Episode Overview

Podcast: Pablo Torre Finds Out
Episode Title: Listen Now: Six Trophies with Shea Serrano and Jason Concepcion
Date: May 6, 2024
Main Theme:
Pablo Torre introduces a special segment from the newly launched Six Trophies podcast, hosted by writers Shea Serrano and Jason Concepcion. The segment showcases their unique, comedic approach to NBA coverage during the playoffs—using weekly “trophies” to spotlight both peak performances and delightfully weird moments across the league. This episode is a handoff, previewing the style and heart of Six Trophies for Pablo’s audience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Award Picks for the NBA Season

• Shea and Jason make quick picks for major NBA season awards:
  • Most Improved: Tyrese Maxey
  • Sixth Man: Malik Monk (debate with Naz Reid)
  • Clutch Player of the Year: SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)
  • Coach of the Year: Mark Daigneault
  • MVP: Jokic (Shea); SGA with a case for MVP (Jason)
  • Rookie of the Year: Victor Wembanyama ("Wemby"), with a playful aside about playoffs possibly swaying opinions unfairly

“I like SGA for MVP. Rookie of the Year Wimpy. Although it feels like the these playoff games are gonna start to tilt...”
— Jason, 01:31

2. Explaining the “Six Trophies” Format

• Each week, Shea and Jason create six “pop culture-themed trophies” for distinct, sometimes niche, NBA moments.
• These range from serious to absurd, encapsulating the full spectrum of NBA drama and fun.

“These ones change each week in our situation specific. They're for the smaller storylines that we wanna mention but don't need to get all the way into...”
— Jason, 01:56

3. Little Trophies of the Week

a. The “Elton John Someone Saved My Life Tonight” Trophy

• Awarded To: Mark Daigneault, Thunder coach
• Reason: Challenging a pivotal jump-ball call late in the game with Chet Holmgren (who is "nine feet tall")—risky move, almost led to disaster.
• SGA’s (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s) clutch play saves Daigneault from endless scrutiny.

“If they lose that game, if the Thunder lose that game, that play, that call gets... He gets shredded for that. But SGA saved his life tonight."
— Jason, 02:04

b. The “Dwight Schrute from The Office — Complaints About Jim” Trophy

• Awarded To: Philadelphia 76ers, for planning to file a grievance about poor refereeing.
• The trophy moniker refers to Dwight’s infamous litany of complaints against Jim Halpert on The Office.
• Expands into an over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek plea for congressional investigations into the refereeing, capturing the melodrama felt by fans.

“I think there needs to be a serious congressional investigation into the refereeing … If it’s jail time, it’s jail time. If the Knicks need to be banished to another country, then that’s what needs to happen.”
— Shea, 03:38

4. Playoff Performances: Bucks, Pacers, and Dame Time

• Quick Breakdown:
  • Discussion shifts to the Bucks vs. Pacers series.
  • Both hosts talk about Damian Lillard's ("Dame") playoff firepower—35 points in the first half—and his ability to “wait for the right moment” for payback.
  • Reference to Tyrese Haliburton mimicking Dame’s "Dame Time" and Lillard’s mature reaction, waiting until the moment truly matters.
  • Praise for the Bucks’ supporting cast in Giannis' absence—Chris Middleton, Bobby Portis ("with his crazy eyes").

“Welcome to the deep pools of water where I live. Incredible performance shouts to the Bucks. No Giannis and Dame, Chris Middleton and those guys just did the thing. Bobby Portis all with his crazy eyes. All of them.”
— Shea, 05:08

• Observations:
  • The Pacers appeared "overwhelmed by the big moment."
  • Mavericks must capitalize without stars like Kawhi Leonard; Pacers failed to do so without Giannis.

“You gotta win that game if you’re the Pacers. … The Pacers have to beat the Bucks without Giannis. You didn’t do it.”
— Jason, 05:27

“Tyrese had like seven shots or something like crazy. Like so inactive. I know he's coming back from injury… but that was a really surprising performance.”
— Shea, 05:42

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:31 | Jason | “I like SGA for MVP. Rookie of the Year Wimpy. Although it feels like...these playoff games are gonna start to tilt.” | | 02:04 | Jason | “SGA saved his life tonight. SGA just comes through. … now I’m only gonna have to answer, like, four of those questions, whereas before, we would have spent three days talking only about that call.” | | 03:38 | Shea | “I think there needs to be a serious congressional investigation into the refereeing... If it's jail time, it's jail time. If the Knicks need to be banished to another country, then that’s what needs to happen.” | | 05:08 | Shea | “Welcome to the deep pools of water where I live. Incredible performance shouts to the Bucks. No Giannis and Dame, Chris Middleton and those guys just did the thing. Bobby Portis all with his crazy eyes.” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 01:12 Pablo’s intro and handoff to Six Trophies.
• 01:12 – 01:51 Award picks and playful Rookie of the Year debate.
• 01:55 – 03:24 Introduction of “little trophies” and two featured awards.
• 03:34 – 05:06 Sixers’ grievance, NBA refereeing banter, and Bucks-Pacers playoff talk.
• 05:06 – End Dame Lillard’s performance and Bucks’ teamwork; Pacers’ challenges; Tyrese Haliburton’s struggles.

Tone & Style

• The episode blends sharp NBA analysis with pop-culture wit and over-the-top comedic exaggeration—a signature of Shea and Jason's chemistry.
• The tone is irreverent, playful, and highly engaging for fans who want more than just box scores and stats.
• Listeners are left eager for more of Six Trophies’ unconventional, joy-filled approach to basketball commentary.

Closing Note

If you loved the banter and inventiveness on display, you can follow Shea and Jason’s new journey by subscribing to the Six Trophies podcast for weekly doses of NBA insight and laughter.