Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Hour 1 Summary – "Matt's New Best Friend (M&M on Amber & Ian)"

Release Date: July 2, 2025

In this engaging episode of ESPN Radio's "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," the hosts delve into a diverse array of sports topics, blending insightful analysis with humorous banter. From NBA free agency buzz to WNBA expansion debates, and playful discussions about New York geography, Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf deliver a compelling hour filled with key discussions, memorable quotes, and thoughtful conclusions.

1. New York Geography: A Lighthearted Opening

Summary: The episode kicks off with Matt and Myron engaging in a humorous exchange about New York City's geography. Matt teases Myron about his limited time living in New York, highlighting Myron's struggle to recall all five boroughs of the city despite claiming to have lived there.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones ([01:21]): "Once you lived in New York, how long did you live in New York?"
• Myron Metcalf ([01:37]): "About four and a half months."

Discussion Points:

• Myron clarifies that he did live in Manhattan but initially confused Long Island with Brooklyn.
• The hosts playfully debate the correct terminology for areas within Long Island, with suggestions like "South Queens" and "East Queens" to simplify geographical distinctions for listeners.

2. NBA Free Agency Frenzy: The Bucks' Bold Moves

Summary: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the intense activity in NBA free agency, with a particular focus on the Milwaukee Bucks. Matt expresses excitement over the Bucks' acquisition of Miles Turner, initially believing the team is bolstering their championship aspirations. However, this optimism is tempered when news breaks about the potential departure of Damian Lillard, leading to speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo's satisfaction with the team's direction.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones ([04:03]): "If Damian's not going to play next year, then Miles Turner might be exactly what you need."
• Myron Metcalf ([06:26]): "They don't have another star."

Discussion Points:

• Giannis's Happiness: Matt questions why Giannis might be unhappy with the Bucks' moves, considering that reallocating Lillard's contract could provide flexibility for future signings.
• Team Dynamics: Myron highlights that Giannis and Lillard may not have meshed well, and Lillard's potential trade or buyout could impact the team's future.
• Eastern Conference Outlook: Both hosts discuss the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference, suggesting that the Bucks may no longer be the dominant force they once were.

3. Long Island vs. Brooklyn/Queens: Geographic Clarifications

Summary: The conversation takes a humorous turn as Matt and Myron revisit the earlier discussion about New York geography, emphasizing the distinctions between Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City. Their banter underscores the importance of accurate geographical knowledge, especially for listeners from New York.

Notable Quotes:

• NICK ([13:22]): "The city is not Long Island."
• Myron Metcalf ([19:46]): "I did. I got a haircut in Queen."

Discussion Points:

• Clarifying Misconceptions: Matt encourages listeners to educate themselves about New York's boroughs to prevent confusion.
• Facilitating Listener Engagement: The hosts express a desire for Long Islanders to call in and share their perspectives, fostering a sense of community among listeners.

4. WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final & Sophie Cunningham’s Expansion Views

Summary: Transitioning to women's basketball, Matt and Myron discuss the upcoming WNBA Commissioner's Cup Final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. The focus shifts to Sophie Cunningham, a prominent player for the Fever, who has voiced opinions against the league's planned expansion. The hosts analyze her stance and its implications for the league's growth and player dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Sophie Cunningham ([24:39]): "We want to make sure that you're not expanding our league too fast."
• Myron Metcalf ([26:37]): "Sophie Cunningham is average like five points a game for the Fever."

Discussion Points:

• Critique of Expansion Cities: Cunningham expressed reservations about adding teams in Detroit and Cleveland, suggesting alternative cities like Miami and Nashville could be better choices.
• Fan Base Considerations: Myron debates the suitability of proposed cities based on their passion and support for sports, challenging the selection of places like Miami.
• Impact on Player Salaries: The hosts touch on how expansion could influence player salaries and the league's financial landscape, with Myron suggesting that Sophie’s stance might inadvertently support better financial negotiations for all players.

5. Indianapolis and the Essence of a Sports Town

Summary: In a playful yet critical segment, Matt and Myron discuss Indianapolis as a sports town. While acknowledging differing perspectives, the hosts debate whether Indianapolis possesses the passionate sports culture found in other Midwestern and Southern cities.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones ([31:19]): "Indianapolis is like an Applebee's potato skin of cities. Like, it's fine."
• Myron Metcalf ([31:33]): "I don't feel that way, but I love it."

Discussion Points:

• Cultural Comparison: The comparison to Applebee's highlights Matt's view of Indianapolis as a typical, unremarkable city for sports, whereas Myron defends its sports culture.
• Regional Sports Support: Emphasis on how Midwestern and Southern cities are often celebrated for their unwavering support of local teams, contrasting with perceptions of cities like Indianapolis.

6. Co-Hosting Dynamics: Matt, Myron, and David Dennis Jr.

Summary: Towards the latter part of the episode, Matt and Myron address the dynamics of co-hosting, especially during Myron’s absence when David Dennis Jr. filled in. The conversation takes a personal turn as they discuss the boundaries of hosting introductions and the comfort levels between long-time co-hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones ([34:35]): "You should know that inherently. It sounded to me like you were getting a little jealous that I might have another friend."
• Myron Metcalf ([35:24]): "You send them throughout the entire relationship."

Discussion Points:

• Host Relationships: Matt expresses concern that Myron might feel slighted by over-the-top compliments directed at guest David Dennis Jr., while Myron clarifies his feelings about maintaining authentic rapport.
• Professionalism in Hosting: The exchange underscores the importance of balancing professionalism with genuine camaraderie among co-hosts to foster a seamless on-air partnership.

7. WNBA All-Star Voting Controversy: Caitlin Clark's Ranking

Summary: The episode concludes with a heated discussion about Caitlin Clark's unexpected ninth-place ranking in the WNBA All-Star Game voting. Matt and Myron dissect the reasons behind this ranking and its broader implications for player recognition and league dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones ([38:14]): "When you go to the negotiating table after this season, that is going to be the number one reason."
• Myron Metcalf ([39:28]): "She's ninth in anything, man."

Discussion Points:

• Performance vs. Popularity: The hosts debate whether Caitlin Clark's statistical performance justifies her ranking, with Myron arguing that her averages (18 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists per game) warrant higher recognition despite missing half the season.
• League Politics: Concerns are raised about intra-league dynamics, suggesting that some players might undervalue Clark to allocate more attention to their peers, impacting her visibility and bargaining power in future negotiations.
• Comparison to Other Sports: Matt draws an analogy to professional wrestling, highlighting how star power and journey can influence recognition beyond pure performance metrics.

Conclusion

In this episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," listeners are treated to a blend of insightful sports analysis and entertaining banter. From dissecting major NBA free agency moves and WNBA expansion debates to navigating the nuances of New York geography, Matt and Myron offer a comprehensive and engaging discussion that appeals to a broad sports audience. Their ability to intertwine humor with critical analysis ensures that both casual listeners and dedicated sports fans find value and enjoyment in their conversations.

Notable Exclusions:

• Advertisements and Commercial Segments: The summary intentionally omits sections featuring advertisements, promotional content, and non-discussion-related segments to maintain focus on the core content of the episode.