Golden State Warriors Punch Playoff Ticket

Summary

PTI Episode Summary: Golden State Warriors Punch Playoff Ticket

Release Date: April 16, 2025

Hosts: Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon
Podcast: PTI by ESPN
Episode Title: Golden State Warriors Punch Playoff Ticket

In this engaging episode of PTI, ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into the latest developments in the sports world, focusing primarily on the Golden State Warriors securing their spot in the Western Conference playoffs. The discussion weaves through NBA performances, player dynamics, playoff implications, and notable incidents from recent games.

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Golden State Warriors Secure Playoff Berth

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the Golden State Warriors' crucial victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, which clinched their entry into the Western Conference playoffs. Tony Kornheiser highlights the standout performances of Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry, who scored 38 and 37 points respectively.

Notable Discussion Points:

• Player Performances: Mike Wilbon gives weight to Jimmy Butler's contribution, stating, “Jimmy playing on the a turn of the phrase there and Steph Curry doing what he did particularly in the fourth quarter with a couple of bomb threes...” (01:30).

• Impact of Injuries: The conversation touches on John Morant’s ankle injury, with Wilbon suggesting, “If John Morant doesn't turn his ankle and miss seven or eight minutes of playing time... Memphis probably wins that game” (01:30).

• Clutch Moments: Tony emphasizes Curry's clutch performance, saying, “Steph Curry looked like Jerry Rice getting away from a safety in a corner” (04:10).

Key Quotes:

• Mike Wilbon: “If John Morant doesn't turn his ankle and miss seven or eight minutes of playing time... Memphis probably wins that game.” (01:30)
• Tony Kornheiser: “Steph Curry did exactly what the warriors asked from them. Exactly.” (04:10)

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Trae Young's Ejection and Team Dynamics

The hosts shift focus to the recent incident involving Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, who was ejected after confronting referees during the game against the Orlando Magic.

Key Highlights:

• Ejection Details: Tony criticizes Young’s actions, stating, “Trae Young deserved to be run from this game. He deliberately antagonized the referees.” (05:40).

• Performance Analysis: Young's poor shooting performance is discussed, with Tony noting, “He was 8 for 21 from the field, one of five from three” (05:40).

• Team Implications: Mike offers a differing perspective, defending Young's intentions to protect his teammates, saying, “Trae Young did the right thing...split the fine” (06:15).

Key Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser: “He deliberately antagonized the referees. Plus, if my math is correct, he was 8 for 21 from the field...” (05:40)
• Mike Wilbon: “Trae Young did the right thing. Now I care more about Orlando getting to Boston.” (06:15)

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Minnesota Wild’s Memorable Moments

Transitioning to hockey, the discussion highlights the Minnesota Wild’s dramatic win over the Anaheim Ducks, which secured their playoff spot.

Discussion Points:

• Crucial Goal: Joel Erickson’s game-tying goal is lauded for its impact, enabling the team to advance to overtime (07:29).

• Mark Andre Fleury's Return: The strategic decision to bring in retiring goalie Fleury is celebrated, with Mike stating, “Fleury got to play overtime, and that was the cool part of the story” (08:16).

• Season Overview: Tony reflects on Minnesota’s inconsistent season, noting their strong start but struggle in the latter half, ultimately relying on clutch moments to make the playoffs (09:09).

Key Quotes:

• Mike Wilbon: “Fleury got to play overtime, and that was the cool part of the story.” (08:16)
• Tony Kornheiser: “Getting in the playoffs is the payoff. Let's take a break.” (09:09)

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Interview with NBA Analyst Tim Legler

In the latter half of the episode, Tony and Mike welcome NBA analyst Tim Legler to discuss upcoming play-in games and team strategies.

Topics Covered:

1. Mavericks vs. Kings:

   • Defense Analysis: Legler praises Dallas Mavericks' rim protection and the challenges posed by Sacramento Kings’ Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan. He states, “Dallas has some guys to handle those guys on the perimeter” (12:46).

2. Chicago Bulls’ Performance:

   • Young Core Evaluation: Legler commends the Bulls' chemistry and offensive play but suggests they may need additional talent to become a top Eastern Conference team: “They need another big piece to come join this group” (14:30).

3. Miami Heat’s Challenges:

   • Post-Jimmy Butler Era: Legler discusses the Heat’s struggles following Jimmy Butler’s departure, predicting potential early playoff exits due to talent gaps: “Jimmy Butler derailed their season” (16:01).

4. Golden State’s Roster Decisions:

   • Jonathan Kuminga’s Role: Legler addresses concerns about Kuminga’s limited playtime, emphasizing his potential significance in playoff matchups: “He can do things from a production standpoint just by being on the floor against other elite athletes” (17:39).

Key Quotes:

• Tim Legler: “Zach Lavine is playing as well offensively right now as any wing player coming into the league...” (12:46)
• Mike Wilbon: “The Bulls have won 6 of 7 and 15 to their last 20...” (15:44)
• Tim Legler: “Jimmy Butler derailed their season.” (16:01)
• Tim Legler: “He can do things from a production standpoint just by being on the floor against other elite athletes.” (17:39)

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Additional Highlights and Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with brief discussions on various other sports topics:

• Minnesota Wild's Season Decline: Tony underscores the team's luck in making the playoffs despite a tumultuous season (09:09).

• Warriors' Roster Moves: Tim Legler discusses Steve Kerr's challenges in managing Jonathan Kuminga’s role within the team’s dynamics (17:39).

• Player Milestones and Retirements: The hosts touch on notable anniversaries and retirements, including Bill Belichick’s unexpected move to coach college football and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s birthday reflections.

• Baseball Insights: Tony and Mike briefly discuss Manny Machado’s performance and Clayton Kershaw's rehabilitation start (22:44).

Final Thoughts: Tony concludes the episode with a light-hearted nod to the upcoming games and player performances, promising more insightful discussions in future episodes.

Key Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser: “It's too early to think about Alex Ovechkin's goals record. Let's focus on the present.” (23:52)
• Mike Wilbon: “Only in the context of what it leads to, which is hopefully Kershaw coming back to beat.” (24:53)

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Conclusion

This PTI episode offers a comprehensive look into the current NBA playoff race, highlighting key player performances, strategic team decisions, and the ripple effects of pivotal game moments. With insightful analysis from hosts Tony Kornheiser, Mike Wilbon, and guest Tim Legler, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the playoff landscape.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Wilbon: “If John Morant doesn't turn his ankle and miss seven or eight minutes of playing time... Memphis probably wins that game.” (01:30)

• Tony Kornheiser: “Steph Curry looked like Jerry Rice getting away from a safety in a corner.” (04:10)

• Tony Kornheiser: “Trae Young deserved to be run from this game. He deliberately antagonized the referees.” (05:40)

• Mike Wilbon: “Trae Young did the right thing. Now I care more about Orlando getting to Boston.” (06:15)

• Mike Wilbon: “Fleury got to play overtime, and that was the cool part of the story.” (08:16)

• Tim Legler: “Zach Lavine is playing as well offensively right now as any wing player coming into the league...” (12:46)

• Tim Legler: “Jimmy Butler derailed their season.” (16:01)

• Tim Legler: “He can do things from a production standpoint just by being on the floor against other elite athletes.” (17:39)

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This summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions and insights, providing a clear and comprehensive overview for listeners seeking to stay informed about the latest in sports.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbond. It's National Stress Awareness Day. Tony, where you feeling stress right now?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornhydra three places. My chest, my jaw and in the depths of my soul.

[Mike Wilbon]

Can I tell you that last one, that last one's gonna be tough to get through this show with.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, I'll make it through the show, but afterwards it's a total collapse situation. That's the way it goes. Welcome to PTI boys. And in today's episode, Trae Young gets ejected. The Minnesota Wild produce two memorable moments and Tim Legler joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with the one competitive play in game from last night where Golden State beat Memphis to punch their ticket into the main draw of the Western playoffs. The warriors got 38 points from Jimmy Butler and 37 from Steph Curry. Wilbon, who stood out to you more, Butler or Curry?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, Tony, we're so accustomed to both of them in those specific roles. Butler. And when you get to the postseason, whether you want to call it play in Jimmy or playoff, Jimmy playing on the a turn of the phrase there and Steph Curry doing what he did particularly in the fourth quarter with a couple of bomb threes. I just going to say this to you. If John Morant doesn't turn his ankle and miss seven or eight minutes of playing time, game time, I, I think, I think that Memphis probably wins that game. And you know, I was sort of fearful of that yesterday because that thing was tight even with John not being there. But the thing, Tony, when you go to the foul line 18 times like Jimmy Butler did, you give a dimension to the warriors that that team didn't have but needs, particularly in the playoffs because you've got the step dimensions. You got all of those dimensions. But. But that's not where that team turned his fortunes. Adding what Jimmy does stands out. It stood out last night. They needed all that and more. And they don't need more against the Houston Rockets in the next round. But I'll say Jimmy Butler.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Okay. First I'm going to say that I believe I had this. I believe I said yesterday to you that I would take Steve Kerr over some guy who had coached nine games in the NBA and had lost five of them. I believe I said to you I would take Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry over John Morant because Jimmy Butler had led a team to the NBA Finals and Steph Curry had been to multiple NBA Finals and won multiple NBA Finals. And John Morant's playoff record of 7 12. I believe I declaratively picked the warriors. Where you did not. You ended up saying you give him a 6 out of 10 chance. That's what it was for this one.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's the reality, what you're describing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now to the question. Now to the question of Butler and Curry. It depends on when you were watching the game for the first three quarters. The answer is Jimmy Butler. He had 34 points in the first three quarters. And that's why you call him playoff Jimmy. And you don't care about playoff P. Cause he not the real deal and Butler is. But at the end of the game, it was Steph Curry, I believe. And I got all my information here from putting Brian Windhurst on the podcast this morning. I believe Steph Curry had 10 points in the last minute 50. I believe he made two plays when he was being double teamed to get the ball on an inbound situation to get fouled to make four foul shots. And then he harassed the inbounder to such a degree that it was a five second call. So I think it depends on when you watch, but that both of these guys did exactly what the warriors asked from them. Exactly.

[Mike Wilbon]

And clutch time. Tony. There's a reason they called it clutch time. And Steph Curry looked like Jerry Rice getting away from a safety in a corner.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

To take that inbounds pass you mentioned it was brilliant. It was. They were both. But don't make it sound declarative. Okay. They barely beat Memphis with John Morant missing key minutes. So ask Windhorst about that too. I was in last night's early game. Orlando crushed the Hawks. Ultimately, Orlando fans chanted, we want Boston and they'll get the Celtics starting Sunday afternoon in the best of seven. The Hawks meanwhile, await the winner of tonight's Heat Bulls game. Trae Young expressed his displeasure with last night's officiating by throwing a hard pass to referee James Williams, for which he got one Tech then playing keep away from referee Pat Frayer, for which he received a second tech. And you know what happens then? Get out, Toad. Are you more focused on how the Magic moved on or how Trae Young went out?

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I told you yesterday, I had no intention of watching this game. I didn't watch it. I'm glad I didn't rush home to watch this game. There's no games. 25 point game. It's no game. Trae Young deserved to be run from this game. He deliberately antagonized the referees. Plus, if my math is correct, he was 8 for 21 from the field, one of five from three. So he had a totally lousy game and was run and left that game early. Right. I mean, that's what happened last night.

[Mike Wilbon]

It was over.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, so he said afterwards that he'll be better in the next game. To which I would say, ask me if I care now. Orlando gets Boston. Last year, as you remember, Boston beat every team in the playoffs, either 4:1 or 4:0. So I don't expect that to be a long series. Mike, I could have talked with you for five to ten minutes on the warriors game. I'm finding it hard to go 40 seconds on this game, except to say that if I was the general manager of the Hawks, I would have Trae Young in my office today and I would say to him, what exactly were you doing?

[Mike Wilbon]

I'll tell you what he was doing. Whether or not he got there as a way to justify what he did or whether he intended to. Now you and I all the time praise Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Chuck Daly, everybody back to Red Auerbach for what they do, setting up the officials on the off day. Trae Young went one better and he named the teammates, the young teammates who are not as even famous yet. Right. As Orlando's terrific Young future All Star wings. He named his guys and he said, I'm doing it for them. And that plays in a locker room. And if you're the GM of the Hawks, you damn well better call Trae Young in and say thank you for having your guys backs and we will split the fine. No, Trae Young did the right thing. Now I care more about Orlando getting to Boston. Kenny Smith said on Turner last night he thinks Orlando could get two games. I don't know that I want to go that far. I. I see it being a game and a half, maybe that, that. But. But Orlando's coming. Not yet. It's too early for them. They're not even where Houston is. But I'll give Trey Young, I'll give Trey Young a golf.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, well, I won't, because if you look at what he said about trying to protect his teammates, that they weren't getting calls from the officials. If you look at the box score, Atlanta had 34 foul shots and Orlando had 27. So please, give me a break. Let's move to hockey. And a nice story at Minnesota last night. The Wild needed to make it into overtime against the Ducks to get the one point they needed to make the playoffs. Down 2 to 1 with 21 seconds to play, Minnesota got a goal from Joel Erickson EK and made it to overtime. In overtime, they put retiring goalie Mark Andre Fleury into the game, to the crowd's delight. Plus, they won in ot. So, Wilbon, which was the more storybook the goal that got Minnesota into the playoffs or Fleury going into the net to the great joy of the crowd?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, the goal doesn't only accomplish the first goal of the night, which is to get the team into the postseason. The goal allows Fleury to get into the net because without that goal, Fleury can't come in. They're not going to. I guess they could stop playing with a couple of seconds left and have a ceremonial game, but he got to play ot, and that was the cool part of the story. Now the coolest part is Fleury of 40 years old, a guy that. He's got to be a Hall of Famer. Didn't he have three rings? Fleury. Great that Fleury got out there. This is the end of his career. This is the tip of the cap moment. Let everybody appreciate me. And he had a couple of years, good years late with, with. With the Golden Knights. But no, the moment that matters is the goal being scored to tie the game, give him the point and get into the postseason.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. So I believe you're 100% wrong on Trey Young, who I fondly remember you hating in College. You're 100% right on this. You can't get the flurry if you don't have the goal. So the answer is it's the goal. But let's look at Fleury for a second here. He did win three Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh. He got into another one with Las Vegas when they lost to the Capitals, which I believe is why a couple of weeks ago, Alex Ovechkin had all the Capitals line up in a game against Minnesota to shake Fleury's hand at the end of the game, which is a great tribute. He won the game last night in overtime. Mike that was number 575 win of his career. There's only one guy ever Martin Brude or who's got more. I mean, yeah, he's gotta be a Hall of Fame guy. In terms of valid, right? Sure. In terms of what happened last night, it's a lovely, It's a lovely thing that happened when you consider what a Jekyll and Hyde season Minnesota had after 30 games. Mike, they were 26 and 4. They were in second in the West. Their last 52 games, 25, 24, 3. So they're really lucky to get into the playoffs. That's, that's the payoff. Getting in. Let's take a break. Coming up, how will Nico Harrison's Mavs D Mavericks defense, for those of you who want to know that, match up against the Kings tonight? We're going to ask Tim Legler.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're also going to ask Legs whether the Bulls, my Bulls, are onto something.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

We have two more play in games tonight, which makes it a perfect time to bring in our great friend ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler. Tim, let's start with this. Let's start with tonight's game between the Mavericks and the Kings. Yesterday the general manager of Dallas, Nico Harrison said he has no regrets whatsoever about trading Luka Doncic and that defense wins championships. Do you like Dallas's defense tonight against the Kings?

[Tim Legler]

Well, I certainly like the fact that they've got so much rim protection against the Monte Sabonis. That's going to be a big part of this game. He's got to take the action to you and you're talking about a front line unlike any other in the NBA because not only did he have Anthony Davis and one of the two bigs, they've got the other big coming off the bench. So at all times that lane and that rim is going to be well protected. So that's going to be a factor for Sabonis. But this really is going to come down to Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan. How do you handle those guys on the perimeter? Dallas has some guys to do that. Zach Lavine is on really one of the best roles of his career coming into this, this game and I know he doesn't have any playoff experience really to speak of. Zach Levine is playing as well offensively right now as any wing player coming into the league coming into this game. That's going to be to me an enormous factor for the Sacramento Kings because I think Sabonis is going to have some difficulties in the paint and that's where that backline defense that Nico Harrison loves will come into play.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right, let's get away from ex Bulls now for a second, Tim, and go to something that matters to me. The current Bulls who are finally not an embarrassment playing, playing game against Miami tonight. And what I want to ask you is if these young, this young core of Boozelis, the rookie and Kobe, White and Herter and and of course a triple double threat now you know from, from Australia who's playing great. Is that the core of something or is this just to be dismissed? Are you watching this tonight saying it's still not going to amount to anything?

[Tim Legler]

Well, here's what they have found. They have found an incredible amount of chemistry and confidence amongst this group. So it starts with that and a connection. So they have that they're Playing with a lot of fun. They're very loose, very difficult team to guard right now as well as they're playing offensively. To answer your question, though, Michael, I would say, what are the ceilings of the guys we're talking about? We know most of those ceilings. Is that really enough to become very relevant in Eastern Conference in a couple of years? Now, the one guy we might not know that about is Bou Zealous, who played great the last couple months of the year. He's a very promising young player. I really like them coming out. I like him even more now. I don't know ultimately what his ceiling is going to be. Offensively, he's a little bit more of a wild card. But if you look at the rest of those guys, I pretty much know what that is, and I think they need another big piece to come join this group. Now, what they have done is create an environment that might make it more attractive than it has been in recent years. So you might get some guys look at this group and say, hey, that looks like fun. I want to come join that and bring my 20 plus points a night in there. Because that ultimately, I think, is what they need to compete a wing scorer of that caliber.

[Mike Wilbon]

While the Bulls have won 6 of 7 and 15 to their last 20, the Heat are 12 and 21 since trading Jimmy Butler. Tim, has Miami just lost its way? A question I can't believe I'm asking you about that franchise.

[Tim Legler]

Well, listen, I think Jimmy Butler derailed their season. I mean, that's really what it comes down to when you think about how long and how much time they spent dealing with the Jimmy Butler situation, how exhausting that must have been for everybody in the locker room, for the coaching staff, for the front office. They finally, you know, move on from him. But you have a massive talent gap now. Talent void there. Tyler Heroes had a great year. Give him a lot of credit because he's broken through some ceilings as I talk about often. But you look at them right now, yes, I think Lost is a little bit of a great description of how to put where they are currently in the pecking order in the Eastern Conference. But one thing about that organization, they won't stay Lost for long. You're going to see them, I think, over the summer completely recalibrate what they want to be going forward. And if any team can quickly reemerge as relevant in their conference, I think the Heat can do that pretty quickly because of the culture down there. But you can't recover from what Jimmy Butler really did over the course of a couple of months to that team and I wouldn't be shocked one bit if they get bounced. And ultimately it's the Chicago Bulls that go into Atlanta even and win and possibly get that eight spot.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oh, you made Wilbond so happy by saying that about the Bulls. I wanted to apologize to Wilbourn for not having a last question about the Chicago sky, another team he likes to talk about all the time. I'm going to move off that. Last night Jonathan Kaminga was a did not play coach's decision for the warriors against Memphis. Can Steve Kerr do that and expect the warriors to succeed?

[Tim Legler]

I think that's going to be a difficult challenge. Look, I understand there are times they can find certain units that it looks like he might be more uncomfortable fitting in with. I understand where they're coming from. There's some basketball IQ issues with Jonathan Kaminga that frustrate their coaching staff. But here's what I will say when you talk about certain teams that they have to play and it starts with the Houston Rockets. Oklahoma City would be the other team with that level of team speed and athleticism and the extent to which they are going to overload on Curry. There are just plays to be made because you're a raw athlete that are open to you. And Jonathan Kaminga is their best athlete. So he can do things from a production standpoint just by being on the floor against other elite athletes. They don't have a lot of that on their roster. So in a series even like Houston, I think he might be important against the Rockets. So I don't know that this was a one game thing. It's going to be spotty. He's in the rotation. What the plan is for Kaminga, but clearly right now he's on the outside looking in and I think ultimately they're going to need him against a team like Houston or potentially down the road against a team like OKC if they were to get that far.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you, Tim. As always. It's great to have you. Thank you.

[Mike Wilbon]

Appreciate it. Have fun tonight.

[Tim Legler]

Anytime. Anytime guys. Yeah, hope so. Hope we get a good one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Both of the play in Games are on ESPN tonight starting at 7:30. Let's take one last break. But still to come, Duke Loos is another top player to the NBA draft.

[Mike Wilbon]

And could Auston Matthews one day challenge Alex Ovechkin's new goals record?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I can't think about that. Isn't it great when we have Legler on?

[Mike Wilbon]

It is great, Tony. That's kind of a Chicago sky blue tie you've got on.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy Time People. Happy 73rd birthday Bill Belichick. Come on, be honest. How many of you really thought he'd take a job coaching college football? Nobody did. But the NFL didn't seem to want him, and the North Carolina job came open and Belichick finally remembered that his dad was a college coach and actually spent a couple of years at Chapel Hill. So here we have maybe the greatest NFL coach of all time as a rookie in the acc. With the transfer portal and the ability to pay players, college football is really just pro football in different stadiums. The most intriguing question in all of college football is how will Bill Belichick do at North Carolina this year?

[Mike Wilbon]

Now he's causing a stir by popping up at high schools across America. Tony Happy 78th birthday, Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Quickly, how old were you the first time you saw Lou Alcindor?

[Tony Kornheiser]

15 years old. I saw him in the lobby of the old Madison Square Garden and I'd never seen anyone that big. Happy anniversary to Two Goats. On this day 26 years ago, Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky announced his retirement after 20 seasons in the NHL. Gretzky played one last game two days later for the New York Rangers against the Pittsburgh Penguins. And in that game, Gretzky recorded one last assist, number 1963. And on this day 22 years ago, Michael Jordan played his last NBA game, scoring 15 points for the Washington Wizards. In a loss to Philadelphia. Jordan got a three minute standing ovation in Philadelphia. Jordan had gone to the Wizards as president and general manager and opted to play two seasons there, missing the playoffs both times.

[Mike Wilbon]

There are a lot of great players in those two sports. Bobby Orr, LeBron James, Bill Russell, Kareem. Those are the Goats.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yep. Yep. Happy trails. To an easy out for the Chicago Cubs. With two outs in the bottom of the fifth of last night's game. Padres star Manny Machado popped up foul. Foul ball towards right field. Kyle Tucker somehow dropped it for an error. Three pitches later, Machado popped one up around home plate and it was Cubs third baseman Gage Workman's turn to fumble. Machado then used his extra chances to his advantage, homering to deep left or showed to Imanaga. That gave the Padres a 10 lead. Though the Cubs ultimately won the game 2 to 1 in 10 innings, ending San Diego's 11 game home winning streak to start the season.

[Mike Wilbon]

I hate that we lost Brendan Steele for the rest of the season, but Imanaga is a ace, baby. He's lights out.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. I mean, you got that win. As a Chicago Cubs fan, that's not a win miss. When you miss two foul balls like that and then Machado hits one out, you think to yourself, we're done. Right. You don't think you're going to come back and win?

[Mike Wilbon]

Won that game in extras with a triple in the 10.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Here we go to the big finish. Dukes Concaniple declared for the draft. Do you like his game?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes. I mean, especially his shooting. I wonder about Malawat. And you know, are all three of those kids from Duke the front line? Are they all going to be gone? We don't know about Malawat yet. We don't know about 2/3 of them yet. We don't know about flag yet. Auston Matthews scored his 400th last night. Six games faster than your boy ov. Is that significant?

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're not going down that road now because you got 400 to go. It's too early to go down that road. Florida A and M University is reportedly hiring Charlie Ward as its head basketball coach. That makes sense.

[Mike Wilbon]

Played 11 years in the NBA. Yes, it makes great sense. Glad to see the HBCUs going after it a bit. Tyler Soderstrom of the A's, a soldier, hit two home runs last night, now leads the majors with eight. I guess you're impressed, right?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't even know the guy. He's got three multi homer games already. He's batting almost.330. Come on. Last one. Clayton Kershaw pitched three scoreless innings today in his first triple A rehab starts. Not a big deal.

[Mike Wilbon]

Only in the context of what it leads to, which is hopefully Kershaw coming back to beat. Kershaw soon.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Back to the bigs. That's what you want to see. We're out of time. Try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheiser.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. And now your sports center. Kershaw and I know about some stress.

[Tony Kornheiser]

In the bottom of my soul, in.

[Bank of America]

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.