Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Hour 3 – Ghosts and Games
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Hosts: Matt Meyer and Myron Medcalf
Guest: Clinton Azubuike, ESPN Radio NBA Analyst
1. Setting the Stage: Upcoming Game 7s
The episode kicks off with Matt Meyer and Myron Medcalf gearing up for an action-packed Sunday filled with pivotal Game 7 matchups. The primary focus is on the NBA playoff showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, alongside significant NHL and PGA Championship events.
Clinton Azubuike provides an in-depth preview of the Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 7, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the playoffs this year. He states at [01:40], "This entire playoffs has opened up, and there are people out there who would say the winner today is the favorite to win the whole thing."
2. NBA Playoffs: Thunder vs. Nuggets Analysis
Clinton delves into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. He believes the Thunder have a strong chance of winning, emphasizing their improved defensive rebounding and home-court advantage. At [05:53], he remarks, "It's one of the toughest, trickiest injuries," referring to Aaron Gordon's hamstring issue, which is a critical factor for the Thunder's performance.
Matt Meyer adds a personal touch by complimenting Clinton's physical fitness, leading to a lighthearted exchange about personal exercise routines and hotel gym amenities.
3. Aaron Gordon’s Injury Impact
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Aaron Gordon's hamstring injury, analyzing its potential impact on the Thunder's chances. Clinton Azubuike explains at [05:53], "It is one of the toughest, trickiest injuries... It's really susceptible to re-injury or re-aggravation." He expresses doubt about Gordon’s ability to perform at 100% in the upcoming game, highlighting the vulnerability it introduces to the Thunder’s lineup.
4. Supernatural Chat: Haunted Hotels and Ghosts
Transitioning from sports, the conversation takes an intriguing turn towards the paranormal. Myron Medcalf brings up a haunted hotel in Oklahoma City, sparking a debate on the existence of ghosts.
Clinton Azubuike shares his skepticism at [10:25], "I do not believe in ghosts because I don't know, I believe in modern science and normalcy." This segues into a humorous back-and-forth where Matt Meyer challenges Myron’s disbelief, leading to playful banter about ghost stories and haunted locations.
5. Matt's Landscaping Tales and Jalen Brunson Comparisons
The hosts shift gears to discuss Matt’s past as a landscaper, drawing humorous parallels between his early work and the journey of NBA player Jalen Brunson. Myron Medcalf quips at [17:10], "Myron Medcalf was the Jalen Brunson of landscaping in Milwaukee for 16-year-olds," highlighting Matt’s reputation and work ethic from his youthful endeavors.
6. Jalen Brunson and the New Era of the Knicks
A substantial segment is dedicated to Jalen Brunson’s transformative impact on the New York Knicks. Myron Medcalf praises Brunson’s leadership and versatility, stating at [19:48], "Jalen Brunson is going to be one of the faces of the NBA." The discussion underscores how Brunson, along with teammates from Villanova, Carl Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson, has revitalized the Knicks, making them a formidable contender in the post-LeBron and Steph Durant era.
Matt Meyer emphasizes Brunson's role in ending the Knicks' long-standing championship drought, saying, "Jalen Brunson is going to be one of the faces of the NBA."
7. NFL Focus: Brock Purdy’s Contract Debate
The conversation shifts to the NFL, where the hosts debate the wisdom of the San Francisco 49ers’ contract offer to quarterback Brock Purdy. Myron Medcalf criticizes the hefty deal, arguing it poses a financial risk without guaranteeing a Super Bowl win. At [27:08], he asserts, "I think it's a huge mistake. I think you're guaranteeing like first-round playoff exits with it."
Matt Meyer counters by highlighting Purdy’s performance and potential, stating, "He gets you into the playoffs... he's becoming that based on what he's done so far."
8. PGA Championship Predictions
The discussion briefly touches on the PGA Championship, with Matt predicting victory for John Rahm over Scottie Scheffler. He shares at [38:25], "I think Scotty Scheffler won't win only because this leaderboard has been chaotic," anticipating a comeback from Rahm.
9. NHL Playoffs: Maple Leafs vs. Panthers Game 7
Turning to hockey, the hosts analyze the Maple Leafs' chances against the Panthers in Game 7. Matt Meyer supports Toronto, citing Auston Matthews' stellar season and the team's potential to break a decades-long Stanley Cup drought. At [41:01], he affirms, "Give me the Maple Leafs."
Myron Medcalf brings up an interesting linguistic point at [41:56], "The Toronto Maple Leafs are the only grammatically incorrect nickname in sports," sparking a humorous debate about the team's name.
10. Lighthearted Banter and Upcoming Events
The episode concludes with the hosts engaging in lighthearted discussions about upcoming events like CMA Fest and playful remarks about personal experiences. They also tease future sports coverage and maintain a humorous rapport, ensuring listeners are entertained alongside being informed.
Notable Quotes:
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Clinton Azubuike ([01:40]): "This entire playoffs has opened up, and there are people out there who would say the winner today is the favorite to win the whole thing."
-
Clinton Azubuike ([05:53]): "It is one of the toughest, trickiest injuries... It's really susceptible to re-injury or re-aggravation."
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Myron Medcalf ([10:25]): "I do not believe in ghosts because I don't know, I believe in modern science and normalcy."
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Myron Medcalf ([17:10]): "Myron Medcalf was the Jalen Brunson of landscaping in Milwaukee for 16-year-olds."
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Myron Medcalf ([19:48]): "Jalen Brunson is going to be one of the faces of the NBA."
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Myron Medcalf ([27:08]): "I think it's a huge mistake. I think you're guaranteeing like first-round playoff exits with it."
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Matt Meyer ([38:25]): "I think Scotty Scheffler won't win only because this leaderboard has been chaotic."
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Matt Meyer ([41:01]): "Give me the Maple Leafs."
This episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron navigates through intense sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and playful discussions, providing listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining overview of current sports events and beyond.
