Michael Malone FIRED… Does it Make Any Sense?!

Summary

PTI Episode Summary: "Michael Malone FIRED… Does it Make Any Sense!!" (Released April 8, 2025)

In this episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon delve into a range of hot topics in the sports world, engaging in spirited discussions, sharing insights, and analyzing recent developments. The episode covers significant events in the NBA, NCAA basketball, golf, NFL, MLB, and NHL, featuring expert opinions and memorable quotes.

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1. NBA: Denver Nuggets Fire Head Coach Michael Malone

The episode kicks off with breaking news from the NBA as the Denver Nuggets announce the firing of head coach Michael Malone, just three games shy of the postseason. This surprising move comes after the team lost four consecutive games without their injured star, Jamal Murray. Despite being 15 games over .500 and holding the fourth spot in the Western Conference, Malone's dismissal leaves many questioning the decision.

Michael Wilbon expresses strong skepticism:

"Hell no. This makes no sense to me." (01:34)

He further elaborates on Malone's contributions, highlighting Nikola Jokic's pivotal role:

"It's not like Jokic is playing with a bunch of first team, all NBA or second team or third team or even all stars, because he's not." (02:29)

Tony Kornheiser echoes the confusion, pointing out the precarious timing and potential motives:

"But I don't think it was going to help the squad. I have nothing really intelligent to say about it other than it seems like a desperate move." (02:57)

The hosts debate the implications of this decision, considering possible power struggles within the organization and the impact on the team's playoff prospects.

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2. NCAA Basketball: Florida Defeats Houston in Nail-Biting National Championship

Transitioning to NCAA basketball, Tony and Mike discuss Florida's narrow victory over Houston in the national championship game, which ended with a score of 65-63. Florida led for just 64 seconds but managed to secure the win, showcasing their resilience under pressure.

Mike Wilbon reflects on Houston's performance:

"Houston didn't get it done. I know they feel bad about that. I feel bad for them." (04:48)

Tony Kornheiser compares the game to previous finals, emphasizing Florida's consistency in overcoming deficits:

"I believe I got this right. I told you I was picking Florida because Florida throughout this tournament had been down by large margins and had come back to win." (05:53)

They commend Florida's ability to perform under pressure and discuss the potential long-term effects of the Nuggets' turmoil on the playoffs.

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3. NBA: Los Angeles Lakers' Injury Report and Playoff Implications

The conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Lakers, who face a challenging end to their season with key players like Rui Hachimura out and Luka Dončić returning from injury. With four games remaining, the Lakers' playoff positioning is uncertain, ranging from securing a play-in spot to missing the playoffs altogether.

Tony Kornheiser analyzes the strategic decisions the Lakers might make:

"I believe that the Lakers would be content to lose this game if they could win tomorrow night in Dallas." (08:44)

Mike Wilbon discusses the potential outcomes and the impact of injuries:

"If you're Cleveland, you're six and six in the last 12. You could get the Bulls in the first round too." (23:29)

The hosts debate whether the Lakers should prioritize resting players for crucial upcoming games or push for victories to secure their playoff fate.

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4. Golf: The Masters Tournament with Scott Van Pelt

Bringing in expert analysis, Scott Van Pelt joins the discussion to talk about the upcoming Masters Tournament. The focus is on Rory McIlroy's quest to win his first Masters and complete the career Grand Slam, contrasted with Scottie Scheffler's proven track record at Augusta National.

Scott Van Pelt provides insights on McIlroy's mindset:

"I don't believe you can make it like a normal event. I don't think he's probably prepared like it's a normal event." (13:57)

He also highlights Scheffler's strengths and consistency:

"His ability to drive it incredibly well, hit it close with his irons, which is critical here... And his incredible ability to treat every round here as if it is just a round at home with his friends." (15:20)

The discussion emphasizes the psychological and technical aspects that could influence the outcomes at Augusta.

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5. NFL: Roquan Smith's Trade to the Baltimore Ravens

Shifting to the NFL, Tony and Mike analyze the trade of linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith's impact is evident as he led the Ravens in tackles and earned multiple All-Pro selections since the trade.

Mike Wilbon critiques the Bears' decision:

"But here's the problem. Po's got Tremaine Edmonds and TJ Edwards. He got two guys to do what Roquan did and does and it's worked for that defense and now they lost all those games." (21:28)

Tony Kornheiser acknowledges the effectiveness of the Ravens' defense post-trade, questioning the Bears' long-term strategy.

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6. MLB: Anniversaries of Frank Robinson and Carlos Baerga

The hosts take a moment to honor significant milestones in MLB history. They commemorate Frank Robinson's debut as Cleveland's first African American manager 50 years ago and celebrate Carlos Baerga's unique achievement of hitting home runs from both sides of the plate in the same inning.

Mike Wilbon praises Frank Robinson's legacy:

"When you walked into a room, how many people have more presence than Frank Robinson in baseball?" (22:23)

The discussion highlights the importance of these milestones in the context of baseball's evolving history.

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7. NHL: Quenton Byfield's Spectacular Goal and Donovan Mitchell's Injury

In the NHL segment, Tony and Mike marvel at Quenton Byfield's remarkable two-handed goal, showcasing his skill and dexterity comparable to legends like Gordie Howe and Alex Ovechkin.

Tony Kornheiser describes the goal:

"While struggling for position in front of the net, Byfield knocked a soft backhander out of midair with just his right hand on the stick, then turned and swept the puck into the net again with just one hand." (22:38)

Later, they discuss Donovan Mitchell's injury—an ankle roll that sidelines him for upcoming games, raising concerns about his impact and the team's performance.

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8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Tony and Mike touch upon various other sports topics, including updates on the Cleveland baseball team's legacy, recent trades, and player performances across different leagues. They inject humor and personal opinions, maintaining their signature dynamic until the show's conclusion.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Wilbon: "Hell no. This makes no sense to me." (01:34)
• Tony Kornheiser: "But I don't think it was going to help the squad. I have nothing really intelligent to say about it other than it seems like a desperate move." (02:57)
• Mike Wilbon: "Houston didn't get it done. I know they feel bad about that. I feel bad for them." (04:48)
• Tony Kornheiser: "I believe I got this right. I told you I was picking Florida because Florida throughout this tournament had been down by large margins and had come back to win." (05:53)
• Tony Kornheiser: "I believe that the Lakers would be content to lose this game if they could win tomorrow night in Dallas." (08:44)
• Scott Van Pelt: "I don't believe you can make it like a normal event. I don't think he's probably prepared like it's a normal event." (13:57)
• Mike Wilbon: "But here's the problem. Po's got Tremaine Edmonds and TJ Edwards. He got two guys to do what Roquan did and does and it's worked for that defense and now they lost all those games." (21:28)
• Mike Wilbon: "When you walked into a room, how many people have more presence than Frank Robinson in baseball?" (22:23)
• Tony Kornheiser: "While struggling for position in front of the net, Byfield knocked a soft backhander out of midair with just his right hand on the stick, then turned and swept the puck into the net again with just one hand." (22:38)

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the PTI episode, providing listeners and readers with a clear overview of the topics covered and the perspectives shared by Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Lobontoni. Some homeowners are tricking package thieves by putting dog poop in delivery boxes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tony Kornheiser these people are ruining my side hustle. They're ruining it.

[Mike Wilbon]

Hey, wait a minute. Is this a real story?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I assume so.

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, you know what? Good, good people want to steal stuff.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Porch pirates. Isn't that what they're called? Dirty? In a very literal sense? Once they open the bag.

[Scott Van Pelt]

There you go.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, that's what they call porch pirates. That's a good. That's right up there with brotherly shove, which is a good name. It's a good name. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. We will get to Florida beating Houston for the men's national title in a moment, but we begin today with the Denver Nuggets firing head coach Michael Malone and deciding not to renew the deal of GM Calvin Booth. Just three games shy of the postseason, the Nuggets have lost four straight, but all were without injured star Jamal Murray. The team is 15 games over.500, it's in fourth in the west, and Malone led it to the title just two seasons ago. So, Wilbon, does this move make sense to you?

[Mike Wilbon]

Hell no. This makes no sense to me. Michael Malone and that team, while they have not been exactly what they want to be this year, we're not in the playoffs yet. They can still finish with home court advantage for a first round playoff series. They still have the guy that I think, while I'm not voting for him for mvp, I think he's the best player in the world. And that's Nikola Jokic. Tony it only makes sense if Jokic has somehow gone to ownership and said, eh, Malone and I aren't getting along. And that doesn't seem. That doesn't seem to be his M.O. maybe that will trickle out in the next couple of days and we'll go, aha. But Tony, short of that, and we, it's not like Jokic is playing with a bunch of first team, all NBA or second team or third team or even all stars, because he's not. So they're not underachieving I don't have them winning this year, but they won a year and a half ago. No. Does it make sense to you?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, you know a lot more about the league than I do and you know a lot more about the team than I do. But if I understand this, they're firing a guy who just two years ago won an NBA title. They're replacing him with a guy who has never been a head coach in the pros or in college, and they're doing it with three games left. And you say to yourself, wait, this isn't hockey. This isn't Lou lamarillo. Do you really think that this is going to help the squad? And I would say I don't help the squad, but I don't think it was going to help the squad. I have nothing really intelligent to say about it other than it seems like a desperate move. So you take a step back or petty. Right. You take a step back and two things occur to you on a step back. One is, is Michael Malone this poisonous? Does he radiate toxicity and you had to get rid of him now? And the second thing is what you said. Does Jokic go to management and say, I don't want this the way Antetokounmpo went to management in Milwaukee's the way LeBron has? Yeah. And they say, no, I don't. Because if that's the case, that's different. But I would ask you, you have your ear to the ground on the league. Had you heard anything?

[Mike Wilbon]

No. I know there's sort of been a power struggle and there had been the talk of that and Calvin Booth, who we got to know a little bit here in Washington when he was here, it seemed to a good job. No, they don't have the kind of talent that overwhelmingly says, oh, the coach has to be doing better. Right. They don't have that. But there have been hints of some sort of power struggle. But that's far cry from get out with three games to go.

[Tony Kornheiser]

How can you.

[Mike Wilbon]

And there's no clear favorite other than OKC in the West.

[Tony Kornheiser]

How do you prepare for the playoffs under this sort of turmoil? To me, the only thing I would take away is this. I would not bet on Denver now. I mean, I would stay away from Denver. I don't think you're going to get. Maybe you will maybe in the first two or three games. They're going to be great. But I think long term, this has to be destructive.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, this is not like with Michigan some years ago before the tournament replay. You know, this is not that Bill.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Freer and Steve Fisher, you got to.

[Mike Wilbon]

Go into this, it's a grind, it's a haul, it's a whole additional season. And you're going to go in this with a guy who hasn't been head coach.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. All right, we move now to last night's nail biting ending of the national championship game as Florida beat Houston 65, 63. Florida led this game for just 64 seconds, but they were the right 64 seconds. Wilbon, your reflections on who won and how it ended.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, immediately. And now you look at those final two possessions for Houston. They don't get a shot up and you go, that's a failing. And Kelvin Sampson talked about that specifically how it's going to keep him up. And I was rooting for Kelvin Sampson because I know him and I don't know the Florida coach or Florida people. And I was rooting for Kelvin Sampson because I thought what he's done consistently every year, not just this year, put them in position to win, to come back against Duke. And people get carried away, though. Part of my reflections have to do with reactions and overreactions and even some of the great analysts. And they act like these games are choreographed and they're not. They're sports and they're kids and they make mistakes and sometimes the defense smothers you and confuses you and bewilders you and you don't set the screen or the back screen or you don't re screen or you don't do some of the things that all these adult 60 year old people are saying these kids must do under the pressure of the moment. Houston didn't get it done. I know they feel bad about that. I feel bad for them. But Florida has, you know, time and time again they performed under that pressure and they won. So kudos to the Gators.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. So I believe that Houston gagged in the way that Duke gagged very similar. I believe Kelvin Sampson failed in the way that John Shire failed. A little bit more surprising because Kelvin Sampson is older and his team is more experienced. Duke could not inbound the ball. Houston could not get a good shot. Both teams squandered their possessions late. Both teams could have won and I would tell you probably should have won those games. But I talked to you yesterday. I believe I got this right. I told you I was picking Florida because Florida throughout this tournament had been down by large margins and had come back to win. For example, well, 10 points to Texas Tech late. Nine points to Auburn late. Twelve points last night to Houston late. And each time Florida won, they don't gag. Okay? A team last night, they played a team last night, a great defensive team, a team with tremendous experience and a team that has lived all year in close games and won them and they beat them.

[Mike Wilbon]

But you know what?

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I would congratulate them, no doubt.

[Mike Wilbon]

I looked at last night's game, though, and, you know, first of all, Walter Clayton, they held him down, but when.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They needed him, he did a great job.

[Mike Wilbon]

He made three baskets that mattered. Yeah, he did. But I'm saying.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, but when they win, we think.

[Mike Wilbon]

Walter Clayton's gonna be a real pro. And for that team to hold him down for 35 minutes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They're a great team. Yes, they are.

[Mike Wilbon]

And so I'm not. You know what? I'm not gonna get into blaming Houston too much. As you know, I told you, I'm not going to blame Duke too much. Should they have won? I agree with you. I think that each of those teams should have won. But you know what? Houston doesn't have a great player. When they cut in, the camera cut to Hakeem. That's a great player who used to wear a Houston uniform.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Here's an interesting little statistic. Houston has been in the Final Four seven times. They've never won. It's the most amount of being in the Final Four without a victory. And they did not win with Akeem. But every team that beats them in the Final Four wins the national championship.

[Mike Wilbon]

Whether it's a semis or semis or finals. Yeah, whether it is, I feel for them just a little bit. I do. Let's go to the Lakers. Big boy time. They play tonight again in Oklahoma City, then tomorrow night in Dallas, Luka's first game back there since the trade. The Lakers have put out a voluminous injury report for tonight. Rui Hachimura is out. Luka lebron, Austin Reaves, Dorian, Finney Smith and Gabe Vincent were all questionable, but an hour ago were upgraded to probable. The Lakers have four games left, Tony, and could finish anywhere from second to eighth, which is a play in spot. So given this precarious circumstance, should the Lakers have everyone on hand in these next two games with a playoff spot somewhere at stake?

[Tony Kornheiser]

So our local team, at least my local team, because you root for the Bulls. My local team is the Wizards. And when they're on tv, I drop in for four or five minutes every once in a while because they're trying to lose. Utah is trying to lose. Philadelphia is trying to lose. So I'm attuned to teams that are trying to lose. I believe that the Lakers would be content to lose this game if they could win tomorrow night in Dallas. I believe that this is strategic to a degree. I believe that the Lakers know that their best chance to win is in Dallas against Dallas because. And I believe this Oklahoma City is going to beat the Lakers because of what happened a couple of nights ago. I don't care who the Lakers play, a Lakers are not going to win that one. So if you can give your better players some rest and make a back to back. Not a back to back, not an onerous back to back. I, I personally would do that. Now there's risk involved, Mike, because Dallas could be way up for this game. I mean Dallas could say this is a way to salvage a small parcel of this season and this awful trade that we made might be the first time if they win that the general manager doesn't get booed in his own home stadium. So I believe, Mike, that that actually the Lakers would be better off playing anybody else anywhere else because this one's going to be on Luka. I'd like to disagree with you on.

[Mike Wilbon]

This, but I don't. I was even thinking about it. So Sunday I'm sitting there watching some of the Laker Oklahoma City game in disbelief. Yeah. And I'm thinking at halftime when it's a 24 point Laker lead. I think, I thought, okay, how are they going to handle the next game? Because I don't believe they're going to sweep Oklahoma City at Oklahoma City.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, they're not.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Oklahoma City has nothing to play for but pride and they're young and they probably hate the Lakers and they don't want to have this at home and they and their coach don't want to go into the playoffs like this where it looks like they're tanking or troubled. And so I'm with you Tony. And I don't. It's a tough call. Like how do you make this call? Do you wait and see how the Lakers are performing at halftime tonight? If you're JJ Redick and you say, you know what, I'm gonna arrest some people cuz we can't have a back to back for real.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I back off because it's easier to beat Dallas than it is Oklahoma City.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Given what happened three or four days ago.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's a different deal. Let's take a break. Coming up, the masses is two days away. His Rory McIlroy right to a approach his white whale like any other tournament. We're going to ask Scott Van Pelt.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're also going to ask him about Scottie Scheffler's bid to win his third Masters in four years.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Which is the easier game to win? It's the Dallas game, isn't it?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now, if there had been nothing three days ago, I would say take a shot at both.

[Mike Wilbon]

They needed this game, but they don't. Not as much.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Pardon the Interruption is brought to you by UFC314 Saturday buy now at espnplus.com.

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[Mike Wilbon]

The.

[Tony Kornheiser]

PTI investigative team has discovered that the Masters tees off on Thursday, which makes it a perfect time to bring in our great friend, fellow member of the bald brotherhood. Yes sir, Mr. Scott Van Pelt. Scotty, let's start with this. The Masters is the only major that Rory McIlroy has not won. He said this morning he wants to treat it like any other tournament. Pardon my skepticism, but is that even possible for him?

[Scott Van Pelt]

Heavens no. How could you possibly treat the one tournament that you've not won to complete the career Slam as if it were pick a venue like another Tour stoppage, simply isn't. That said, I and other folks that cover the Tour more closely on a week to week basis really like his chances. I've said, in fact, I picked him. I think that there's a time. I think every man has a time, and I think it's his time. And it's a combination of his headspace in life, how he's playing, and just the belief that he's too talented to not eventually win here. And it would come down, Tony, to playing well the first day. He's largely put himself out of position. You need to stay at least within arm's lengths of the leaders, I think, because otherwise you're playing catch up. And we've seen him have these great weekend finishes where he makes the top 10. He didn't care about that. He wants to win. I don't believe you can make it like a normal event. I don't think he's probably prepared like it's a normal event. I think he tells us that because then we'll leave him alone.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It does all the sense in the world.

[Mike Wilbon]

It does. A guy who doesn't have any of these concerns is Scotty Scheffler because he's won two of the last three times in Augusta. And Scott, I don't know if you believe in horses for courses, but if you do, what makes you know, what is it about Augusta national that really suits Scottie Scheffler?

[Scott Van Pelt]

I think any course he plays on suits him because he has this amazing ability to drive it incredibly well, hit it close with his irons, which is critical here, understand where to hit it and then maybe more importantly, where not to. If he hits it out of position here, his ability to get up and down, if you remember some of the remarkable shots that he's hit here to change the momentum of rounds where he's making birdies from off the green. His ability to do that and then his incredible ability, Michael, to treat every round here as if it is just a round at home with his friends. He's unbothered and unimpressed by a good round, and he's unbothered by a poor round. And that's rare. That's a rare gift, and I mean gift. And I think Scheffler has that on top of his golfing gifts. So all that together allows this week not to become some monstrosity. And when you've already won it twice, you know, you get to come back here for the rest of your life so you're not burdened in the way that Rory is.

[Mike Wilbon]

A guy that I've started to root increasingly for in recent years is Xander Shaw, who won, of course, the PGA and the Open last year. Finished no worse than tied for third in the other two. But it seems he's, like, flying under the radar now. Is there a reason or where. Where is his game now?

[Scott Van Pelt]

I think Michael, largely it's just his absence from the Tour. He injured his rib, and so he's only played four times. And I was involved with the TGL this year, where he was playing with the New York team, then didn't play, obviously, because he was injured. Came back to play some there. He just hasn't played a ton of tournament golf. Having said that, he's played a bunch of great golf here. Four top 10s in the last six. I believe I have that right. Bookkeeping could be off, but I know that it's a bunch of really, really good results here. And I value that, frankly, more than I do. If he had been playing well in the past month and a half on the PGA Tour, coming here, knowing you know how to play this place. He does. And also since he was here last, fellas, he's done the thing he hadn't done, which is not just win a major. Now he's won two majors. And, oh, by the way, you win this one and you won away from the Slam. I think Xander will win here eventually. Again, I already picked Rory, so I can't pick two guys, but I would expect him to play well.

[Mike Wilbon]

How's his health and the rib? Just to follow up, going into this.

[Scott Van Pelt]

Has been unbothered since he's come back, hasn't been an issue, but he just. He did the hardest thing, I think, for athletes to do. He gave himself enough time to let it get better. And you guys play the game. I mean, it's. Imagine every swing hurts your rib. You need to give yourself the time to get right. And he did that, by the way.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Just for the record, on this show, because Wilbon does it all the time. You can pick more than one person. You can pick as many as it all the time. We'll get you out of here on this. The live golfers have not gotten all that much attention lately. Do any of them stand out to you heading into Augusta?

[Scott Van Pelt]

All of them. Honestly, all of them. If I believe DeChambeau will play well, I believe Rom will play well. He won here a couple of years ago, and this. This becomes a longer conversation that I know we don't have time for just about how people consume live or don't. I just don't know people that casually consume it. And I'm not making a value judgment against that tour. I just don't hear people talking about it. That said, there's a bunch of excellent players out there. I expect Koepka to play well just because every major he seems to hell. Phil a couple of years ago finished second. So do I think any of them play well? Tony? I believe all of them will because there are so many of those guys. Neiman, I didn't even mention his name. He could win here and it wouldn't be a shock at all. So I expect a lot of the familiar names to be in the mix from Thursday on. In the end, I just think it's Rory's time.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you, Scotty.

[Mike Wilbon]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[Scott Van Pelt]

Thank you, boys.

[Tony Kornheiser]

ESPN's live coverage from Augusta begins at noon Eastern tomorrow. Let's take one last break. But still to come, Quentin Byfield scores.

[Mike Wilbon]

An improbable goal and we already have some big portal activity in women's college. Oops.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Are we jealous of Scott Augusta.

[Mike Wilbon]

We are jealous.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We are jealous.

[Mike Wilbon]

Been five years since we've been there.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, five years. It's been a while. It's been a while for us.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're jealous of.

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

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What's up? Welcome to New York.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Until it all came crashing down.

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

[Tony Kornheiser]

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.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time people. Happy 28th birthday. Roquan Smith, the Ravens linebacker, came into the NFL with the Bears, who drafted him eighth overall out of Georgia in 2018. Smith was twice second team All Pro in Chicago, but publicly asked for a trade before the 2022 season began. Smith played eight games for the Bears that season before general manager Ryan Poles traded him to the Ravens. Smith finished out the season in Baltimore well enough to make first team all pro. Then in 2023 and 2024, Smith was first team all pro twice more. Smith led the Ravens in combined tackles the last two seasons as he led the Bears in that category every year he played there. Wolvon this feels like a disastrous trade for Chicago.

[Mike Wilbon]

My brother Don won't let this deal go and goes crazy, crazy over. But here's the problem. Po's got Tremaine Edmonds and TJ Edwards. He got two guys to do what Roquan did and does and it's worked for that defense and now they lost all those games. It wasn't there for those two guys. I'll take those two guys.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy anniversary Cleveland baseball the first part of this is posthumous, but on this day 50 years ago, Frank Robinson debuted as Cleveland's player manager, making Robinson the first African American manager in major league history. To help his own cause. The future first ballot hall of Famer hit a home run in his first at bat to lead Cleveland to a 53 opening day win over the Yankees. And on this day 32 years ago, Cleveland switch hitting Carlos Baerga became the first major leaguer to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same inning during a 15, 5 beatdown of the Yankees as well. Baeirga was a three time All Star including Cleveland.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'll go back to Frank Robinson. There have been bigger, stronger guys, but when you walked into a room, how many people have more presence than Frank Robinson in baseball? We we're on the same page one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Of them all time.

[Mike Wilbon]

Absolutely.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to a save by Kraken goalie Joey Decord. Quinton Byfield of the Kings beat Decord less than two minutes into last night's game, and it's a goal that's best appreciated. And slow motion.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes it is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

While struggling for position in front of the net, Byfield knocked a soft backhander out of midair with just his right hand on the stick, then turned and swept the puck into the net again with just one hand. Later in the game, Kings goalie Darcy Kemper made a spectacular save. But despite both of these highlights, the Kings lost the game 2 to 1.

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, the goal that reminds you the strength and the presence and the dexterity of like Gordie Howe and Phil Esposito and Bobby Hull and Alex Ovechkin. Young Alex in front of there. You couldn't hold. Couldn't hold him.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, no, you're right about that. Let's go to the big finish.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's do it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Donovan Mitchell's out against the Bulls tonight after rolling his left ankle. Is that cause for concern?

[Mike Wilbon]

If you're Cleveland, you're six and six in the last 12. You could get the Bulls in the first round too. I know it seems like a walkover. I don't know. The Reds snap, the Giants seven game winning streak. Your thoughts?

[Tony Kornheiser]

My first thought is that once you get into first place in that division, you lose. You know that it's going to just. It's going to go around and around with the Padres and the fun to watch. Olivia Miles is leaving Notre Dame for TCU and South Carolina landed Tenaya Laxon from fsu. Bigger deal.

[Mike Wilbon]

Miles replaces Haley Van Lith. Latson led the country with 25 points per game. They're both huge deal.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So you pushed. You pushed.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm pushing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. Just to make sure.

[Mike Wilbon]

The jets snapped the Blues. 12 game winning streak. I had that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You did. But I had Florida. I had Florida over Houston for the reasons that I've explained earlier in the show.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, you did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Which is the bigger deal? Florida.

[Mike Wilbon]

Florida over Houston.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Last one. The Sixers lost their 12th in a row last night. Defend this tank job.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know there's a kid named Cooper flag at the end of the rainbow.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes.

[Mike Wilbon]

And it's. I, I now think, having watched the tournament, even though he missed the last shot, I think he's worth taking for. I do.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're out of time. We will try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Cornheart.

[Mike Wilbon]

He look good in that deeper red though. In the Midwest, I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knucklehead. You got him at the Bulls. You can get the PCI podcast on the Apple. Apple podcast. You know what's coming.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You have Cooper flag for the Bulls.

[Mike Wilbon]

If the Bulls don't win a play in, they go into the lottery. And then I'm just saying we got Derrick Rose like that PTI.