
Loading summary
Matt
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try.
Myron
@Mintmobile.Com Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full terms@mintmobile.com this is Matt and.
Matt
Myon the podcast morning here on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. The Nuggets and the Celtics coming up at 12:30 Eastern on ESPN radio right here and the ESPN app. One of the announcers that will be on that game is former Kentucky Wildcat Kina, a bookie ESPN Radio NBA analyst. That's how I'm going to introduce him from now on. I know he played in the NBA and he's with. He does. But you know, former Wildcat Kalena, every year I always say this. When the NBA playoffs start, there's four teams that can win the title. That's it. We like to talk about the others, but there are four. Clinton, I want you to grant me my premise that I'm correct, that there are four. If there are four, who would your four be? That you would say the title will come from one of these teams.
Clinton Azubuike
Interesting. Go with the Cavs for sure. The Celtics, the Thunder, the Nugget.
Matt
That's four. Okay. So that two of those.
Clinton Azubuike
I think you might be right. I think that's it. There's some other teams that like could surprise people like that that wouldn't be like so far off in terms of having a small chance to win. But those are the teams that have the biggest chance to win in NBA championship. I'll say you're right.
Matt
So if those are four, you got two of them playing tonight. Now, I know the Celtics don't have Porzingis, but I mean this is two of the best are playing this afternoon. This is two of the best teams, two of the four teams that can win the title. How do you think? What are you looking for today?
Clinton Azubuike
I'm just excited about the contrast in styles because the Nuggets love their paintings and never one of the pay points. Obviously the Celtics love their threes. They're number one in three point attempts. Like who dictates the tempo of the game, who can impose their will, their style on their opponent. You think about the pace of the game. The Celtics kind of like to play a little slower at times. The Nuggets get up and down. They love to run. Christian Brown is getting fast breakpoints. He's first in league and fast breakpoints. Tied with Giannis, I believe. And Russell Westbrook loves to push it. You know, Jokic will trail and do his thing. They go through him. The Nuggets play with a pass. A lot of times the Celtics are going ISO. So it's, it's a huge contrast. And for the Nuggets, it's like, okay, we're just going to come in and play our style the first time around. When the Celtics won it, the, the Nuggets did a great job defending the three ball and taking away threes, but then it opened up the paint for the Celtics and they did a great job of just having a nice balance in their offense. So that's the biggest thing for me. It's the battle of the two seeds. But then they play totally different. Almost everything or a lot of the key areas they're totally opposite in. And what style wins out. Is it going to be a bunch of threes? Are they going to be able to take away the threes? The Nuggets can take away the threes and have it open up something else, like how does it work? And then obviously you got to think about how do you get stops. If you're the Nuggets defensively dealing with Tatum and Jalen Brown, you know they're going to come in super aggressive after a really tough loss to the Cavaliers. So the Celtics have lost two in a row. The Nuggets come in, probably feel a little better after a nice win. First Detroit.
Kina Azubuike
The Celtics obviously are trying to defend the championship. We know their strengths. But if they end up failing to do that, what will be the reason that they don't capture another ring?
Clinton Azubuike
To me, I feel like, well, obviously if they're not healthy, that could be a big thing. No such thing. It's no Drew Holiday tonight. If they're totally healthy offensively, at times, to me, I feel like they rely on that three ball a little too much. But Jason Tatum is actually a good example of a guy that's now trying to get to the basket a little more and not let people off the hook, get more of his points from inside the three point line. So if they can have that balance in their offense, they're going to be tough to stop it. If they don't win, the Cavaliers could be a reason they don't win. Thunder could be a reason they don't win. Like there's some really good teams. Like the Celtics aren't obviously head and shoulders over the wrestling league right now, being at the two spot. The Cavaliers did a great job of beating them in their last game even though they're shorthanded. The Celtics were shorthanded, but it was still a pretty telling game. And that Celtics got off to an amazing start, I think. And Celtics are having to deal with the sometimes season long malaise that comes with defending a championship. I feel like they've done a pretty good job just kind of flying below the radar. Let everybody else focus on the other teams that are playing extremely well, going crazy during the regular season and for them, hopefully they just come in and dictate games in the playoffs. Make the right adjustments. That's another thing the cavalry did well against the Celtics in the last one that the adjustments they made going away from Jared Allen, going smaller, switching a little more, staying home a little more, not over helping. They got a lot of offensive rebounds or at least a good amount of offensive rebounds, some key ones. They forced some turnovers, some live ball turnovers. So dealing with that, like how do you make all those adjustments, do everything run this long race when you've just done it and won the title and you're trying to defend it. So I feel like they've done a pretty good job dealing with that, but they got some big time contenders they'll have to deal with. That'll probably be the biggest reason they don't win if they don't win the championship.
Matt
Talking to Clinton Bookie ESPN Radio NBA analyst Clint, I'll get you out with this. I you mentioned the four teams. You didn't mention the Lakers. They are the number crazy. They're the number one defense since January 15th, which I don't understand how that's possible. They're starting to get Luca involved and make it work. LeBron has six straight games of 25 points. You don't have them as one of your four, but are they next?
Clinton Azubuike
They're dangerous. They're dangerous for sure. And I don't know if they'll look like Luke is all the way right yet or has his scoring touch all the way back to what we know he's capable of yet it seems that they just haven't been great, even though he's scored a little more. But I think him and LeBron work so well together because LeBron does a great job of just doing whatever the team needs. If it's screening and rolling to the basket, he'll just give it to Luka and give it to the ball handlers and let them do their thing and he'll play out of that. He'll cut, move without the ball, he'll get fast break points, they get to the free throw line. But again, defensively, I think JJ Redick has done an amazing job, like you're saying, of just getting them to move on and swing. Obviously they're super excited. Everything's kind of new. Still with Luka Dantes, I'm still looking at their team going. Luka Doncic really played for the Lakers and I feel like that's just kind of fueling them. They've gotten much better defensively, just not making mistakes, not having those mental lapses. So there's a few teams in the West I look at that. Nobody wants to play. The Lakers are one, the warriors are another one. If they can get healthy. They missed Jimmy Butler last night against the Sixers. He had Kelly Oudre and Quentin Grimes going off on them. But if they can stay healthy and get contributions from a twitten folk or Jonathan Kaminga also coming back, hopefully he comes back healthy and they reintegrate him. Those are the two teams in the West I look at and go, okay, nobody wants to play. And then the Mavericks too. If they can get Anthony Davis back and get all their bigs back, no one's going to want to see them. So whoever wins it, man, this is going to be a hard spot championship win for whoever is able to go all the way and do it. Because you got teams on both sides. On the east, to me, it's the Bucks. I don't think anyone wants to see the Bucks with Damian Lillard and obviously Porter sitting out right now. But when he gets back, I think they got a really effective bench and then a three point shooting around those guys. It's tough, man. So whoever wins, man, they're gonna, they're gonna earn it this year.
Matt
Clint Azabuki got Nuggets and Celtics at 12:30 right here on ESPN radio. Thank you very much for the time. We appreciate it, sir.
Clinton Azubuike
Thanks for having me.
Matt
There you go. By Kalina, former Cat. And now doing the game, Myron, you Nuggets and Celtics, what are you looking for tonight? You little. Jokic, Tatum Brown, Jamal Murray's playing better. You like the matchup today?
Kina Azubuike
Yeah, I mean, I wish Porzingis and Drew Holiday were going to be available, but yeah, it's important, man. I do think Denver and Boston are in that group of teams that can win a championship. Obviously Lakers are Getting into the conversation.
Matt
So who are your four? Because you only get four. You get five in the NCAA tournament. You get four in the NBA playoffs. Who are your four?
Kina Azubuike
Well, I just did a piece about the eight teams that can win the NBA, the national title.
Matt
It's only five.
Kina Azubuike
We had eight, but that's okay.
Matt
Yeah, but you threw in. Iowa State's not winning the national title.
Kina Azubuike
Like, come on, you don't want to vote who can. Who they can certainly.
Matt
No, they can't. But who are your four for the NBA?
Kina Azubuike
You're wrong. But okay, I love you. But you are okay. Boston, Cleveland in the East, I think are there. And then to me, it's okay. Seeing Memphis, I mean, okay saying Denver. I'm sorry.
Matt
So you got the same four as Clint. I think those are the smart four. You know, it's interesting. I watched that Cleveland, Boston game the other night. And, you know, if you're just a casual fan of sports, like, I don't think people realize how good Cleveland is, like NBA fans do. But if you just went like the average listener right now, if you only peripherally follow the NBA until the playoffs, like, you have no idea how good Cleveland is. They are such a team that if you look at the final product is so much better than the names that are on the roster.
Kina Azubuike
Well, I think that's in both the east and the West. Like, you know, if you talk about the buzz around the NBA, an element of that is that your biggest stars are young people in some of these smaller markets, right? Cleveland is a team that's been great all year. People haven't seen a lot of Cleveland games necessarily. Right. Okc, same situation. So I think that has kind of hurt the perceptions. But Cleveland and OKC have been on top of their conferences all year and definitely can win the championship, by the way.
Matt
I do think that's something the league has to think about. They have to find a way to showcase these young stars. Like, I know that everybody loves seeing Golden State. And, you know, last night on abc, it's Golden State, Philadelphia. Put Cleveland on tv, put Oklahoma City on tv, put Minnesota on tv. Like, you gotta. You gotta showcase these guys. It cannot just be Lakers, Mavs, you know, the same teams. Or else you're never going to build these young guys up to where they have the media presence of your LeBron, Stephs, Durant's, etc. Now, coming up next, we're going to make our picks for all the games today. It's pick them. Me and Myron next here on Sunday Morning on ESPN Radio.
Kina Azubuike
Matt and Myron the Podcast.
Unknown
As the number and severity of third party breaches continue to rise, companies are increasingly vigilant not just about how they handle their own data, but how their vendors do as well. For security and compliance leaders, this means more security reviews are coming across your desk every day and valuable time is being wasted on manual security reviews. With Vanta Questionnaire Automation, security and compliance teams can complete security reviews up to five times faster, giving you time back to focus on running your security and compliance programs. Over 8,000 global companies like ZoomInfo, smart recruiters and NOIBU use Vanta to save time on security reviews. Visit vanta.compodcast to learn more about Questionnaire automation. That's V A N T a dot com podcast.
If you like true crime stories, listen to this one. But as you listen, put yourself in the place of this IT manager because he never dreamed this would happen at his company on his watch. He came in on Monday and tried to log in and couldn't a ransom pop up informed him that company data, customer files, bank accounts, apar, everything was being held for ransom and if they didn't pay $250,000 in bitcoin no less, all of it would be wiped. Nearly a third of mid sized American companies got hit by a data breach last year and that number is going up. It's your choice. Trust your current cybersecurity infrastructure like he did or outsource protecting your precious data with the leading managed security services provider in the US Thrive. It all starts with a comprehensive Thrybe cyber risk assessment. Thrive security analysts identify security gaps and deliver proactive solutions to help keep your network healthy and protected. It's not a matter of if, it's when. Are you ready? Get your no obligations, security recommendations and consultation. Your business relies on it. Visit thrive next gen.com that's thrive next gen I can say to my new.
Myron
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hey, find a keto friendly restaurant nearby and text it to Beth and Steve and it does without me lifting a finger so I can get in more squats anywhere I can.
Unknown
1, 23 Will that be cash or credit?
Matt
Credit.
Unknown
4 Galaxy S25 Ultra the AI companion that does the heavy lifting so you can do you get yours at Samsung.
Matt
Compatible Select Apps Requires Google Gemini account Results may vary based on input. Check responses for accuracy. You like this song Myron? This is another this is another white people in a bar pointing at each other song.
Kina Azubuike
This is what y'all play at your which I'll play at the wedding and at your high school reunions.
Matt
Yeah. Cause I'm Mr. Brightside. Like, this is. Yeah, this is definitely Little bit of a younger generation than me, but there's a generation. No, it's the. What, the Killers. Is that right? Yep. Yeah. So, like, people, let's say 25 to 40, this is their point at each other song. Like, our point of each other song.
Nick
Is like Don't Stop Believing.
Matt
Don't Stop Believing. Yeah, that's a big one. Or what's the Bon Jovi song?
Nick
Living on a Prayer.
Matt
Living on a Prayer. Like, those are the. Those are my generation good songs.
Kina Azubuike
Yeah, those are good songs.
Matt
But Mr. Brightside is definitely that. That group. I don't know what the younger one will be. Maybe it'll be not like us. We'll see. Who would have ever imagined you would have that when you heard that song for the first time, would you have thought that would have been the main song in the Super Bowl?
Kina Azubuike
No, I didn't. I didn't know it would lead to. It was a great song, but what it's become is just amazing.
Matt
I mean, it's literally gonna be like.
Kina Azubuike
One of the biggest songs of all time.
Nick
It is.
Matt
It's the only song by Kendrick that I can tell you the name of.
Kina Azubuike
Yeah, yeah.
Nick
That's a reflection on Matt. Than.
Matt
But I don't know the name of one of his other songs. I'm just being honest with you. I can't tell. I mean, I've probably heard it and I knew who he was, but I wouldn't have known it. ESPN Radio is presented by Progressive Insurance. Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance, visit progressive.com it is now time for us to pick the winners and take your pick. All right, Nick, what's up first?
Nick
All right, we'll start with a sneaky big game in the Big Ten this afternoon. 130 on CBS. Number 11, Wisconsin Badgers taking on number eight, Michigan State Spartans. Who you got in this one, Matt?
Matt
Yeah, it's a great game. Wisconsin is probably the best team in the country that nobody knows is good. Like they. They. Their performance the other night against Illinois where it just dismantled them, was really impressive. Michigan State at home. I think they get this victory there. This is, you know, the games on cbs, I just forget to watch, but I am going to watch this one. I think Michigan State wins the Big Ten battle. What about you?
Kina Azubuike
It's going to be a good game, man. I mean, Tom is obviously the national coach of the year Conversation. Uh, Wisconsin's John Tanji, though I Think is the first team All America has been playing some of the best basketball in the country. But it's hard to beat Michigan State when they're good and they're at home like this. I'll give it to Michigan State.
Matt
Yeah, except for the game against Indiana, they've been absolutely excellent in Big Ten play. Who's next?
Nick
All right, another big game in the Big Ten. Unranked Illinois, but they're pretty good at 18 and 11. Taken on a ranked 15 ranked Michigan Wolverines. That game's at 345 on CBS. Myron, who you got in that one? Illinois. Michigan.
Kina Azubuike
Casparis Jacobis is going to be a lottery pick. The point guard at Illinois. Fun to watch, but I think Michigan is a legit team that can be a sleeper in the NCAA tournament. Win it all. Playing with two seven footers and Vlad golden and Danny Wolf, just a unique team. Like no one uses the seven footers the way that Dusty May does. Give me Michigan to win this.
Matt
Win it all. You think Michigan can win it all?
Kina Azubuike
I think a sleeper, I think during that second tier that can. Yeah, definitely.
Matt
I would say Illinois on the other hand to me is a team that could be like an eight seed in the tournament that if you were the one seed you wouldn't want to see on the other side of the bracket because they got a dude who is going to be in the lottery. With that said, they lose today at Michigan. The Big Ten I don't think has anybody elite, but they got a lot of decent teams. Both these teams you should watch because both these teams can make noise in the tournament. But I'll take Michigan today. What's next?
Nick
All right, stick with me on this one. Kentucky, South Carolina on the women's side today. Matt, obviously you're close to that one. Fifteenth rank Kentucky, six ranked South Carolina. The reason this is important, if South Carolina wins and if Texas wins as well, they'll be tied for the SEC tournament and it'll come down to a coin flip which Don Staley didn't really love the idea of that. But Kentucky fifth ranked Wildcats taking on six ranked South Carolina on the women's side. Matt?
Matt
Yeah, so South Carolina is not the South Carolina we're used to. This game is there. It's senior day, the SEC crown is on the line. So I do think they will beat Kentucky today. Kentucky's good. Keggy beat Tennessee by 30 the other night. But South Carolina at home I will pick. I don't understand the coin flip, Myron. Like why would you flip flip a Coin to decide the one seed. But that's what they're gonna do.
Myron
It's winter, and you can now get almost anything you need for the coldest months of the year delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a ski slope delivered, but you can get dish soap delivered. Sunshine, that's a no. But a bottle of wine, that's a yes. A snow angel? Sorry, no, but angel hair pasta. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost. Almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol and select market availability may vary by region. See up for details.
Matt
Get the Angel REEF special at McDonald's. Now, let's break it down. My favorite barbecue sauce, American cheese, crispy bacon, pickles, onions, and a sesame seed bun, of course. And don't forget the fries and a drink. Sound good?
Unknown
I participate in restaurants for a limited time.
Matt
Still getting around to that fix on your car. You got this on ebay. You'll find millions of parts guaranteed to fit. Doesn't matter if it's a major engine repair or your first time swapping your windshield wipers. Ebay has that part you need ready to click perfectly into place for changes big and small, loud or quiet. Find all the parts you need at prices you'll love. Guaranteed to fit every time.
Nick
But you already know that. Ebay.
Matt
Things people love. Eligible items only Exclusion supply.
Kina Azubuike
I love how, like, we still make decisions off coin flips. Like. Like, you know, we're like, 185 years into being. Like, you know what? Let's flip a coin.
Matt
Who knows?
Kina Azubuike
We have not come up with anything better. Yeah. I really love the way Georgia Amore plays for Kentucky, averaging like 19 a game. If you want to see someone put up big numbers.
Matt
She might be the most fun player in the country, don't you think? Like, she's so little and she goes around.
Kina Azubuike
Yeah.
Matt
Like she's. If you've never seen her Kentucky play, you got to watch her. She's from Australia. She'll be a top 10 pick in the WNBA, but go ahead.
Kina Azubuike
Yeah, no, she's tough, but, you know, senior night in South Carolina with the stakes. South Carolina. Isn't that South Carolina this year, but still good enough to win a championship. Give me Dawn Staley in South Carolina.
Matt
I do have to give a shout out to the girl on the UK team, Claire Strack against Tennessee the other night. She went 23 points, 15 boards, 11 for 11 from the field. That's a pretty good game against. Against the Tennessee women's team. Who's next?
Nick
Staley actually said right now we're fighting for our lives with the coin toss, so NFL women's basketball.
Matt
Crazy to me. Come on.
Nick
All comes down to a toss. All right, Switch to the NBA now. We were previewing it segment ago. Nuggets, Celtics to seed in their respective conferences. Matt, who you got in this one in the Garden?
Matt
Yeah, I'll take the Celtics at home. They just blew the 25 to 3 lead to Cleveland last week, so I think they're Friday, so they're going to be hungry. It's early game. Nuggets still going to be asleep. Maybe didn't get their gummies to wear off yet. So I'll take the Celtics to win it home.
Kina Azubuike
Okay, gummies. Wait, Wait a minute.
Matt
Did you call it?
Kina Azubuike
Doug?
Matt
There's, like. There's, like, stores on every corner of gummies, but go ahead.
Kina Azubuike
It's in Boston, though, right?
Nick
Yeah, yeah. TD Garden.
Matt
But, like, they had to fly. They're still hunt. They're still.
Kina Azubuike
That's true.
Matt
You know. Come on.
Kina Azubuike
That's true. Real quick, Nick, you. Nick, you called it the Garden.
Nick
It's not the Garden.
Myron
He definitely did.
Nick
I know, but.
Kina Azubuike
Yeah, but you called it the guard. I know, but there's only one.
Nick
There's only one.
Kina Azubuike
Yeah, he said that.
Matt
What a heritage.
Kina Azubuike
Yeah, there's only. There's only one. So apologies. Apologies to our listeners. There's only one guard.
Nick
I should be fine.
Kina Azubuike
It's not in Boston. That said, you give me a shorthanded Celtics team. That doesn't worry me because I think they're really upset about what happened the other night. Night against the Cavs. They want to come out and prove a point. Give me the Celtics to win.
Matt
That was really awful. That would be like me saying, the most historic basketball arena in America for college basketball and saying, louisville's Yumsy. Like, you can't do that to your team, Nick. That's crazy.
Nick
Okay, first of all, the Boston sycophants all call it the Garden. So that's what was in my head.
Kina Azubuike
But they're not.
Nick
No, that was wrong.
Kina Azubuike
You don't follow them.
Matt
What a terrible decision. All right, what's next?
Nick
All right, we got to pick it. Myron, you haven't seen any of them, but, you know, throw a name out if you want, but, Matt, we're going to pick the winner for best picture. Again, the nominees. A Complete Unknown, Amelia Perez. Conclave Nickel. Boys. I'm Still Here. The substance Dune Part 2. Wicked Anora and the Brutalist.
Matt
Matt, this is one of the more open years we've ever had for this because I think Amelia Perez was going to win. And then the woman that was in it started tweeting and now everybody's not sure. And so I think Anora wins, but I think there's like Brutalist could win, Wicked could win, Conclave could win, but I actually think Honora wins. And to me, it's definitely, definitely one of the top two. So I'll take it.
Kina Azubuike
Nora.
Nick
Throw a name out there.
Matt
Myron.
Kina Azubuike
Nora Conclave.
Matt
Complete unknown. The Bob Dylan movie Substance.
Kina Azubuike
There's another Emily Paris.
Matt
We got 20 minutes, 20 seconds. I need you to go ahead and pick something.
Kina Azubuike
Is long legs isn't on that long leg.
Matt
Long legs did not make it. No, it was close. It was going to be next. Are you going to pick something or not? What'd you say?
Kina Azubuike
Bad boy should be in it. Bad boys ran five years ago.
Matt
Nice. Really good answer there for Myron. Thank you very much, my Metcalf, for that wonderful finish. The Snuggets and the Celtics are live from Boston, which is not the guard, but hagard next year.
Kina Azubuike
Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the Podcast. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN Radio, the ESPN app, and on Sirius XM channel 80. Matt and Myron the Podcast.
Unknown
Hey, if you've been thinking about going back to school, here's your shot. National University's year of you scholarship can get you up to $6,000 a year on your bachelor's or master's degree. And don't worry, their flexible online courses fit your schedule, so you can stay in the game while you study. Plus, you'll get free tutoring, career counseling, and a lot more. Make this your year and apply by February 20eigth@nu edu. Terms and conditions apply. Check out the site for details.
Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron Episode: Hour 3: Myron's Best Picture Release Date: March 2, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf dive deep into the current landscape of the NBA playoffs, offering insightful analysis on key matchups and championship contenders. The discussion is enriched by the participation of Clinton Azubuike, a former Kentucky Wildcat and ESPN Radio NBA analyst, who provides expert perspectives on team performances and playoff predictions.
NBA Playoffs Analysis
Timestamp: [00:32] – [08:50]
Playoff Predictions and Key Matchups
Matt kicks off the discussion by introducing Clinton Azubuike, whom he humorously refers to as "former Kentucky Wildcat Kina, a bookie ESPN Radio NBA analyst." The conversation centers around Matt's premise that there are four teams with a genuine chance to win the NBA title. He challenges Clinton to validate his four-team theory.
Clinton’s Four Contenders
Clinton concurs with Matt's assessment, naming the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets as the top contenders. He states at [01:19], "Go with the Cavs for sure. The Celtics, the Thunder, the Nugget."
Styles of Play: Celtics vs. Nuggets
The discussion delves into the contrasting playing styles of the Celtics and Nuggets. Clinton explains at [02:03], “The Nuggets love their paintings and never one of the pay points. Obviously, the Celtics love their threes. They're number one in three-point attempts.” He highlights how these stylistic differences could determine the outcome of their playoff series, emphasizing the Celtics' reliance on three-point shooting versus the Nuggets' strong defense and versatile offense.
Health and Adjustments
At [04:06], Clinton addresses potential obstacles for the Celtics, noting, “If they're not healthy, that could be a big thing.” He praises the Celtics for managing player health and making strategic adjustments, which were evident in their previous matchup against the Cavaliers. Clinton underscores the importance of these factors in the Celtics' ability to defend their championship title.
Discussion on the Lakers and Western Contenders
Matt brings up the Los Angeles Lakers, questioning why Clinton did not include them in his top four despite their recent defensive improvements and LeBron James' scoring streak. Clinton responds at [06:35], acknowledging the Lakers as dangerous but questions whether Luka Doncic has fully regained his scoring touch. He also mentions other Western contenders like the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks, emphasizing the depth and competitiveness of both conferences.
Championship Logistics
Clinton concludes his analysis by reflecting on the difficulty of winning the championship in the current competitive environment: “Whoever wins it, man, this is going to be a hard spot championship win for whoever is able to go all the way and do it” ([07:50]).
NCAA Basketball Predictions
Timestamp: [16:09] – [22:32]
Big Ten Showdowns
The hosts transition to NCAA basketball, discussing pivotal Big Ten matchups. Matt predicts a victory for Michigan State over Wisconsin, despite recognizing Wisconsin's impressive performance against Illinois. Clinton supports this view, emphasizing Michigan State's home advantage and overall team strength.
Illinois vs. Michigan
In the Illinois vs. Michigan game, both hosts agree that Michigan has the edge due to their unique team composition, including their seven-footers and versatile players like Vlad Golden and Danny Wolf. Clinton mentions at [17:18], “Give me Michigan to win this,” highlighting Michigan's potential to make noise in the NCAA tournament.
Women’s Basketball: Kentucky vs. South Carolina
The conversation shifts to the women's Big Ten game between Kentucky Wildcats and South Carolina. Matt predicts a win for South Carolina, citing their home advantage and the formidable coaching of Dawn Staley. Clinton echoes this sentiment, commending South Carolina's robustness and potential to secure the SEC crown despite Kentucky's strong performance.
Fun Segments and Banter
Timestamp: [09:07] – [24:40]
Music Preferences and Generational Differences
A lighthearted segment ensues as Matt and Myron discuss music preferences across generations. Matt introduces "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers as a quintessential song for younger audiences, contrasting it with classics like "Don't Stop Believing" and "Livin' on a Prayer," which represent their own generation's favorites. Clinton humorously remarks at [14:25], “This is what y'all play at your… which I'll play at the wedding and at your high school reunions.”
Best Picture Predictions
As the podcast progresses, the trio engages in predicting the winners for the Best Picture category. With a list of nominees including A Complete Unknown, Amelia Perez, Conclave Nickel, Boys, I'm Still Here, The Substance, Dune Part 2, Wicked Anora, and The Brutalist, Matt favors Wicked Anora, while Clinton tentatively supports the same. Their playful banter highlights the subjective nature of award predictions, ultimately leaving the outcome open and engaging for listeners.
Engaging with Live Sports Picks
In the segment where they pick winners for various games, Matt confidently selects the Boston Celtics over the Denver Nuggets, asserting at [21:41], “I'll take the Celtics to win it home.” Clinton backs this choice, emphasizing the Celtics’ motivation to redeem their recent loss to Cleveland and dominate their home court.
Notable Quotes
Matt Jones at [02:03]: "The Nuggets love their paintings and never one of the pay points. Obviously, the Celtics love their threes. They're number one in three-point attempts."
Clinton Azubuike at [04:06]: "If they're not healthy, that could be a big thing. No such thing. It's no Drew Holiday tonight."
Matt Jones at [06:08]: "You didn't mention the Lakers. They are number crazy. They're the number one defense since January 15th, which I don't understand how that's possible."
Clinton Azubuike at [18:15]: "South Carolina isn’t South Carolina this year, but still good enough to win a championship. Give me Dawn Staley in South Carolina."
Kina Azubuike at [20:22]: "I love how, like, we still make decisions off coin flips. Like, you know, we're like, 185 years into being. Let’s flip a coin."
Conclusion
In this engaging episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, listeners are treated to a comprehensive analysis of the NBA playoffs, insightful NCAA basketball predictions, and entertaining discussions that bridge sports with cultural elements like music. Clinton Azubuike's expert opinions complement the hosts' viewpoints, providing a well-rounded perspective on the competitive sports landscape. The episode balances serious sports talk with lighthearted banter, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both depth and entertainment.
Listen to the Show
Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron airs live every Sunday morning at 10 AM Eastern on ESPN Radio, available through the ESPN app and Sirius XM channel 80. Join Matt and Myron each week for the latest in sports analysis, predictions, and entertaining conversations.