Major Playoff Battles & Valid Complaints In New York?

Summary

Podcast Title: PTI
Episode Title: Major Playoff Battles & Valid Complaints In New York?
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon
Description: Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon face off in the nation's capital on the day's hottest topics.

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Introduction

In this episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon navigate through a whirlwind of intense playoff action in both the NBA and NHL. From dissecting the New York Knicks' struggles to applauding stellar performances from superstar athletes, the duo delivers their trademark blend of insight and humor. The episode also features an exclusive interview with ESPN NHL analyst P.K. Subban, offering expert perspectives on the evolving playoff scenarios.

NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. Pistons

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the recent New York Knicks' playoff loss to the Detroit Pistons, marking Detroit's first postseason victory since 2008. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau voiced his frustration post-game, citing a "huge discrepancy in free throws" between the two teams—19 for the Knicks versus 34 for the Pistons.

Michael Wilbon counters this focus on officiating, stating, “There are too many other bigger things that Knicks are confronting right now” ([01:08]). The conversation shifts to the performance of Karl-Anthony Towns, whose limited shot attempts were a point of contention.

Michael Wilbon criticizes Towns’ offensive involvement: “Carl Anthony Towns can’t be a spectator. He can’t just sit around and, and, and, And Jalen Brunson do all the heavy lifting” ([01:40]). He emphasizes the need for a more balanced team effort to compete effectively against Detroit, highlighting the importance of an ensemble over reliance on a single player.

Tony Kornheiser dismisses the free throw discrepancy as insignificant, arguing, “Detroit had four more foul shots in the second half. That’s nothing. You can’t complain about four” ([02:19]). He shifts the blame to Thibodeau’s inability to diversify the Knicks' scoring, asserting that with better player contributions beyond Jalen Brunson, the Knicks could have secured a win.

Clippers vs. Nuggets: Kawhi Leonard's Dominance

Shifting focus to the Western Conference, Tony highlights Kawhi Leonard's impressive 39-point performance for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Denver Nuggets. Leonard's efficiency—15-of-19 shooting—played a pivotal role in evening the series at 1-1.

Tony Kornheiser reflects on Leonard's value despite his injury history: “He’s worth all the money because he had 39 points. He shot 15 out of 19” ([04:18]). He underscores Leonard’s critical role in the Clippers’ strategy, noting that his presence allows teammates like James Harden to adjust their gameplay dynamically.

Michael Wilbon reinforces Leonard's impact: “Kawhi Leonard is the reason that series is one and one” ([05:13]). He acknowledges Leonard’s two-way prowess, which not only bolsters the offense but also fortifies the Clippers' defense, making him indispensable to the team's success.

NHL Playoffs: Ovechkin vs. McDavid

Transitioning to hockey, Tony and Michael analyze standout performances from Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

In a tight game, Ovechkin secured a game-winning overtime goal against the Montreal Canadiens, encapsulating his enduring legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. Michael Wilbon lauds Ovechkin’s clutch performance: “Ovechkin... Anytime he does something he's never done, then you gotta. That's the tiebreaker” ([07:05]).

Conversely, Connor McDavid showcased his unrivaled skill in leading the Oilers’ comeback from a four-goal deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the Oilers' eventual loss, McDavid's individual brilliance was undeniable. Michael Wilbon praises McDavid as “the greatest player in the world” and commends his exceptional assists and goal-scoring ability ([07:15], [12:39]).

Interview with P.K. Subban: Insights on NHL Playoffs

The episode features an insightful interview with ESPN NHL analyst P.K. Subban, who provides his expert analysis on the current NHL playoff dynamics.

Anthony Bavillier's Controversial Goal

Subban discusses the controversial second goal by Anthony Bavillier of the Montreal Canadiens against the Capitals. He critiques the decision not to challenge the call, stating, “Two nothing is not a bad hole to be in in the playoffs” ([11:04], [12:12]). Subban commends the Canadiens' strategic choices and emphasizes that overcoming such deficits is a testament to a team's resilience.

Connor McDavid's Unmatched Performance

Addressing McDavid's phenomenal display, Subban remarks, “He was unbelievable and he proved to the world again why he's so great and why he's the greatest player in the game right now” ([12:39]). He highlights McDavid’s ability to dismantle even the best defensive teams, citing his exceptional assists and goal-scoring prowess as pivotal factors in the Oilers' strategy.

Winnipeg Jets and Goaltending Concerns

Subban expresses admiration for the Winnipeg Jets, who hold a two-game lead over the Blues. He acknowledges their robust regular season performance and strategic coaching but raises concerns about their goaltender’s ability to make critical saves in high-pressure playoff scenarios: “Is he going to make the big saves when it matters the most?” ([14:13], [15:51]).

Florida Panthers and Matthew Tkachuk's Return

Discussing the Florida Panthers, Subban underscores the importance of Matthew Tkachuk’s potential return from injury. He emphasizes the necessity for the Panthers to re-establish their physicality and intensity: “We need to see that rat mentality... making sure that guys earn every inch” ([16:13]). Subban believes that Tkachuk’s return could be a game-changer, providing the Panthers with the necessary edge to advance.

Other Sports Highlights

Beyond the main discussions, Tony and Michael briefly touch upon various other sports topics, including:

• Terry Francona's 66th Birthday: Celebrating Francona's extensive managerial career and his recent role with the Cincinnati Reds.

• Aaron Boone's Anniversary: Reflecting on Boone's managerial tenure with the Yankees and a past controversy.

• College Football Transfers: Highlighting recent quarterback transfers between UCLA and Tennessee, emphasizing the ongoing transfer trends in college sports.

Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Tony and Michael reflect on the intense playoff actions and the critical performances shaping each series' outcome. They express anticipation for upcoming games and the potential shifts in team dynamics, setting the stage for future discussions.

Notable Quotes

• Michael Wilbon: “There are too many other bigger things that Knicks are confronting right now.” ([01:08])

• Tony Kornheiser: “These are Joel Embiid numbers. But this is why he's worth all the money...” ([04:18])

• Michael Wilbon: “Ovechkin... Anytime he does something he's never done, then you gotta. That's the tiebreaker.” ([07:05])

• P.K. Subban: “He was unbelievable and he proved to the world again why he's so great and why he's the greatest player in the game right now.” ([12:39])

Final Thoughts

This episode of PTI encapsulates the high-octane atmosphere of the 2025 playoffs, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of pivotal games and player performances. With expert insights from P.K. Subban and the dynamic interplay between Tony and Michael, the episode serves as an essential listen for sports enthusiasts eager to stay informed and entertained.

Transcript

[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. Tony Thieves here in Los Angeles tunneled into a jewelry store and made off with merchandise worth $20 million.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornhuiser. Remember now, I get a 20% cut for fronting you those shovels, right?

[Mike Wilbon]

Me, yeah. But if, you know, if I don't get out of this, you're also an accomplice. So just remember that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I got plausible deniability, as they used to say around town. You got shove, I got deniability. Welcome to PTI, boys and girls. In today's episode, Kawhi Leonard scores 39. Alex Ovechkin and Connor McDavid show why they are stars, and PK Suban joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with the Knicks losing at home last night to the Detroit Pistons in the Pistons first playoff win since 2008. After the game, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau complained about what he called, quote, a huge discrepancy in free throws, unquote. The Knicks took 19, the Pistons took 34. Well, Von Tibbs is your boy. Do you like his case?

[Mike Wilbon]

No, no. It doesn't even matter because there's too many other bigger things that Knicks are confronting right now. Tony, you know, I thought Detroit was going to win game two. They won game two. And to me, the thing that stood out is Karl Anthony Towns, who is probably the best offensive center in the game today, certainly when it comes to just shooting the basketball. He took three shots in the second half. I think he took 11 for the game. No, no, no, no, no, no. Carl Anthony Towns can't be a spectator. He can't just sit around and, and, and, And Jaylen Brunson do all the heavy lifting. As great as Jalen Brunson was, that's who. That's not who the Knicks are. That's not who the Knicks can be if they expect to win this series against Detroit, which now goes home back to Detroit with home court advantage. So, no, Tony, that's that. That needs to be fixed now. The Knicks have to be a better ensemble than that Bridges. I know he had a clean look at a game. It's a shot that could have tied the game, didn't make it. They have to be better in the aggregate. So I don't the officiating and fine, but the Knicks have problems they can solve, and they better solve as this thing moves to the Big D. Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I watched a lot the Big D. You think Detroit is the Big D? The real D. I watched a lot of this game, they showed a lot of shots of Tom Thibodeau. They were always the same shot. He was standing on the sideline, he had his arms like this and he had a pained look on his face. Okay, he wasn't calling timeout. He wasn't looking for substitutes. He wasn't talking about running a play. He just stood there like this with a pained look on his face. That I assume is because he thought there was a great disparity in the foul shots, which there was in the first half. But Mike, in the second half, when it was a nip and tuck game, Detroit had four more foul shots than the Knicks. That's nothing. You can't complain about. 4. It doesn't mean anything. If Tom Thibodeau could get somebody else to score other than Jalen Brunson, his team could have won. If, as you say, Karl Anthony Towns had more than 10 points and took even one shot in the fourth quarter, his team might have won. And if Tom Thibodeau could get more than eight points side of his bench, his team could have won because Detroit got 35. So I like you, I don't want to hear this.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes. And Tony, we've talked about this every year. What does, what do his starters have when they play 40 plus minutes all the time? They look tired, late. And they do need more out of that bench. Not just need. It's mandatory. So they better make an adjustment. Or guess what? There going to be a lot of whining and crying in New York and it's going to be about more than the officiating. Let's move out here to the west where the Clippers beat the Nuggets in Denver to even that series of the game each. Kawhi had 39 on 15 of 19 shooting, then said afterward, quote, I'm just happy I'm able to move close. Quote. Injuries have forced Kawhi to sit out most of the team's playoff games the last four seasons. Tony, how would you describe the game Kawhi Leonard had last night?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I would describe it as the exact kind of game the Clippers hoped he would have when they spent all that money on him six seasons ago before he missed a million games. Kawhi Leonard, and these numbers are important. He's played 266 games in six seasons for the Clippers. That is an average of 44 games a year, 44 out of 82. Now, one of those years, he was out the whole year with injury. So that puts the average up to 53 games a year, 53 out of 82 this year, 37 games. Okay, that's all he played. These are Joel Embiid numbers. But this is why he's worth all the money, because he had 39 points. He shot 15 out of 19. He shot 11 of 12 on two point goals. Is that something I could interest you in? Kawhi Leonard is the reason that series is one and one. But Mike, these games are few and far between.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tone good. We know that now. I'm going to get back to the business of Kawhi last night and what it means for this series. Kawhi Leonard, when whole is a two time champion. Not two times with one team, two times with two teams. And he was the best player on the Spurs. Even when Tim Duncan was sort of the sun was setting, he was the best player on that team and they should have won a third. If not for a Ray Allen save of a game for the Miami Heat, Kawhi Leonard would have three rings. So when Kawhi Leonard's like this, when he's not dragging that leg up and down the court and you know I was telling you this in 2019. Kawhi wasn't completely healthy in 19 when he led Toronto to the championship, but he was damn good enough. And when he's that level two way player, not one way can still defend. He had a couple of times he got that claw, got those mitts on shots, got deflections, got blocks. Kawhi Leonard at this stage, Tony can still be right there on the best player in the game line two ways. And it allows James Harden to be a little less to do a little less. And he's still tremendous. James Harden and then Zubac. So when Kawhi Leonard's is good, you like to talk about how many games he didn't play played last night and he's going to play the next one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

And you could be in trouble if you're in Denver if he.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I said he played. He's the reason the series is 1:1 right now. I said that it doesn't happen a lot. Let's move to the hockey playoffs. Last night the Washington Capitals got one assist and two goals from Alexander Ovechkin, including the game winner in overtime to beat Montreal 3 2. And Edmonton got three assists and a goal from Connor McDavid but lost six to five to Los Angeles on a rather fluky goal with 42 seconds to go. Wilbon, who had the more impressive night, Ovechkin or McDavid?

[Mike Wilbon]

Ovechkin, because that's. Anytime he does something he's never done, then you gotta. That's the tiebreaker. Winning the game is always the tiebreaker for me.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

McDavid to lead. A comeback from four. And by the way, the most spectacular goal from the two was that was that fifth goal. I mean, McDavid, the way he goes and passes the ball, the ball, the puck to himself, you know, off the board, and then cuts back hard left. It just. Wow, you just. You're amazing. This is why he's the best player in the world. And OV is not the best player in the world anymore, but he won the game to give his team a one nothing lead. I understand that Los Angeles has, I think, the best home ice record, or certainly one of the two or three best home ice records in the league this year. And they're playing right across the street from where I'm sitting now. And you lose that game, okay, you're down one nothing. It's not terrible, but I'm going to give the nod to OV Toney winning that game as he did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. So I sat in this chair yesterday, and you asked me at the end of the show to pick all the winners from last night's hockey games. And I said, the Caps. That's all I said was the Caps. So I start to watch the game last night. It's two to nothing after two periods. They're at home and I say, okay, this is over and I'm going to go watch the basketball. Then this morning, I run into our mutual friend Bernie Wolfe, who was the original goaltender for the Washington Capitalist franchise when the franchise opened. And Bernie said to me, don't you understand that the most worrisome lead in all of hockey, two nothing. And I looked at him and I went, who knew? I didn't know. What do I know? Because when I woke up this morning, I saw that Montreal had tied the game, 2:2. And then Ovechkin had ended it with. With what was apparently his first overtime playoff goal ever. How's that possible? He's played 30 years in the league. He's got more goals than anyone else of all time. So here's his night last night, okay? Scores the first goal, one nothing. Assists on the second goal, two nothing. Scores the winner three two. Pretty good night, huh? Pretty good night. The same year he breaks Gretzky's record. Wow. It's a mic drop. If he wins the Stanley Cup. Let's take a break. Coming up, Matthew Tkachuk has not played since the four nations face off. What could his return mean for the Panthers? We're going to ask PK Subban.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're also going to ask him whether he's convinced that the best regular season team in the NHL can get it done this postseason. Don't you hear every play by play guy call it the dreaded two nothing lead? Don't you? Every game that phrase is the dreaded.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, I didn't know.

[Brad Milke]

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[Unknown]

Hey, I'm Brad Milke. You may know me as the host of ABC Audio's daily news podcast Start Here, but I'd like to add aspiring true crime expert to my resume and here's how I'm going to make it happen. Every week I'm going to unpack the biggest true crime story that everyone is talking about. ABC's got some unique access here, so I'll talk to the reporters and producers who have followed these cases for months, sometimes years. We'll bring you the latest developments and the larger context on the true crime stories you've been hearing about. Follow the crime scene for special access to the people who know these stories best.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's get back into the Stanley cup playoffs with the return of our great friend, the man who calls me Corny, my hockey nickname. ESPN NHL analyst P.K. subam P.K. let us start with this. Anthony Bavillier, and I hope I pronounced that correctly, scored the second goal for the Capitals last night on what looked like maybe a borderline high stick situation. The Canadiens did not challenge. You played there. If you were on the ice with the Canadiens, would you have wanted to challenge that goal?

[P.K. Subban]

Well, I'll first say this in the studio. Both mess couldn't believe that they didn't challenge. He was over the moon. He said that visibly and we all agreed with him visibly. But I know this playing for the Montreal Canadiens, this is one of the best organizations they got, one of the best front offices. They have the best video guys. If they don't think that it's guaranteed, you can't call that. You can't put Washington on the power Play again. They go up three nothing. That game's over. They keep it at two nothing. Two nothing is not a bad hole to be in in the playoffs. Clearly they climbed out of that hole and they gave themselves a chance to win. I think Marty St. Louis made the right decision.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right, let's talk about another series last night with a furious comeback which was led by, of course, Connor McDavid. They wound up tying that game on an incredible goal that he scored. Pk but they give up the losing goal, if you will, on that knuckleball of goal that sort of floats in. If you're Edmonton and you lose that game. After that rousing comeback, you feeling pretty good or just lousy?

[P.K. Subban]

Well, it's impressive. To be able to come out of a 4 nothing hole in any game in the playoffs is definitely impressive, but I think it's indicative of where the Edmonton Oilers are and who they are right now. They're not the same team they were in the finals. That was not an Edmonton Oilers comeback. That was a Connor McDavid comeback. That was Connor McJesus comeback. That was a Connor McNasty comeback. He was unbelievable and he proved to the world again why he's so great and why he's the greatest player in the game right now. It was remarkable to watch. I don't know if I've seen an individual performance like that in the playoffs in a long time. To watch him do that against one of the best defensive teams. Louisiana has been one of the best defensive teams over the past couple years. Even though they've struggled to score goals, they've been one of the best defensive teams and he did that against them and he did it with. Just go back and watch. The first two assists he had in that game were highlight reel assists. Anse Kopitar is one of the best two way hockey players in the game and has been for the past 15, 16 years. He made him look like a novice player on that and he's not. That's how great Conor McDavid was and that's how great he was last night. He was unbelievable.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right, we're going to stay with a team, at least one of them from Canada, and ask you about the Winnipeg jets, who are now up two nothing on the Blues. They won the President's Trophy, as you know, but it guarantees nothing. We've seen so many teams that win the trophy, regular season's excellence, get bounced out early. But pk, are you sold on Winnipeg at this point as being at the top of the NHL pyramid as These.

[P.K. Subban]

Playoffs begin, I'm probably just as much sold on them as I was, I believe in 2016, I think it was, or 17, when we won the President's Trophy in Nashville and they, they were the second place team to us. They had a really good team then. I think that this team, to me, this is the best team I've seen since that team and here's why. They've had great regular seasons. Their problem has never been the regular season. They've always had a good power play. Over the years they've been good teams. There's something about this team though, up and down their lineup. They got a good mix of young players and they've drafted well, they've brought in good players. But let's be real, they have great goaltending during the regular season. Conor Hollabuach's probably going to win his third Vesna. But here's my only question about them. I like the way they play Scott Arniel. Great coach, great power play. They're disciplined. They have one of the best five on five teams in the league. But when it comes to goaltending, Connor Hellebuck's been great during the regular season, but for me it's timely saves. In the playoffs. He's been great on a great defensive team, but in the playoffs you can't just rely on good defensive structure in front of you and your angles. Sometimes you got to get in your bag, Tony. Sometimes you got to get in your bag, Wilbon, and you got to make some reactionary saves. You got to make second and third saves. You got to make some impossible saves. And if you're the best goaltender in the league, that's what I would expect from Shisterkin, Bobrovsky and Vasilevsky. Well, it's no different for him. You've won three Vesnas or you won two. You probably won in your third. I got to see that in this playoff run. He's got the team in front of him, but that's my only question mark. Is he going to make the big saves when it matters the most?

[Tony Kornheiser]

PK thank you for saying that. I tell Wilbon all the time, you got to get in your bag, man. You gotta get. We're gonna get you out of here, get you out of here on this. Matthew Tkachuk is a game time decision for the defending champion Florida Panthers against the Lightning tonight. He'd been out a long time. If he does take the ice, what are you going to be looking for?

[P.K. Subban]

I remember the look on his face like it was Yesterday, right after four nations, when they lost, our green room was right across the hallway from Team USA's and Brady Tkachuk had walked by and I walked out of the room and I saw him. I said hi to Brady. And then here comes Matthew and, you know, I haven't had too many interactions with Matthew in person. Most of them have been on the ice and you can imagine how those go. But this was my first. And the first thing he said is, I'm done, I'm done. And, you know, I gave him a hug and I was. I felt for him because, you know, I knew how much he invested in that tournament, in wanting to play, but also knowing where his body is. So I think that the Florida Panthers, their best hockey in the past three years has to come now because I'm looking at this, the east, it's still wide open. They have an opportunity to do it. I think that the Florida Panthers, if they can get back to that Stanley cup form. We haven't seen it all season, guys. It's been inconsistent, but when you got one of the best, the world's best goaltender and Sergey Bobrovsky, you know he can get it done. They got to get back. But it starts with the physicality. We need to see that rat mentality that the scrums after the whistle, the physicality, making sure that guys earn every inch. It's a 200 foot game. Guys have to earn every foot to get to the front of the net. And that's Florida Panthers hockey. If we don't see that, they're going to be in trouble in this series and they might be golfing sooner than they think. This is how tough the east is. Tampa Bay's had a great year. They're looking at Vasilevski at the other side, who's won multiple Cups. He's had a great year this year. So Tampa's operating on all four cylinders. Florida's gotta come out with their best game. They gotta ramp it up and ramp it up right from the start. They can't wait till game two or three to find their game. They gotta do it now. And that's a tough order. They've had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup. He's banged up, so we'll see. But I expect Matthew Tkachuk to start off on the right foot tonight. Get physical, get yourself engaged, get yourself into that Stanley cup mode.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Great pleasure to have you, pk. Thank you so much.

[Mike Wilbon]

Pk. Thank you, man.

[P.K. Subban]

Appreciate it. Thanks, guys. And Wilbon, stay in your bag, man. Stay in your bag.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Stay in your bag. Espn, host of playoff tripleheader tonight, starting right after this show. Let's take one last break. Still to come, more madness in the college football portal.

[Mike Wilbon]

And what can the Bucks expect from Dame, who plans to return tonight? Tony, you got to tell pk he probably can't see. I got my bag right here.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, that's good to know. Yeah, you know, I tend to.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's my bag.

[Brad Milke]

Rapper Sean Diddy Combs was a king maker. He had wealth, fame and power.

[P.K. Subban]

Until.

[Brad Milke]

It all came crashing down.

[Unknown]

Federal investigators raiding two homes owned by hip hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs.

[Brad Milke]

I'm Brian Buckmire, an ABC News legal contributor. As Diddy heads to trial, we trace his remarkable rise and fall. And what could be next? Listen to Bad Rap the Case Against Diddy, a new series from ABC Audio. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time, people. Happy 66th birthday, Terry Francona. It's nice to see Francona back managing in the major leagues after health concerns caused him to step away in Cleveland. Francona is managing Cincinnati now. He's got the Reds, 11 and 12 so far this season. Francona took one year off managing after managing 11 seasons in Cleveland, including one trip to the World Series. Francona managed eight years in Boston before that, including two World Series winners and four in Philadelphia before that. Francona's father, Tito, played 15 season seasons in the majors. Terry played 10, then turned to managing, where he has three manager of the Year awards and numerous honors, none more important than being a guest right here on the PTI program.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, I love rooting for Terry Francona, I do. But now I'm in a position where I can't because he's in division and the Cubbies are pretty good. I think we're still in first place as of this moment. I can't root for Terry this year and I don't want him to get fired either. So I'm in a tough spot.

[Tony Kornheiser]

A not so happy anniversary, Aaron Boone. On this day last year, the Yankee manager was tossed for something an umpire thought Boone said turned out. A fan sitting right above the Yankee dugout said it. But Boone was run. It was in the first inning, just five pitches into the game, when Hunter Wendelstadt at home threw Boonie out. Boone protested he hadn't said a thing and Wendelstad got it wrong. But to Noah avail upon review, Boone at least escaped being fined. Boone went on to manage the Yankees to the World Series last year, losing to the Dodgers. At the moment Even without without top starters Garrett Cole and Luis Heel Boone has the Yankees in first place in the American League at 14:9.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's second generation beef, Tony. People by that same surname were around for a long time. Umpen and Plan. I wonder if they had any beef way back in the day.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to UCLA for Joey Aguilar. The quarterback is transferring to Tennessee just days after Tennessee's quarterback, Nico Ia Malieva transferred to ucla. Aguilar never actually played for the Bruins. He had just transferred there in December from App State, where he passed for more than 6,700 yards and 56 touchdowns over the past two seasons and put a cap on this madness. IO Maliva's younger brother Madden, also a quarterback, reportedly plans to join him at UCLA from Arkansas without ever having played a down for the Razorbacks. The freshman just enrolled there out of high school in January. What is this, Wilbon?

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, I stopped keeping up. When I hear transfer, I just ignore it and go on to the next thing. Because you could spend all your life keeping up with transfers.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's really a cottage industry. It's making me nuts. Let's go to the big finish. Your boy, Damian Lynn. Let's do it. Plans to play for the Bucs tonight against the Pacers. Is that a big deal?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, it is, Tony. He's essentially missed a month. He's gonna be back in there. They have to have him to advance. The Vikings say J.J. mcCarthy will have no limitations at this week's minicamp. Is that significant? Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It means I think he's completely healthy. Sure. Braves starter Spencer Strider back on the injured list with a strained right hamstring that he suffered while playing catch. Your thoughts?

[Mike Wilbon]

He had just come back to have a start after UCL surgery. I hate to hear that. Seattle Kraken fired coach Dan Bielsma after one full season. You surprised by that?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. Hockey coaches get fired all the time. Rehired all the time. Last one. Grizzlies. Thunder, Timberwolves, Lakers tonight. Who you got?

[Mike Wilbon]

Thunder by about 25. So half of what the last margin was the Lakers. Better even this up across the street. That's the drama of LA tonight.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We are out of time. We'll try to do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheiser.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, Knuckleheads. Welcome back, Dame Lillard. Glad to have you back. And now Devils Hurricanes, Game two. Puck Meteor.