Final Four Predictions, NBA Tanking

Summary

Podcast Summary: PTI Episode – Final Four Predictions & NBA Tanking
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon
Guests: Tim Legler

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Introduction

In this episode of PTI, ESPN's Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon delve into the latest developments in college basketball and the NBA. The discussion centers around NCAA Tournament predictions, the controversy surrounding NBA tanking, and insights from guest analyst Tim Legler.

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NCAA Tournament Play-In Games Review

[01:06] Tony Kornheiser:
Tony begins by recapping last night's NCAA play-in games. He highlights two significant outcomes:

• Alabama State’s Dramatic Victory: Alabama State triumphed over St. Francis with a last-second Hail Mary pass, showcasing resilience and clutch performance.
• North Carolina’s Dominant Win: North Carolina responded to criticisms regarding their tournament inclusion by decisively defeating San Diego State 95-68.

[01:45] Michael Wilbon:
Wilbon expresses skepticism about North Carolina’s merit in the tournament, stating:
"They don't belong in the tournament. I love North Carolina. I feel really bad saying that because I know Hubert Davis and really respect him as a coach and a former player. Really. But don't tell me North Carolina belongs because they don't belong."

Tony counters Wilbon’s stance by defending North Carolina’s capabilities and historical performance, emphasizing their potential to make significant impacts in the tournament.

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Final Four Predictions

[05:04] Tony Kornheiser:
Tony shifts the conversation to the Final Four, highlighting the dominance of SEC teams:
"They have two number ones. They have Auburn in Florida. They have two number twos, Tennessee and [another team?]. And Alabama. They got a number three. Kentucky. They got a number four, A&M, which means they got six of the first 60. It's an unbelievable array of teams."
He expresses confidence in Florida’s strength, calling them a "juggernaut."

[06:09] Michael Wilbon:
Wilbon offers a more cautious outlook, noting the unpredictability of the tournament:
"Used to be, you'd look at it, there's four or five teams that could win now. I mean, it could be 12, right. 14 teams that could win."
He discusses factors like team injuries and coaching strategies that could influence outcomes, making the Final Four race highly competitive.

[07:21] Tony Kornheiser:
Tony underscores the depth of SEC teams in the tournament and expresses interest in pivotal second-round matchups, particularly between high-profile SEC contenders.

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NBA Tanking Controversy

[07:39] Michael Wilbon:
The discussion pivots to NBA tanking, focusing on the Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards game, where tanking implications are significant. Wilbon questions whether teams should actively lose to secure better draft positions:
"Should the game be off the board? Yes. Las Vegas can take the game off the board."

[09:17] Tony Kornheiser:
Tony criticizes the Wizards for attempting to tank the game against Portland:
"The NBA should investigate the Washington Wizards for tanking that game against Portland... The Wizards attempted to lose and succeeded at losing."
He raises concerns about the integrity of the game, especially with the prevalence of sports gambling partnerships: "All sports now have gambling partners. Baseball does, football does, basketball does. So if the NBA is encouraging you to bet, they can't give you a boat race. They have to guarantee the integrity of the game, and they did not."

[10:57] Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon:
The hosts debate the ethical and competitive implications of tanking, highlighting how certain team strategies undermine the spirit of competition and fan engagement.

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Insights from Tim Legler: NBA MVP and Team Evaluations

[12:57] (Sponsor Message – Skipped)

[13:20] Tim Legler on Nuggets vs. Lakers Game:
Tim Legler analyzes the Lakers' performance without LeBron James, focusing on Luka Doncic's impact:
"Their defense has been very, very good for quite a long time. I think they're third in the league over the last 15 games... The efficiency is starting to come back with him. And then, by the way, last thing, Austin Reaves... he's really remarkable what this guy has been doing on a nightly basis offensively."

[15:03] Michael Wilbon on MVP Candidates:
Wilbon challenges Tim to declare an MVP candidate, referencing Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
"Who you got for MVP? Since we're going to see Joker, of course, tonight you got Jokic or you got Shay, Gilgeous Alexander."

[15:26] Tim Legler’s Response:
Legler explains his reluctance to commit to an MVP vote at this stage, citing ongoing performances and team successes:
"I'm going to wait. So what it comes down to is this. The statistical dominance has to be there... the statistical dominance versus team success. How do you weigh those two things?"

[16:59] Michael Wilbon on Knicks and Jalen Brunson’s Injury:
Legler expresses concerns over the Knicks' prospects even with Jalen Brunson’s return from injury:
"He’s going to come back... defensively they haven't convinced me that that's going to be enough against the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers."
He predicts a tough series against Boston, anticipating the Knicks' potential downfall.

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Additional Sports Highlights

Andy Reid’s Coaching Milestone
Tony and Wilbon celebrate Andy Reid’s 67th birthday and his achievement as the winningest active NFL coach with 273 regular-season victories, discussing his impact on the Kansas City Chiefs and his legacy in the NFL.

Butler Bulldogs Anniversary
The hosts reminisce about Butler’s historic NCAA runs, particularly the 2010 upset over Pittsburgh and subsequent Final Four appearances, highlighting memorable moments and key players.

Dodgers in Japan
A brief update covers the Dodgers' performance in Japan, featuring pitcher Roki Sasaki's impressive debut and Shohei Ohtani’s impactful homer.

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Conclusion

Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon wrap up the episode by teasing upcoming discussions on the Nuggets vs. Lakers game and other sports highlights. They emphasize the dynamic nature of both college basketball and the NBA, leaving listeners anticipating future insights and analyses.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Michael Wilbon on North Carolina’s Tournament Inclusion:
  "[01:45] 'They don't belong in the tournament. I love North Carolina... But don't tell me North Carolina belongs because they don't belong.'"

• Tony Kornheiser on SEC Dominance:
  "[05:04] 'They have two number ones... It's an unbelievable array of teams.'"

• Tony Kornheiser on NBA Tanking Integrity:
  "[09:17] 'The NBA should investigate the Washington Wizards for tanking that game against Portland...'"

• Tim Legler on MVP Voting:
  "[15:51] 'I legitimately do not think you could have ever asked me a more difficult question than who is the MVP of this league.'"

• Tim Legler on Knicks’ Future:
  "[17:06] 'Jalen Brunson... it's a lot different... he's going to be bothered by that the rest of the year.'"

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This episode of PTI offers a comprehensive look into the current state of college basketball’s NCAA Tournament and the NBA’s ongoing tanking controversy, enriched with expert analysis and spirited host exchanges.

Transcript

[Damian Lillard]

In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And.

[Damian Lillard]

And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.

[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. We're off the next two days. Tone, how you gonna spend that super long weekend?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornheiser texting with you, Fuky.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, of course. Like we do all the time in the tournament. You gonna play golf or you gonna watch?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm gonna watch. I mean, because the weather where I am for tomorrow has rain and for Friday has high winds.

[Mike Wilbon]

So got seats on my flight. 85 is sunny, baby. I know. Scottsdale, huh? Scottsdale National.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's tempting. I'd like to play. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, tournament picks NBA tanking. And Tim Legler joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with last night's NCAA play in games. In the first one, Alabama State scored off a Hail Mary pass with less than one second to go to beat St. Francis. In the second game, North Carolina responded to all the criticism leveled at its inclusion in the tournament by people like you, Wilbon and pounded San Diego State 95, 68. Wilbon, which was the more compelling result from last night? Carolina winning big or Alabama State winning dramatically?

[Mike Wilbon]

Alabama State, Carolina. It doesn't matter who they can beat. You know, they can beat people. They're North Carolina and I didn't want to hear it. They don't belong in the tournament. I love North Carolina. I feel really bad saying that because I know Hubert Davis and really respect him as a coach and a former player. Really. But don't tell me North Carolina belongs because they don't belong. Now I'm going to get calls from friends of mine.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm just going to tell you. No, you're going to. I'm going to. You're going to hear from me. I got a text from North Carolina grad Curry, Kirkpatrick the other night. He's angry at you. He. He's angry at you.

[Mike Wilbon]

I know. I got a lot of Carolina people angry at me. Who I know. Well now Alabama State. So I wasn't watching it live. Oh, and the text that I get says, if you want to be really angry, as a Bears fan, this play is going to remind you exactly of that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oh, yeah, that's right. Jaden Daniels play.

[Mike Wilbon]

And I get the clip. And it was one David Israel who.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Texted me, yeah, yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

And I look at it and I got angry. I got angry all over again. It's the same play. It is. And it's so dramatic. That's March Madness.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

Not Carolina winning some game by 60 that it shouldn't be in.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm going to get to Carolina unless the bell rings, but I'm going to start with this. I watched the last four minutes of this game. I landed on it. I got off the golf. I watched this. So St. Francis is down about six with a minute and a half to go. And in a period of time, they hit two threes and they tie the game. And then after that, they cannot hold onto the ball. They possess it, but they knock it out of bounds or somebody takes it away. And then this kid on the last play on the Hail Mary flings it the length of the court. It hits two or three different people, settles in the arms of an Alabama State guy. Who banks it. Who banks it. It is unbelievable theater. It is elation and it is broken hearts. The only thing I'll say to you about Carolina is this. They must have heard you and everybody else, like the governor of West Virginia saying, get out of the tournament.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't sue anybody.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I feel pretty good about this in this regard, cuz I did sit here and say from the beginning they should be in. They could beat 30 teams in the tournament. They go out 2111 halfway through the first half, then it's 33 13, then.

[Mike Wilbon]

It'S 47, 23 off at 33 13.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They hit 14 threes, the most ever. You know, I'm just saying to you, I'm saying to you, they can do damage. Do you remember when Syracuse was in a similar position as a bubble team, went to the 16, VCU a player. VCU went to the final, 1983.

[Mike Wilbon]

They got in by the hair of their chinny chin chin and won the whole thing. I'm not saying Carolina, once they get in, can't play. I'm saying, come on now, come on.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, Curry will text you directly.

[Mike Wilbon]

You don't like the underdog.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Robbie Petty, your boy.

[Mike Wilbon]

You think I haven't heard from Robbie Petty? Think I haven't heard from him yet.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You wanted Indiana in. Hardly an underdog.

[Mike Wilbon]

Not exactly.

[Tony Kornheiser]

40,000 people.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, they're closer to my people. The 64 team field tips off tomorrow. Tone.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

We've already talked about who's in the tournament. Now it's time to talk about how we see the tournament playing out. So who do you feel most confident and least confident about?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm gonna duck the question to a certain level because I think the narrative of this tournament is the sec. I think it is the results that the SEC puts up. They have two number ones. They have Auburn in Florida. They have two number twos, Tennessee and who's the other? And Alabama. They got a number three. Kentucky. They got a number four, A and M, which means they got six of the first 60. It's an unbelievable array of teams. And now what are they going to do out there?

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay, well, do you feel confident in the SEC team?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I have watched these teams, and by the way, if they don't get anybody in the Final Four, just go to spring football. Just leave us alone. Go to spring football. I've watched their top four teams a couple of times each.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They can all score, but none of them scores like Florida. Florida. Mike is the best team I have seen all year, unless I just caught him at the best two games they played. Look, they look like a juggernaut.

[Mike Wilbon]

They do. They can put you in the mindset of a couple of other Florida teams that won. Billy Donovan went all the way. I don't have any great confidence in any single team.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm fascinated by this tournament because I think. I really believe this. And I am not the opposite of prisoner of the moment. Usually. I think they're. They're just more really good teams than ever in the tournament. Used to be, you'd look at it, there's four or five teams that could win now. I mean, it could be 12, right. 14 teams that could win. I look at Auburn, as good as they've been. They lost three or four.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, three of their last four, Duke. And by the way, people don't mention Knipple enough. He's really good. Cooper Flack. Cooper Flack's hurt. He's limping. Suppose he tweaks that ankle? I don't know about that. I have a little bit of confidence because I picked him in St. John's and Michigan State. Who am I betting on there? Rick Pitino. And Tom Izzo. I'm looking at coaches who are great jockeys.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Belongs to Tom Izzo, but I haven't been that impressed.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Houston with Kelvin, with Kelvin Sampson.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

So anyway, I'm looking at those coaches and their ability in tightness.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So you're running away from the sec.

[Mike Wilbon]

You're not done all year. So you got to prove it to me. Yeah, and they may prove it. They may make me look stupid. Florida, I love this Noah's ark theme. They got two of everything. Cuz it looks true.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Florida. It does. They look really good to me. The one game I want to see early and by the way, there are so many SEC teams in. You're going to get all SEC games in the second round. In the second round I want to see. I am rooting not against Kansas, but I'm rooting to see Calipari and Pitino in the second round.

[Mike Wilbon]

In the second round like, like Bill Self. I root for him. I got Kansas going out in the first game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, yeah, you got Calipari beef. Let's move to the NBA. And the subject of tanking the Tankarama game of the entire season is tonight in Utah as the terrible Jazz play the woeful Wizards in a game where the loser may have the inside track on the number one pick. The Wizards tanked the other night in Portland. And Utah might see tonight's game as an opportunity to tank as well. Oklahoma City, which does not tank, is nonetheless resting Shai Gilgeous Alexander tonight against the Sixers because of a 2020 trade. Oklahoma City owns Philly's first round draft pick this year if the pick is number seven or worse. So the Thunder has incentive to lose so that Philly will win and Philly has incentive to lose so it will retain its own draft choice. Wilbon, should everyone play to lose tonight?

[Mike Wilbon]

You know what, Tony? If wimbanyama this was last year, I.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Might say you don't have Cooper flag as I don't know that wembanyama's generation.

[Mike Wilbon]

And there's nothing to look at Cooper flag this year about and say, oh, I doubt it. There just isn't. The kid has checked every box so far. But it doesn't mean that you're a dominant number one player who's going to change a team's fortunes in the first or second season. It doesn't mean that it and so I don't know that they should lose the Wizards. I am interested because look, I'm not going to lie. I'd love to be able to go down the street and see Cooper flag for the next few years. I might buy tickets for that, but I don't know that. And the Wizards, even though you're killing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Them, I am going to kill him.

[Mike Wilbon]

Some of those guys are developing, Tony, at a rate that may say Alex Sar, maybe that if you twin him with Cooper Flagg, you might have something.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right. I'll give you that. But I said this yesterday. I'm going to say it again. The NBA should investigate the Washington Wizards for tanking that game against Portland. Their two best players, Poole and Middleton, played fewer than 11 minutes. They played no minutes in the second half. Two other starters, Alex, who you love. Right. And Keyshawn George, played about 20 minutes. The Wizards attempted to lose and succeeded at losing. Now, the only reason I bring this up, Mike, is because all sports now have gambling partners. Baseball does, football does, basketball does. So if the NBA is encouraging you to bet, they can't give you a boat race. They have to guarantee the integrity of the game, and they did not. In that case, in this case, tonight, it's going to look like a G league game. Nobody's going to try.

[Mike Wilbon]

But you had two games like that the other night. Actually three, because Philadelphia had no squad. Philadelphia may as well have had George McGinnis and Julius Irving playing. And they went to double overtime or whatever it was. Denver didn't have Joker or Jamal Murray and they lost. And then Indiana didn't have their six top players. They're not attempting and they won.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right. They're not attempting to tank, though, like tonight. Tonight between Oklahoma City because of this draft pick.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And Oklahoma City wants Philly to win and Philly wants to lose.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's a time, Mike, when neither team has an incentive win.

[Mike Wilbon]

Should the game be off the board? Yes. Las Vegas can take the game off the board.

[Tony Kornheiser]

This is a problem if neither team has any incentive to win.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, that must take the gate. No, they don't. No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They're heading the division.

[Tim Legler]

They win.

[Mike Wilbon]

If SGA's out in a few games, he misses.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But you know what I'm saying.

[Mike Wilbon]

You want the Wizard. You don't want to see this kid.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I do want to see him. Sure, I want to see him. All right.

[Mike Wilbon]

He could be in the Wizard's uniform if they lose.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. What if I move to Arizona and he's playing in Phoenix? Let's take a break. Coming up, who should be the NBA mvp? Oh, no, my favorite. Ah, that's great. We will ask it to Tim Legler.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, the Suns could Be in a lottery. You hit upon something here. We'll also ask him why he's concerned about the Knicks even after Jalen Brunson returns from injury.

[Tony Kornheiser]

My thing on Cooper flag is different than yours. I think he's too young. I think take another year in College. You're 18. You're playing against men next year.

[Tim Legler]

Pardon the interruption. Is brought to you by cub cadet experience. The ultimate.

[Damian Lillard]

In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damon Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.

[Tim Legler]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

We've got more NDA questions for our great friend ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler, who joins us from his hotel room over zoom or some of that nonsense. Let's start with this. You're calling the Nuggets and the Lakers tonight. How are you analyzing this stretch of LeBron less games for L. A games he hasn't played? What do they look like to you without him?

[Tim Legler]

They're starting to look a lot better than they did initially. And it's primarily because it's related to Luca's efficiency. You know, his game is predicated on being able to make you fear him from the three point line. It's very important. And when he first got there, he could not make a three point shot. It changes the way you play him. It changes your ability to have to help on him in the paint, which sets up the lodge, it sets up the corner. Kick out threes if you're daring him to take that shot because you know he's not in rhythm. They're a different team to guard. He is now. Now, he didn't shoot well last game. He was 1 for 7 from the 3, but he took it from 24% from the 3 in February when he first got there. Over a handful of games, 42% in March prior to the last game. So for me, you can see the legs are starting to get there under him. The efficiency is starting to come back with him. It's setting up his ability to dictate and control possessions offensively. So for me, that's really what this is about. Their defense has been very, very good for quite a long time. I think they're third in the league over the last 15 games. They've answered that question for me. They know how to protect Luka defensively. JJ Redick deserves a lot of credit for that. So the big question is, how long was it going to take Luka to start to look like Luka offensively with the way he can control you? And that is there now. So for me, that's a very positive sign. And then, by the way, last thing, Austin Reaves, how many number three players on a team in this league are you going to take ahead of Austin Reaves right now? The way he is playing, it's really remarkable what this guy is doing on a nightly basis offensively. And the way he is dominating defenses has broken through the ceiling and what I thought he could be as a player. So that's another great sign for the Lakers.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right, I'm going to annoy Tony now, Tim, really annoy him by getting to a question he says we start asking in October and we don't stop asking until June. Who you got for mvp? Since we're going to see Joker, of course, tonight you got Jokic or you got Shay, Gildrich Alexander. Right. Now, if you had to turn in your ballot tonight, who would it be?

[Tim Legler]

Yeah, well, Michael, I think, actually, if I recall, I think October 22nd, opening night, somebody had a big game and I was asked who's the front runner? So I know what Tony's talking about. We start a little bit too early stuff. I agree. Now, look, I don't necessarily think 12, 13 games to go is too early, but here's what I'm going to tell you. All of the years I've been, I've known you to all of the TV I've done with you, the conversations I'VE had with you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I've.

[Tim Legler]

I legitimately do not think you could have ever asked me a more difficult question than who is the MVP of this league? And that for that reason, and I have a vote, I am withholding my thought on this till the end. You know why? There are still more big moments to be played for both of these teams. Oklahoma City is trying to secure home court advantage throughout the Finals. They're deadlocked with the Cleveland Cavaliers for that. Obviously, Denver could be two, they could be five. That's a big difference in the West. There are still so many more big moments to come. I'm going to wait. So what it comes down to is this. The statistical dominance has to be there. Obviously, it is both guys. It's historic with Shea. It's incredible what this guy has done with his consistency. And he's sprinting through the wire. He's getting stronger as the year goes. It's the statistical dominance versus team success. How do you weigh those two things? Oklahoma City has a 12 and a half game lead over everybody in the West. That is going to figure heavily for some voters, and I don't blame them. I could make a great argument for either guy. They're both deserving. I'm going to wait and let this play out.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You are concerned about the Knicks even after Jalen Brunson returns. What is your concern?

[Tim Legler]

Well, the first one is with Jalen Brunson specifically. You know, when you, when you land out of the air on someone's foot, it's a lot different than when you're dribbling a basketball and you step on someone's foot when, when your other leg is already on the ground, the amount of force you're generating when you're coming out of the air. When I saw him turn it that night, I said, this is going to be weeks before we see Jalen Brunson, because it looked that bad. So he's going to come back. He's going to be bothered by that the rest of the year, in my opinion. And to the extent that a guy like Jalen Brunson, if you take even 10% less quickness from him, that makes him more guardable by more guys and it's just a different feel he's going to have the rest of the way. So to him, it starts with him. But also, I just think defensively they haven't convinced me that that's going to be enough against the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. And what else matters? I'm not judging the Knicks by the Bucks The Pacers, the Pistons, if they get them in the first round, their measuring stick is Cleveland and Boston. And those two teams are prolific offensive teams. And I don't know that the Knicks are going to be good enough at the point of attack with their ball screen defense. No matter what Hart and an OBI do and Bridges, that part of it is not going to be good enough to slow those teams down with a fully healthy Jalen Brunson, if he's limited in any way, I don't even think you can match them on the other end. And so for me, that's why I think a successful end of the season is a tough, hard fought series against the Boston Celtics in which they probably lose in six games.

[Mike Wilbon]

Breaking your heart again, Tom.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Those things happen. Those things happen.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tim Legler, thank you. Isn't it good?

[Mike Wilbon]

Appreciate it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

How many years will we go back?

[Tim Legler]

Thank you, guys.

[Mike Wilbon]

30.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's go back at least. Tim is calling the Nuggets Lakers game tonight at 10 Eastern. Let's take one last break. Still to come, Jalen Milroe puts up an impressive number at his pro day.

[Mike Wilbon]

And was the best play of today's Dodgers win. You know you gotta go there. Turned in by a familiar looking fan.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So the two people who were on with us and George Michael for the first time with Tim Legler and Stephen A. Smith.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Both of them started with us doing basketball.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're taking credit.

[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Mike Wilbon]

Wow.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Reed has 143 wins in just 12 seasons in Kansas City after having 130 wins and 14 seasons in Philadelphia. Reed made the super bowl in both places. But his three super bowl wins are in Kansas City. Reed's Chiefs have been to the super bowl five of the last six seasons, so nobody will bond. Can call it a dynasty of one.

[Tim Legler]

A bunch.

[Tony Kornheiser]

With Belichick and Pete Carroll out last season, reed was the NFL's oldest head coach. But with Carol in Las Vegas now, Reed can feel like a young man.

[Mike Wilbon]

Do you like seeing this funny side of Reed in the State Farm in the commercials?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I do.

[Mike Wilbon]

You like that?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I always sort of like Andy Reed. I do too.

[Mike Wilbon]

And if you're in person after games, he'll give you a little needle.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He will.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's all right. He's.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's on. Happy anniversary, Butler. On this day 14 years ago, on the way to an upset over number one seed pit, the Bulldogs Andrew Smith gave eight seed Butler the lead with 2.2 seconds left. Then inexplicably, Butler, Shelvin Mack ran into Pitt's Gilbert Brown just before Brown tried a half court desperation heat. Brown made the first free throw to tie the game, but missed the second. Butler's Matt Howard got the rebound and was fouled even more more inexplicably by Nassir Robinson. With 0.8 seconds left. Howard made the winning free throw. Butler went on to the national final, losing there to UConn 53, 41 the year before. Butler also made the final game losing to Duke when Gordon Hayward's heave hit the back rim.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, I gotta say we missed the anniversary yesterday. March 18th, 1968, I guess it was Wilt. 53 points, 32 boards, 14 assists, 24 blocks. What? And 11 steals. What, you like that?

[Tony Kornheiser]

24 blocks. Take that.

[Mike Wilbon]

Give me that. You know what that's better than? That's better than 15. 5, 5, 5, 5 and 5.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to another game for your Cubs. The Dodgers finished the two game sweep in Japan with a six three win heralded pickup. Roki Sasaki started for the Dodgers. His first four pitches topped 100 miles an hour. In all, the 23 year old pitched three innings allowing one earned, striking out three. The walking five. Shohei homered in the fifth on a ball that hit the hands of a fan in right. But the smoothest play of the game may have been made by a Familiar looking fan down the left field line. Former quarterback Rodney Peet pulling a BART man on Max Muncie.

[Mike Wilbon]

No, he was inside his own frame. If you extend that like the pylon. But we're not gonna do this with the Cubs every day. It's March.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't even. I don't even acknowledge these games March.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, other people do because they're 0 and 2. Big finish. Here we go. The packers officially filed their proposal to ban the Tush push. You like its chances?

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't like having this happen. But it may happen. There could be some momentum against the Tush push in the league. The NFL Network reports the Vikings are done pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. Your reaction to that?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't know where Rogers is going, but I'm so tired. Tired of waiting.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ran a 4.37 40.

[Tim Legler]

Whoo.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's significant.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's like a freight train. Six, two, two, 20 elbows and knees. He really is. Gary Bettman confirmed the NHL isn't committed to next year's All Star Game. You're not surprised though.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I want them to do that four nations thing. Or just the two nations thing. Canada, United States. Best of three. Last one. Two more playing games tonight. Who you got?

[Mike Wilbon]

You know what I got? American University. That's what I care about.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Local for us.

[Mike Wilbon]

You and I spent some time seeing American University. Eddie Tapscott coaching.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're out of time. We'll try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheiser's gonna in studio.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Lilbon. We're off until 4:30 Eastern on Monday, you knuckleheads. Women's NCAA basketball is going to be played Monday too.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Waiting Shout out Kinks.

[Tim Legler]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.

[Damian Lillard]

In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. Like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness. Always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here, and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive.