The Red Sox are Red Hot Right Now!

Summary

PTI Podcast Summary

Episode: The Red Sox are Red Hot Right Now!
Date: July 22, 2026
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon
Network: ESPN

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the Boston Red Sox’s remarkable 15-game winning streak and its impact on the American League. Tony and Mike also discuss Yordan Alvarez’s Triple Crown bid, Patrick Mahomes’ potential return to the NFL after a major knee injury, the Miami Heat’s LeBron slip-up, a major MLS fixture, and notable recent moments in sports. With their signature banter, the duo examines whether hot streaks really shift the season and how superstar performances shape trade deadlines and team expectations.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Red Sox’s Win Streak & AL Playoff Race

• [01:07–04:21]

• Streak in Context: Boston’s 15 consecutive wins have vaulted them into the third AL wildcard spot.

  • Wilbon: Acknowledges the achievement but places Boston, despite the flashiness of the streak, in a larger jumble of AL contenders with little separation.
    “It puts them in a jumble with the White Sox, Cleveland, Texas, Seattle... And then ultimately Tampa and the Yankees because they’re at the top of the division... it doesn’t mean it makes them the favorite to beat the Dodgers. It doesn’t.” [01:41]
  • Tony: Rates Boston’s surge more highly, pointing out that pitching—especially a dominant bullpen—has been the key, and that they have swept both Tampa and the Yankees recently.
    “Their bullpen has been totally lights out in the streak... In the larger streak, the starters were 2.66. And the truth is that pitching always trumps hitting. This is an axiom of baseball.” [02:40]
    “The Red Sox are recently 11–0 against the best teams in the American League. So to me that makes them... very formidable.” [03:29]

• Caution: Both agree it’s too early to crown any team, with Wilbon urging patience due to baseball’s long season.
  “Baseball ain’t football... there’s so much time for stuff to happen, good and bad.” [04:08]

2. Yordan Alvarez’s Historic Triple Crown Chase

• [05:14–07:16]

• The Question: Should Alvarez’s individual brilliance compel the Astros, despite their subpar record, to be buyers at the deadline?

  • Tony: Argues that the AL’s mediocrity technically keeps Houston alive, but the Astros are not a strong team by recent standards. Suggests they could even sell Alvarez for a rebuild.
    “If I ran the Astros... I might consider trading Alvarez and restocking my entire team, because I think he could bring me a bonanza. And they’re not very good.” [06:04]
  • Wilbon: Disagrees on selling, saying Alvarez is too good to move while Houston is only three games out in their division.
    “There’s too much season to go. The Astros can be as hot in no time as the Red Sox... Alvarez, Tony, he’s too good for me to give up if I’m the Astros.” [06:29]

• Context: Both note Triple Crowns are not decided until September—no need to overreact to a July statline.

3. Patrick Mahomes’ Return & Chiefs Outlook

• [08:03–11:24]

• The News: Mahomes may be cleared to play this week after tearing ACL and LCL last year.

  • Wilbon: Stresses caution, doubts Mahomes can be the old self so soon, and touts the return of coordinator Eric Bieniemy and acquisition of Kenneth Walker as bigger factors. “Mahomes is seven months removed from coming back with a torn up knee. It’s amazing he’s even out there for camp like this.” [08:03] “I think that Kansas City is going to be a team that probably doesn’t even make the playoffs.” [08:26]
  • Tony: Admits he’s not a medical doctor, but trusts that Mahomes wouldn’t play if physically unready. Wants to see if Mahomes’ return can restore the Chiefs’ Super Bowl form or if their window is closing.
    “Patrick Mahomes is the best football player on the planet... So I think we can have the same expectations.” [09:21] “The question is: can Patrick Mahomes at 100%, if he can get to 100%, can he revive the greatness of Kansas City? Or are they possibly over the hill like say, the Golden State Warriors are now?” [10:09]

• Both: Ultimately, both express cautious optimism but agree KC’s future isn’t guaranteed.

4. The Heat’s LeBron Press Conference Leak

• [13:28–15:36]
• The Event: Miami Heat’s social media team briefly posted (then removed) a link to an “introductory” LeBron press conference.
  • Tony: Dismisses it as meaningless unless it influenced LeBron personally. Thinks the saga is tedious and that LeBron likely already knows where he’s headed but waits for the right dramatic moment to announce. “I think this whole thing has become tedious... LeBron knows now and has known for weeks where he’s going to go and he’s just looking to announce it... for an advantageous moment.” [13:36]
  • Wilbon: Flatly denies Riley or management would involve social media in such a major move.
    “Pat Riley is not telling the damn social media team what LeBron is saying. That’s it. That’s all boys and girls.” [14:52]

5. MLS: Messi Sidelined, Lewandowski Debuts for Chicago

• [15:42–17:57]
• The Story: Messi is resting; Lewandowski is about to play in Chicago—a city with a massive Polish community.

  • Tony: Downplays Messi’s absence, labels Lewandowski the real story, and notes established pattern of late-career European greats coming to MLS.
    “He is a big time goal scorer in all the better leagues in Europe... But he’s 37, Mike. And this is the profile that fits every player... They’re near the end or at the end.” [16:13]

  • Wilbon: Emphasizes Chicago’s unique excitement; Lewandowski’s pedigree is remarkable even for an older star.
    “This is enormous news if Lewandowski is still able to produce goals... third all time scorer in Champions League history. This dude can still score goals.” [16:45]

  • Memorable Exchange:

    • Tony: “They come here, they’re almost done. They’re better than everybody here.” [17:44]
    • Mike: “Yes. Lewandowski is great too.” [17:57]

6. Notable Sports Tidbits (Rapid-Fire Big Finish)

• [18:00–23:57]
  • Phillies lose to Dodgers on base-running blunder. [21:55]
    • “Kind of a high stakes series... Anytime I can see the Phillies, other than my boy Kyle Schwaber blow up, I’m pretty happy.” — Wilbon [22:32]
  • WNBA: Several star shooters (Clark, Ionescu, McBride) decline invites to 3-point contest. [23:40]
    • “Of course they’re the best shooters. Why are they doing this? Where’s the commission on this one?” — Tony [23:40]
  • Steph Curry gets a Hall of Fame exhibit while still active. [22:49]
    • “Yes. First time in history that an active player has been so honored with a dedicated exhibit. Very cool for Steph Curry.” — Wilbon [22:54]

---

Notable Quotes

• On AL balance:
  “Even if they win two or three more in a row... it doesn’t mean all of a sudden it makes them the favorite to beat the Dodgers.” – Wilbon [01:41]

• On Red Sox pitching:
  “Pitching always trumps hitting. This is an axiom of baseball.” – Tony [02:40]

• On Astros’ outlook:
  “If I ran the Astros... I wouldn’t be considering buying. I might consider trading Alvarez and restocking my entire team.” – Tony [06:04]

• On social media and LeBron rumors:
  “Pat Riley is not telling the damn social media team what LeBron is saying.” – Wilbon [14:52]

• On European soccer legends in MLS:
  “They come here, they’re almost done. They’re better than everybody here.” – Tony [17:44]

---

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Red Sox streak analysis & debate: [01:07–04:21]
• Wilbon’s caution on baseball streaks: [04:08]
• Tony’s proposal to trade Alvarez: [06:04]
• Wilbon’s defense of Alvarez’s untouchability: [06:29]
• Chiefs’ chance of missing playoffs: [08:26]
• Tony’s excitement for football season’s return: [09:21]
• LeBron press conference gaffe: [13:28]
• Wilbon’s “Pat Riley” rant: [14:52]
• Lewandowski in Chicago: [16:45]
• Tony: “They’re better than everybody here.” [17:44]
• Big Finish rapid fire: [22:49–23:57]

---

Structure & Tone

• Style: Classic PTI—witty, competitive, conversational, informed.
• Recurring Themes: Baseball’s long grind, the fleeting nature of hot streaks, rumor-driven NBA offseasons, fascination with sports legends late in their careers, love of “football season.”
• Takeaways: Though headlines dominate discussion, neither host overreacts—every hot streak meets skepticism and context.

---

This summary captures the full sweep of significant dialogue, key sports insights, and the PTI hosts’ trademark rapport in this lively episode.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

But I'm Mike Wilbon.

[D]

Tony.

[C]

This is our last show of the week.

[D]

I'm Tony Kornheiser and it's on ESPN too. So get ready to mail it in.

[C]

That's not the way to go into this. That's not the way to do it.

[D]

I wore this jacket last week when you weren't mauve.

[C]

Mauve.

[D]

Cause it's a summer jacket. It's mauve.

[C]

Mauve.

[D]

I think it's hideous. Do you like it?

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah. Okay. Yeah. You don't want me to change for the next.

[C]

Oh, no, don't change it.

[D]

I'll keep it on.

[C]

I like ma.

[D]

Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, Jordan Alvarez is going to the Triple Crown. Patrick Mahomes could be cleared this weekend. The Heat post and then delete a link to an introductory press conference with LeBron. But we begin today with the Red Sox adding another win to their streak. Boston beat Baltimore this afternoon in the first of two by a count of six.

[B]

Three.

[D]

That makes it 15 straight wins for the Red Sox, a heater that has lifted them into the third wild card slot. Wilbon, where does this streak place the Red Sox among the American League contenders in your mind?

[C]

In a jumble, Tony. The 15 games is flashy. When it happens with a team from New York or Philly, Boston, it's even flashier. But it puts them in a jumble with the White Sox, Cleveland, Texas, Seattle, you know, some of the. Houston even. Even though there are a few games under.500 and we'll get to them. But. And then ultimately Tampa and the Yankees because they're at the top of the division. But you know they're all going to be in the jumble chasing four. I mentioned all three divisions in there. And then wildcard doesn't put them ahead of that. They're. Listen, even if they win two or three more in a row and they stretch this thing out to 18 or so. That's a hell of a streak. And anytime anywhere in the 150 year history of major League Baseball, it doesn't mean all of a sudden it makes him the favorite to beat the Dodgers. It doesn't. Or to get out of the American League even. So this is really cool. It's a great time to be a Red Sox fan given where they started, but they're in a jumble of teams.

[D]

Yeah, I'm going to go higher than you on this. I'm going to go higher. They have been fueled on this streak by their pitching. Their bullpen has been totally lights out in the streak. In the 14 game streak, I don't know about today, their bullpen's ERA was 115. Their overall pitching staff ERA during this 14 game streak was 196 or 197, something like that. And in the larger streak, the 19 of 21, the starters were 2, 6, 6. And the truth is that pitching always trumps hitting. This is an axiom of baseball. Last year, why did the Dodgers win the World Series? Because their pitching staff came together right around the time of the playoffs. The Red Sox, for example, two of their strongest hitters we think, haven't been there in a while.

[C]

Roman Anthony. And Trevor Story.

[D]

And Trevor Story.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah. And the American League stinks. There are only six teams over.500 at the moment. All year long, the two best teams in the American League have been Tampa and the Yankees. Well, recently the Red Sox swept them both. So they are eight and oh. Against the two best teams in the American League. The third best team. And you alluded to this Chicago White Sox, which is amazing because two years ago they were 200 games under.500. They swept them recently. So, Mike, the Red Sox are recently 110 against the best teams in the American League. So to me that makes them not just in a jumble, but very formidable to me. Very.

[C]

For now. And you know, I mean, baseball ain't football, it ain't the NFL was. You and I are constantly warning others, younger people in this profession, there's so much time for stuff to happen, good and bad.

[D]

That's right.

[C]

Story and Anthony coming back and crochet pitching more than six times. That's all on the plus side for Boston, if they can get those guys back. But other teams can get hot too. There's so much time. Let's, let's see. It's interesting though. It's good to have him in the party. Let's Move from one team's hot streak to the sublime season that Jordan Alvarez is having. The Astros DH had two more hits last night and is leading the American league in all three Triple Crown categories, batting.326, Homer's, 33, runs batted in, 75. Alvarez's Astros are five games under.500, but three games behind, only three behind the Rangers in the AL West. Tony, is Alvarez's stellar season reason enough for the Houston Astros to buy ahead of the August 3rd trade deadline?

[D]

All right, so we have just established that the American League stinks, that there are only six teams over.500. So even the fact that Houston is four games or five games under.500, whatever it is, that does not preclude them. That does not disqualify them from making the playoffs. As you say, the Red Sox have the third wild card spot right now. I think probably at this very moment, the Astros may be four and a half behind them, but if you do the math, it's certainly doable. With 70 games left, however many games are left, it's certainly doable. But the Astros are not very good. I mean, they're really not. They've won two in a row, and they're still four and six in their last 10. They were great, Mike. Eight to 10, year run dead alone. They won two World Series, cheating or not. And they were a great team. And they had. Let me just go over some of the names on most of those teams. Alex Bregman, Carlos Correya, Justin Verlander, George Springer, Kyle Tucker, Yuli Guriel. And at the moment, the only really good player still in Houston is Jose Altuve, other than Alvarez, who got there in 2019. So, I mean, if I ran the Astros honestly, I wouldn't be considering buying. I might consider trading Alvarez and restocking my entire team, because I think he could bring me a bonanza. And they're not very good.

[C]

Tony, I hear you on all of that, and it's persuasive, except for the part that this is the middle of July. There's too much season to go. The Astros can be as hot in no time as the Red Sox. They just can be. Now, I know you have to gauge the market, not for the long run for October 1st, but August 3rd. So we only got, you know, two weeks before that comes up. I hear you on that. But Alvarez, Tony, he's too good for me to give up if I'm the Astros and I'm in that jump. But by the way, they're only three games out of first place in their division. They trail the Rangers by three. I know they don't have to be concerned with the Yankees and Tampa. It's very doable.

[D]

But they, they could go the other way too. I mean, they could get hot or get very, very.

[C]

They could slide right out of it.

[D]

Alvarez is having a great year. It is not quite as good as Aaron Judge's year last year, but it is certainly comparable. And Triple Crowns, as you're fond of saying that we're in July. They're not won or lost in July, they're won and lost in September, you know, and it's not a one man sport because, Mike, if it was a one man game, right, Ernie Banks would have had a lot of rings. It's not a one man game. Let's move to football. Gosh, that sounds good. The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers open their training camps today. Oh, that sounds even better. Albert Brear of Sports Illustrated reports that Patrick Mahomes is expected to be fully cleared to play this week for the Kansas City Chiefs after tearing his ACL and LCL in Week 15 last year. Wilbon, should we have the same expectations for Mahomes this year as we have had every other year?

[C]

No, because Mahomes is seven months removed from coming back with a torn up knee. It's amazing he's even out there for camp like this. Tony, I'm like, okay, just can somebody slow the roll here? The rush to get Patrick Mahomes back, we're not talking about a guy who was on the way up and let's see. Or his window is closed and we gotta rush back. No, stop it now. I think that Kansas City is going to be a team that probably doesn't even make the playoffs. But Eric B. Enemy is back as coordinator and, and that means something because they got Kenneth Walker, a Super bowl running back with Seattle a minute and a half ago to put into that offense. And now it doesn't have to be all Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have been terrible rushing the ball. They were like 25th last year, 22nd or 23rd the year before they got, Let me say it again, Eric B. Enemy. This is an important reacquisition because they don't have Matt Negy running the offense into the ground like a few of us suspect he had. So the notion that you got to have 15 back in the lineup in July, this seems insane to me. And you got Justin Fields who can be more than a capable backup until you get 15 back in there.

[D]

Now we're going to differ a Little bit on this. I love this story because Patrick Mahomes is the best football player on the planet. There was a survey that says that Josh Allen is a better quarterback than Patrick Mahomes, but that survey was not taken in my house, I guarantee you that. So I want to get soccer out of here. I want to get summer league out of here. I want to concentrate on the Big Kahuna, which is football. I'm not a doctor. Well, that's not fair. I am a doctor, but not that kind of doctor. So I don't know Mahomes physical condition, but I can't imagine doctors would let him out on the field unless they felt he was okay. So I think we can have the same expectations. Let's look around at the afc. Let's look at Baltimore, let's look at Denver, let's look at New England, let's look at Buffalo. Let's look at who else in that else has made the playoffs. Yeah, Cincinnati. Right. Some of these teams made the playoffs last year. The Chiefs did not. The Chiefs were 6 and 11. The story in Kansas City last year was Taylor Swift. It was not Patrick Mahomes. So one of the things looking forward to the season is this. Can Patrick Mahomes at 100%, if he can get to 100%, can he revive the greatness of Kansas City? Or are they possibly over the hill like say the Golden State warriors are now? That's what we need to find out.

[C]

I'm not willing to think they're over the hill yet. I'm not going to propose that. But they needed. They had a pause, they had a pit stop to get a new tire or two on Patrick Mahomes. So let's, let's see. Jason Tatum, you, even though he came back and I know Achilles and knee are not the same, but we talk about leg injuries. He looked like he was going to be terrific again until he wasn't quite there. Can we, can we pump the brakes a little bit on Patrick Mahomes? Can we get to, I don't know, Columbus Day, if such a thing still exists?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

And let's see what happens. Kenneth Walker is the main addition there and Eric B. And so I'm painting Tony slightly blue skies for the Kansas City Chiefs for those reasons. But let's not make Mahomes do too much too soon.

[D]

So happy to talk about football. Been a long time. Let's take a break. Coming up, what was up with the Heat posting and then removing a link to an introductory press conference with LeBron

[C]

and the MLS is back on. Tonight is a bigger story. That Lionel Messi ain't playing or that Robert Lewandowski is. And by the way, what are you now you get up in first take. You just. You can only talk about football. Is that the deal?

[D]

No, no, no. Oh no. Only we haven't talked about it in months. We've had to talk about other things for months. Football is the big kahuna, baby. Even outrates the World Cup. You could look that up.

[C]

No, it doesn't outrage the World Cup. In my household it does. No, in your household it gets a fraction. Let's be honest, I'll call fraction.

[F]

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[G]

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[D]

It's time for Toss up. Two men enter, one man leaves, finishes the show, then putters around the house with existential dread for nearly four days before working again on Monday. What's first?

[E]

Toss up the heat, temporarily posting a link to a LeBron introductory press conference. Something or nothing.

[D]

So I think this is nothing. Unless LeBron was on the fence about Miami and this pushed him off the fence in some way. I think this whole thing has become tedious. Mike I'm one of the people who thinks that LeBron knows now and has known for weeks where he's going to go and he's just looking to announce it for an advantageous moment for him, as he did, you know, with the decision and Miami. I mean, that's what looks like when it's announced it's going to be the biggest story in sports that day and probably for one or two days after that, unless you're on First Take, when it will be the biggest story for 30 days, unless Dak Prescott signs another contract. I don't know how these things get posted. I don't. I'm sure people are angry in the Miami Heat organization and embarrassed in the Miami Heat organization. And if he doesn't go there, the guy who did this is going to take the fall and be the scapegoat.

[C]

You're right on all those. I don't think LeBron necessarily knows where he's going. I'll disagree with you there, but that's yesterday or for another day. I think that there are times in your life where you don't know what you want to do. I've been in one of them or two of them in my life. Look, here's the deal. There's one line on this and we can move on early to the next topic. Pat Riley is not telling the damn social media team what LeBron is saying.

[E]

That's it.

[C]

That's all boys and girls. So get rid of this story forever and a day going forward. That's not happening. Pat Riley, let me have the social media team on line three. Don't be a fool. That's not happening. Yeah, we agree.

[D]

So how do these things get out there? How do these things get out there?

[C]

When you have a social media world that is obsessed with analytics and it kills all the brain cells that you say to an editor or producer, this ain't a story, Holmes. That ain't happening. So stop. But this is a world in which is like either analytics or. I can't think. I don't know. Maybe this is a story.

[D]

I don't know. I mean, I know again, when it happens. First takes got it to 30 days. What's next?

[E]

Toss up bigger news about tonight's Chicago Fire Inter Miami game that Robert Lewandowski is playing or that Lionel Messi is not.

[D]

Well, no, it's not Messi, because Messi said all along that when he was done with the World cup, he was going to take some time off. It is being referred to, quote, a mandatory recovery hiatus, whatever that is. He's going to miss the All Star game of the mls. He'll miss a couple of games. But don't worry, kids, the pink shirt is still going to sell. He's going to go back to Miami because he makes too much money in Miami not to. So the news is Lewandowski, and I hope I pronounced that correct, he is Polish. He is a Big time goal scorer in all the better leagues in Europe. He has been nothing but a goal scoring machine. But he's 37, Mike. And this is the profile that fits every player who has come to the United States from somewhere else for the last 50 years. They're near the end or at the end. And the only person who defies this, because he defies agents and he defies, you know, diminution of skills as Messi. He's the only one.

[C]

Yeah, Tony, this is a huge deal in my hometown because in Chicago, there are more Polish people living in Chicago than anywhere in the world except Warsaw. This is enormous news if Lewandowski is still able to produce goals. And whether we're talking about Dortmund, Munich or Barcelona, I mean in Munich he was scoring like 41 and 35 and plus 30 in Barcelona just a couple of years ago, he had 42 goals. We're talking about the third all time scorer in Champions League history. This dude can still score goals. You're right. He's 37. We don't know whether you and I had the great fortune, and I believe you agree with me on this, of watching the great Dutchman when he was in his 30s, Johan Cruyff in Washington in the old North American Soccer League. It's so much fun to watch those guys, even if. Even as they diminish. Right?

[D]

And I need to say this so people understand. They come here, they're almost done. They're better than everybody here.

[G]

They are.

[D]

They're worth it. They're even in their late. They're better than everybody here. Messi is 39, right?

[C]

Yes. Lewandowski is great too.

[D]

Still, victory tastes just as sweet on ESPN too, kids. Even in this stupid jacket. Let's take one last break. Still to come, the Phillies lose to the Dodgers on some bad base running.

[C]

Terrible.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Several shooting stars have declined invites to the WNBA's three point contest. Coming up, All Star Weekend in Chicago.

[D]

Why is that? Why have they declined?

[C]

I don't get it, Tony.

[D]

I didn't know this.

[C]

I don't get it. Yeah, I've heard the reporting.

[D]

Three point shooting contest is usually one of the best things in any All Star game. Yes, maybe the best thing.

[F]

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[H]

You know, when you're locked in, focused and fearless, welcome to the wnba. Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assist, every stop, every logo, three from beyond the logo, every did you see that moment? What records are going to be broken this season? All of it. Right here. Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN all season long.

[D]

Happy time, people. Happy 60th birthday. Tim Brown, the wide receiver is in both the college and pro football halls of fame. Brown won the Heisman Trophy at Notre Dame in 1987, was the sixth overall pick by the Raiders. Brown played 16 seasons with the Raiders in Los Angeles and Oakland and a final season in Tampa Bay. Brown was a Pro Bowler nine times, led the league once each in pass receptions, kickoff return yards and punt return yards. Brown caught 1094 passes for 14,934 yards and 100 touchdowns. Brown was named to the NFL's All Decade Team Team of the 1990s, along wide receiver alongside wide receivers Michael Urban, Chris Carter and Jerry Rice, all of whom are in the hall of Fame.

[C]

And Tony, you don't necessarily think of him with that group, Tim Brown, but he is.

[D]

That's right.

[C]

The numbers prove it. By the way, when you see him, and I've seen him recently, he looks half his age. He looks like his early 30s is like, enough, enough. Tim Brown, really, what a life. What a career.

[D]

You and I look twice our age. It's awful. Happy anniversary, Dream team. On this day 34 years ago, the United States men's Olympic basketball team, the greatest basketball team ever assembled, played a scrimmage that Michael Jordan insists was the greatest game he ever played in. The blue team had Magic Johnson, Chris Mullen, Charles Barkley, David Robinson and Christian Laettner. The white team had Jordan, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, Scotty Pippen and Larry Bird. Clyde Drexler and John Stockton sat out with injuries. Head coach Chuck Daly said, quote, all you got now all you got. White won 40 to 36 in what sports Illustrated called the greatest game nobody ever saw. The United States team then defeated its Olympic opponents by an average of 44 points and won the gold medal over Croatia.

[C]

Tony in addition to MJ's comments, I have talked at length in great detail with Magic and Charles and Patrick Ewing and Scotty and Chris Mullen about that game in the late Truck Daily. They all said the same thing. It Was one of one. It's the greatest basketball confrontation they have ever seen or participated in. And when those guys say that, I take it as gospel. I was standing outside, I didn't get a chance to see it, but just hearing them talk about it, it gives me goosebumps.

[D]

Happy trails to a potentially game winning rally by the Phillies. Philly was down 2 to 1 to the Dodgers in the bottom of the ninth last night, but was threatening with runners on second and third and only one out. Brandon Marsh hit a squiver to third that landed the breaking Justin Crawford in a rundown. The Dodgers eventually tagged him out, then caught JT Real Muto trying to scamper back to second for a walk off double play. Real Mudo took responsibility after the game saying there was no reason for him to go back to second, adding, quote, just a bad baserunning play. By contrast, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, quote, real fun ball game to be a part of.

[C]

Yeah, kind of a high stakes series. Tone, that series in Philadelphia.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Anytime I can see the Phillies, other than my boy Kyle Schwaber blow up, I'm pretty happy.

[D]

Yeah, you hate Philadelphia. Everybody knows it and talks to me about it all the time. Let's go to the big finish.

[C]

Let's do it.

[D]

The Basketball hall of Fame will launch a new exhibit dedicated to Steph Curry. Is it significant?

[C]

Yes. First time in history that an active player has been so honored with a dedicated exhibit. Very cool for Steph Curry and you know, I think he's deserving of all of it. Fernando Tatis hit a home run 474ft last night. You gotta be impressed with that.

[D]

Yes, you gotta be. But he's only got eight this year. That's all he's got. Link starring Aficia Collier. Collier had 2410 today in a win over Seattle. Is that significant?

[C]

Her first game back. Best player on the best team. They add her, that's a great sign. Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Unescu, Caitlin McBride have all declined invites to this weekend's WNBA All Star Three Point Shootout. Is that kind of disappointing?

[D]

Of course they're the best shooters. Why are they doing this? Where's the commission on this one? Last one. The Tigers put a position player on the mound in the seventh last night. Is that too soon? Mike?

[C]

I was watching live tone. Cubs were up 9 nothing. 1, 11, 2. Didn't matter. Irrelevant.

[D]

We are out of time. We will try to do better the next time. In my mauve jacket. I am Tony Kornheiser.

[C]

I'm Mike Wilbon. We are off until Monday, knuckleheads find something else to do.