Hour 1: Dom Kang Returns (feat. Sam Morril)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Hour 1: Dom Kang Returns (feat. Sam Morril)
Release Date: May 6, 2025

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From the vibrant Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve into a dynamic mix of sports analysis, pop culture commentary, and humorous banter. This episode, featuring comedian Sam Morril, centers around notable sports moments, particularly focusing on basketball, while introducing the enigmatic Don Kang.

1. LeBron James’ Met Gala Tweet

The episode kicks off with a discussion about LeBron James' recent tweet regarding his absence from the Met Gala due to a knee injury.

• Quote:
  Stugotz [01:07]: "LeBron is starting to tweet like Trump."

• Details:
  J. Caspian Kang, a New Yorker writer, highlights how LeBron's tweet is laden with emoji-heavy expressions, echoing a more combative and bold communication style reminiscent of political figures. The hosts dissect the grammatical nuances and the effectiveness of using emojis to convey emotion and intent.

2. Introduction of Don Kang

A light-hearted confusion arises when Don Kang is introduced, initially mistaken for the famous boxing promoter Don King.

• Quote:
  Don Kang [03:52]: "I am Don Kang. I'm a promoter, and we have a showdown."

• Details:
  Don Kang clarifies his identity, differentiating himself from Don King and segues into promoting an upcoming basketball showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. His exaggerated and theatrical promotion style adds a comedic flair to the episode.

3. Russell Westbrook’s Performance Analysis

The hosts engage in an in-depth analysis of Russell Westbrook's recent performances and his evolving role in the NBA.

• Quote:
  Stugotz [12:34]: "When Russell Westbrook leads the league and bleep you, I'll dunk on you."

• Details:
  Sam Morril praises Westbrook's relentless effort and highlights his ability to make significant plays despite criticisms of his decision-making and efficiency. Dan LeBatard discusses Westbrook's adaptability and the double-edged sword of social media's impact on his legacy. The conversation underscores Westbrook's resilience and importance to his team, despite fluctuating public opinion.

4. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks’ Rising Success

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the New York Knicks' recent successes, particularly spotlighting Jalen Brunson's clutch performances.

• Quote:
  Sam Morrell [21:20]: "He's Jalen Brunson. He's gonna hit the shot."

• Details:
  The hosts celebrate Brunson's impact, noting his ability to deliver critical performances under pressure. Sam Morril contrasts Brunson's clutch nature with that of other players like Kevin Durant and James Harden, emphasizing Brunson's unique value to the Knicks. The discussion also touches on historical Knicks moments, comparing Brunson favorably to legends like Patrick Ewing.

5. Comedic Segment with Sam Morril

Sam Morril brings his comedic expertise to the table, engaging in humorous exchanges about airlines and personal anecdotes.

• Quote:
  Sam Morrell [29:23]: "Why would I want to go to the Met Gala? Obviously the Knicks."

• Details:
  Sam shares his experience flying with Spirit Airlines, humorously detailing the compromises made for cost, such as separate seating from his teenage son and the minimal amenities provided. His banter with the hosts adds a relatable and entertaining dimension to the episode, balancing the intense sports discussions.

6. Don Kang’s Anecdote on Lying

In a candid moment, Don Kang shares a personal anecdote about dishonesty and its repercussions.

• Quote:
  Don Kang [35:27]: "I couldn't keep my lies straight. Just one lie. Couldn't keep it straight."

• Details:
  Don Kang recounts instances where his lies were uncovered, leading to disappointment and disgust from others. The hosts humorously critique his inability to maintain consistent stories, fostering a light-hearted atmosphere through mockery and laughter.

7. Final Banter and Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with playful interactions among the hosts and Sam Morril, discussing airline experiences and teasing each other humorously.

• Quote:
  Dan LeBatard [36:57]: "Don Kang the liar is the only honest one in the room."

• Details:
  The hosts engage in witty exchanges about flying with Spirit Airlines, emphasizing the absurdity and discomfort associated with budget flights. Stugotz and Greg Zaslow contribute to the humor by mocking each other's experiences, culminating in a jovial and engaging closing segment.

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Key Takeaways:

• LeBron’s Communication Style: The analysis of LeBron James’ tweet showcases how athlete communication can evolve to mirror more assertive public figures, impacting fan reception and media portrayal.

• Russell Westbrook’s Resilience: Despite facing criticism, Westbrook’s unwavering effort and adaptability remain pivotal to his team’s success, highlighting the complex interplay between player performance and public perception.

• Jalen Brunson’s Impact: Brunson emerges as a clutch player for the Knicks, drawing favorable comparisons to NBA legends and reinvigorating the team’s prospects.

• Humor and Relatability: Sam Morril’s comedic segments provide a humorous respite, making the episode relatable and entertaining beyond the primary sports discussions.

• Personal Anecdotes: Don Kang’s stories add depth to his character, blending humor with personal insights, though not without eliciting playful ribbing from the hosts.

This episode masterfully balances insightful sports commentary with humor and personal anecdotes, offering listeners a comprehensive and entertaining dive into the latest sports narratives and pop culture moments.

Transcript

[Don Kang]

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[Mike Ryan]

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[Don Kang]

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[Mike Ryan]

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[Don Kang]

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[Mike Ryan]

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[Don Kang]

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[Mike Ryan]

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[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[Stugotz]

New Yorker writer J. Caspian Kang says LeBron is starting to tweet LeBron more and more like Trump. The tweet from the Met Gala or not from the Met Gala reads, Unfortunately, because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season, I won't be able to attend the Met Gala in New York tonight, as so many people have been asking and congratulating me. On point. Hate to miss an historical event. Exclamation point My beautiful, powerful queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done. Exclamation point, prayer emoji, salute, emoji, heart emoji, sparkles emoji, emoji, sparkles emoji, sparkles emoji.

[Greg Cody]

It's the line of people. They've asked me to be there and they want me there, but I won't be there.

[Dan LeBatard]

I think he was like co chairing or something. So he had, I think more than just like he had, I believe, a role. So that's why they were asking if he was going to be there.

[Stugotz]

Why are you shaking your heads?

[Chris Cote]

As I like how you put the emphasis on the grammar of an historic.

[Stugotz]

A lot of exclamation points.

[Greg Zaslow]

What's the last three emojis there? What were those sparkles? What's a sparkle emoji? I don't even know that. Just like a sparkler.

[Stugotz]

No, that's a different. You Would surely you know the difference between a sparkler and sparkles? Yes.

[Greg Zaslow]

Yeah, I. Sparkles. Sparkler. I've used sparkles. I don't know how that would be shown in an emergency emoji. I just. I've never seen it. I've never used it. I'm just curious.

[Stugotz]

So do you not. Do you know what sparkles look like?

[Greg Zaslow]

No, I know what a sparkler looks like. I know what fireworks look like. Yeah, I don't know what sparkles are supposed to look like.

[Dan LeBatard]

They look kind of like stars. I don't really. I. I'm not fluent in emoji, so I don't know what they're meant to represent. Sparklers are incredible, aren't they, Greg? Because, like, yeah, you can play with them 4th of July. And somehow, even if it, like, little hops off and it gets on your hand, doesn't really hurt. Bring them back. Yeah, bring them back. Jack is exactly right.

[Greg Zaslow]

Oh, see, I see the sparkle emoji right now. It doesn't even look like anything. It looks like the insignia of a car. It looks like an automobile logo.

[Dan LeBatard]

Or like a Scion.

[Greg Zaslow]

Yeah, yeah. It's. It's just useless.

[Stugotz]

I appreciate. Speaking of useless and speaking of. Bring him back, Jack. I appreciate that. Somebody that we haven't seen in a long time has reappeared now for Warriors Wolves. I don't know if you guys know this. I don't know if Zaslow or Greg Cody have ever met Don Kang.

[Greg Zaslow]

No, I have not. Boxing promoter.

[Sam Morrell]

Right?

[Stugotz]

Don Kang.

[Greg Zaslow]

Oh, I'm kidding. I'm just a joke.

[Stugotz]

No. Well, what. Who's. Who are you talking about?

[Greg Zaslow]

Don King, the boxing promoter. It was just like a little sound, right?

[Stugotz]

No, it's not Don King.

[Don Kang]

An understandable mistake, my dear friend.

[Greg Cody]

Thank you.

[Greg Zaslow]

There you go.

[Don Kang]

An understandable misstep mishap. My name is Don Kang. I'm often confused with the one and only Don King. We are very different individuals. I promise you that. He says only in America. I say strictly in the United States. And I'm here to promulgate the indefatigable, pugilistic showdown between the dastardly, delicious Draymond Green.

[Sam Morrell]

Yes.

[Don Kang]

And the rudely rudimentary Rudy Gobert.

[Stugotz]

All right, I need to help. Please. This series is gonna be tremendous.

[Don Kang]

It's a showdown in Minnesotown between the Golden State warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Have you ever seen a man be put in a chokehold in less than 120 seconds? You will in this series. Have you ever seen a man get booed by 20,000 people for something he did five years ago. You will in this series. Have you ever seen a man put his head down and dribble and then spin and barrel and only use his left hand? You will in this series and every series that Julius Randel plays in. Only I mean Strictly in the United States. Strictly in the United States. I love it.

[Chris Cote]

I saw him crawling into the studio before. I didn't know what it was. I only saw the tip of the hair. I. I thought a dog was in the studio.

[Don Kang]

I permit you, Mr. Zaslow, for confusing me for some of our rich brothers in the canine industry. But I am here to let everyone know about the conflagration between the magnanimous Anthony Edwards and the incontrovertible Magnanimous.

[Stugotz]

If you're going to read the big words, you got to read them correctly.

[Don Kang]

The incontrovertible Stephen Curry. Strictly in the United States. But the showdown in the middle.

[Stugotz]

Strictly in the United States is a. Is a great ripped off slogan. But when you say chokehold within 120 seconds, JuJu put it on the poll at LeBatard show. Will Timberwolves. This is what's going to happen, isn't it?

[Don Kang]

It's transcendental Levitard.

[Stugotz]

Will Warriors Timberwolves have a chokehold within 120 seconds?

[Don Kang]

Oh, I submit to you that fireworks will come raining down from the very heavens of the target center.

[Stugotz]

Sparkles.

[Don Kang]

Sparkles. Perhaps if you've seen them. I don't know if you've seen one. Have you haven't Sparklers. They are beautiful.

[Stugotz]

Are they like sparkle? Are they like sparklers?

[Don Kang]

And you get Draymond Green, the great pugilist of this era, going up against the hated, the despised, the diabolical Rudy Gobert. Strictly in the United States. Where else can you see a Frenchman and someone from Flint, Michigan say it ends tonight.

[Chris Cote]

Why is he diabolical?

[Don Kang]

That's what the chat GPT said I should use.

[Stugotz]

But I can't tell you how funny Strictly in America is as a United States. Oh, I'm sorry. I got your slogan wrong. Don Kang, ladies and gentlemen.

[Sam Morrell]

Thank you.

[Don Kang]

It's been a while. I believe the last time I was here was we were looking for a rematch between Nick Koliokic and Markief Morris. It didn't quite happen because I don't think Marquis got in that game. But I told everyone be on the lookout because there will be a rematch soon and soon there will be. And it did happen in the NBA finals. But I was not allowed to Promote. And that's. You know what, I can't be mad at that. I can't lose my temper because some people just don't have the foresight to know when a good thing is staring you in the eye. But I tell you now, Wolves and Warriors, you know why they love that series, Mr. LeBatard?

[Stugotz]

Well, I thought said goodbye to you. I thought that was going to be goodbye to Don King.

[Don Kang]

They both start with the letter W and someone's got to win. And it's going to be Don King. Exclusively in the Stars and Stripes.

[Stugotz]

Oh, wait, what do you mean? Why that's exclusively here? What Zaslow said moments ago about Russell Westbrook. I do believe that that's a lovely moment for someone who I thought you accentuating the part of that guy going back to that fan base and that fan base still loving him while choosing whether or not it's going to love this team the way it loves what he brought them. The triple double guy. Russell Westbrook must feel nationally and internationally like everyone thinks he stinks except for that place.

[Chris Cote]

Do you think he acknowledges that? That people think he stinks? Yeah.

[Stugotz]

Well, don't you think the last five years of Russell Westbrook's career have been that he's gone from triple double guy? We love him. He stayed at okc. He stayed with the small city. And Kevin Durant ruined his legacy by bouncing around and James Harden ruined the game by shooting a bunch of threes. But Westbrook stayed in his town the very end. And then he went back last night. And to me, can you even write a feel good story around Russell Westbrook, given how prickly he is and given how everyone else outside of OKC feels about Westbrook. All of us acknowledge he's a great player. All of us acknowledge some form of. That's the most fast twitch muscle fiber I've ever seen on an athlete. That's one of the greatest athletes you'll ever see. And that game will probably not age well because he doesn't shoot threes, but he's going to go to the rim. He's going to be stubborn. He's going to be defiant to the very end. End. He doesn't want to go to the bench like Carmelo Anthony at the end or all of all of these great stars. And he knows now that most people are thinking he can't help make a champion better. He can only make the Nuggets worse. But holy shit, what a story he got last night. And it's just by simply passing to Aaron Gordon, who I again Said only dunks.

[Chris Cote]

It was probably one of the greatest moments of or greatest nights of his career, right? Like Harden goes back there, they don't cheer for him. Durant goes back there, they definitely don't cheer for him. They're still, they're giving standing ovations to Westbrook and he was right in the thick of the biggest moment of the game. And he makes the right play when no one else likes him to beat that team. It was probably one of the great moments of his career.

[Don Kang]

I mean, also, let's not reduce it just to that point. He played great all night long. He was one of their best players, as he was one of their best players during game seven. He's had a great playoffs. And it's like, this is the thing I think a lot of, a lot of star players go through, right, where there's a transition period where like, I'm no longer a star player, but I still haven't accepted it. And then you accept, oh, you know what, I can still be contributor playing meaningful basketball if I accept a smaller role. And when that happens, there's great fulfillment that comes out of it. And I think Russell Westbrook has found that in Denver. He's been an amazing contributor for them. And the one thing I think, especially when you see how Harden went out in game seven, the one thing you know about Westbrook, and a lot of times people hold it as a negative, he's going to play his asshole, he's going to try. The effort will be there. The intention's going to be there. Now, sometimes the decision making is not there. We hold our breath, we groan, we do all those things. But you know, he's going to show up in a way that Harden time and time again has shown he doesn't quite show up in those moments. The other thing I want to say about Russell Westbrook is he is in a way a victim of the over analysis of the social media age in that Russell Westbrook was a star player, great player, right. Everyone applauded him. Did he have some bad moments? Sure. But then you get people who are analyzing him saying, yeah, he's a great player, but there's these things that he does that aren't so great, right. And then what ends up happening is people start echoing it. And somewhere along the way we convince ourselves that he's all about those things that or his flaws and none of his, the good things he brings to the table. And we do it time and time again with player after player after player. And then they have to go somewhere else and, you know, subjugate their role or make themselves smaller. And all of a sudden we praise them because we already kicked so much dirt on them, it's already over. So I think Russell Westbrook is a great example of that.

[Greg Zaslow]

I think it's funny that he's getting so much credit for making that pass at the end of the game. Now, granted, he's never been known as a selfless player. He's not who you think of, but he's a great passer. He led the league in assists three times.

[Stugotz]

Look, he's been a great player for a long time. Before we bring on Sam Morel, that was absolutely dead on. Analysis from Amin. There might not be a player in the NBA who would get more eviscerated by the advanced metrics of this is an inefficient player. When Russell Westbrook leads the league and bleep you, I'll dunk on you. Get your math out of here. I'll turn the ball over, I'll take a bunch of shots, and I'll be fearless and scary and I'll do dumb shit, but I'm not scared of anybody, and your metrics don't matter to me. And it just saved the season against the Clippers team I thought was good enough to win the championship. And last night it had the best play when he went back home as an inefficient player.

[Greg Cody]

You know, when you celebrate 50 years of Miller Lite, I had to bring in a Miller Lite aficionado, Greg Cody. I mean, no one says Miller Lite like Greg Cody. I think when I think of me and you, I think of us on a golf course. Where else are we at?

[Greg Zaslow]

I mean, on a cruise ship. In. In my backyard.

[Sam Morrell]

At the beach.

[Stugotz]

At the.

[Greg Zaslow]

At the beach is a good one.

[Greg Cody]

What do we always do? We hear that.

[Greg Zaslow]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Greg Cody]

And then what do we do?

[Greg Zaslow]

We toast.

[Greg Cody]

Nice little clink. The clink. Whether it's the can or the bottle, there's something about the clink of the Miller Light.

[Sam Morrell]

Yeah.

[Greg Zaslow]

And it's not just how much we. We love it. It's. It's the, the whole ritual of it. You know, the, the popping the top, the sound of that.

[Don Kang]

Yeah.

[Sam Morrell]

Yeah.

[Greg Zaslow]

It's great. Love it. Love it.

[Greg Cody]

From game nights to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more with the coolest people in your life. Cheers to 50 years of Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer. For people who Love beer since 1975, now's a perfect time to celebrate legendary stories with friends, family and a great tasting light beer, it's Miller time. The simple ingredients, that malted barley for rich balanced toffee note flavors and that iconic golden color.

[Greg Zaslow]

Yes, it's. It's one. Everything about it is wonderful. I can't think of anything.

[Greg Cody]

You're smiling. Ever since we started doing this ad read, you have just been smiling the entire time.

[Greg Zaslow]

I'm a Miller Lite guy.

[Greg Cody]

That kind of thing. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Mike Ryan]

Hey folks, it's Mike Ryan. Game Time is the official ticketing partner of the Dan LeBatard show with Stugotz. Now, if you're a legacy listener, you know all the great playoff memories that we've had down here on the ice and especially on the hardwood. Lot of deep runs for the Miami Heat down here. Lot of great memories. It was an incredible time to be a basketball fan down here and there's nothing like playoff basketball live. So why don't you download the gametime app? Because Game Time makes getting tickets faster and easier, even for hard to get playoff seats. Prices on the gametime map actually go down the closer that it gets. A tip off with killer last minute deals, all in prices, views from your seat and their lowest price guarantee. Gametime takes extra guesswork out of buying NBA playoff tickets. And don't forget, your purchase is covered with the most flexible customer service policy in the ticketing industry. Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code DAN for $20 off. Your first purchase terms apply. Again. Create an account and redeem code dan for $20 off. Download the Gametime app today. Last minute tickets, lowest price guaranteed.

[Unknown]

Well, you guys have listened to oral history and you know that the origins of this show were once just a dream for Dan and for Stugats. And that dream turned into the show and now the business of metal arc media and the show that you're listening to today. But starting your own business is a dream that lots of us share. Too many of us let it remain just a dream. So don't hold yourself back thinking, what if I don't have the skills? What if I can't do it alone? Turn those what ifs into why nots with Shopify by Your side. Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, including 10% of all all U.S. e commerce. Whether you're Mattel or you're just getting started, Shopify's got your back. Not a web designer, no problem at all. Shopify has beautiful ready to go templates. Need help with the details? Their AI tools can enhance product images, write descriptions and even generate discount codes. Worried about finding customers? Shopify makes marketing easy with email and social media tools. And if I ever get stuck, Shopify's award winning 24. 7 support is always there. Turn those dreams into and give them the best shot at success with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com but go to shopify.com but shopify.com buttard.

[Stugotz]

Don Libatard, you owe me everything.

[Sam Morrell]

You owe me everything.

[Greg Zaslow]

You have added 10 years to my career.

[Don Kang]

Yes, I have.

[Greg Zaslow]

This man has that man. Who the hell are you?

[Stugotz]

Stugats?

[Don Kang]

I am.

[Greg Zaslow]

Who the hell are you? You're a rude young man.

[Don Kang]

You're a fool.

[Greg Zaslow]

You're a fool. I already called you a fool. You can't call me an idiot again.

[Chris Cote]

It's a fool.

[Don Kang]

You're an idiot for dismissing how much I've helped you.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.

[Stugotz]

Sam Burrell with us now, and he's our Knicks correspondent. But he loves all basketball. Really dislikes Draymond Green, really dislikes Stephen A. Smith, really dislikes morning television. And so he joins us now here very early from California. Are you going to or are you coming back from ruining a local television event? Because you're doing the funniest thing right now. You are doing active promotion on live television where you're trying to ruin morning television.

[Sam Morrell]

I'm on my way to ruin one, Dan. Thanks for asking.

[Stugotz]

Live or have they gotten on to your tricks now? And they only like, they'll tape you and then run you out of the studio. You're headed actively right now into bothering people at work on a local television station in Los Angeles.

[Sam Morrell]

I'm not. By this point. They know the scam. If they're agreeing, they know what they signed up for. And now the problem is they're disappointed if I don't go too far, you know, like, they're like, oh, that's it. You brought on your friend as a gimp. That's all he did. I was like, I don't know how much further I can go. Maybe Gary will whip it out on this one. Who knows?

[Stugotz]

Okay, this is not where the limits of comedy are, Sam. You have to do better. What do you mean? I don't know how far this goes. It goes right over the edge. Yes, well, beyond a gimp. Do your job.

[Sam Morrell]

We have something. We'll see if it works. We got something planned for today.

[Stugotz]

Okay. I'm looking forward to it. I wanted to talk about what I'm describing as the best Knicks feeling there's been in 25 years. Today.

[Sam Morrell]

That was a damn good game, dude. That was awesome. Geez. You know, Bridges, that guy just, like, comes through at the end for three and a half quarters. We're like, what the hell is this guy doing? I know he played great defense, but, like, offensively, you expect something from him. And then just such a clutch play. Brunson, you know, is going to be clutch OG playing out of his mind. I mean, this is. This is pretty damn fun.

[Don Kang]

Sam Bridges made corner three, and then the big stop on Jaylen Brown at the end worth the five picks now.

[Sam Morrell]

I'm sorry, I didn't hear you.

[Don Kang]

I said after the made three in the corner and then the stop on Jaylen Brown. Is he worth the five picks now?

[Sam Morrell]

I don't. Look, if we win a championship, of course he's worth five picks. So I don't know. Five. Five first is insane. I've said it's insane. But the guy Lebatar's been saying the third guy offensively is. Is a tough guy to find if he wins you games and he's worth the picks.

[Stugotz]

Yes, you say that, and that's a giant if. And it's. I'm going to say, and I don't mean to smoke you out on this one. I feel it's a bit cowardly because I think Knicks fans secretly hate Bridges and are waiting for him to ruin their season.

[Sam Morrell]

This is you just trying to start shit right now. This is what happens. Your heat have fallen down the toilet, and all you want to do is ruin a good thing that we have right now.

[Stugotz]

I'm just saying that you're ready to distrust this team because it loses at home. And you don't trust Bridges. You don't trust him. You trust Brunson. You want to trust Carl Anthony Towns, you don't trust Bridges.

[Sam Morrell]

Does this Knicks team have some sadomasochistic tendencies? Like, are we a sub in the bedroom as a team? Yeah, we want to be told, like, screw you. We want to be told you're a nasty little worm. And that's when we go off on. On the road. We. That's where we thrive. So at home, I don't know what's going on. Like, part of me worries, like, is it that the, the die hard, psycho fans have been priced out? Is that this team responds to, to hatred? Maybe that's what it is. Brunson loves the boost.

[Don Kang]

Sam, Speaking of Brunson, how amazing is it to have a guy who not only is great at the end of the game, but empirically the best at the end of the game? The best in the NBA.

[Stugotz]

The best by a lot. That's not close.

[Sam Morrell]

I was texting my brother yesterday. Like, this doesn't feel real. We're not used to having a guy this cool. I mean, even the shot he missed, we weren't even. I wasn't, I wasn't upset because we're not there without Brunson. So you can't be mad when he misses a shot like that. You know, how many times does he make it? And the reason we're even in the game to begin with is because he hit those three threes in what, a five minute span with, you know, it's crazy that Al Horford is still this good at 57 years old. That guy's ridiculous. So, you know, it's crazy. Pardon me for looking around him in downtown Seattle, and it's pretty sketchy right now. Jesus Christ. I mean, these people are like vultures. This is crazy. And I'm coming to my. This is. This is dicey.

[Stugotz]

All right, well, wait a minute. I don't want you to get, get the local television station so that you can ruin it. Do you have to start running or.

[Sam Morrell]

No, they walk. No, no, they walked by. It was two people circling me. It's like, he's like west side Story but throwing a lot of Fentanyl. I don't know what's going on here.

[Chris Cote]

Sam, is Brunson the best player in the series?

[Sam Morrell]

As a Knicks fan, we feel that way.

[Don Kang]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Stugotz]

As a normal person. No, no, but hold on.

[Sam Morrell]

Is Brunson as a normal? Yeah, I think he is. I think he is. I think Tatum's incredible. Tatum's a great player, but I think Brunson's better. I'd rather have Jalen Brunson. I think he's that clutch. I think you believe that he's going to hit the big shots. He's proven it again and again. Yeah, I'm taking Brunson every time.

[Stugotz]

But how do you feel about Jay Williams and you know your Knicks history, Jay Williams saying after the shot against Detroit, and I Don't know where that ranks for you in terms of coolest moments, him hitting the three on the road, but the way he hit that shot and you knowing that it was going to go in because of who it is that was taking it. Is Jalen Brunson a better New York Knick than Patrick Ewing and the best New York Knick of all time?

[Chris Cote]

That's a question.

[Sam Morrell]

Here's the thing. Why do we have to do this? Why can't we just have nice things? Why do we have to be like, this was better than this? Like, Ewing was incredible. Dude, I love Patrick Ewing. The reason I love basketball is because of that starting five. Ewing, Oak, Mace, Starks, Harper. I know Mace was off the bench, but in my mind he's, he's playing the five over Charles Smith. And I don't know why we always have to do this. Ewing was an incredible defensive player. They're such different players. Ewing and Brunson, Brunson down the stretch. There's no one I want taking the shot more. And it's insane because he's so damn small. I mean, the fact that they had Thompson on him in the Detroit series, they had a giant on him and he slayed a giant. And now it's a very different type of defense. You know, White and Holiday are incredible defenders, but Brunson is an anyone slayer. He'll you up. It doesn't matter who you are. He's Jalen Brunson. He's gonna, he's gonna hit the shot. So yeah, every time I'm taking him over Tatum. And that's with much respect to Tatum. He's a great player, great two way player. But Brunson is that clutch. You take Brunson every time.

[Don Kang]

Sam, I wholeheartedly agree with you. First of all, shout out to your bonafides where you stopped everyone in their tracks before they could stop. You say Mace came off the music. I know, I know. Charles Smith was the other starter. So shout out to you for there. But also, I agree with you. Comparison is the thief of joy. Having said that, rank these for me. Jalen Brunson, game winner against Detroit. Allen Houston against the Miami Heat. LJ versus the Pacers.

[Stugotz]

Ooh, those are three good ones. Those are three good ones.

[Sam Morrell]

They're all incredible. I honestly have to go with LJ because a four point play is insane. And, and Larry Johnson doing it on the Pacers. I mean, you remember that moment. LJ was so fired up that they had to grab him and be like, calm down and hit the Free throw. Like that's how crazy that moment was. A four point play is. It's. It was rare at that time. I don't know if you're in the 90s, they weren't. I feel like Jamal Crawford like started hitting four point plays and before that they weren't really a thing.

[Chris Cote]

He didn't even touch.

[Sam Morrell]

So yeah, probably not. But you know what? I don't give a shit. He hit the shot. It was clutch. It was awesome. And the Pacers I hate. I secretly really want a Knicks Pacers Eastern Conference finals and I want the Knicks to smoke him to get revenge for last season.

[Greg Zaslow]

Sam, is there any concern at all that Boston missing 45 three point shots is. Is a large reason why your team barely won in overtime?

[Sam Morrell]

Of course I'm concerned. Do you think I'm just taking this and being like, this is how life is going to be from now on? I know who we're playing. I know we're playing one of the best basketball teams of all time. But a little credit to the Knicks perimeter D. Our game plan was to not allow any threes, which is why they got a few straight to the basket shots. The Celtics play a very boring style of basketball. They just chuck threes all day. I'm bored watching them. I don't care for them. I don't like them in Boston. I love the city of Boston. I hate their sports teams. But look, that game plan is to force them to shoot bad three pointers because you know they're going to shoot them. I know Derrick White and Tatum and I know they're going to hit their threes. I know they're a great three point shooting team. Yeah, we got away with one, but that was the game plan. So hopefully we can stay on them. A little respect to Bridges and Josh Hart and OG Anunoby for playing insane perimeter D. Same with Deuce. When he came in, Deuce had a bad series against Detroit. He came and hit some big shots. We did what we had to do on the road and we like playing on the road. So I think our defense was pretty fired up yesterday too.

[Dan LeBatard]

Sam, if a racehorse broke it leg, broke its leg, wouldn't it be more humane to give it a wheel than to euthanize it?

[Sam Morrell]

I see where you're going with this and I don't care for your sarcasm.

[Dan LeBatard]

What do you mean no? Because we were talking. No, we were talking about the wheel.

[Sam Morrell]

You think it's rude to give a Knicks fan hope is what you're saying.

[Dan LeBatard]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Chris Cote]

To Be.

[Dan LeBatard]

To be perfectly honest with you, Sam, we were supposed to have our animal expert on now. We bumped them for you. But I'm getting these animal questions in whether we like it or not.

[Stugotz]

Don't back off.

[Dan LeBatard]

No, no, because you're talking. Yeah, we were talking about the Kentucky Derby yesterday and all the horses that end up getting euthanized. We're also talking honestly, because all of the ones running in the Kentucky Derby were descendants of Secretariat. So we were talking about how prevalent incest is in the horse racing community and whether or not there are defects. You know, not defects, but mutations genetically by the fact that all the horses are related to each other and seemingly they're reproducing with each other. So are they beneficial defects or are they not? This is what we're gonna ask, you know, the animal expert, and he was.

[Stugotz]

Also asking, so if you have a horse and it breaks a leg, instead of killing it, just put a wheel there?

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, just give it a wheel.

[Sam Morrell]

So like a sad, walking around, handicapped horse, that's what you want to see?

[Dan LeBatard]

No, I was actually saying if the horse had, like, one wheel, maybe two wheels. If it had, I'd probably bet on that horse as opposed to the horses with four legs.

[Sam Morrell]

I feel like I don't know who's asking me this question right now, but this is like the autistic portion of the show. Okay, Tony, I don't know what the hell is going on. I was fired up with the Knicks. You're making me sad thinking about horses right now.

[Stugotz]

It's what he does, so I'm sorry. Yes, Sam, you know what? Thank you. You're a comedian, so I appreciate you doing that. Major penalty, five minutes grooming, comedy.

[Dan LeBatard]

If you had two wheels, would you put them front legs or back leg? Are you dragging the wheels or pushing?

[Stugotz]

I'll go try to be funnier than a comedian. That's always a good idea.

[Dan LeBatard]

I mean, he hasn't been funny yet, so.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, dude. The west side Story with Tony Fentanyl.

[Sam Morrell]

Tony. I wish that story had wheels so it would have been derailed so hard.

[Don Kang]

You stink, Tony.

[Sam Morrell]

Tony, you suck. Tony.

[Stugotz]

Tony, you suck. What an asshole. Tony is. Sam, I'm sorry.

[Don Kang]

He had that.

[Stugotz]

Sam hasn't been funny.

[Sam Morrell]

What you think. You think he's going to steal my joy today? No, no one's going to steal my joy. I've been. I've been circled by meth heads in downtown Seattle. They can't steal my joy. I'm looking into their eyes and I'm going, I don't care. Whatever I feel is better than what you took. Your first high can't compete with what the Knicks did to Boston yesterday. Because the Knicks are doing. And they're going to come back two zero, baby.

[Chris Cote]

Sam, if you had the choice, would you go to the Met Gala or Knicks road playoff game?

[Sam Morrell]

Why would I want to go to the Met Gala? Obviously the Knicks, the Met gal. You think I want to see someone dressed like freaking turkey? I don't give a shit. The Met Gala. There it is to me. Just looks like I remember Tina Fey described it as a jerk parade. And ever since I heard that, I was like, yeah, that sounds right. Why would I want to go to that shit nicks all day?

[Stugotz]

Okay, yes. Why would I rather be dressed like a turkey or be a Turkey for 25 years as a Knicks fan and now you're ruining my joy with that.

[Sam Morrell]

Don't, don't, don't. Don't turn them to that dance. Don't, don't try to. Don't be a joy thief.

[Stugotz]

Well, just Tony.

[Chris Cote]

I feel like Tony.

[Stugotz]

I feel like Tony is the one that's the joy thief here. I believe that he's insulted. I believe. Have you accused him of autism?

[Sam Morrell]

Whoa, I didn't accuse him. I diagnosed him. Dan learned the language. Learn the term.

[Stugotz]

Last thing before you get out of here. Any thoughts on Stephen A. Smith running for president? He said he has no choice to consider it, but to consider.

[Sam Morrell]

I think it's great. I think it's great. We've had a black president. Let's get a black guy in office. It could be progress.

[Stugotz]

There it is. Okay.

[Sam Morrell]

Sure.

[Stugotz]

That's not a word that we use anymore, Sam.

[Sam Morrell]

Oh, no, I meant it as a positive. I think he seems. I mean, he's the worst, Stephen. We all know that. I mean, he's terrible. I. I love the clip is circulating that he's like, go Knicks. And then also the Villanova does not have one NBA player on that team. We. We got three on the team. That's. That smoked one of the best teams ever. So Stephen A. Stinks, but could he be a good presidential candidate? No.

[Chris Cote]

Swerve.

[Stugotz]

What did you have in the way of thoughts on Draymond Green in this Minnesota series?

[Sam Morrell]

Wait, who are they playing? T. Wolves. Right. Okay. Warriors. T. Wolves. Look, my heart is with the T Wolves because they got Dante and Julius. Once a Nick, always a Nick. Ant is fun as hell. The Warriors. Look, buddy, heel. That was. That was pretty awesome. That game seven for that kid. You got to give him. You got to Give him his props. I will say, I think that's going to be a good series. I'm fired up for that. But, yeah, I love the moment he had with Jimmy after the game where he called him. He called him Alfred because he's the Butler. I like vibes like that after a big win. I was in SF for that game, and it conflicted with my show at the Masonic, which annoyed me. You know, anytime you entered, my real thing is Knicks, and then how many tickets I'm selling on the road. That's what it comes down to. So I was annoyed that the warriors had a Game 7. I'm rooting for the T Wolves in that series. I'd like to see Dante and Julius. Julius bald in round one. That was good to see.

[Don Kang]

Now, Sam, are you in any way concerned about the trepidation of Rudy Gobert against the irascible Draymond Green? Strictly in the United States, I'm hoping.

[Sam Morrell]

That something unhinged happens. As a fan, I mean, you just want. Here's what happens. You want to keep stockpiling the evidence that Draymond Green is mentally ill. So when he really does something really dangerous. So you're like, we told you, that's all you want. I mean, how can he keep outdoing himself? I mean, he put the guy in a sleeper hold. It's like he thinks he's Ted Dibiase, the Million Dollar Man. He's a psycho. I love watching how unhinged Draymond is. So I'm looking forward to him doing something really stupid. Cost his team a game.

[Don Kang]

Truly sagacious words from the comedian Sam Morrell. But I do declare, I would like to know whether the inevitable Stephen Curry will have one.

[Sam Morrell]

Why are you talking like that? What is happening?

[Don Kang]

I'm Don Kang. I'm a promoter, and we have a showdown.

[Sam Morrell]

I thought you were Samuel Jackson and Django Unchained. Okay, all right.

[Stugotz]

Okay, Excellent. Sam's. Sam's a little unhinged here. Give me a funnier wrestling name that you could have chosen as a professional comedian. Ted Dibiase.

[Sam Morrell]

Rowdy Roddy Piper might have worked better. Dan. I'm. I'm. I'm thinking of that right that. Right now. I up. I up.

[Mike Ryan]

No. Million Dollar man was the one, especially when he won Sleeper hold as a finish. Sergeant Slaughter went with it like the. The Cobra Clutch.

[Sam Morrell]

All right? I shouldn't rethink it, all right?

[Stugotz]

Sam Dibiase is universally funny as a comedic name. I. You will not do a lot better than Ted Dibiase. Comedic Go ahead, try. I, I, I want to.

[Mike Ryan]

Let's let the man go.

[Stugotz]

See you later, Sam. Good talking to you.

[Sam Morrell]

Good talk. Go Knicks.

[Stugotz]

What are you guys laughing about?

[Mike Ryan]

I mean, that was a great appearance, to be honest. Like, maybe it's because I'm rooting for the Knicks now, but I definitely see it with Sam. I mean, the line with. It's like west side Story with Fentanyl. It's just crazy.

[Don Kang]

Fantastic.

[Mike Ryan]

It was a great hit from Sam. He gets, I guess, really fired up when he's doing these morning show hits.

[Don Kang]

He wasn't lying when he said, I looked the meth heads in their eyes and let them know your first high could not compare to how I feel right now. That's the most energetic I've ever seen him. That's the most effervescent. Hold on. Well, I got the Don King, Don Kang.

[Stugotz]

The Don Kang.

[Don Kang]

Got to get it right.

[Greg Zaslow]

Don Kang snuck in. One of my favorite words of all time, by the way. Ineffable.

[Don Kang]

Ineffable.

[Greg Zaslow]

It's a wonderful. You never hear anybody use that word. Thank you, Don Kang.

[Don Kang]

You're welcome. I'll let him know when he comes out.

[Greg Zaslow]

Thank you.

[Stugotz]

I would like to talk for just a moment, if we could, about lies that come back to bite you. You okay? Because I don't know if you guys. When I asked this question of the room, the entirety of the room, do you guys have any thoughts on let's do this in honor of Stugotz in general, the Stugot's lifetime achievement award for lying. Lies that come back to bite you. I mean, would you have any, Would you have any nominees here on something that. Because I see you smiling.

[Don Kang]

Yeah. I had one that happened to me this last weekend. The old. My phone died, and then someone's seeing me use my phone. Yeah. And I just, it just, I just completely forgot I told the lie. And then I was like, oh, I stumbled into. Charged it a little bit. But the person who found out knew, knew I was lying. And it was like I just couldn't keep my. That was, it's not. You know how they say you can't keep your lies straight? I couldn't keep my lies straight. Just one lie. Couldn't keep it straight.

[Stugotz]

Well, that's what every liar says. That one lie. I couldn't keep it straight. That's probably not your one lie.

[Don Kang]

Was the one I got caught on.

[Greg Cody]

What was their reaction? Were they hurt?

[Don Kang]

I mean, it was just kind of like disappointment, disgust.

[Stugotz]

Was it a person we know?

[Don Kang]

No.

[Stugotz]

And how Much sewage and shame did you stew in on? Oh, I hurt that person's feelings by accident because I was just avoiding them, and I lied to avoid them.

[Don Kang]

Well, okay, so here's the problem. This isn't the first time that this person has caught me in a lie that came back to bite me. I also once said that my I. My Apple watch is only there to keep track of my steps and alert me if I get an email. I don't get any texts on my Apple watch.

[Greg Cody]

Man, you really don't want to talk to this person, huh?

[Dan LeBatard]

Why do you keep interacting with someone you want to lie to so much? Like, just cut them out of your life?

[Don Kang]

I just don't want to be held accountable to having to respond every single time someone sends me a message or this specific person. This person seems to catch on really quickly.

[Chris Cote]

Could this person be watching right now?

[Don Kang]

God, I hope not. Well, I mean, I got caught already both times, so it's like I'm Oprah, too, so they're not learning anything new here.

[Chris Cote]

But you're kind of admitting that you don't want to respond to this person ever.

[Don Kang]

No, I just don't want to respond outside of my own time frame. I can't be the only one who gets lies that come back to bite me, right? Someone else here has one, Right.

[Stugotz]

Well, I feel like what just happened there is the room stared at you, and no one else had anything because you're the only one who smiled when I first brought it up.

[Don Kang]

Because I'm the only one who's okay with showing my vulnerability.

[Stugotz]

Thank you.

[Dan LeBatard]

Don Kang the liar is the only honest one in the room.

[Stugotz]

That is correct.

[Don Kang]

That's America right there. Strictly in the United States.

[Stugotz]

Thank you, guys. Zaslo. I don't believe that that Greg Cody has ever been so cheap as to do what Zaslow has recently done, which is, I'm going to allege, an act of bravery that is, I'm going to say, borderline dangerous. How much did you pay for a spirit flight?

[Sam Morrell]

You paid for a spirit flight?

[Stugotz]

No. What's worse than that? No, no. Hold on a second. Hold on a second.

[Chris Cote]

I had to get home from Atlanta the other day, and Greyhound was out.

[Don Kang]

Of the option when.

[Chris Cote]

When I'm searching for flights. The ticket for one way home from spirit, 35 bucks.

[Don Kang]

Don't fall for it.

[Greg Zaslow]

Get what you pay for.

[Don Kang]

Don't fall for.

[Chris Cote]

What do you mean, get what I pay for? I'm here. I mean, I. Like, I got home.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's what I paid for. It's like an hour.

[Don Kang]

Right?

[Chris Cote]

That's what I'm saying.

[Dan LeBatard]

But did you pay for bags and stuff? That's how they get you.

[Sam Morrell]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Chris Cote]

I made sure that I had a carry on that would fit everything. And I just, I saw the $35. Like, I don't care how I'm getting home, for 35 bucks, I gotta do it. Right.

[Don Kang]

They charge you for the carry on. They charge you for not sitting in a middle seat. They charge you if you're gonna have a glass of water, they charge you for boarding at a certain time.

[Chris Cote]

I just sat there and Raw dog had to wi fi either.

[Greg Cody]

Had to be a hundred bucks out the door, though. Like it says 35, but they get you all these fees.

[Chris Cote]

No, I think I made it happen. 35 bucks. I told my son. I'm like, hey, man, we're flying Spirit. He was very upset. He goes, are we, Are we, like, are we sitting on the, on the wing, you know?

[Sam Morrell]

Yeah.

[Don Kang]

Did it look like the steerage in the Titanic where they were playing, like harmonicas and accordions and shit?

[Chris Cote]

I had to, like, I was. I had to do it.

[Greg Zaslow]

When you say you were flying Spirit, you actually had to fly the plane because at that, at that money, you don't even get a pilot.

[Don Kang]

Right.

[Greg Zaslow]

I mean, you. How much did you spend for a bag of peanuts?

[Chris Cote]

I didn't buy anything. I told you, I raw dogged it.

[Stugotz]

He's not listening. At this portion of the show, generally.

[Don Kang]

Do you mean you flew in spirit? Like you're supposed to go to Atlanta but you didn't actually go?

[Chris Cote]

No, and I didn't, you know, I didn't purchase the seats because you're right, right. If you get anything but a middle seat, apparently you have to pay for it. So I'm with my son. We're seated in different rows.

[Dan LeBatard]

How.

[Chris Cote]

I didn't choose my, my, my seat. I didn't want to pay for it.

[Dan LeBatard]

How old are you, son?

[Chris Cote]

16.

[Don Kang]

And how does, how did CPS react?

[Chris Cote]

He's a big boy. You could be. All right, you sit right there. I'm gonna sit over here. Shout me out if you need me.

[Stugotz]

None of you have ever taken a $35 spirit fillet? Put it on the poll at lebitage show. Have you ever taken a $35 spirit?

[Chris Cote]

Well, and let me also add a little bit of context. So it was either taking. Taken the $35 flight home or the next cheapest flight at the time that I need, it was $250.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, that's when I take.

[Mike Ryan]

That's the one that I take.

[Chris Cote]

I gotta take the spirit flight.

[Mike Ryan]

No, you don't. No, because I kind of want to ensure that I'll be okay.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's here. And if you're not okay, you're dead.

[Sam Morrell]

Who cares?

[Dan LeBatard]

What difference does it the $220.

[Sam Morrell]

You're dead.

[Mike Ryan]

Who cares? What difference doesn't make? I'm sorry. No.

[Dan LeBatard]

What's your dead.

[Mike Ryan]

It's only like the worst thing possible.

[Chris Cote]

Well, but he's saying it's not like you're being tortured. You know, I'm not being to.

[Mike Ryan]

My final moments are, oh, my God, I'm dying. Dying in a fireball.

[Don Kang]

If I.

[Dan LeBatard]

If I were to look up honestly, the airline disasters, I don't think spirits on any of those lists.

[Mike Ryan]

I mean, we haven't actually had many airline disasters. There's been a recent uptick to which I would say now would be the time to take the $200 flight.

[Don Kang]

Now batting number number 99, Spirit Airlines.

[Chris Cote]

I'll tell you, man, if. If I need to get somewhere and I see a $35 flight, I have to take your son.

[Sam Morrell]

No.

[Greg Zaslow]

There was such a thing.

[Mike Ryan]

Your son's not going to let you forget this. This is going to be a story that you're going to hear about.

[Chris Cote]

How's he not going to forget it? We got home.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, but it's just bad. It's just bad.

[Dan LeBatard]

It was an hour to Atlanta's a nothing flight.

[Chris Cote]

I didn't fly international. And bad news.

[Mike Ryan]

You sat in a different row as your son. You're going to hear about that.

[Dan LeBatard]

At 16, he doesn't want to sneak so his dad anyways, like, honestly, they were on a trip. You went to what? You went to like a concert or something together, like. Yeah, they had enough time together.

[Don Kang]

Did you teach him how to fashion a shank out of a toothbrush?

[Dan LeBatard]

The you guys are flying elitists around here. I don't understand what's going on.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, no. When it comes to, like, Spirit Airlines.

[Chris Cote]

$250 was the next flight.

[Mike Ryan]

I went on Spirit Airlines once. I went on Spirit Airlines once in my 20s. It was also to Atlanta.

[Chris Cote]

And what happened?

[Sam Morrell]

You're here.

[Mike Ryan]

I decided never again because of my experience on Spirit Air.

[Dan LeBatard]

What happened?

[Mike Ryan]

It was a hell ride. It was terrible. It was delayed several hours. The seats were uncomfortable. My knees were in my chest. It was turbulent. Everyone was rude. I didn't feel safe. Shall I go on and on and on about why I decided my experience there was so bad? I shall never do this again.

[Don Kang]

Now, Mike, let me ask a follow up question. Did you bring any cartons of cigarettes for bartering purposes?

[Mike Ryan]

For bartering? Absolutely. Everyone knows that you have to do that.

[Don Kang]

Got to. How else are you gonna use the bathroom? You think you just walk up and use the bathroom on a spirit? They have bathrooms. Oh, they do. You just got to bring like three cartons of cigarettes with you though.

[Chris Cote]

35 bucks, man. Had to do it.