Local Hour: Dan Takes a Step Back

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Local Hour: Dan Takes a Step Back
Release Date: May 21, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," hosted from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard and his co-host Stugotz delve into a mix of sports commentary, pop culture insights, and engaging banter. The episode, titled "Local Hour: Dan Takes a Step Back," features lively discussions on NBA and NHL playoffs, a controversial incident dubbed "Wild Billy Wednesday," and reflections on evolving sports personalities.

---

Wild Billy Wednesday: A Controversial Incident

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about an incident referred to as "Wild Billy Wednesday." The hosts recount an event where a fan wearing a Pacers jersey entered a Knicks celebration, leading to hostile reactions from Knicks supporters. This sparked a broader conversation about fan behavior and sports rivalries.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz (C): "Nothing wilder than not having Dan in on a Wild Billy Wednesday. [01:13]"
• Mike: "Now, we don't condone violence. But the dude knew exactly what he was doing. [19:30]"

Key Points:

• The fan's intentional presence in a rival team's celebration was seen as provocative.
• Discussion on the thin line between passionate fandom and unacceptable behavior.
• The hosts emphasized the importance of maintaining civility despite intense rivalries.

---

NBA Playoffs: Shay Gilgeous-Alexander's Ascendancy

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Shay Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and his impact on the NBA playoffs. The hosts debate whether SGA is perceived as a "fun" player to watch and compare his playing style to iconic figures like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz (C): "Is Shay Gilgeous-Alexander becoming the new face of the NBA? [04:52]"
• Jeremy (H): "People don't understand the differences in how you can draw fouls. [06:44]"

Key Points:

• Performance Analysis: SGA's ability to draw fouls is examined, highlighting his smooth and athletic playing style compared to more explosive players of the past.
• Cultural Perception: The hosts discuss whether the negative perceptions of SGA are influenced by his team's market (Oklahoma City) rather than his actual performance.
• Future Projections: Speculation on SGA potentially becoming the new MVP and the face of the league, replacing longstanding figures like LeBron James and Steph Curry.

Insights:

• Historical Comparison: The conversation draws parallels between SGA's rise and the transitional periods following Michael Jordan's retirements, emphasizing the search for new basketball icons.
• Fan Engagement: The hosts reflect on how emerging stars like SGA and Jalen Brunson are attracting new fans and contributing to the NBA's growth.

---

Potential Championship Matchups: OKC vs. Knicks

Building on the discussion about SGA, the hosts explore potential NBA Finals matchups, particularly between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks. They consider the market appeal, team dynamics, and the storyline of established vs. emerging teams.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz (C): "If you get the championship matchup that I want, it's a great contrast... the storied Knicks... versus a super young OKC team. [05:01]"
• Mike: "The best possible thing for SGA if he gets to the finals is to go up against New York. [12:54]"

Key Points:

• Market Dynamics: Emphasis on how a Knicks vs. Thunder finals would captivate both traditional and new NBA audiences.
• Team Synergy: Analysis of how the Knicks' historic presence and the Thunder's youthful energy could create a compelling narrative.
• Long-Term Impact: Discussion on the importance of establishing SGA as a household name to ensure the league's continued popularity and growth.

---

NHL Playoffs: Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Transitioning to hockey, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the ongoing playoff series between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. They critique team strategies, player performances, and officiating decisions that have influenced the series' trajectory.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike: "It's one of those ugly series that you point to unless Carolina finds something, some inspiration. [28:51]"
• Stugotz (C): "Marshawn's line has been the best line in the playoffs for the Panthers. [33:31]"

Key Points:

• Team Performance: Florida Panthers' depth and versatility are praised, highlighting their ability to score from multiple lines and their robust defensive play.
• Carolina's Struggles: The Hurricanes are criticized for their inability to score consistently and reliance on aggressive, often penalized plays.
• Key Players:
  • Shalen Alexander (SGA): Although primarily an NBA player, his multi-sport influence is acknowledged in the context of athletic prowess.
  • Tyrese Halliburton (H): Compared to Reggie Miller for his tenacity and on-ice aggression.

Insights:

• Officiating Controversies: Disputes over penalties and game-deciding plays, such as Brad Marchand's aggressive shots and their impact on player safety.
• Series Outlook: Predictions suggest Florida's superior team depth will likely prevail, while Carolina needs to adapt their strategy to overcome the Panthers' multifaceted attack.

---

Fan Engagement and Personal Anecdotes

Interwoven with the sports analysis are personal stories and humorous anecdotes from the hosts, enhancing the relatability and entertainment value of the episode. For instance, a discussion about mistaken identity involving a "white Rodney" showcases the hosts' camaraderie and lighthearted interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz (C): "I grew up in Queensbridge Projects. [16:28]"
• Dan: "Ani doesn't approve of violence. [19:55]"

---

Conclusion

In "Local Hour: Dan Takes a Step Back," Dan Le Batard and Stugotz offer a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current sports narratives. From dissecting the rise of NBA talents like Shay Gilgeous-Alexander to critiquing intense NHL playoff battles, the hosts provide insightful commentary enriched with personal stories and humor. This episode underscores the dynamic nature of sports media, blending analytical depth with authentic conversation to captivate both dedicated fans and casual listeners.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stugotz (C): "Is Shay Gilgeous-Alexander becoming the new face of the NBA? [04:52]"
• Jeremy (H): "People don't understand the differences in how you can draw fouls. [06:44]"
• Mike: "If you get the championship matchup that I want, it's a great contrast... [05:01]"
• Stugotz (C): "Marshawn's line has been the best line in the playoffs for the Panthers. [33:31]"
• Mike: "It's one of those ugly series that you point to unless Carolina finds something. [28:51]"

---

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and providing a structured overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.

Transcript

[Ad Read Voice]

What does Zyn really give you? Not just smoke free nicotine satisfaction, but also real freedom to do more of what you love, when and where you want to do it. Why bring Zyn along for the ride? Because America's number one nicotine pouch opens up all the possibilities of right now. With Zyn, you don't just find freedom, you keep finding it. Find your Zen. Learn [e-mail] this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[Mike]

Now's a good time to remember where tequila's story truly began. In 1795, Cuervo invented tequila. Cuervo, what are you doing here?

[C]

Cuervo?

[Mike]

Anytime someone says Cuervo, I show up. Well, I do know that to be true. But even during ad reads like Cuervo, I think he could lay out especially for one of our great partners.

[C]

Sweet, delicious Cuervo.

[Mike]

Since then, Cuervo has stayed true to its roots. The same family, the same land, the same passion.

[C]

Cuervo.

[Mike]

So enjoy the tequila that started it all. Cuervo. Cuervo, the tequila that invented tequila. Proximo. Cuervo.com, please drink responsibly.

[C]

Cuervo. You guys want to do the shatter show?

[D]

No.

[C]

No, not at all.

[E]

No, I think we're good.

[C]

Whoa, you stumbled onto another Wild Billy Wednesday. Hold on to your hats, partners. It's about to get wild. Nothing wilder than not having Dan in on a Wild Billy Wednesday.

[E]

That's wild, man.

[F]

Be nice of him to show up to his own show once in a while, right? Really taking a step back.

[D]

Seriously.

[C]

What's going on there? Yeah, someone needs to get to the bottom of that.

[D]

Yeah, let's start a rumor.

[C]

Sports on it or awful announcement?

[Mike]

I don't know. They'll write an article.

[G]

They're on a payroll, right? Like we like. Yeah, awful announcing. I have a theory.

[C]

What's the theory?

[G]

It's for off air.

[C]

Oh, come on.

[D]

Really?

[C]

Wild Billy Wednesday already?

[F]

Come on, Wild Billy Wednesday.

[C]

Give us some hints, some notes. You don't have to say the whole thing, but just kind of like, what's the theory around?

[G]

Maybe someone has a Nanda plume.

[C]

I love this theory.

[F]

Nam to what.

[Mike]

I am. Ben. Axel.

[C]

Just.

[G]

Just a side thing.

[C]

Maybe.

[G]

Maybe someone's running a side hustle with a Nanda Bloom.

[Mike]

He's from Cleveland.

[G]

He can't be real. Ben, come on.

[C]

I'm not mad at that. I want to explore that as the show goes on. But we got to start with, of course, game one of the Western Conference finals yesterday. Is there a greater Feeling in sports media than vindication, than saying something and then having it for, oh, two quarters be like, oh man, maybe I was wrong. And then the second half happens and you sit back and you're like, told y' all asses. Oh man, that was so fun watching. So fun watching Shay Gilgamesh Alexander just turn it on and just destroy the Wolves. And it's crazy because I'm in a group chat with my buddies and they were killing him. He was like, the guy's a foul baiter. He's not fun to watch. And every single shot he hit in that second half, like, was that not fun? Was that not fun? How much more fun can it get? And I'm wondering, is this an Internet thing that Shay Gilgeous Alexander is not a fun player to watch or is this a. He plays in Oklahoma and ipso facto.

[F]

It'S a combination of things, don't you think?

[C]

What do you think?

[F]

I think it has to do with him playing in Oklahoma. I think he plays. It's kind of. He's a weird player in that the mid range game is really, really good. He's not, you know, hoisting three after three after three like Steph Curry is. So I think all of that factors in his style play and where he plays certainly factors in.

[D]

Well, he's. He. This is his coming up party for me, you know, if he gets to the fight and. And they're OKC is a big favorite, right? Like they're betting on.

[F]

I mean, they should be.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

And yes, except yesterday's ESPN's analytics said the Wolves had a 70% chance of winning Game 1, which I have no idea where that math came from, but. But yes, the betting odds favor the.

[D]

Yeah, and I'm coming around on. I've been sort of making fun of this Final Four because it lacks LeBron and Golden State and all that stuff, but in Boston. But I'm sort of coming around on OKC and the Knicks as a pretty sexy championship round.

[C]

Doesn't this have to happen for us to grow? Right, for the sport to grow, we have to have this where it's like, I don't know anybody. Well, this is how you get to know new people. And so that we can continue to kind of grow with these people. This is. I mean, that's what Anthony Edwards kind of started last year by going to the conference finals. Now this is his second conference final. Same thing for Tyrese Halliburton. They are now ascending to that place where they're gonna become household names because of the success.

[D]

Yeah. And if you. Not to look ahead, but if you get the championship matchup that I want, it's a great contrast. The storied Knicks, who haven't won in a half a century against an OKC team that is super young and could be around for years. It's just like a great matchup.

[F]

So, I mean, you're saying the NBA, as fans, we need to turn the page on LeBron and Steph Curry and get used to SGA and Jalen Brunson, guys like that. Halliburton.

[C]

You guys remember Greg and Stugatz? Definitely. When Michael Jordan retired the second time, right. In 1998.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

There was this whole. Well, it happened actually the first time to 93. There was a whole. The search for who. Who's gonna carry the mantle. And in 94, it was like, Grant Hill and a couple other guys, and we were left, like, so unfulfilled. And then Jordan comes back. He's like, oh, thank God. Jordan saved everything.

[Mike]

Shaq and Penny had a run.

[D]

They had a run.

[C]

He did. But everyone was like, you're not Michael.

[Mike]

Right. But Shaq was like a larger than life character that did kind of take the mantle as far as. I mean, Jordan was a talisman of the league stuff. But Shaq, in terms of being a larger than life personality, was transcendent.

[C]

He was. He was. And looking back, of course he was. But I'm you. At the time, the whole, like, vibe was, we're unfulfilled by these people.

[Mike]

No, no. When Jordan came back, it was a lifeline.

[C]

It's like, oh, thank God. Like, we acted like. Oh. Like there was nothing. That there was just a black hole while he was gone.

[Mike]

Yeah. Remember it well.

[C]

Right. And so then he retires a second time. And that same thing. You had Kobe, you had Tracy McGrady, you had, you know, Shaq again, like.

[Mike]

Well, Jeremy was workshopping a take that this may be similar to that, and you may be going down that road, but there were some names that he invoked that I certainly saw similarities on mute last night.

[H]

When I'm watching Sh, I see, esthetically, I'm watching Kobe. I'm watching Dwyane Wade. I'm seeing a guy who splits double teams like no one can presently do in the league that gets to the line. And there's this. I mean, you mentioned it to me in the Internet sort of discourse around Shays. Oh, foul Merchant. Foul Merchant. I think that people don't understand the differences in how you can draw fouls.

[C]

Right.

[H]

And the ways you go about it, and I think James Harden did it in such a way that felt so, I don't know, reckless. Like it was cheating the game. He's hooking other guys arms in where what Shay does with his body control and his ability to draw fouls feels more like these. These throwback guards like Dwyane Wade. Except Dwayne Wade was 6 3. Shea is 66 and has an even better jumper. And so his ability to control the game from the line, I mean, you'll look back, I. I did it this morning, actually, and went back and looked at Dwyane Wade's playoff box scores, some of Kobe's playoff box scores. You're going to see a lot of box scores that look a lot like from Shea last night.

[C]

And I think the way that's how.

[F]

You spent your morning relaxes me.

[H]

Numbers.

[F]

Sorry.

[H]

I mean, I. I was preparing for the show that we do for four hours. I feel like that was helpful. I added a note, you know.

[E]

Thanks, Jeremy.

[F]

I feel like you would do that if you did have a show to prepare for.

[H]

I mean, yeah, that's also true.

[D]

Zombie crunching numbers, that's just.

[C]

That's just his Wednesday.

[H]

But it is the way he goes about it. Right? Like, it's.

[Mike]

It's.

[H]

Stylistically, I think part of the reason people are feeling so weird about it is they're like, no one's used to watching a player like that in the modern game. I mean, last night, Minnesota took 30 more threes than Oklahoma City. And it's in large part because so much of the game was shade driving, splitting double teams and then throwing lobs to other guys because their body movement is unbelievable.

[Mike]

He reminds me a lot of Paul George, too, just a little bit. A little bit quicker.

[C]

Trade partner got traded for him.

[Mike]

Yeah. Yeah, he probably doesn't like that con because SGA is probably going to win an MVP here. But to your original point, that take sounds like it's emanating from people that don't necessarily watch, maybe lump themselves into casual observers. I know because I've probably had that take before about sga because I just OKC ever since they moved from Seattle. I just don't care to watch this team. There's just something about the market. They never feel big time. But you can't watch last night's game even if it was on mute and not be really blown away by his style. And if you're one of those like, oh, bring back 90s basketball type of guys, well, it's right there. It's Embodied in sga. He's really fun to watch.

[C]

And to me, I think the aesthetic is that first of all, you mentioned Kobe and Dwyane Wade, Jeremy. Those guys were explosive.

[H]

Right?

[C]

He's not.

[H]

He's way smoother.

[C]

He's like. It's all about going off rhythm. Like you're just left kind of.

[Mike]

There's two guys in this series that kind of bring back that. That 90s style. Ant is just way more explosive, which is also fun. There were guys in the 90s that really, you couldn't trust their sh, but you can certainly trust their athleticism. He's like Sean Kemp on the perimeter.

[H]

No one Edwards has become such a three point shooter.

[C]

I looked this up.

[F]

The Rain Man.

[C]

I know. I love how we could always count on Stu guys like. Like when I'm here, I mean. Well, have you been missing time?

[F]

No, Dan has.

[C]

I mean, yeah, the. I looked up guys who led the league in free throws attempted per 100 possessions. Right. All time. And first of all, the top 10, nine of them are from the 60s, right. So that's not a modern thing. At 10. You get Joel Embiid from a couple years ago. You get Harden from a couple years ago. Embiid Emid. Then you get back to Pettit and Robertson, Iverson, Malone, Mike and Malone Dantley World. Be free. Shay Gildeas. Alexander is outside the top 30. So it's like he's not egregious and he's not flopping. He's getting fouled. And that's part of the game. It's like, can you guard me without grabbing me? And him moving in that way is. Is a necessary element to that.

[H]

People think he's just falling down and drawing fouls when really, if you can watch, he is maneuvering his body down low to the ground, keeping his balance and drawing contact in a way that's not hooking guys in. It's just simply being so athletic and so smooth that he can force people into making contact with him in a way that no one else in the league is capable of.

[D]

So you're saying that that free throw, drawing a free throw has become sort of a lost art that OKC is bringing back because the three ball killed the art of drawing a foul.

[C]

I wouldn't say it's a lost art that OKC is bringing back. I'm saying that people complaining about Gildies Alexander doing it are being myopic because this isn't even amazing by historical standards. Right? It's. Yes, he's one of the best in the league right now. Luka Doncic does it, Jalen Brunson does it. But like these guys are all doing it. Like notice a trend here. These aren't guys like he was so fast and explosive. I couldn't help but foul him to guard him. And I think that's part of it is people convince themselves that the type of players that are superstars, the type of players that are unstoppable, the type of players that draw a lot of fouls are jump out of the gym explosion like Michael Jordan. And then you see guys like Brunson and Doncic and Shea and they, they don't move like that. They don't look like that. Oh, you're just flopping basically is is the the thing as opposed to no, you can't guard me. That's what's happening.

[H]

Playoff. Jimmy built his entire legend on this. No doubt the whole thing was built on him getting to the free throw line over and over and over again. Except it was, you know, in his 30s where Shai is doing it in a way that is smoother and while he's younger and it it to me I don't know how you can watch the last few playoffs celebrate what it is that Jimmy Butler did and then not look at what Shea's doing and say oh my God, he's even taking that to a different level.

[Mike]

I'll be curious to see if it is OKC New York what the ratings will be because you have this monster market in New York that'll draw the casuals but guys that liked watching basketball in the 90s, they may be drawn to Shay Shay Gillis Alexander, but also the knicks are a 90s ass team that from, from the style to the like. Brunson's kind of like a modern day Allen Iverson with the way that he plays bigger than he actually is on. Really curious to see how that rates. Naturally we'll probably get Indiana, Minnesota with with the league's luck, but not if.

[F]

The NBA has something to say about that.

[Mike]

The best thing, the best possible thing for SGA if he gets to the finals is to go up against New York because that is the absolute that.

[C]

Makes him a star. That makes him a star. The from a rating standpoint, I think Wolves Knicks is the best possible one because those are the two biggest markets. And also you have the, the storylines of these guys were traded for one another. Right. But the, the Oklahoma City one is probably the best one for the long term health of the league because you need to establish that Shay should be A household name beyond bad AT&T commercials. And then the absolute nightmare is probably Pacers versus Wolves or maybe even Pacers.

[F]

Pacers versus anyone.

[Mike]

Pacers. I think OKC needs it. I think OKC needs the Knicks. Minnesota. I mean, Anthony Edwards.

[C]

Everybody needs the Knicks.

[Mike]

Yeah, everybody.

[C]

Everybody needs it.

[Mike]

Yeah. But I do think that it would be. It would probably be OKC Indiana. That'd be the worst matchup.

[D]

If it's OKC in the Knicks and. And the Thunder win. Doesn't SGA have a claim to the new face of the league?

[C]

He's. It's. It's a start.

[D]

It's a start, but it's a big start.

[C]

It's a big start. Yes, absolutely. I think. I think.

[F]

What if the Knicks win? Does Brunson get the same thing?

[C]

Look, there's a bunch of people in a group chat right now who are clamoring to say yes, say yes. I mean, say yes, say yes. You know it say y.

[Mike]

About the Pacers. Knicks rivalry historically is the Knicks are always the villain anytime they match up against a team because they're, you know, from Gotham. But the Pacers historically have always leaned into wearing the black hat.

[C]

Yes.

[Mike]

In that series, Knicks vs Knicks. And doesn't matter how many, how many years have passed, they're doing it again. And this is probably one of the more likable New York Knicks teams. So it's just, it's that dynamic, totally amplified.

[C]

Well, Tyrese Halliburton is the new Reggie Miller. He's the guy that is all right with you hating him. Right. He want. Wants to flaunt and taunt into your face.

[Mike]

It's just so odd. You have a middle American team, the birthplace of a basketball, and when they go up against a New York Knicks, they're the villain.

[C]

I want to talk about the Pacers and villainy for a second here. You guys talked about this a little bit yesterday and I talked about on Oddball and I realized I don't think I was forceful enough on this. This Pacer fan who got hit with the trash Windhorse. No, Brian didn't get hit, by the way, did he? In the video, it looked like he did not get hit. No, I'm talking about this guy that we have on the screen right now, this guy who is going to game four now. Cuz Tyrese is flying him out and all that. And everyone's like, my God, these unruly Knicks fans. And it's so awful that that happened to that guy who's just minding his business. And you Know what? We don't condone violence. There is never an excuse to condone violence. Having said that, that dude knew exactly what he was doing.

[F]

Yep.

[C]

The Pacers didn't play that night. It was Knicks versus Celtics. You decided to put on a Pacers jersey and take a stroll. Big ass New York City. Was he in the Upper east side Sugats? Did he go down to Battery Park? Was he. Was he. Was he in Brooklyn? Right. Was he in the Story of Queens? Nope. I said, I'm gonna take a walk at 10pm in New York City by Madison Square Garden, where I know the shenanigans is going down.

[D]

And so that justifies throwing garbage bags at him.

[F]

He got off easy.

[C]

Greg.

[H]

What?

[C]

When you were growing up, what was the worst neighborhood? The worst neighborhood in your area? They're like, oh, that's a rough neighborhood. Don't go around there.

[D]

I'm blessed to say I can't think of an example.

[C]

You can't think of any example from your life?

[G]

You 70 years old and you lives in plantation.

[D]

Right, Right. All right, well, see, you were. I was a bad one to ask.

[C]

Okay. I just. I just figured that, like, charmed life doesn't mean you live there, but you knew of that neighborhood. Of course.

[D]

That's a rough neighborhood. No, I get that.

[C]

Okay, so, okay, I'll give you an example. I grew up in New York. Queensbridge Projects. That's where Ron Artest is from, where Nas is from. All these people grew up there. It's the largest housing project in the world. Right. It is a rough neighborhood. It would be tantamount to me going to Queensbridge, wearing jewelry, counting money. And then I got robbed. Like, oh, my God, crime is so bad. Like, we have to acknowledge, this was not someone who was lost. A lost tourist. This was not someone who was just minding their business at their place of business.

[D]

Right.

[F]

Just strolled upon a Knicks celebration.

[C]

That dude went to Madison Square Garden looking for it.

[F]

He went looking for it looking for garbage.

[D]

I know, but he's not in the. In the worst neighborhood imaginable.

[C]

It is when the Knicks win. It is when the Knicks win, they go to the conference finals.

[D]

Imagine if they lost, what kind of mood they'd be.

[H]

I've got a pretty brutal example of me doing this as a little kid and being a jerk. My dad, for my 10th birthday, took me to Fenway Park. But growing up, I also not only rooted for the Marlins, but I rooted for the Yankees because my dad was from. Is from Brooklyn, you know, whatever. And so I went To Fenway park for a game between the Red Sox and the Angels. And I wore an A rod Yankees jersey and a guy threw a beer at me and I deserved it.

[C]

You know how I feel? Sad.

[F]

Attaboy.

[C]

I feel sad because we were 10 years old in that story. Yep. Jesus. An A Rod Yankees jersey, 2005. He was 10 years old.

[F]

Did you say that was a waste of a beer?

[D]

Tony, seriously, what are you gonna throw a beer for? It's like liquid gold.

[C]

It's a great point at a 10 year. Expensive at a 10 year old.

[H]

I deserved it.

[D]

Did you catch it and drink it at 10 or no?

[H]

No, I wasn't that skilled.

[D]

Okay.

[E]

Meanwhile, on the complete opposite side, somebody wore a Brad Marchand Panthers jersey to game seven of the game versus the Maple Leafs. They were just chirps.

[C]

But. But you know what, Roy? It's understandable. Hey, it's a game between these two teams. Sure. This guy is. He's rooting for that day. It's a great experience. I would love to go to a Game 7 on the road to root for my favorite team. What's not understandable is someone showing up for a team that doesn't even. It's not even here.

[F]

Right.

[C]

Like, he knew what he was doing. That's like, it's not an accident and it's not an innocent bystander. Like, again, we don't condone violence. But he's not innocent in this. He went to go instigate. It's no different from like, people that go to. They would go to like women's rights marches and be like, go back to the kitchen. Like, yeah, someone's going to like, haul off and smack you at some point if you're being disrespectful in that way. Because you knew what this was about. No, I'm a buy myself.

[H]

I agree with you completely.

[Mike]

I just think testers.

[D]

I think it crosses a line when you throw garbage.

[C]

It does.

[G]

But where is the line? Just out of curiosity, like, what's acceptable?

[D]

I'll tell you exactly, Wild Billy. The line is, if you're a Knicks fan that night, speak. Speak it. Speak your. Whatever you have emotionally, we're going to kick your ass in the next round. Whatever. Why the hell are you here? Whatever. But to pick up a garbage bag and hit the guy in the head with it, to me, crosses a line of civility.

[C]

Again, we don't condone violence. You're right. They should not have been violent. But my point is, they didn't go knocking on doors. Are You a Pacer fan? Hey, man, here's some traction. They didn't do that. He went to them.

[G]

He was.

[F]

They weren't looking for him. He was looking for them.

[C]

He's looking for them.

[F]

He was looking for garbage.

[D]

I agree with that.

[E]

Right.

[D]

But he deserved to be. Have garbage thrown at him. That's all I'm.

[C]

And then the next level of that is we should not be rewarding these people. We should not be rewarding these people. Here's a trip to Indiana and tickets to the game. Absolutely not. Because all it is, it's going to, like, continue this cry for attention.

[G]

Sounds kind of like you're taking all the blame away from the people that threw trash.

[C]

No, I said we don't condone violence.

[G]

I started, but it's. But he was. Look at what he was wearing. He was asking for it.

[C]

He went down.

[G]

That's very dangerous.

[C]

He went down there.

[F]

I mean, Billy, he did walk into the middle of a Knick celebration wearing a Pacers jersey. Who weren't playing in those ser. That series.

[G]

I mean, what if they threw pillows at him? Would that be okay?

[F]

So I think I was thinking about.

[C]

This because, Billy, Wednesday.

[F]

If you want something thrown at you, a bag of garbage seems like a good option.

[C]

It's soft.

[F]

Yeah.

[G]

I mean, what if there's. Yeah, like.

[C]

I mean, it's gross, but it's not. It's not dam if it's got the.

[Mike]

Juice in it or like a can.

[G]

Lid or, you know, needles.

[D]

Like the Bash Brothers could have. Dead animals.

[C]

You got people throwing away needles.

[G]

Maybe.

[C]

Have you been to new.

[G]

Maybe people were sewing. Who knows?

[C]

Reusing those needles over and over again.

[G]

Oh, okay. Very good, folks.

[Ad Read Voice]

Listen up. The time has come to get some new golf clubs. And that means one thing. Heading over to my local PXG store for a fitting. They make the best golf clubs, period. Roy, I know. You need new clubs, right? You're in that.

[E]

Yeah, I need new clubs, man. My clubs are way too short. I need to get longer clubs. I need new.

[Ad Read Voice]

The grips.

[D]

Grips.

[Ad Read Voice]

I'm telling you, Roy, you go over to pxg, within an hour, you will be out the door with their good staff. They're going to get you fitted. You're going to take multiple shots. They're going to get you set up with their woods, with your irons. They're going to get you the right grips, the perfect length clubs. I'm telling you, nothing fixes your golf game like getting fitted.

[E]

Oh, absolutely. I need to work on my short game. So these clubs are definitely.

[Ad Read Voice]

I think you got to work on the whole game, not just the short.

[E]

Yeah, well, you know, I got a long drive so.

[Ad Read Voice]

PXG fitters are highly trained, incredibly experienced, and have a deep understanding of how to optimize your clubs to get the most out of your swing. PXG fittings are educational and fun. Schedule your fitting today and for a limited time you can save up to 20% on your entire order. Head over to pxg.com dan that's pxg.com dan to save up to 20% on your entire Order. Pxg.com dan restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Mike]

Howdy listeners, it's Mike. This is one of the best times of the year. You're caught up in the emotion of the playoffs. Big time, crucial games, going to games, hanging with your boys, hanging with your ladies, hanging with your family and having a good old fashioned time. Well, I can speak from experience. I've been doing all those things, but I've been doing so with a Miller Lite by my side. Because having good times is great. Making those good times a Miller time makes it an unbelievable time. A time of your life with Miller Lite, a brand and a beverage that has been around for 50 glorious years. That's hard to do. Remain popular and delivering on great flavor for 50 years. Brewed with simple ingredients, none of the fluff, just real flavor. Malted barley gives it that rich, balanced coffee note taste and the iconic golden color that just hits right every time. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlite.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.

[I]

Okay, so I thought I was good with money. Turns out I was really good at ignoring it. Like, how am I spending this much on delivery or Uber or that one shoe store that I buy too many shoes from? Then I started using Monarch Money. And dude, it's a financial wake up call. Monarch's not just some budgeting app. It's basically your money command center. Puts everything, accounts, credit cards, investments into one place. So you're not guessing anymore. And listen, I found stuff I didn't even know I was paying for. Since I started using Monarch, I'm tracking my spending, actually saving and yeah, even having money check ins with my wife. And we're looking at each other. We're like, yeah, okay, we're all good. It makes the hard stuff way easier. And over a million households use. Monarch is named the best budgeting app of 2025 by the Wall Street Journal. So it's not just me hyping up. It's legit. It's real. Real deal. Holyfield. And get control of all of your finances with Monarch money. Use code [e-mail] in your browser for half off your first year. That's 50 off your first year at monarchmoney.com with code Dan.

[Mike]

Dan LeBatard.

[D]

He has been great. He's made great hires.

[Mike]

I said all we've said.

[E]

He said all that.

[G]

Everyone has heard any of this, Greg.

[C]

Everything you're saying, it's all been said, okay?

[D]

You got to understand one thing. St me maximum.

[G]

That's right.

[D]

I say it, it hasn't been said.

[Mike]

Okay?

[D]

Understand that until I say it hasn't been said.

[Mike]

Me maximum.

[G]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats. By the way, we haven't celebrated Greg yet. Yesterday, Greg made a report on this show that ended up coming true. So there's a lot of things bragging about reporting. Yesterday, Greg, exclusively on this show, reported that the sun would come up today.

[D]

Yeah.

[G]

And it very much came up today.

[D]

Thank you. No, I appreciate that. Yeah. I wanted to one up Zaslow journalism who reported that. That the. The Heat might be interested in Giannis. So I. You know, that was such an outstanding report by him that I wanted one up.

[Mike]

Well, it was a little bit bolder than most people assume because there were peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and I went sideways.

[D]

That's. That's. That's a fair comment by you. I appreciate political analysis.

[Mike]

Every day isn't guaranteed, folks.

[D]

That's true. That's fair.

[C]

But today happened.

[D]

Yeah. Making my prediction all of a sudden came up.

[C]

If it were guaranteed, then we would be impressed by Greg's.

[D]

Exactly. Have I predicted that there's gonna be sunrise tomorrow?

[C]

Not yet.

[D]

I'm not prepared to say that.

[C]

Not yet.

[Mike]

Still confirming.

[D]

I'm still. My sources are supposed to call me back.

[F]

Keep us posted.

[D]

Yeah. I said, looking at my watch, that doesn't exist.

[Mike]

It was a very noble attempt, Roy, to get the conversation going to Panthers. I appreciate it.

[E]

Thank you, Mike. Yeah, thank you, Mike.

[C]

Somehow, with the Panthers last night.

[Mike]

Not really. Just, you know, what many people thought.

[C]

Mike, let me ask you a question. Once upon a time, I believe not too long ago, you said something like, that's why blowouts don't happen in hockey. And by my account 3 out of last 4 Panther games have been blowouts. What happened to the pride of like, oh, they're hockey players, they fight hard. They'll never get blown out because they care more.

[Mike]

I don't know what you're doing. You're just isolating a very small sample.

[C]

Out of the last four games. A pretty big sample.

[Mike]

All right, well, are you cherry picking the series that went seven? It's very interesting. It's a weird hill to die on.

[C]

It's a hill to die on. Shout out to Jamel Hill. Because this is what you said after Game 7 of Nuggets Clippers, which was a blowout. And you said, see, that never happens with hockey. And now it's.

[Mike]

I mean, it rarely ever does. Well, that's a thing.

[C]

Three out of the last four Panthers games have been blowouts.

[Mike]

Are you talking about game sevens or.

[C]

I'm talking about three out of last four Panther hockey playoff games.

[Mike]

Yeah, the ones on the road. Yeah.

[C]

Games have been blocked.

[Mike]

The Panthers are a wagon. The Panthers are a wagon. And Carolina is going to struggle this series because they can't score goals. They've been struggling to score goals, quite honestly, for years. They tried to address it with Miko Ranton and Miko got there for 11 games, said, I don't want to stay here, get straight into Dallas and carries them to the Western Conference finals. Carolina, that was a very odd game because Florida did not play very well in that game. Carolina, a tougher team, but really amplified the shenanigans, I thought. And going after Bobrovsky every play, going out of their way to. To. To put an elbow on Bobrovsky probably shook him up a little bit. I know Krist Nowinski is already alleging assault on. On. On Twitter. When it came to one of those Bob altercations. What Ghost does to Marshand is just hit a slap shot right at Marshand in the middle of the ice. That that's probably going to get reviewed. But. But I think you see a Carolina team that is very limited. They know it. They're trying to turn to the dark arts to see if they can do this to the Florida Panthers. And that's a bad team to turn to the dark arts too, because they have perfected the dark arts. So the more you do that, you play into Florida's game. And I just thought that was the game that Carolina needed to get. This could get ugly quick and this could be one of those ugly series that you point to unless Carolina finds something, some inspiration. Offensively, they didn't score a Single goal with the. With their sticks. Both the goals got kicked in. One was a power play goal that ricocheted, and the first one shouldn't have been allowed flatly do it with how he even looked back at it. That was so weird.

[D]

Yeah, I thought Maurice should have protested that.

[Mike]

Yeah, I mean, I thought. I thought Paul kind of knew the vibe of the game, didn't want to risk starting the next period off with a power play and really get that barn into the game. Once you're up with, you know, a goal headed into the second period, you're already playing Panther hockey. So I get why he didn't do it, because Florida was really controlling that game and it was a bit of a fluky goal. But Carolina's got some big time issues, and if they don't change things, Bren Moore is going to learn exactly what a sweep looks like.

[D]

And by the way, Carolina has lost 13 final conference finals games in a row dating back years and years, including the sweep by Florida two years ago.

[C]

No sweep. They didn't get swept.

[D]

Oh, yeah, right. Brenda. Mar. Come on.

[C]

Jesus, Juju, please put it on the poll. Guy who calls an arena a barn. Douche. Question mark.

[F]

No, douche.

[Mike]

That's a highlight thing, man.

[F]

You guys mentioned Paul Maurice. Did he say after the game, after a 5 to 2 win on the road in the playoffs, Eastern Conference finals. I didn't love our game tonight.

[D]

Yes, he did.

[F]

That is badass.

[E]

He's right.

[D]

He's absolutely right.

[Mike]

Florida play like crap, which is why Carolina's in real bad shape in this series, because Florida doesn't have to play their best game. They were playing the game that Carolina wanted to play. Limited chances, shaky goaltending from Carolina, which has been questioned even though Anderson's been good. But I said this on other podcast appearances. The playoffs have been a flat track for Carolina. They got New Jersey and they got Washington, Two teams that don't necessarily play this aggressive playoff style.

[E]

And New Jersey's been hurt.

[Mike]

Yeah. And Florida's been in the deep end of the pool for a month and a half, and they're still riding it. And I know Russ versus Russ is a discussion, but they were a day and a half removed from a Game seven. They've been playing intense hockey for a while now, and Carolina is just kind of just lollygagging their way around through a very flat track. And they learned yesterday that you have to take it up to another level. And they overcompensated. They were. They were forcing things. They were faking things. They put Themselves in trouble with penalties. And it's only going to get worse because now the refs are going to be looking for some of the stuff they did because they got away with a lot last night.

[D]

I don't think they have that other level, do they?

[Mike]

Offensively, offensively, Jarvis is a good player. He's probably the forward that I fear the most over there. Ajo has this tendency to really disappear. I mean, really disappear. And where Toronto found success in the series against Florida was screening Bob, getting in front there. And Mikola just decided midway through that Toronto series he wasn't gonna let that happen anymore. And if there was a player to watch last night, it would be Mikola in front of Sergey Bobrovsky's net, having absolute jousting matches with every forward that was sent to horses and everything. It was crazy. There was just unmitigated violence in front of Sergei Bobrovsky's net and Mykola answered the bell.

[E]

The other thing about Mykola is him joining on that rush on that A.J. greer goal. That was amazing. Seeing that big man over here creating. It was a 3 on 2. Ended up being a 2 on 1.

[Mike]

At the Blue line.

[E]

He was a playmaker on that play.

[Mike]

Ghost is going to get his block knocked off, no doubt, because what he did there with that slapper on Morshan. And look, I thought the refs got it right in terms of kicking Morshan out of that game. You got to get that guy out of there. Any chance you had, you have. But that was a hugely dangerous play. No, flat out like Brad Marchand could have been seriously injured. He slapped a shot three feet away from him at center ice, hit his upper body. That player safety has to get involved here. Otherwise the Panthers have already alluded to it, they'll take justice into their own hands.

[E]

Yeah, I didn't get the logic of the penalty situation.

[F]

That's playoff hockey.

[C]

That's Tagata's music right there.

[Mike]

Like that.

[E]

Should have been on sportsmanlike conduct for the firing that puck at Marshawn. He only got a roughing penalty. Gosh, the spear on that situation. Two separate roughing penalties and the 10 minute misconduct, which do one shot on the game. It didn't make any sense.

[Mike]

Marchand kind of went in sticks high, was kind of reckless. But you can understand it because Brad's like, are you trying to kill me here? What is the point of this? It was a very dangerous play.

[D]

I think the Panthers team that won the championship last year is better right now. And we saw it again last Night with Greer and some others.

[F]

You're saying this team is better than the team that won the championship?

[Mike]

Okay, you said the opposite. I. This team is deeper to be determined if they're better. I think defensively they were a little bit more stout last year, particularly along the blue line. But in terms of talent dating back to the President's Trophy team, I think this is the deepest Florida Panther team that we've seen in some time. Like the Marshan thing, as many people took it as like an insult. I'm saying Florida's got so many great wingers. Look at who the leader in playoff points on five. On five hockey is, right? Gadjevic answers a bell when Boquist is in there.

[C]

He's just making up names right now.

[F]

Mackie was showing off.

[Mike]

We haven't even seen Mackey really at all in these playoffs. And I think he's probably one of the more talented players on the puck for Florida. So it's an embarrassment of riches for Florida. And this is a really difficult matchup for Carolina.

[D]

And Florida's had 17 different players score goals in the postseason. Seven different defensemen. There is. Their goals come from everywhere. Marshawn's line has been the best line in the playoffs for the Panthers, the fourth line is scoring.

[C]

Well, I suspect Mike has some issues at the.

[Mike]

No, no, no.

[C]

I know you converted.

[Mike]

No, no, no. I've always been saying. I think that's part of why Marchand kind of turned it around once he got put on that line. That line has been a spark plug. It's been very consistent throughout the three years of this run for Florida. You could always count on Lundell and Lucerina. And now Lucerinan has taken it up a notch. He's made himself a lot of money. Hell, if they make it to the final, Luserinan has an argument to be Khan Smythe, which is insane. If we're drafting Finnish players in this series, I may take ajo last because of how little he shows up in these big moments. That is crazy stuff.

[C]

He's finished.

[Mike]

Yeah.

[E]

Secondary scoring has been gigantic for the Florida Panthers and as proven through how deep this team is. Tom and no. Thomas Nosek, who's on the fourth line, had to go up to the third line because Marchant was thrown out of the game because of that misconduct. He got the assist on the looser riding goal like they didn't miss a beat.

[Mike]

Everybody is scoring. Their goon lines are scoring, and they have really talented wingers that aren't even dressing for this team right now. That are going to make a lot of money whenever they come up in the open market. Boquist might make some money if he's a free agent. I know Mackey's probably going to get some offers. He's a brilliant. He's got a brilliant future. Florida has got a lot of depth. We'll find out if they're better, especially if they play Edmonton, because Edmonton looks to be a bit of a wagon. If you're a Panther fan like I am, I'm rooting for Dallas in that series because I think it's Edmonton's time.

[C]

Juju put it on the poll. Does not liking a 52 win make you a badass? And also, can you use the word unmitigated without the word gall? Because Mike said it was unmitigated violence and I said, well, there's got to.

[F]

Be gall in this unmitigated disaster.

[C]

Oh, disaster.

[Mike]

That's a metal sand. That's silver medal disaster.

[C]

Yeah, Gaul, disaster. And then violence, I guess.

[Mike]

Yeah, that's a metal sand.

[D]

But Gaul leads to your point. Gaul leads the unmitigated conversation.

[E]

By the way, two power play goals for the Pandas. I don't expect that to happen again against the league's best penalty kill. So good job by that.

[Mike]

It's really interesting throughout this Panther run, they did it as an eight seed that was lucky to get in the playoffs. Then they did it as a team that had home ice throughout the playoffs. And now there are these road warriors that's not going to have a single home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. And it doesn't matter. They almost prefer to be on the road. It is a joy to support this team. They're converting a lot of people that were casual observers because of their playoff style that they embody during the regular season. Blessed to have this run over here. Carolina's in deep shit.

[D]

Yeah. Six and two on the road. Florida. That's damn good. Six and two on the road.

[C]

I met a white Rodney yesterday.

[Mike]

What?

[F]

Get out of here. You're lying.

[C]

I'm dead serious. Because I travel a lot. I have this, like, level of status where sometimes they will pick me up in the cart to take me to the gate.

[G]

Sure.

[C]

So the guy texts me and he says, hey, I'm here. So I'm still going through security. And he signed it Rodney. And so when I got through security, I'm looking for. Looking for a black guy and it was a white guy on the cart. He's like. I said Rodney. And he's like, yeah, how's it Going Michelle Hassan. I'm like, oh, okay. And it's the whole time like he's driving the cart and I'm just thinking myself a white Rodney. Huh.

[H]

Did you ask his last name?

[C]

No, I was terrified.

[H]

That's a major mistake.

[C]

Like, what would the last name that would justify that, Ben?

[H]

Something. Something with a steen at the end of it probably is Rodney. No, but I'm just trying to think of something that. That somehow gets you close.

[F]

Are you sure it wasn't Rod?

[C]

I mean, he said Rodney.

[D]

Okay.

[C]

R, O, D, N, E, Y.

[Mike]

What would Rod be short for?

[C]

Rodrick.

[F]

I know a Rod.

[C]

Ooh, yeah.

[E]

What about Rod Thorne?

[C]

Rod Thorne. Was he a Rodney?

[E]

He is a Rodney. Rodney King Thorne.

[D]

Rod Brindemar.

[C]

His name was Rodney King.

[E]

Rodney. His middle name is King Thorne.

[C]

Put it on the poll. Juju. Did you know that Rod Thorne's middle name was King Rodney? King Thorne.

[Mike]

Rod Brindemore is a Roderick, not a Rod Roderick.

[D]

Yeah, but I feel like all of the white Rodneys call themselves Rod.

[C]

Maybe. Yeah, but like, it just. They're not making white Rodneys anymore, are they?

[H]

Rodney Dangerfield.

[C]

Rodney Dangerfield is a good one. That's right.

[G]

Rodney Stewart.

[C]

I gotta tell you, is Rod Stewart a Rodney? He should be Wild Billy Winston. Yeah, put that in the sooies. Great Limited Fake lunatic Rod Stewart.

[G]

He's not Rodney. He's Sir Roderick David Stewart. Cbe.

[E]

Get that?

[Mike]

Right.

[G]

Not to be confused with obe.

[C]

What's the difference?

[G]

I don't know.

[E]

Amici.

[C]

Amici has obe. Does that mean it's the.

[G]

What makes you a consultant?

[Mike]

Wild Billy Wednesday.

[C]

Wild Billy Wednesday.

[Mike]

So you took last night as total confirmation that this is going to be relatively easy for okc, I imagine Ant. Even though he returned, turning that ankle doesn't help matters for Minnesota. Is this going to be a boring one?

[C]

No, I don't. Look, it's game one, and if you're Minnesota, Chris Finch tells them, hey, guys, they did what they were supposed to. Like, we come back, we win game two and we can't. We got what we came for. And so it's not. I don't think it's a confirmation at all. Especially because we do know Oklahoma City has certain things that they don't like. They clearly don't like when a zone is played and Jalen Williams still up and down. Not really the kind of forceful game.

[Mike]

How does Gobert fit in the zone? Perfectly.

[C]

I mean, he did perfectly. Yeah, sure. I think.

[Mike]

I think he was pretty effective.

[H]

He was only 21 minutes. I was kind of confused because offensively.

[C]

He was, he was awful. If you.

[H]

His impact on the game was paramount though, when he was out there.

[C]

Yeah, but like, it's tough when you like, you're playing 4 on 5 against that defense in particular. And it's funny because, Mike, the way you're describing the Panthers is kind of like the, the Thunder. I was explaining this to my friends yesterday and I was like, they're, you know, you talk about two way players, everyone likes. Oh, it's a great compliment. Oh, he's a guy. Plays defense and offense like their whole roster is two way players. Everyone on their roster defends. Everyone on their roster is an offensive threat. And when you got it like that, it's hard to like find flaws consistently. But I don't know, like when you.

[Mike]

It's almost like that team had a million lottery picks over the last eight years.

[C]

Rod Laver all right, I know I.

[J]

Gotta do this ad read, but hold on, let me reapply. Did you hear that?

[Mike]

Yep.

[J]

That's my new favorite lip gloss from Nyx Cosmetics. Now I'm ready to talk to you. I've been a huge fan of Nyx Cosmetics for many years now. In fact, I use their thicket Stick it brow gel every single day. So you can imagine my excitement when we recently received a special delivery to the Levitard Studios from our friends over at NYX Cosmetics. And there it was when I opened the box. Glowing. I heard the angels sing. It's their latest lip gloss, Fat Oil Lip Drip. It's Nyx Cosmetics first lip oil of its kind. This creamy lip oil will have your lips dripping with fat perks. You get all the shine of a lip gloss and none of the stickiness while experiencing 12 hour hydration. I'm usually a matte lip gloss kind of gal. My normal go to is NYX Cosmetics Lip Gloss, the lingerie xxl. But after applying the status update shade, I have found my new go to lip gloss. Fat Oil Lip Drip has high shine finish with comfortable wear and none of the sticky texture. A lip product that's hydrating, non sticky and only $9. Now that's a win. Try Fat Oil Lip Drip from Nyx Professional makeup. Available in 14 universally flattering shades. Find your perfect Fat Oil Lip Drip. Shop [e-mail] or a retailer near you.

[Mike]

Howdy listeners, it's Mike. This is one of the best times of the year. You're caught up in the emotion of the playoffs. Big time crucial games, going to games, hanging with your boys, hanging with your ladies, hanging with your family and having a good old fashioned time. Well, I can speak from experience. I've been doing all those things. But I've been doing so with a Miller Lite by my side because having good times is great. Making those good times a Miller time makes it an unbelievable time. A time of your life With Miller Lite, a brand and a beverage that has been around for 50 glorious years. That's hard to do. Remain popular and delivering on great flavor for 50 years. Brewed with simple ingredients, none of the fluff, just real flavor. Malted barley gives it that rich balanced toffee note taste and the iconic golden color that just hits right every time. Miller Lite Great Taste 96 calories Go to millerlite.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.