Hour 3: Ghosts and Games - Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron

Transcript

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Matt Meyer (0:29)

This is Matt and Myron the Podcast.

Myron Metcalf (0:34)

It is Matt Myron here Sunday morning at two hours in, one hour to go. Getting ready for the big day of games. Game 7 of the Maple Leafs and Panthers, Game 7 of Nuggets and Thunder PGA Championship Final round. Ton of stuff going on. And to get us ready. He's not playing Name that Cat because, well, we've had him on before, but we do have Kalena Zabuki, who is doing the game for ESPN Radio. NBA analyst Clinton we're doing a new game on this show, Name that Cat where they have former Kentucky Wildcats on. I have to guess who they are, but you are exempt from it because we've had you before. But you're also part of that former cat group and we appreciate you coming on.

Clinton Azubuike (1:14)

Oh, thanks for having me, guys. Good to be all with you.

Myron Metcalf (1:17)

All right, so we got game seven tonight. Thunder Nuggets game begins three Eastern. You're on the call with Mark Casterser and here on ESPN Radio. You know, this feels like 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. Do you feel that way?

Clinton Azubuike (1:40)

I do. I do. I had picked a Thunder early on in the season to win it all. They were looking pretty good. But you can't discount the Pacers. I love the way they've been playing. They're playing some inspiring basketball. You can't discount the Knicks, obviously, the Pacers. One of my favorite things about them is they just have so many playmakers and they don't care who scores. It could be Siaka on one day. It could be Halliburton, but nice. Smith, Nemahar, like all these guys can beat you off the dribble, get into the paint, make plays. Even McConnell. I love him kind of being the big brother of that second group. He gets in the paint pretty much at will and they play with so much pace. They play so fast. It's really hard to deal with when you see it up close. It's pretty devastating for the opponents and they're way more physical than you think. So I actually would pick them to win in that. In that series against the Knicks, but I think that'll be interesting. But the Thunder, man, they, they. They worked all season, have home court advantage for moments like these. And obviously the Nuggets have been here before. They won Game 7 against the Clippers in their first round. But the Thunder can get better in a lot of areas from Game 6. Defensive rebounding is going to be a point of emphasis for them. They gave up 11 for 23 second chance points, 11 offensive rebounds, and then just defending without fouling. The Nuggets shot 32 free throws in Game 6. There were some times where they're just a little bit over. Over aggressive defensively. And Nuggets gotten the bonus early in that fourth quarter that really helped them win. The end of the third quarter was huge. That's when Strother went off and started hitting threes and did his thing. They missed some key opportunities offensively. They struggled to score there. So finishing quarters will be key. But yeah, it'll be fun to watch this one tonight for today.

Summary

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:

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."
Myron Medcalf ([10:25]): "I do not believe in ghosts because I don't know, I believe in modern science and normalcy."
Myron Medcalf ([17:10]): "Myron Medcalf was the Jalen Brunson of landscaping in Milwaukee for 16-year-olds."
Myron Medcalf ([19:48]): "Jalen Brunson is going to be one of the faces of the NBA."
Myron Medcalf ([27:08]): "I think it's a huge mistake. I think you're guaranteeing like first-round playoff exits with it."
Matt Meyer ([38:25]): "I think Scotty Scheffler won't win only because this leaderboard has been chaotic."
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.