The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Hour 2: That's All He's Got (feat. Ernie Johnson)
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz are joined by esteemed sports commentator Ernie Johnson. Filmed live from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the trio delves deep into the current state of the NBA playoffs, dissecting team performances, coaching decisions, and the future of the NBA on TNT series. Interspersed with their trademark humor and candid discussions, the conversation offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of the hottest topics in sports, complemented by personal anecdotes and light-hearted banter.

1. Welcoming Ernie Johnson

[01:12] Dan Le Batard:
The show kicks off with Dan greeting their guest, Ernie Johnson, warmly:
"Hey, Ernie. Good morning, Roy." [01:12]

[01:21] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie responds with enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for the discussion:
"Yeah, we've started already. And you should just get started with the billboard..." [01:21]

2. NBA Playoffs Analysis: Pacers vs. Knicks

[01:32] Stugotz:
Stugotz introduces the primary topic of discussion—the ongoing NBA playoff series between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, emphasizing the competitiveness of the teams:
"It's a lot to unpack... there are two very evenly matched teams..." [02:10]

[03:46] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie commends Stugotz on correctly predicting the Pacers as the dark horse, highlighting the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the series:
"So you, right there, you got it totally right..." [03:46]

[04:13] Dan Le Batard:
Dan brings statistical insights into the discussion, questioning the viability of certain plays based on probability:
"Halliburton took that shot 10,000 times... zero out of the next 10,000 times." [04:15]

[04:46] Stugotz:
Stugotz reflects on memorable moments from the games, such as a surprising play at the Garden, and discusses coach Rick Carlisle's historical performance under pressure:
"Those things, you know, we're just... in a playoff setting, it's great to have basketball to talk about..." [04:46]

[05:51] Dan Le Batard:
Dan probes deeper into coaching decisions, specifically Carlisle's adjustments after a pivotal game loss:
"How big an adjustment do you think it is for Carlisle after losing game three..." [05:51]

[06:44] Dan Le Batard:
Dan questions the severity of punishments rendered by the league, using Carlisle's situation as a case study:
"How much of a punishment, though, is it that he's not allowed to sit courtside..." [06:44]

[07:17] Stugotz:
Stugotz shares his appreciation for the competitiveness of the series, contrasting it with previous experiences where games lacked excitement:
"It's been a time of like mixed emotions... so much has happened in every game..." [07:17]

3. The Future of the NBA on TNT Series

[08:39] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie raises concerns about the sustainability and emotional impact of the upcoming final broadcasts of the series:
"When you say of this particular show, run out of things to say... Do you think, I'm emotional the last broadcast?" [08:39]

[09:03] Stugotz:
Stugotz shares his apprehensions about the end of the series, highlighting the deep bond between the hosts and the potential transition to other networks:
"I'm actually trying not to think about that... But if this were the end of the four of us together..." [09:03]

[13:12] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie discusses Charles Barkley's influence and contract negotiations, suggesting Barkley could leverage his position to impact the show's future:
"You've been very careful about how it is that you've talked publicly about the business parts of this relationship... most coveted lucrative free agent..." [13:12]

[14:34] Stugotz:
Stugotz humorously addresses the hypothetical scenario of a 29-game series, underlining the unpredictable nature of sports and media partnerships:
"I would, I would... your friends would be saying, hey, you know what? We really could be up 25, 14..." [14:34]

4. Lighthearted Banter and Personal Insights

[16:15] Ernie Johnson:
The conversation shifts to playful teasing about personal habits and appearances, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts:
"What's your nickname for him? Mcova rated." [23:57]

[25:00] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie jests about Draymond Green's confidence and style choices, eliciting laughs and further banter:
"You just couldn't help yourself... Could you refer to me." [25:00]

[27:03] Dan Le Batard:
Dan and Stugotz engage in humorous exchanges about nicknames and personal preferences, maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere:
"What about Rizzoli and Isles? Were you like, Is this a spinoff?" [27:05]

5. Advertising and Market Saturation

[30:04] Dan Le Batard:
The hosts transition into discussing commercial saturation, specifically targeting Starbucks' advertising strategies and market dominance:
"Have you guys seen their ads? They're trying to do this thing where it's like, hey, we're Starbucks..." [29:21]

[31:00] Dan Le Batard:
Dan elaborates on his irritation with Starbucks' marketing tactics, highlighting the redundancy and overreach of advertisements:
"But this is like a cool art house vibe... Why are you trying to play this game with us?" [31:00]

[32:01] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie echoes the sentiment, comparing Starbucks' advertising frequency to other brands and expressing surprise at their aggressive marketing:
"It's the most commercials they've run in a 30 day period in their entire history..." [32:01]

6. Critique of the Untold Series Documentary

[33:31] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie shifts the conversation to media criticism, specifically targeting the Untold series on Netflix for its lackluster storytelling and focus on less impactful narratives:
"They spent so much time on a dick pic story... it's a grab for whatever it is you can get with eyeballs..." [33:31]

[35:10] Ernie Johnson:
He continues to dissect the documentary's shortcomings, emphasizing the missed opportunity to highlight more damaging and significant events:
"You cannot tell me, can't tell me that giving the first 45 minutes... anything other than a grab for whatever it is..." [35:10]

[36:08] Dan Le Batard:
Dan provides a counterpoint, acknowledging the challenges of documentary filmmaking but defending the series' focus on certain narratives for engagement:
"In terms of what you're interested in... Why they dedicated so much time to it..." [36:08]

7. Closing Remarks and Final Banter

[41:54] Stugotz:
As the episode draws to a close, Stugotz and Ernie Johnson engage in final light-hearted exchanges, maintaining the show's signature humor:
"So it's the most... and how it is that we're doing..." [41:54]

[42:05] Ernie Johnson:
Ernie promotes Factor Meals, seamlessly integrating another advertisement while keeping the conversation flowing:
"Factor Meals arrives fresh and ready to eat... use code Dan50OFF..." [42:05]

[42:55] Stugotz:
Stugotz wraps up the episode with a final nod to the advertisement, ensuring a smooth transition out of the show:
"50% off plus free shipping." [42:55]

Notable Quotes

• Stugotz [02:15]:
  "It's a lot to unpack... two very evenly matched teams."

• Ernie Johnson [03:46]:
  "So you, right there, you got it totally right."

• Dan Le Batard [04:15]:
  "Halliburton took that shot 10,000 times... zero out of the next 10,000 times."

• Stugotz [07:17]:
  "It's been a time of like mixed emotions... so much has happened in every game."

• Ernie Johnson [13:12]:
  "Charles Barkley is presently in a position to be the most coveted lucrative free agent in the history of sports broadcasting."

• Ernie Johnson [33:31]:
  "They spent so much time on a dick pic story... it's a grab for whatever it is you can get with eyeballs."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a rich blend of in-depth sports analysis, personal insights, and entertaining banter. With Ernie Johnson's expert commentary complementing Dan and Stugotz's perspectives, listeners are treated to a comprehensive exploration of the NBA playoffs and beyond. The hosts' ability to balance serious discussion with humor ensures that both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners find value and enjoyment in each segment. As the show navigates through critical topics and lighthearted moments, it underscores the enduring chemistry and camaraderie that make this podcast a favorite among fans.