Pardon My Take Episode Summary

Title: Brian Windhorst, All American Rejects Lead Singer Tyson Ritter, Knicks Save Their Season, Thunder 1 Game Away From Finals, Recapping The Sports Weekend + Jordan Of The Week
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Hosts: Big Cat & PFT Commenter (Dan Katz)

1. Welcome Back and Weekend Recap [03:49 - 04:04]

The hosts kick off the episode by sharing their weekend experiences. PFT Commenter announces he's quitting golf, a decision met with light-hearted banter from Dan and Hank.

• Dan Katz: "How was everyone's weekend?" [04:04]
• PFT Commenter: "I quit golf. So that's huge." [04:00:01]

2. NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. Pacers Series [04:35 - 09:09]

The conversation delves into the intense Knicks-Pacers playoff series characterized by dramatic comebacks and tactical gameplay.

• Dan Katz: "Knicks, who last night were the first team in the playoffs ever to have three victories where they were down 20 points in the game." [05:18]
• PFT Commenter: "It's been the entire playoffs for both these teams, too. And also the Thunder had that comeback where it was the second biggest in NBA playoff history." [05:18]

Key Highlights:

• Carl Anthony Towns' Performance:
  • "He scored 20 points in the fourth quarter and was like, 'I'm Carl Anthony Towns. I'm big. Purr.'" [06:16]
• Coaching Decisions:
  • Dan Katz: "Tibs changed the starting five by putting Mitchell Robinson into the lineup, signaling a shift to a more defensively capable team." [07:34]
• Game Dynamics:
  • PFT Commenter: "If they're losing early, they're probably going to win, making the fourth quarter highly entertaining." [08:38]

3. Thunder vs. Timberwolves Game Analysis [09:09 - 33:01]

The hosts transition to discussing the Thunder's pivotal game against the Timberwolves, highlighting strategic plays and player contributions.

• Dan Katz: "The Thunder won with their offense, thanks to Shea’s 40 points, Jalen Williams’ 34, and Chet Holmgren’s crucial block." [28:15]
• Brian Windhorst: "The Thunder took the series very impressively and have the potential to be dominant for the rest of the decade." [32:03]

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Windhorst on Team Building:
  "Anthony Edwards and Chet Holmgren are key players who have taken significant steps forward." [32:03]
• PFT Commenter on Series Momentum:
  "NBA Conference Finals team with a 3 to 1 lead wins the series 93.6% of the time." [31:22]

4. Hockey Update: Carolina Hurricanes [19:53 - 21:58]

A brief segment covering the Carolina Hurricanes' performance in the Eastern Conference finals.

• PFT Commenter: "They had to make a statement at home, and it was an impressive win by the Thunder over the Wolves." [20:04]

5. WNBA News: Caitlin Clark Injury [51:07 - 55:50]

The hosts provide updates on the WNBA, focusing on Caitlin Clark's ankle injury and its implications for her team.

• Dan Katz: "Caitlin Clark is out for two weeks with a herniated disc, which is a significant setback for her team." [55:50]
• PFT Commenter: "Caitlin Clark is developing nicely, but her injury could impact the team's performance." [55:54]

6. Who's Back of the Week [43:54 - 58:43]

A fun segment celebrating returns and comebacks within the sports and entertainment world.

• Hank: "Freebird's back, and Anne Hathaway is supporting OG Anunoby with endorsements." [43:55]
• Dan Katz: "Anne Hathaway is back, showing her support for athletes like OG Anunoby by posting on Instagram." [48:31]

7. Monday Reading: A Tale of Mushrooms and Spaghetti [55:00 - 57:10]

A lighthearted story shared by Dan about Hank's husband inducing a profound experience through a large dose of mushrooms, leading to unexpectedly excellent spaghetti sauce.

• Dan Katz: "His husband took 12 grams of shrooms and claimed he was an Italian chef in a past life, resulting in the best spaghetti sauce they've ever tasted." [55:00]
• PFT Commenter: "This guy's going to be Aaron Rodgers' personal chef with that sauce!" [57:10]

8. Interview with Brian Windhorst [108:23 - 106:36]

Brian Windhorst joins the show to provide expert analysis on the NBA playoffs, specifically focusing on the Thunder's strategies and the Knicks-Pacers series.

Key Discussion Points:

• Game 3 Recap:
  • "The Thunder won the game impressively with strong offensive plays from Shea, Williams, and Holmgren." [65:27]
• Player Injuries and Impact:
  • Brian Windhorst: "Aaron Neesmith's ankle injury is a significant X-factor for the Pacers." [94:55]
• Coaching Decisions:
  • Windhorst: "Tibbs' decision to play 15 different lineups in Game 3 was a tactical move due to multiple players in foul trouble." [80:32]

Notable Quotes:

• Windhorst on Team Resilience:
  "The Thunder have shown they are teetering on a monster that can't be stopped." [72:33]
• Discussion on Draft Lottery:
  "The Thunder secured the third pick, ensuring their position for future team building." [74:18]

9. Interview with Tyson Ritter [108:23 - 139:33]

Tyson Ritter, lead singer of the All American Rejects, shares insights about his band’s intimate concert series and the challenges of the music industry.

Highlights:

• Concert Series Initiation:
  • "We started doing house parties because traditional venues were either booked or too expensive. The response has been overwhelmingly positive." [108:39]
• Challenges in the Music Industry:
  • Tyson Ritter: "Visibility is everything now, and authenticity shines through, especially in the age of streaming." [114:07]
• Band Dynamics and Growth:
  • "Our first song, 'Swing, Swing,' really put us on the map. Navigating label changes was tough, but starting the podcast helped us define our career path." [117:28]

Notable Quotes:

• Tyson on Authenticity:
  "Authenticity is so permeable and perceptible now. If something's bullshit, it screams bullshit." [114:07]
• Dan Katz on Music Evolution:
  "When you evolve in this genre, you might lose some fans but gain new ones." [123:34]

Conclusion

This episode of "Pardon My Take" offers a deep dive into the current NBA playoffs, with expert analysis from Brian Windhorst shedding light on pivotal games and team strategies. The hosts balance intense sports discussions with entertaining segments like "Who's Back" and relatable Monday readings. Additionally, Tyson Ritter provides an insider's view of the music scene, highlighting the importance of authenticity in an ever-evolving industry. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a music lover, this episode delivers insightful commentary and engaging stories that resonate well beyond the game.

Note: Timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript.