Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron Episode: Hour 3: Mazzulla Antics and the Boston Celtics Release Date: May 11, 2025

1. Introduction and Guest Appearance

In this episode, hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf dive deep into the current state of the Boston Celtics, featuring insights from their special guest, Drew Carter, the Celtics' play-by-play announcer.

2. Celtics Performance and Three-Point Shooting

The conversation kicks off with an analysis of the Celtics' recent playoff performance, particularly their fluctuating three-point shooting percentages across the first three games of the series.

Matt Jones highlights the inconsistency:
“In games one and two, the Celtics shot 25% from three, and then in game three, they shot 50%. Do you agree that that's true or is there more nuance?” (03:12)

Drew Carter responds thoughtfully:
“Yes, because I do think that explains a lot of it. But there is more nuance to it... The Celtics have a big lead late third quarter. They reverted to habits that have bitten them in high-leverage moments before.” (03:36)

Carter emphasizes that while poor three-point shooting contributed significantly to the Celtics' early struggles, underlying issues such as predictable offensive patterns and shot selection under pressure also played crucial roles.

3. Jason Tatum’s Clutch Performance

The hosts shift focus to Jason Tatum's reputation regarding clutch performances. Matt questions the fairness of the narrative that Tatum isn’t clutch, especially in light of his play in the initial games.

Matt Jones asks:
“How fair is that narrative and what does he have to do in this series and beyond to shake that?” (05:23)

Drew Carter defends Tatum:
“To me, Jayson Tatum is actually a pretty clutch player. There are times where it's frustrating the shots he settles for... But I think if you look at last year, he is pretty clutch.” (05:42)

Carter argues that while some late-game decisions may not have favored Tatum, the overall evidence supports his ability to perform under pressure.

4. Joe Missoula’s Unconventional Approach

A notable segment involves Drew Carter discussing Joe Missoula, a figure associated with the Celtics, whom Matt describes with mixed feelings based on past experiences.

Matt Jones remarks:
“I have been anti Joe Missoula since 2010 when his West Virginia Mountaineers upset John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins in the Elite Eight. I'm still angry at him.” (08:12)

Drew Carter provides a colorful portrayal:
“He's one of the most unorthodox people I've ever come across. The son of a coach... He went to Costa Rica and trained with a former chess champion, doing competitive fighting in the jungle for eight days.” (09:08)

The discussion paints Missoula as highly competitive yet eccentric, blending athleticism with unconventional training methods. This unconventional approach sometimes rubs listeners the wrong way, evident in Matt's frustration.

5. Spotlight on the Savannah Bananas

Transitioning from basketball to baseball, the hosts explore the phenomenon of the Savannah Bananas, a team that's been garnering significant attention.

Myron Metcalf expresses confusion:
“Why did you say that? You're not a fan?” (16:25)

Rachel (Guest) clarifies:
“They play real games... They have their own league with teams like the Party Animals and the Texas Tailgater. They make baseball fun with dance moves and interactive elements, appealing especially to younger audiences.” (17:18)

The hosts discuss the unique rules of "Banana Ball," emphasizing its blend of traditional baseball with entertainment-focused elements, making it similar to the Harlem Globetrotters but for baseball.

James adds:
“Each inning is worth one point... Batters can attempt to steal first base on any pitch. There's a showdown tiebreaker and a golden bat rule where any hitter can bat in any order.” (19:00)

Despite skepticism about the appeal, the hosts acknowledge the team's growing popularity, especially on social media platforms.

6. NFL Updates and Discussions

Shifting to American football, Matt and Myron cover significant NFL news, including Derek Carr's unexpected retirement and rookie minicamp highlights.

Matt Jones reflects on Carr's career:
“How are you going to remember Derek Carr's career? He was not, certainly not a star but also had moments where he was a star.” (27:34)

Myron Metcalf praises Carr's longevity:
“You’ve got to give him credit for longevity. More teams have had Derek Carrs than Peyton Manning.” (27:53)

The discussion also touches on rookie Shonore Sanders' confidence, comparing his high aspirations to Tom Brady's legendary career.

Shonore Sanders states:
“Tom Brady and I are going to have the same story. I'm going to have the same career as Tom Brady.” (30:00)

Myron Medcalf critiques this confidence:
“Successful people love doing that stuff to people. They love having seminars and mentoring people.” (31:24)

7. Game Predictions: Take Your Pick

In the interactive segment, the hosts engage in predicting outcomes for upcoming games across the NBA and NHL.

First NBA Game: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

• Matt Jones picks Thunder to win by 15 points, citing Denver's fatigue.
• Myron Metcalf opts for Denver, highlighting Nikola Jokić's potential performance.
• Conclusion: Despite differing views, both show engagement with the game’s dynamics.

Second NBA Game: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers

• Matt Jones favors the Pacers to cover the spread and win.
• Myron Metcalf agrees, emphasizing the Pacers' strong lineup and Cleveland's vulnerabilities.

First NHL Game: Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars

• Both Hosts back the Winnipeg Jets, appreciating their home support and recent performances.

Second NHL Game: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers

• Matt Jones supports the Maple Leafs, believing their passion surpasses Florida’s teams.
• Myron Metcalf nevertheless chooses the Panthers, acknowledging their competitive mindset led by Alexander Barkov.

8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the show wraps up, Matt and Myron exchange light-hearted banter about their differing tastes in music and reminisce about their childhoods. They reiterate their game predictions and encourage listeners to tune into upcoming sports events.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones (03:12):
  “Do you agree that that's true or is there more nuance?”

• Drew Carter (05:42):
  “To me, Jayson Tatum is actually a pretty clutch player.”

• Matt Jones (08:12):
  “I have been anti Joe Missoula since 2010...”

• Drew Carter (17:18):
  “They make baseball fun with dance moves and interactive elements…”

• Myron Metcalf (27:53):
  “You’ve got to give him credit for longevity.”

• James (19:00):
  “Each inning is worth one point...”

• Drew Carter (03:36):
  “The Celtics have a big lead late third quarter. They reverted to habits...”

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the Boston Celtics' current challenges, the innovative approach of the Savannah Bananas, and updates from the NFL, all delivered with the hosts' characteristic humor and insightful commentary.