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Wine and Gold Talk Podcast

Wine and Gold Talk Podcast

By: cleveland.com - Advance Local
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 Get the latest news and analysis about the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor and special guests on cleveland.com.Advance Local LLC Basketball Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Reacting to the Cavs' win over the Golden State Warriors and whether Cleveland needs to lean all the way in on offense

    Reacting to the Cavs' win over the Golden State Warriors and whether Cleveland needs to lean all the way in on offense
    Apr 3 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' underwhelming victory over a depleted Golden State Warriors team. The conversation centers on the Cavaliers' lingering defensive struggles and their concerning tendency to lack engagement against lower-tier teams as the playoffs approach. A primary concern is the health of center Jarrett Allen, who is playing through severe knee tendinitis but remains essential to the team's defensive viability and overall postseason ceiling. Conversely, the hosts highlight the offensive spark provided by the recently returned Max Strus, whose shooting and playmaking alongside Sam Merrill are creating highly efficient offensive lineups. This dynamic sets up a crucial lineup decision for head coach Kenny Atkinson, who must weigh leaning entirely into a high-powered offense with Strus against relying on the much-needed, though historically injury-prone, defensive presence of Dean Wade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Can a championship contender be built around Donovan Mitchell? Hey, Chris!

    Can a championship contender be built around Donovan Mitchell? Hey, Chris!
    Apr 2 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, host Ethan Sands and beat reporter Chris Fedor analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' readiness for the upcoming NBA playoffs. The discussion centers on whether Donovan Mitchell possesses the physical profile and two-way capabilities to be the primary option on a championship-winning team. The guys evaluate head coach Kenny Atkinson's lineup adjustments amid a heavily injury-riddled season, as well as the team's offensive stagnation against switch-heavy defenses. Additionally, they identify the Cavaliers' most fatal flaw — a severe inability to defend the 3-point line — and speculate on potential playoff matchups, seedings, and the likelihood of the team strategically resting core players in the final games of the regular season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Reacting to yet another disappointing Cavs loss, this time at the hands of LeBron and the Lakers

    Reacting to yet another disappointing Cavs loss, this time at the hands of LeBron and the Lakers
    Apr 1 2026
    In this episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Ethan Sands and Chris Fedor discuss the team's recent 127-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting severe defensive lapses and a particularly poor showing by Evan Mobley against LeBron James. The conversation covers coach Kenny Atkinson's decision to bench the starting lineup in the fourth quarter, growing concerns over Jarrett Allen's lingering knee injury just weeks ahead of the playoffs, and the defensive drawbacks of starting Max Strus over Dean Wade against larger rosters. Finally, the two extensively speculate on LeBron James's upcoming free agency, weighing the family and comfort advantages of him staying in Los Angeles against the strong narrative and stylistic fit of a potential return to Cleveland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
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