Podcast Summary: PTI – "Historic Night for Steph Curry & Nikola Jokic"
Released: April 2, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon
Guest: Kendrick Perkins (ESPN NBA Analyst)
I. Introduction
In this episode of PTI, hosted by Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, the duo dives into some of the most electrifying moments in the NBA, analyzes standout performances in baseball, discusses the NFL's potential foray into Olympic flag football, and engages in an insightful conversation with NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins. The episode is packed with rich discussions, notable insights, and memorable quotes that highlight the dynamic interplay between the hosts and their expert guest.
II. Historic Performances: Nikola Jokic vs. Steph Curry
The episode kicks off with a focus on two NBA MVPs who delivered extraordinary performances in their recent games.
Tony Kornheiser highlights:
"Last night, Nikola Jokic had 61 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a double overtime loss to Minnesota. And Steph Curry made 12 threes and scored 52 points in a 134-125 victory over Memphis in Memphis."
[01:02]
Mike Wilbon reflects on their performances:
"If I had to decide, I may shock you a little bit and say Joker. But his team lost. Steph Curry led his team and they needed every one of those points in that game at Memphis."
[01:48]
The hosts debate whether Jokic or Curry had the more impressive performance. While Curry's contribution led to a decisive win for his team, Jokic's remarkable triple-double in a loss underscores his individual brilliance. Tony ultimately leans towards Curry for the MVP vote due to the impactful nature of his performance and team victory.
"If you were going to ask me which one would get my MVP vote, then it would be important to me which team won. Golden State won and Denver lost. So my MVP vote would go for Curry."
[03:08]
However, Tony also praises Jokic's extraordinary effort, noting:
"It's a 61 point triple double. You know how many people have ever done that? Nobody is the answer."
[03:47]
III. MLB Baseball Update: Dodgers vs. Braves
Shifting gears to baseball, Tony and Mike discuss the impressive starts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves.
Mike Wilbon updates:
"The Dodgers have yet to lose a game and the Braves have yet to win one. LA beat Atlanta 3-1 last night to move to 7 and 0 and drop the Braves to 0 and 6."
[04:30]
Tony Kornheiser compares the Dodgers' historic start to the 1933 Yankees:
"The last team to win a World Series and start the next season seven and oh, last time it happened was the 1933 Yankees and they had Garrick and Ruth."
[06:15]
The conversation delves into the Braves' struggles, highlighting key player absences and historically poor batting statistics, which Tony finds particularly noteworthy.
"Their team batting average is the worst in the league. It's .137. They've scored nine runs in six games."
[06:27]
Mike counters by emphasizing the Braves' loss against top teams and the Dodgers' remarkable consistency, ultimately siding with Tony on the Dodgers' more newsworthy performance.
IV. NFL and Olympic Flag Football Discussion
The hosts then explore the NFL's consideration of introducing flag football into the Olympic Games and debate whether NFL stars should participate.
Mike Wilbon expresses cautious support:
"Yes, if you're going to put this out there. Part of the reason it's there is because the NFL will do anything to expand its footprint to be as international as soccer and basketball."
[07:56]
Tony Kornheiser adds a humorous take while acknowledging the feasibility:
"These Olympics are going to be contested in July. Even with an 18 game schedule, there will be no NFL official games in July."
[08:53]
They discuss the potential impact on other Olympic sports and the NFL's strategic motivations. Tony suggests that flag football could serve as a television spectacle without significantly disrupting the NFL season.
"What you can do the Olympics is a television show. NBC's Putting It On. They're a full partner of the NFL."
[09:26]
V. NBA Insights with Kendrick Perkins
The highlight of the episode is an in-depth discussion with Kendrick Perkins, who shares his expert analysis on several NBA topics.
a. Ja Morant and Buddy Heald's Gestures
Tony Kornheiser raises concerns about recent on-court gestures:
"The NBA is reportedly looking into John Morant and Buddy Heald exchanging what appeared to be finger gun gestures at each other last night."
[12:32]
Kendrick Perkins critiques Ja Morant's professionalism:
"Ja Morant is auditioning for the Memphis Grizzlies... we're questioning if he's the guy for your franchise that's going to do the necessary things to get your franchise to actually win a championship."
[12:53]
b. Boston Celtics' Road vs. Home Performance
The discussion shifts to the Boston Celtics' contrasting records at home and on the road.
Mike Wilbon asks:
"With the Celtics doing 24-12 at home and 32-7 on the road, which performance is more vital?"
[14:31]
Kendrick Perkins emphasizes the importance of consistency:
"They have figured it out, right when it comes down to the chemistry being all in, losing yourself in the team, coming together when it matters the most through adversity on the road."
[15:40]
He praises the Celtics' depth and teamwork, asserting their ability to perform regardless of the venue.
c. Oklahoma City Thunder's Playoff Potential
Mike inquires about the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive 10-game winning streak and potential vulnerabilities.
Kendrick Perkins is unequivocal:
"Nothing. They check all boxes and I'm going to say this. It will be a failure if they don't get to the NBA finals."
[16:15]
He highlights key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, underscoring their defensive prowess and balanced team dynamics.
d. Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers' Playoff Strategy
The conversation turns to Kawhi Leonard's performance and the Clippers' strategic decisions in the playoffs.
Tony Kornheiser poses a critical question:
"Should the Clippers go all out with Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs or should they focus on getting him to the off season in one piece and healthy?"
[17:42]
Kendrick Perkins advises maximum utilization:
"They should go all out. They're actually my sleepers in the Western Conference."
[18:05]
He commends the Clippers' management and the supportive system surrounding Kawhi, predicting a strong playoff performance.
VI. Player Highlights and Milestones
The episode also touches on individual achievements and significant milestones across various sports.
a. Pascal Siakam's Birthday and Performance
Tony Kornheiser celebrates Pascal Siakam’s 31st birthday and his ongoing contributions to the Indiana Pacers:
"Pascal Siakam is averaging 20.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and shooting 52% from the field for the fourth-place team in the Eastern Conference."
[21:00]
Mike Wilbon comments on Siakam's impact:
"Tony, he is going to have to play at that Toronto level and some of what he did last year again to get Indiana out of the first round is going to be difficult."
[21:44]
b. UNLV's 35th Anniversary Championship
Tony Kornheiser marks the anniversary of UNLV’s historic NCAA Championship win:
"35 years ago, the Running Rebels won the NCAA Championship with a decisive 103-73 win over Duke."
[22:02]
Mike Wilbon reminisces about the legacy:
"Don't tell me this tournament is that exciting. Don't. Don't tell me that because I remember that and that game that you're talking about."
[22:44]
c. Alex Ovechkin Nearing Wayne Gretzky's Record
Tony Kornheiser shares updates on Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record:
"Alex Ovechkin jammed home a great pass for the 891st goal all of his career. That's just four short of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record."
[23:01]
Mike Wilbon observes Ovechkin's evolving demeanor:
"Doesn't it seem like he's gotten more gracious as he's gotten older? He just seems very comfortable."
[23:37]
VII. Closing Remarks
Tony and Mike wrap up the episode by highlighting upcoming topics and expressing enthusiasm for future discussions.
Tony Kornheiser concludes:
"We're out of time. We will try and do better the next time."
[25:20]
Mike Wilbon adds:
"Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. You can get the PTI podcast on the ESPN app or Apple podcast."
[25:25]
Conclusion
This episode of PTI delivers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of recent sports highlights, notable performances, and future prospects across the NBA, MLB, and NFL. Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, along with guest Kendrick Perkins, provide listeners with insightful commentary, lively debates, and memorable moments that encapsulate the excitement of the sports world.
Notable Quotes:
-
Tony Kornheiser on Jokic's performance:
"It's a 61 point triple double. You know how many people have ever done that? Nobody is the answer."
[03:47] -
Kendrick Perkins on Oklahoma City Thunder:
"Oklahoma City is going to the NBA Finals."
[16:15] -
Tony Kornheiser on Kawhi Leonard:
"They should go all out. They're actually my sleepers in the Western Conference."
[18:05] -
Mike Wilbon on CELTs' road performance:
"They have figured it out... this team has the experience and they have the depth to get it done."
[15:40]
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the "Historic Night for Steph Curry & Nikola Jokic" episode of PTI, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.