Natalie Nakase Overcoming Expectations!
    Mar 14 2025
    The incredible Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, joins us! Natalie takes us through her inspiring journey—from her early days growing up as a player in Orange County, California, to earning a walk-on spot at UCLA despite not being heavily recruited. She reflects on her historic achievement as the first Asian American to play in the NWBL, her time playing professionally in Germany, and how an injury led to her transition into coaching. Natalie shares her experiences coaching both men and women professionally, including her groundbreaking role with the LA Clippers as the first woman to sit on the bench as an assistant, and her title-winning stint with the WNBA’s Aces. She also talks about her current role with the Golden State Valkyries and the unique challenges of coaching an expansion team. Plus, the guys discuss the Celtics’ recent games, including a recap of their loss against the Thunder and a preview of upcoming matchups against the Heat and Nets. It’s an action-packed episode you won’t want to miss! Catch all the action with Travis Thomas, George Balekji, Ountae Campbell, and special guest Natalie Nakase on Hold My Banner. Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ 00:00 Intro 01:05 Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries Head Coach Interview 43:50 Could the Thunder beat the Celtics in the playoffs? 49:53 Celtics vs Heat & Nets Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Celtics vs Thunder: Jayson Tatum & Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Clash

    Celtics vs Thunder: Jayson Tatum & Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Clash
    Mar 12 2025
    The guys kick things off by previewing the Celtics vs. Thunder matchup, highlighting the potential MVP showdown between Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They discuss the Finals implications, SGA’s performance against MVP candidate Jokic, and make their score predictions for the game. They also reflect on the Thunder’s surprising win over the Celtics in OKC earlier this season and what could go down in this highly anticipated matchup. Next, they recap the Celtics' dominant performance against the Jazz, where Sam Hauser went off for 33 points and 9 threes. They also talk about the Jazz’s playoff aspirations and the mystery illness surrounding Kristaps Porzingis. Then, it’s onto the Celtics vs. Lakers game, where they analyze LeBron's groin injury, discuss if the Lakers are contenders or pretenders, and reflect on their pregame predictions. In Women’s March Madness, Travis & Ountae talk about the top teams to watch, their national championship picks, and key players to keep an eye on. Finally, they sit down with the legendary Stan Van Gundy, who shares his journey from college to the NBA, coaching Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, and facing off against Kobe Bryant in the Finals. Stan also weighs in on the current Celtics, JJ Redick’s success with the Lakers, and the potential for another Celtics vs. Lakers Finals matchup. Don’t miss this action-packed episode of Hold My Banner with Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ 00:00 Intro 02:31 Celtics vs Thunder Preview 10:17 Celtics vs Jazz Recap 14:46 Celtics vs Lakers Recap 21:28 WBB Mach Madness 25:06 Stan Van Gundy Interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • Stan Van Gundy Talks Growing Up With Jeff Van Gundy & Their Basketball Legacy!

    Stan Van Gundy Talks Growing Up With Jeff Van Gundy & Their Basketball Legacy!
    Mar 7 2025
    Stan Van Gundy shares stories from his basketball journey, from growing up with his brother Jeff to transitioning from player to coach, in this can't-miss episode! He reflects on playing alongside Kenny Carter, whose coaching career inspired the movie Coach Carter, and discusses the challenges and rewards of being coached by his father in college. Stan also dives into his coaching stops in New England, including UMass Lowell and the University of Vermont, and how those experiences shaped his approach to the game. The episode also covers a thrilling Celtics vs Trail Blazers game recap, highlighting standout performances from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, and the continued rise of young talent like Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. With three Celtics starters sidelined, the game turned out to be closer than expected. Next, it’s time to Wicked Or Kick It as they judge NBA outfits from Jalen Williams, Stephen Curry, and Myles Turner — you won’t want to miss their takes! And of course, the hosts preview the highly anticipated Celtics vs Lakers matchup, debating who will be the key performers and whether the Lakers' recent moves have boosted their chances. They also share their top NBA League Pass games to watch, featuring matchups like Pacers vs Hawks and Pistons vs Warriors. Don’t miss this packed episode, only on Hold My Banner, hosted by Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Kyrie Irving OUT For The Season! Mavericks NBA Finals Hopes DONE!

    Kyrie Irving OUT For The Season! Mavericks NBA Finals Hopes DONE!
    Mar 5 2025
    Kyrie Irving is out for the season with a torn ACL—what does this mean for the Mavericks' future? To make matters worse, Anthony Davis has only played three quarters for the Mavs since the Luka Doncic trade. The guys break down how these developments are shaking up Dallas, the team’s new ceiling, and what Nico Harrison’s next moves should be. Plus, if you’re Klay Thompson, how are you feeling about all of this? The Celtics had a dramatic weekend, suffering a tough loss to the Cavs and pulling off a gritty win over the Nuggets. What were the key takeaways, and what’s in store as they face the Trail Blazers and 76ers? The episode also tackles the possibility of a Lakers vs. Celtics Finals, the MVP race (Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already the winner?), and more. Don’t miss Travis and Ountae’s picks for this week’s must-watch games, including a Rockets vs. Pelicans showdown and a Kings vs. Nuggets clash for playoff positioning. You can find all the analysis and hot takes on Hold My Banner with Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ 00:00 Intro 02:03 Kyrie Irving Out For The Season 13:16 Celtics vs Cavs Recap 22:01 Celtics vs Nuggets Recap 28:06 Celtics vs Trail Blazers Preview 33:10 Celtics vs 76ers Preview 36:51 Celtics vs Lakers Finals? 47:04 Is the NBA MVP race over? 49:02 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • Lakers vs Celtics Finals: The Rivalry Is BACK! (Clip)

    Lakers vs Celtics Finals: The Rivalry Is BACK! (Clip)
    Mar 5 2025
    Could the iconic Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry be renewed in the Finals? We dive into the potential matchup, with both teams currently sitting as the 2 seeds in their respective conferences. The Lakers are on fire after the Luka Doncic trade, while the Celtics continue to roll with Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge. With LeBron James, Luka, Tatum, and Brown all in the mix, who would come out on top? The guys discuss how many games it would take, who could win Finals MVP, and break down this exciting potential showdown. Tune in for all the hot takes on Hold My Banner with Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ #lakers #lakersnation #celtics #bostonceltics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 mins
  • NBA Expert Fran Fraschilla Reveals How International Basketball Is Taking Over!

    NBA Expert Fran Fraschilla Reveals How International Basketball Is Taking Over!
    Feb 28 2025
    This week, Fran Fraschilla, basketball expert, joins the hosts to discuss everything from Joe Mazzulla’s coaching evolution to the rise of Spain’s pick-and-roll dominance in the NBA. Fran shares his thoughts on how college basketball has changed with the rise of NIL and the Transfer Portal, and the impact of international talent on the NBA. He also offers insights on generational prospects and how scouting has evolved globally. The hosts also dive into recent matchups, starting with a Celtics vs Cavaliers preview. With the Cavs on an 8-game win streak, can they get revenge on Boston after their last loss? The hosts discuss how missing players like Darius Garland and Jaylen Brown might affect each team. Then, they break down the Mavericks at Lakers and Celtics at Pistons games. Luka Doncic made history with a triple-double against every NBA team—joining legends LeBron James and Russell Westbrook? And despite being without Brown, the Pistons stunned the Celtics—who saw that coming? Tune in for all the hoops talk, predictions, and expert analysis with Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell on this week's Hold My Banner! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ 00:00 Intro 01:04 Celtics vs Cavaliers Preview 06:07 Mavericks at Lakers / Celtics at Pistons Recap 11:44 Fran Fraschilla Interview - Joe Mazzulla, coaching evolution, International basketball, NIL, Transfer Portal, and Cooper Flagg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • The Knicks Are In Trouble! Can They Really Compete With NBA’s Elite?

    The Knicks Are In Trouble! Can They Really Compete With NBA’s Elite?
    Feb 26 2025
    The New York Knicks are facing a serious challenge as they struggle to compete with the NBA's elite teams, posting a 0-7 record against the Cavs, Thunder, and Celtics. Despite having a solid roster, the Knicks have faltered in these key matchups, raising questions about their true contender status. Are they built to make a deep playoff run, or are they still a few pieces away from competing with the top dogs in the league? Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell dive into what this means for the Knicks’ playoff hopes and whether they can stay healthy enough to make a real push when it matters most. Next up, the Celtics are on the second night of a back-to-back, heading to Detroit to face a red-hot Pistons squad riding a 7-game win streak. Will the Celtics overcome fatigue, or will the Pistons continue their unexpected surge? The conversation shifts to Cooper Flagg, a player the hosts believe could be the next big thing in basketball. Is he a generational talent? How does he compare to the last 10 No. 1 overall picks? What’s his ceiling, and what’s his floor? The guys discuss whether he could end up on an NBA juggernaut. Then, Luka Doncic faces off against his old team, the Mavs, for the first time this season! Will his new squad reign supreme? Travis and Ountae also discuss what bets they'd make and whether either team has impressed since their major trades. Finally, in the NBA League Pass Game of the Week, Ountae has his eye on Thunder vs. Nets tonight, while Travis is hyped for Warriors at Magic tomorrow. With both teams struggling for playoff positioning, these matchups are not to be missed. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Hold My Banner, hosted by Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ 00:00 Intro 01:50 Knicks: Contenders or Pretenders? 16:53 Celtics at Pistons Preview 25:59 Is Cooper Flagg A Generational Talent? 45:25 Luka Doncic vs The Mavericks 49:16 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins