Podcast Title: PTI
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon
Episode: What Does Oilers Comeback Mean for the Stanley Cup?
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Description: Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon face off in the nation's capital on the day's hottest topics.

Introduction

In this episode of PTI, hosts Michael Wilbon and Frank Isola delve into a whirlwind of sports topics, ranging from thrilling NHL comebacks to pivotal NBA Finals matchups. Skipping over commercial breaks, the conversation offers in-depth analysis, memorable quotes, and insightful commentary on recent and upcoming sporting events.

1. NHL Stanley Cup Finals: Oilers' Remarkable Comeback [01:19 - 04:39]

The episode kicks off with a robust discussion on the Edmonton Oilers' stunning comeback against the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

• Michael Wilbon highlights the unprecedented nature of the Oilers' turnaround:
  "They came back in a way that no team had in the history of the Stanley Cup Finals." [02:59]

• Frank Isola emphasizes the significance of key performances:
  "What a great advertisement for the sport and also for this series and these two teams there." [02:59]

Key moments discussed include the Oilers overcoming a three-goal deficit, the impactful contributions from goalie Calvin Pickard, and Leon Draisaitl's game-winning overtime goal. The hosts ponder the implications of this victory for the Oilers' championship aspirations and the Panthers' prospects moving forward.

2. NBA Finals: Thunder vs. Pacers - A Must-Win Scenario? [05:46 - 08:39]

Transitioning to basketball, Wilbon and Isola analyze the Indiana Pacers' dominant performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, questioning whether the Thunder must secure a win to stay in the series.

• Michael Wilbon asserts confidence in the Pacers:
  "There is something magical about what the Pacers are doing... I think they're going to win tonight." [05:46]

• Frank Isola critiques the Thunder's performance and praises the Pacers' strategic adjustments:
  "They were picking him up 65ft from the hoop. That's never happened throughout his career." [07:15]

The discussion covers the Thunder's defensive struggles, the Pacers' effective use of analytics, and the broader implications for the series' momentum.

3. US Open Golf: Spotlight on Scotty Scheffler and Sam Burns [08:39 - 10:24]

The conversation shifts to golf, focusing on the U.S. Open's progression and notable players' performances.

• Michael Wilbon expresses skepticism about current favorites:
  "Just chill your roll. Just slow your roll." [10:24]

• Frank Isola comments on the absence of star power:
  "This tournament doesn't have it." [09:57]

Wilbon and Isola discuss Scotty Scheffler's challenges at the Pittsburgh course, Sam Burns' consistent play, and the overall impact of course difficulty on the tournament's excitement.

4. New York Knicks' Coaching Search: A Smokescreen? [12:02 - 16:20]

Addressing NBA coaching rumors, the hosts speculate on the Knicks' potential hiring of Mike Brown or Taylor Jenkins, suspecting it might be a smokescreen for targeting Jason Kidd.

• Michael Wilbon shares his optimism for the candidates:
  "Mike Brown has won Coach of the Year twice. He's not just some dude." [15:01]

• Frank Isola supports the notion of a smokescreen:
  "I think they want Jason Kidd." [15:58]

The analysis includes the merits of the proposed coaches, the Knicks' strategic needs, and the broader implications for the team's future performance.

5. MLB Highlight: Jacob Misarowski's Debut [16:20 - 18:37]

Transitioning to baseball, Wilbon and Isola celebrate Jacob Misarowski's impressive major league debut.

• Michael Wilbon praises Misarowski's performance:
  "He can pitch. It's not just throwing." [17:32]

• Frank Isola draws parallels to historic performances:
  "This debut was even better than what Skeens did last year for Pittsburgh." [18:37]

The discussion highlights Misarowski's exceptional pitching speed, stamina, and potential future impact on the league.

6. Tribute to Michael Jordan's Iconic Shot [21:01 - 23:00]

Reflecting nostalgically, the hosts reminisce about Michael Jordan's legendary final shot in the 1997 NBA Finals.

• Michael Wilbon recalls the moment with affection:
  "I wrote the Washington Post quote, if that jump shot is to be the final shot of Jordan's incomparable career, it was the perfect coda." [21:35]

• Frank Isola adds personal insight:
  "I was sitting right near you for that game." [22:42]

This segment honors Jordan's enduring legacy and the emotional impact of his last game-winning shot.

7. Russell Westbrook's Free Agency Decision [23:40 - 24:17]

The discussion briefly touches on Russell Westbrook's potential free agency and his future with the Denver Nuggets.

• Frank Isola advocates for Westbrook returning to Denver:
  "He had a terrific year. He absolutely should go back to Denver and play with Jokic." [23:40]

• Michael Wilbon underscores Westbrook's contributions:
  "One caveat here, the vet minimum is expected to exceed 3.4 mil." [23:46]

The hosts evaluate Westbrook's performance, team dynamics, and the financial aspects influencing his decision.

8. Kevin Durant's Potential Trade and Other Updates [23:56 - 24:35]

In the final segments, Wilbon and Isola discuss the impending Kevin Durant trade, Caitlin Clark's return, and other sports highlights.

• Frank Isola speculates on Durant's possible destinations:
  "Rockets, Heat, maybe the Timberwolves." [23:56]

• Michael Wilbon shares excitement about upcoming events:
  "Barring a setback, Caitlin Clark is reportedly ready to return to the Fever tomorrow." [24:04]

These closing remarks provide a glimpse into the evolving sports landscape and tease future episodes' discussions.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, PTI offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of recent sports events, enriched with expert opinions and memorable exchanges between Michael Wilbon and Frank Isola. Whether it's celebrating historic comebacks, debating coaching strategies, or reminiscing about legendary moments, this episode provides valuable insights for sports enthusiasts eager to stay informed and entertained.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "They came back in a way that no team had in the history of the Stanley Cup Finals." – Michael Wilbon [02:59]
• "What a great advertisement for the sport and also for this series and these two teams there." – Frank Isola [02:59]
• "There is something magical about what the Pacers are doing... I think they're going to win tonight." – Michael Wilbon [05:46]
• "They were picking him up 65ft from the hoop. That's never happened throughout his career." – Frank Isola [07:15]
• "Just chill your roll. Just slow your roll." – Michael Wilbon [10:24]
• "This tournament doesn't have it." – Frank Isola [09:57]
• "Mike Brown has won Coach of the Year twice. He's not just some dude." – Michael Wilbon [15:01]
• "I think they want Jason Kidd." – Frank Isola [15:58]
• "He can pitch. It's not just throwing." – Michael Wilbon [17:32]
• "This debut was even better than what Skeens did last year for Pittsburgh." – Frank Isola [18:37]
• "I wrote the Washington Post quote, if that jump shot is to be the final shot of Jordan's incomparable career, it was the perfect coda." – Michael Wilbon [21:35]
• "I was sitting right near you for that game." – Frank Isola [22:42]
• "He had a terrific year. He absolutely should go back to Denver and play with Jokic." – Frank Isola [23:40]
• "Rockets, Heat, maybe the Timberwolves." – Frank Isola [23:56]
• "Barring a setback, Caitlin Clark is reportedly ready to return to the Fever tomorrow." – Michael Wilbon [24:04]

Note: This summary excludes all commercial and non-content segments to focus solely on the insightful discussions between the hosts.