Hungry Like The Wedgie
Grading all three wedgies from this week in the NBA
‘The Wedgie Scale’ breaks down wedgies in the categories of uniqueness (was it a 3 or free throw attempt?), game situation (did it happen early in the first half or in the clutch?), importance (playoff game or regular season?), and frivolities (any post-wedgie shenanigans or broadcast shoutouts?). Then we give it an overall grade on a scale of 1-5 Ralphs, named for the legendary Clippers broadcaster, Ralph Lawler, who originally coined the term.
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WEDGIE NO. 34 | Jan. 13, 2026 | Jalen Smith (CHI-HOU)
UNIQUENESS: Bulls big man Jalen Smith sticks the wedgie off a three-point attempt on the wing. He’s shooting 33.8% from deep this season.
GAME SITUATION: Four minutes into the fourth quarter of a pretty close game.
IMPORTANCE: There were 35 lead changes in the game with neither team able to build a cushion until the Rockets did in the final minutes.
FRIVOLITIES: This was Jalen Smith’s second wedgie of the season — one on both ends of the floor! — so he sits tied atop the leaderboard with Drew Eubanks. Also, sources say Stacey King did NOT mention Fruit of the Loom on the road broadcast. A damn shame.
GRADE: To quote Trey Kerby from Wednesday’s No Dunks podcast: