The Control Room with Esrael Yohannes

S02E11 - The 2025 NBA Finals Preview - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers

The 2025 NBA Finals are set between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Esrael returns to break down how OKC and Indiana reached this point through their successful styles of play. He also gives his prediction of who will be crowned the 2025 NBA Champion.

S02E10 - Why Luka's Return Was Better Than Wilt's + Pacers & Haliburton, Bulls' Finish & Final Play-In Games

In this episode, Esrael breaks down Luka's historic return to Dallas and why he thinks ESPN missed out on a massive statistical opportunity. He also talks about how Luka's presence has helped the Lakers with their 3-PT shooting and overall offense. Then, he dives deep into the Indiana Pacers' surge since mid-December involving Tyrese Haliburton's improved play, as well as lays the Chicago Bulls to rest with a recap of their run in March & April. Finally, he gives his stats to watch for the final Play-In Tournament games before the 2025 NBA Playoffs are set.

S02E09 - The Lakers' Brilliant Backcourt + Knicks' Minutes Problem & The Pistons' Arrival

In the mad month that is March, the NBA had massive performance after massive performance. In this episode, Esrael breaks down the numbers for the high-scoring backcourt duo on the Los Angeles Lakers. Later, he looks to solve the mystery of why the New York Knicks are heavily relying on their starters, and he then embraces the arrival of the Detroit Pistons, led by newly-named All-Star Cade Cunningham.

S02E08 - Luka Dončić is a Laker + Ramadan Kyrie & AD

The loss of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers still stings, and Esrael breaks down how Luka has come into form in his most recent outings with LA. Then, he talks about what the Mavericks need to do to stay in the playoff race, if the legend of Ramadan Kyrie is real, and what Anthony Davis brings to the table.

S02E07 - Nico Harrison, Dallas's Public Enemy #1

After what is considered to be the worst trade in NBA history, Esrael briefly gives his two cents on Nico Harrison, the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, and why he believes Harrison was wrong to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

S02E06 - Mavs Are Clicking On Both Sides + 2024 NBA Cup Recap

The Dallas Mavericks have had a month to remember, and Esrael has the stats to back it up. He breaks down how the Mavs are balancing both their paint and perimeter offensive attacks and how their defense has held up to get them wins. He will also recap the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, highlighting the resurgence of the Milwaukee Bucks and the dipping efficiency of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, he'll give a standings update and the NBA Christmas Day schedule. Merry Christmas!

S02E05 - Mavs Have No Need For Threes + Do The Celtics Need Kristaps Porziņģis?

The Mavs are on a hot streak despite being without Luka Dončić, and Esrael has all the stats to break down their winning ways. He dissects how Dallas is breaking from the new NBA norm of shooting threes and is carving out their own identity in the paint. Plus, he ponders the question...do the Boston Celtics really need Kristaps Porziņģis?

S02E04 - How The Mavs Can Continue Winning + NBA Cup Update

The Mavericks responded to their 4-game losing streak with a 4-game winning streak, and Esrael has the stats to break down why Dallas has been more successful despite losing Luka Dončić. He'll also look at new teams to watch as they start to build identities, and he'll provide an update on the NBA Cup standings in group play.

S02E03 - Mavs' Clutch Struggles & The Return of the Emirates NBA Cup

After Dallas lost consecutive games in the clutch, Esrael breaks down the stats showing where the Mavs are having the most trouble. He'll also give his assessment on the Oklahoma City Thunder and how they will fare without Chet Holmgren. Then, he'll look at the standings and the return of the Emirates NBA Cup.

S02E02 - Mavs' First Week, Klay Makes History & 3 Teams to Watch

With the first week of the NBA completed, Esrael has some notes about a couple games from the Dallas Mavericks and where he's noticed some struggles. Later, he breaks down Klay Thompson's historic achievement and gives 3 other teams to watch for as they've impressed early on in the season.