The Tush Push Lives!

Summary

PTI Episode Summary: "The Tush Push Lives!" Released on May 22, 2025

ESPN's PTI hosts, Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, delve into the latest sports happenings, offering insightful analysis, witty banter, and expert opinions across various leagues. This episode covers key NBA playoff matchups, NFL rule discussions, Stanley Cup Playoffs insights, MLB updates, and more. Below is a detailed summary of the episode's main segments.

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NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Key Highlights:

• Game One Analysis: Oklahoma City Thunder dominated Game One against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a final score of 114-88. The Thunder outscored the Timberwolves 70-40 in the second half, capitalizing on forced turnovers and efficient defense.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wilbon [01:41]: "Oklahoma City has the best defense in basketball... Anthony Edwards, who's supposed to be a star by now, he gave in. He took the bait."
• Tony Kornheiser [03:19]: "They have the number one defense against two-point shots. They have the number one defense against three-point shots. And they have the number one defense against points in the paint."

Insights:

• The Timberwolves struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting only 29.4% of their 51 three-point attempts.
• Oklahoma City's defensive prowess, particularly their ability to force turnovers, proved decisive.
• The hosts predict a potentially short series if the Thunder maintain their current performance.

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Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers vs. Knicks

Key Highlights:

• Series Outlook: The Indiana Pacers face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers boast a strong playoff record, while the Knicks are defending champions battling grueling series against the Pistons and Celtics.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wilbon [05:10]: "I think I favor the Knicks. You can tell I'm not feeling real confident in that."
• Tony Kornheiser [06:10]: "The Knicks were the first team that I ever cared about. ... But I'm afraid of the opening game."

Insights:

• The Pacers, led by coach Rick Carlisle, are praised for their strategic depth and strong performance on the road.
• Jalen Brunson is highlighted as a key player for the Knicks, with his leadership being crucial to their success.
• The hosts anticipate a long and competitive series, potentially extending to seven games.

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NFL: The Tush Push Controversy

Key Highlights:

• Rule Vote Outcome: Owners fell short in banning the "Tush Push" play in the NFL, with 22 votes in favor instead of the required 24 out of 32.
• Eagles' Reaction: The Philadelphia Eagles showcased their support for the play by posting a photo in the "brotherly shove" formation, emphasizing their commitment to the tactic.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser [08:43]: "If I was in another team, I'd go into the defensive room and I said, we pay you coaches a lot of money. You come up with a way to stop this thing."
• Mike Wilbon [10:06]: "I think it's like 87% of the time, you know, they get first downs or touchdown."

Insights:

• Both hosts express skepticism about the effectiveness and safety implications of the Tush Push, with Kornheiser leaning towards maintaining the play.
• The discussion touches on the broader NFL strategy and the potential for teams to adapt defensively against this tactic.
• They debate whether the play should be legislated out or teams should develop strategies to counter it.

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Stanley Cup Playoffs: Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Key Highlights:

• Game One Recap: Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2, signaling a significant improvement in their performance.

Notable Quotes:

• PK Subban [13:58]: "Florida Panthers have found their game... Carolina is going to have to get better throughout this series."
• Tony Kornheiser [13:42]: "That's a lot of goals. What stood out to you from this game?"

Insights:

• The Panthers have shown notable growth in their offensive and defensive strategies, making them formidable opponents.
• Subban emphasizes the Panthers' superior puck control and special teams performance as key factors in their success.
• The Hurricanes will need to elevate their game to keep the series competitive, with Subban expressing doubts about their ability to advance further.

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Upcoming NHL Matchup: Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars

Key Highlights:

• Team Developments: Both teams have made significant roster improvements since last season. The Oilers, in particular, have strengthened their goaltending and depth, positioning themselves as strong contenders.

Notable Quotes:

• PK Subban [15:59]: "For the Edmonton Oilers, this is their year. Make no doubt about it."
• Tony Kornheiser [18:04]: "I'm expecting a very short answer cuz I've listened to what you've said so far. It seems to me like you are expecting at this point a Florida Edmonton rematch in the final."

Insights:

• Subban highlights Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's continued stamina and strategic play as crucial elements for the Oilers.
• The Dallas Stars are also seen as contenders with Mikko Rantanen's standout performance in the playoffs.
• The hosts project a potential finals matchup between the Oilers and Panthers, emphasizing Edmonton's depth and defensive improvements.

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MLB Updates: Jose Alvarado Suspension and Cleveland Cavaliers' Draft Lottery Anniversary

Jose Alvarado Suspension:

• Incident: Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games due to a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser [21:07]: "Happy 30th birthday Jose Alvarado... he was having a good season this year."
• Mike Wilbon [21:43]: "I guess if you're in a tight race and you need him to win a division or make a wild card, you use him. If not, trade him."

Insights:

• Alvarado's suspension leaves the Phillies needing to adjust their bullpen strategy, considering his valuable performance this season.
• The discussion includes potential trades and roster adjustments the Phillies might explore in response to the suspension.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Draft Lottery Anniversary:

• Celebration: Tony Kornheiser marks the 12th anniversary of the Cavaliers winning their second draft lottery by selecting Anthony Bennett, highlighting the long-term impact of draft picks.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser [21:55]: "Anthony Bennett is still playing basketball, most recently in Taiwan. He's only 32 years old."
• Mike Wilbon [22:31]: "Cleveland's had enough cracks at it. LeBron, Kyrie and Anthony been enough with Cleveland."

Insights:

• The hosts reflect on the Cavaliers' draft history, noting the mixed results of their selections.
• They discuss the importance of fixing the draft lottery system to ensure better outcomes for teams.

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MLB Game Review: Red Sox vs. Mets Incident

Key Highlights:

• Umpire Controversy: Red Sox starter Walker Buehler was ejected after a contentious ruling during a game against the Mets, leading to on-field tensions.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser [22:45]: "A's rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson left last night's game after taking the pitch off his forearm. Concerned."
• Mike Wilbon [23:05]: "This is when you take bats out of the rack and throw them on the field and pull up the bases and go straight Lou Piniella, Billy Martin on an umpire."

Insights:

• The hosts criticize the umpire's decision, labeling it as egomaniacal and warranting potential suspension.
• They discuss the impact of the ejection on the game's outcome and the broader implications for umpire conduct standards.

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Other Sports Highlights

• Los Angeles Dodgers: Ended a four-game losing streak with Shohei Ohtani's exceptional pitching. Tony and Mike briefly discuss the significance of this win in the context of the Dodgers' race with other teams.

• Southern Cal vs. Notre Dame Football Rivalry: The hosts touch upon the future of this storied rivalry, expressing hope for its continuation despite recent uncertainties.

• Baltimore Orioles vs. Milwaukee Brewers: The Orioles snapped their eight-game losing streak by defeating the Brewers, with Tony and Mike sharing their thoughts on the implications for the division standings.

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Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with Tony and Mike reflecting on the day's discussions, teasing upcoming segments, and sharing their characteristic humor and camaraderie. They encourage listeners to follow future episodes for more in-depth sports analysis and lively conversation.

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Conclusion: In "The Tush Push Lives!", Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon provide a comprehensive breakdown of current sports events, blending factual analysis with personal insights and engaging dialogue. From NBA playoffs to NFL controversies, and NHL strategies to MLB dramas, the hosts cover a broad spectrum of topics, offering listeners valuable perspectives and entertainment.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Mike Wilbon [01:41]: "Oklahoma City has the best defense in basketball..."
• Tony Kornheiser [03:19]: "They have the number one defense against two-point shots..."
• PK Subban [13:58]: "Florida Panthers have found their game..."
• Tony Kornheiser [08:43]: "If I was in another team, I'd go into the defensive room..."
• Mike Wilbon [05:10]: "I think I favor the Knicks..."

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the discussions, highlighting the dynamic interplay between Kornheiser and Wilbon as they navigate the complexities of the sports world.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbond. We did not win the Emmy award again last night, Tony. What do we need to do differently?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornheiser. Pizzazz. Woo hoo hoo. This doesn't work, you know.

[Mike Wilbon]

What is this, like a flashback to the early days of pti? We played those stupid games.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I love those games.

[Mike Wilbon]

Love to dress up.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I love those games.

[Mike Wilbon]

Those are so. You look like Bennett Cerf just now.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. And by the way, I think basically I was an Elton Halloween costume.

[Mike Wilbon]

As long as Greedy or Stephen A. Didn't get the Emmy, I'm fine.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm glad you said that. I'm leaving that one alone. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, the Tush push lives. The Pacers and the Knicks tip off. And PK Subban joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with the Oklahoma City Thunder outscoring The Minnesota Timberwolves 70 to 40 in the second half last night and cruising to victory in game one of their series, 114 to 88. The Timberwolves took 51 threes. They made only 15. That's 29.4%. Oklahoma City forced 19 turnovers. They scored 31 points off of them. Wilbon, what did last night's result tell you about each team?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, it tells you more about. Well, it does tell me. That reminds me that Oklahoma City has the best defense. As you pointed this out yesterday, best defense in basketball. And when they pack it, they're daring you to take outside shots. And Anthony Edwards, who's supposed to be a star by now, he gave in. He took the bait. Dude, what are you doing? When I was a young sports writer and played some pickup basketball against NBA players back in the day, we had a rule for Manute bowl, who would come down and play with us. And the rule was Manute could not come in the paint because Manute bowl, it was seven. Seven. No, it's unfair. Anthony Edwards looked like he was playing by those rules. He can't come in the paint. One shot at the rim and they took 51 3. No, no, no, that's not what the Timberwolves do. I expect them to adjust. And maybe the defense of Oklahoma City was just so good that Minnesota couldn't figure out what to do. Well, they better figure it out by game two.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You. You played basketball with NBA players?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

While you were covering.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. Rick Mahorn.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Is there anybody you were better than?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You sure? Because I mean, I would have thought you would say you were better than four or five guys knocked me. Good. All right. So as I've told you 10,000 times, game one is the. And if this goes seven, game one will be forgotten. But if this is the pattern of the series, it won't go more than five. It won't. Oklahoma City, their defense, they were all over Minnesota. They've been all over teams all year long. They have the number one defense against two point shots. They have the number one defense against three point shots. And they have the number one defense against points in the paint. Our friend Tim Legler calls this the triple crown.

[PK Subban]

Right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Cuz that's what they do.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's fair.

[Tony Kornheiser]

88 points for Minnesota is the second lowest amount of points they had all regular season and all playoffs. You mentioned Anthony Edwards, who I know you love and I don't love as much as you.

[Mike Wilbon]

I do.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Anthony Edwards last night. 3 of 8 from 3. Not very good, but better than Naz Reed at 0 for 7. Dante DiVincenzo 3 of 12. Mike Conley 1 of 5.

[Mike Wilbon]

The other guys were 17%. Julius Randall, Alexander, Walker.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I told you was going to play well. Did the other thing that they do is they force turnovers and they score points off them. They're number one in those categories in the playoffs so far they are averaging 25 points off turnovers every single game. And if you want to look at the matchup of the great stars, Shay, Gilgeous Alexander and Ant Man. Right. Who I know you tout all the time. Okay. Right. So gilgeous Alexander had 31 points and nine assists and Ant man had 18 points and three assists and four turnovers and only took 13 shots. They cannot win if their best player takes 13 shots.

[Mike Wilbon]

This game two coming up tomorrow night, big game again in Oklahoma City. It's all about what it is that Minnesota is going to do to change those numbers that you. Because they have to change them or they'll be down 02. Right. I think this is going to be a long series because I think they're going to. Finch is a good coach and Anthony Edwards is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But if game two goes like that, the series Short. Thank you.

[Mike Wilbon]

Agree.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We move now to tonight's game one in the Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers are at the Knicks. Guards are at the focus here. New York's Jalen Brunson, Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton. The pacers have won 21 of their last 26 games, regular season and playoffs. The Knicks are coming off two grueling series, beating the Pistons and the Celtics. Wolvon, who do you favor in the series?

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony? I think I favor the Knicks. You can tell I'm not feeling real confident in that. I think the thing about these two series, east and west, is they're. They're too close to call. I really believe both of them could go seven games. And I look at the Pacers and what it is they do. And by the way, you always tease me and appropriately because I love Tibbs. But there's a coach on the Indiana.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Pacers knows what he's doing.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, and Rick Carlisle, who you and I have been around since college player in college. He knows what he's doing. And they have depth and they play with a pace that could give the Knicks problems. Cause the Knicks don't have that kind of depth.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Maybe they are banging in the Knicks.

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, the Knicks have the best player in the series in Jaylen Brunson. And maybe, I don't know, depends on. A lot of it's going to depend on Cat and what he can summon and muster. But the Pacers come at you in waves. And Rick Carlisle knows exactly how to employ them and where to take advantage of the Knicks in those w. I just think it's a long, grueling series.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So. The Knicks were the first team that I ever cared about.

[Mike Wilbon]

I know.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And I go all the way back to Willis Reed and Walt Frazier and Dave Debucher and. And Bill Bradley and the two championships they won. The only two championships that they won. But as you know, when I was a young sportswriter, I go as far back with Indiana as the aba.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And I covered games that Indiana played against the Nets. And I have great respect for Indiana. When they got to the NBA, the only thing I can ever think of in all the years in the NBA is Reggie Miller. Because it's like to me, he was there for 50 years or something like that. I have rooted for the Knicks a lot and I would love to see the Knicks win. But I'm afraid of the opening game. I'm afraid that's a game you can steal. The Pacers have beaten The Knicks in five out of eight playoffs since 1993.

[Mike Wilbon]

Some of the most exciting playoffs.

[Tony Kornheiser]

These numbers here, I'm going to give you. The Pacers are 42, 16 since January 1st, and they're 5:1 on the road in the playoffs. So that worries me. I agree with you that Jalen Brunson, who is tough and is a leader and is a great player in New York, he is the key to the Knicks. He can't let the pace get too fast. He's got to slow everything down. And I wonder about this. You followed this more closely than I have. I don't think anybody looking at Villanova would have thought he'd be this good. Not this good. Although he won two championships.

[Mike Wilbon]

Maybe he is this, which is why he was drafted in the second round.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right. That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

And he reminds himself. You know how he reminds himself his own charitable foundation. It's called second round. He reminds himself. This is what that Tom Brady thing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

About all the people who drafted ahead of him.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, he used. But he is, Tony.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He is second round, last round.

[Mike Wilbon]

He is himself a great player.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's a great player.

[Mike Wilbon]

Right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And he's. Of all the people in this conference, final circumstance, his stardom could be the largest of all if they win. Because of where he comes from. Because of where he comes.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

And now to the NFL, where the tush push lives. Owners needed 24 of 32 votes at today's NFL meetings to ban the push, but got only 22 to vote short. The Eagles then sent out a photo of the team lined up in the brotherly shove formation against the franchise that introduced the ban proposal, the hated cheeseheads, the Backers. That's very cool with the caption push on. That is very cool.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Very cool.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tone, Your reaction to 10 owners voting to keep this playing the game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, so let's go over the numbers again. They needed 75%. They needed 24. They got 68.7%. They got 22. So if you step back from that for a second, you see that overwhelmingly, the owners don't want that. Overwhelmingly. I would have voted with the 10 who wanted to keep it, because to me, it's not enough of a good reason to say we're no good at this, so we're gonna ban it. That's my feeling. Unlike you, who thinks that when the NFL talks about player safety, it's very cavalier. That's how you. Yeah, I take it very seriously. But to this point, there's nothing to indicate that injuries on the Tush Push are anywhere close. What they are on a Kickoff. Right. So I sort of reject that. And again, it just sort of feels like sour grapes to me. The Eagles do this, they do it great. The Bills do this, they do it great. I think it's like 87% of the time, you know, they get first downs or touchdown. So here's what I would say. If I was in another team, I'd go into the defensive room and I said, we pay you coaches a lot of money. You come up with a way to stop this thing. Or, you know what? Don't get to the one yard line, okay? But don't let it to the draft.

[Mike Wilbon]

You got to acquire and assemble talent and build your roster differently. I mean, the Eagles have done this with that in mind, particularly after the first year they did it, which was what, about what, three years ago?

[Tony Kornheiser]

When you Seems about three years ago.

[Mike Wilbon]

Starting to see it habitually.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

And strategically, Tony, I have mixed feelings. I'm more leaning toward you, 60, 40. Learn how to deal with it. And don't just outlaw it. Just legislate it out. Although usually they're legislating out defensive things in the league because they want to get rid of them so they can let the golden boys stand there and throw for 4,500 yards. That's what the NFL's about. This thing I have, I have a text chain and everybody's brawling about this. This looks like rugby. It's no good for the game. And then I'm sweating and I think this is going to come up a vote again. If there's one notable injury on a Sunday or a Monday night, you know what's going to happen.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But like, the first time I saw it, I thought it had to be illegal. Didn't you think the same thing?

[Mike Wilbon]

Because pushing used to be illegal, but.

[Tony Kornheiser]

There'S not until 2005, and then somehow it was changed and it took this long to take advantage of it. Yeah, I mean, I think it's a pretty good play. Again, don't let the other team get to the 1. Don't let him get there. Let's take a break. Coming up, how foul is it to shoot a puck at an opponent? We're going to ask PK Subban.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're also going to ask him how the Oilers and Stars are different than they were last season when the Oilers won in six.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I like when we have PK On.

[Mike Wilbon]

I love when we have PK On.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's very excited.

[Mike Wilbon]

PK is excited about going to the Garden to see Nick's Pacers.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He'd be more excited to see the Rangers, but they're out.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's dig into the Stanley Cup Playoffs with our great friend ESPN hockey analyst PK Suban. Let's start with this. The Panthers beat the Hurricanes five to two in their game one last night five to two. That's a lot of goals. What stood out to you from this game?

[PK Subban]

Well, Florida Panthers have found their game. We were wondering when they were going to find it in the Toronto series. Obviously, getting through the first two games, losing those games, then going down to Florida. But you could see the shift. They get the win in game three, and then game four, you could see it again. And then game five, you saw another gear. So for me, Florida Panthers have found their game. The Carolina Hurricanes are going to have to get better throughout this series. You could argue that both of these teams play the same style, while the Florida Panthers play the same style. But they do it better. They're better on the pucks, they're better on special teams and pressure. So Carolina is going to have to elevate their game. This is why I didn't pick them to come out of the Eastern Conference. I think scoring goals is going to be difficult and it's going to be a tough haul for them, but they're going to have to grind this thing down, hopefully get it to six or seven games.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's zero in on this very weird thing that happened in the third period pk where Brad Marchand clips Shane Gostis Bear, who then shot a puck at him. They end up tangling. That was an awkward scrum with Marshand being sent off for the rest of the game. I don't remember that many times somebody shoots a puck at an opponent. But when it happens, how is it viewed?

[PK Subban]

Well, I would. I would have liked to seen the game a little bit tighter in terms of the officiating, especially around the goaltender. Bobrovsky gets bumped twice clearly in front of the net. Svechnikov takes a good shot at him. You know, I didn't like that. You got to protect the goaltenders, and once that doesn't get called, things boil over and, you know, Brad Marchand's got no business to do it. I got to give the Florida Panthers credit. They've told that line this playoffs they've been pretty disciplined. Yeah, they've gotten themselves into some stuff, but they haven't done anything egregious. To me, the shooting of the puck was obvious. I didn't like to see Brad Marchon thrown out of the game, but once they did that, things seemed to settle down. So from the ref standpoint, I'm sure it was the right thing to do. But with 10 minutes and 47 seconds left on the clock, that's a lot of time to be losing a key player like that. I thought it was unjust. I Thought both players should have gotten the same.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right. I'm really looking forward to Oilers and stars beginning tonight. The Oilers won the matchup in six last season. Pk Are these teams substantively different than they were last year?

[PK Subban]

Well, let's start with the Dallas Stars. You know, Dallas Stars obviously looking for redemption. They retool their roster, obviously get Cody CC on the back end. But Mikko Ratnon, who's been the best player in the Stanley cup playoffs this year, really sets this conference final up perfectly. But the Edmonton Oilers have gotten better. They've gotten deeper up front. I didn't think that they'd make it to this situation without Broberg and Holloway. Well, they didn't. I definitely didn't think they'd make it to this situation without Matthias Ekholm, and they didn't. And I couldn't fathom them getting to this situation with their goaltending situation. And they have. Pickard and Skinner have been phenomenal. So for the the Edmonton Oilers, this is their year. Make no doubt about it. This is their year. They want to get another crack at the finals. They got to get it done. I think they have the team to do it. They've shown me they can play defense with this team. I thought they needed more on that back end. They've shown that they can play a different style. And here's the scary thing about Edmonton, McDavid and Draisaitl to me still look rested. They didn't have to do much last round. That's scary going into this round that those guys, I thought last year they were exhausted. You could see it in the finals. Said no gas. I think they're going to have a little bit more energy this round and if they can rely on their depth, the Evander Kanes, the Adam Henriques, the Corey Perrys, the Scorey Perrys to score some big goals, some depth goals in this series. This is a dangerous team and I definitely think the Edmonton Oilers have a chance to hoist Lord Stanley. We could see a matchup of them and Florida when it's all said and done. I'm not taking anything away from Dallas, but greatest player in the world right now, Connor McDavid poised. Chris Knobloch's done a great job, a fantastic job with this, his team so far in the playoffs. The cup could be coming back to Canada, so don't get festive there. Tony and Wilbon with the cup down there in Florida.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, well, we said the other day it'd be nice to see the cup reside for a year in a city where it actually snows. Yeah, I'll get you out of here on this. And I'm expecting a very short answer cuz I've listened to what you've said so far. It seems to me like you are expecting at this point a Florida Edmonton rematch in the final.

[PK Subban]

I think we could see it. I really do. I think Edmonton's playing well. I think their goaltending is a huge sign. I think managing Connor McDavid and Leandreisaito's exposure and how much they're being utilized. They're still playing a lot but they don't have to drive the bus. They're playing chess out there. Everybody's playing checkers and you can see it. This team's got the experience now. They're poised. If their goaltending holes up, look out.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you pk as always. Love to have you.

[Mike Wilbon]

Appreciate it.

[PK Subban]

All right, thanks guys.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You can catch more of PK tonight starting with a point at 7:30 Eastern. Let's take one last break. But still to come, Walker Bueller gets upset and then gets tossed.

[Mike Wilbon]

And could we be nearing the end of the football rivalry between SC and Notre Dame?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Wilbur, I gotta ask you this. PK's wearing a beautiful jacket. Is that mauve? Is that the color? Maud, what color is that?

[Mike Wilbon]

It's rosier than mauve.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Rosier than mauve.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's great though.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time people. Happy 30th birthday Jose Alvarado maybe this isn't the happiest of birthdays for Alvarado, the Phillies reliever who has just suspended 80 games for violating baseball's drug policy, testing positive for a type of testosterone that is a performance enhancing substance. Alvarado has been with the Phillies the past five seasons. He was having a good season this year. 41 record, 270-era, team leading seven saves. Not only will Alvarado miss 80 regular season games, he'll be ineligible for the post, a complication that forces Philadelphia to think about how and when to use Alvarado when he returns. But Happy birthday.

[Mike Wilbon]

I guess if you're in a tight race and you need him to win a division or make a wild card, you use him. If not, if you're out front, trade him. Trade him.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Trade him.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, absolutely. Closer will fetch you something.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy Anniversary, Cleveland Cavaliers on this day 12 years ago, Cleveland won its second draft lottery in three years. Drafted Anthony Bennett of UNLV two years after drafting Kyrie Irving, number one overall. Bennett played only four seasons in the NBA, averaging just 4.4 points. Cleveland offloaded Bennett after one season to Minnesota as part of a package that brought in Kevin Love to help the returning LeBron James. The Bennett draft class is regarded as weak, but at CJ McCollum at 10, Stephen Adams at 12, Rudy Gobert at 27 and more. Most of all, Giannis Antetokounmpo at 15.

[Mike Wilbon]

Ding, ding, ding.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Bennett is still playing basketball, most recently in Taiwan. He's only 32 years old.

[Mike Wilbon]

This is why you should fix the lottery. Cleveland's had enough cracks at it. LeBron, Kyrie and Anthony been enough with Cleveland. Probably enough with San Antonio, too. Enough with them winning the lotteries.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Abbey Trail's Walker Bueller, the Red Sox starter got tossed in the third inning of last night's game against the Mets. Here's how it went down Bueller. Bueller threw what appeared to be a strike to Juan Soto while Francisco Lindor was stealing second. But home plate umpire Mike Estenbrook shrugged it off. Bueller argued, quote, it was right down the bleep in the middle.

[Mike Wilbon]

It was.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Estabrook said, get back on the mound. Lindor chimed in from second base, throw him out. And Estabrook did, and then did the same to Red Sox manager Alex Cora. The Red Sox got 6 1/3 innings of shutout relief from six different relievers. Receivers won the game anyway. Two, nothing.

[Mike Wilbon]

See, this is when Estenbrook was so wrong and so bullheaded and such an egomaniac. This is when you take bats out of the rack and throw them on the field and pull up the bases and go straight Lou Piniella, Billy Martin on an umpire. And if I ran the league, he'd be suspended for being a complete egomaniac.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The umpire. You would suspend the umpire?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If I look back on this game and I was the Red Sox, I would be so proud that my relievers came in there and they shut the team down and won anyway. Without a manager and without a pun.

[Mike Wilbon]

The penalty for him, the pitch was right over the middle. He was wrong and too bullheaded to just stop. Let it go.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You haven't yelled blue yet. As you always do. One correction. Pacers are 4:1 on the road, not 5:1 on the road. Wilbon gave me bad info. Let's go to the big finish.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's do it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The Dodgers snapped their four game losing streak and Shohei threw breaking balls off of flat ground. Which is the bigger deal?

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm not obsessed with sh Pitching. The Dodgers winning a game after losing four. They got a race out there with San Francisco and the padres in Arizona. Pat40 reports that Southern Cal and Notre Dame have yet to extend their football rivalry past the upcoming season. You love that game. Are you concerned?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I know. Of course I love that game. They probably have more Heisman trophies and more total, you know, national championships than anybody else. Probably the dream beat the fever in Indy last night. 91. 90.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, Caitlin was really good again. But not good enough to win that game. A's rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson left last night's game after taking the pitch off his forearm. Concerned.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, so he's batting.341. It's third best in all of Major League Baseball. But the X rays came back fine, so I'm not that concerned. Last one. The Orioles snapped their eight game losing streak by beating the brewers this afternoon. Your thoughts?

[Mike Wilbon]

What about the Orioles. I like the brewers losing even even though there are six behind the Cubs. That means four behind the Cardinals. That division and race anytime. Cheeseheads in any sport can get comeuppance. Packers and Brewers. It's a good day.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're out of time, Gary. Try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheiser again in studio.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Lovine. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the ESPN app or Apple podcast.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And now, Colden Sports Center.

[PK Subban]

50 degrees cold.

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