Podcast Title: PTI
Episode: "Is it OVER for the Knicks?"
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon

Episode Overview

In this episode of Pardon the Interruption (PTI), Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into the pressing question: Is it over for the New York Knicks? The discussion spans across the NBA and NHL playoffs, touches on notable NFL opinions, and briefly covers updates in MLB and the PGA Tour. The hosts provide in-depth analysis, share insights from experts, and incorporate notable quotes with relevant timestamps to enrich the conversation.

NBA Playoffs: Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks

Tyrese Halliburton’s Stellar Performance

The episode opens with a focus on Tyrese Halliburton's impressive performance, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks, securing a 3-1 series lead.

• Tony Kornheiser [01:00]: "Tyrese Halliburton is on the cusp of leading a number four seed to the NBA Finals."

• Mike Wilbon [01:30]: Describes Halliburton's game as "decisive" and likens his performance to "Magic Johnson," emphasizing his ability to exploit the Knicks' exhausted state.

Analyzing Halliburton’s Impact

Kornheiser defends Halliburton against claims of being overrated, asserting his significance in the playoffs.

• Tony Kornheiser [03:43]: "He had the tying shot in New York. He has done this, right? I mean, he had a tremendous triple double last night."

Wilbon agrees with Halliburton’s pivotal role, highlighting his assist numbers and defensive efforts.

Series Outlook

Kornheiser expresses skepticism about the Knicks’ ability to recover, asserting that the Pacers have the upper hand.

• Tony Kornheiser [04:43]: "I do not [think the Knicks can win it]."

Wilbon concurs, suggesting the series may not favor the Knicks moving forward.

NHL Playoffs: Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars

Oilers’ Recent Success

The conversation shifts to the NHL, where the Edmonton Oilers have beaten the Dallas Stars 4-1, taking a 3-1 series lead.

• Tony Kornheiser [04:43]: "Oilers have won 13 of their last 15 games."

Wilbon discusses the Oilers' home advantage and their consistent performance.

• Mike Wilbon [05:03]: "Edmonton has been really good at home and explosive."

Player Health Concerns

Kornheiser touches on the absence of key player Connor Hyman due to injury, emphasizing its impact.

• Tony Kornheiser [05:53]: "Hyman is out. That's a big deal."

Wilbon notes the Oilers' improvement in penalty killing since game one.

• Mike Wilbon [07:16]: "Since then they've killed off seven out of eight. They've gotten better."

Series Dynamics

Kornheiser observes that multiple conference finals are at a 3-1 juncture, a trend not always leading to seven-game series.

• Tony Kornheiser [05:59]: "I know you like long, tight series... But not every series goes seven."

Wilbon acknowledges the Oilers' control over the series but maintains Dallas still has a fighting chance.

• Mike Wilbon [05:49]: "I think Dallas is not out of it, though."

NFL: Steelers and Aaron Rodgers

Terry Bradshaw’s Critique

Tony and Mike discuss Terry Bradshaw’s harsh remarks about Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' pursuit of him.

• Mike Wilbon [07:22]: "Terry Bradshaw says Rodgers needs to stay in California. 'Go anywhere and chew on bark.'"

• Tony Kornheiser [08:30]: "Bradshaw is one of the most beloved Steelers of all time... He just said he could stay in California."

Debating the Move

Kornheiser defends the Steelers’ potential to benefit from acquiring Rodgers, despite acknowledging his diva tendencies.

• Tony Kornheiser [09:10]: "Do you want Aaron Rodgers or do you want Mason Rudolph?"

Wilbon criticizes the Steelers' decision as out of character and dumb.

• Mike Wilbon [09:43]: "This looks embarrassingly stupid for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Differing Opinions

The hosts reveal their disagreement on the matter, highlighting the complexity of the decision.

• Tony Kornheiser [10:16]: "So you're saying we have a difference of opinion."

• Mike Wilbon [10:18]: "Yeah, we do."

NBA Analysis: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Julius Randle’s Struggles

The discussion moves to the Timberwolves’ Julius Randle, who struggled in their latest loss.

• Mike Wilbon [12:22]: "Julius Randle went 1 for 7, scored just five points."

Bryan Windhorst’s Insights

Bryan Windhorst joins the conversation to analyze Randle’s performance and the Thunder’s defensive strategies.

• Bryan Windhorst [12:32]: "Randle was reminding me of LeBron... He needs to step up in playmaking."

Anthony Edwards vs. Thunder Defense

Wilbon and Windhorst discuss Anthony Edwards’ challenges against the Thunder’s defensive schemes.

• Bryan Windhorst [13:36]: Suggests moving Edwards away from the center of the court and increasing his desperation to overcome the Thunder’s traps.

Future Outlook

Windhorst speaks on the Thunder’s long-term potential and the league’s evolving team-building strategies.

• Bryan Windhorst [15:40]: "This team has a long-term potential with their current players and draft picks."

MLB Updates: Dwayne Ward, Klay Thompson, Bryce Harper

Dwayne Ward’s Anniversary

Kornheiser celebrates Dwayne Ward’s 61st birthday, highlighting his achievements with the Toronto Blue Jays.

• Tony Kornheiser [19:29]: "Ward made eight appearances in the 1992 and 1993 World Series with a 1.93 ERA."

Klay Thompson’s Anniversary

The hosts reflect on Klay Thompson’s pivotal Game 6 performance nine years ago.

• Tony Kornheiser [20:21]: "Klay Thompson dropped 41 points, including a playoff record 11 threes."

Bryce Harper Incident

Discussion centers on Bryce Harper's exit from a game due to being hit by Spencer Strider.

• Tony Kornheiser [21:18]: "Harper was forced to leave after taking a fastball off his surgically repaired right elbow."

• Mike Wilbon [21:52]: Criticizes Harper for leaving the Nationals for a division rival without bringing championship success.

Other Sports Topics

Rockies’ Losing Streak

Wilbon mentions the Colorado Rockies' 21 consecutive series losses, marking the longest streak in MLB history.

• Mike Wilbon [22:22]: "The Rockies have now lost 21 consecutive series, the most in MLB history."

PGA Tour Championship Changes

Kornheiser and Wilbon discuss the PGA Tour eliminating the starting strokes for the Tour Championship.

• Tony Kornheiser [22:40]: "The PGA Tour has eliminated the starting strokes for the Tour Championship, which I hated."

• Mike Wilbon [23:03]: "Apparently it is [winner-take-all]."

Panthers vs. Hurricanes NHL Series

Brief analysis of the Carolina Panthers' chances against the Hurricanes in their series.

• Tony Kornheiser [23:15]: "The Panthers are gonna be out tonight to get this over."

Conclusion

Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon wrap up the episode with their signature banter, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current sports landscape. They revisit key points discussed, reaffirm their differing opinions on certain topics, and tease upcoming segments for future episodes.

• Tony Kornheiser [23:42]: "I'm Tony Kornheiser."

• Mike Wilbon [23:42]: "And I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads."

This episode of PTI offers a thorough examination of pivotal moments in the NBA and NHL playoffs, provides critical insights into NFL team decisions, and touches upon notable events in MLB and the PGA Tour. The hosts balance statistical analysis with personal opinions, enriched by expert commentary from Bryan Windhorst, making it an engaging listen for sports enthusiasts.