Local Hour: Polluting the Holiday Spirit (feat. Definitely Not Tony or Rose)

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Local Hour: Polluting the Holiday Spirit (feat. Definitely Not Tony or Rose)

Date: December 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

Broadcasting from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and the crew (with guests Trista and Juju) dive into a mixture of Miami Hurricanes football, quirky show office politics, and NBA in-season tournament talk, all peppered with their trademark irreverence and Miami-centric perspective. This “Local Hour” is filled with behind-the-scenes chaos, music video drama, and passionate, sometimes comedic, sports analysis.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Holiday Carol Video Meltdown & Office Political Drama

• Topic: Chaos surrounding the production of the show’s holiday musical open.
• Key Points:
  • Jason, the show’s director, struggles to get staff participation for a holiday rap/opening song. Tony and Rose both notably bail last minute, fearing for their “cool” quotients or social media embarrassment.
  • Ethan is pressed into service as Santa, and Jason appears as an elf due to lack of volunteers.
  • Dan asks Trista and Juju to "legislate" whether he should force participation for the sake of office spirit.
  • Trista: “I think you need to just force them. Really? Like indentured servitude.” (05:42)
  • Juju’s take: Artists shouldn't have to compromise their aesthetic, but Tony should “suffer the consequences for not being a team player.” (06:02)
  • Dan jokes about missing the holiday singing tradition in his Cuban household, reminiscing that Christmas carols were the only family singalong time.

Memorable Moment:

• Dan laments, “Jason’s trying very hard to pollute this place with the holiday spirit, and no one wants it.” (05:26)

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2. Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas A&M: Deep-Dive Football Preview

• Topic: Previewing the massive CFP matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and Texas A&M.
• Key Points:
  • Mike Ryan displays encyclopedic knowledge after “scouting enemy pods,” leading Dan to rib him for “full coach speak.”
  • Detailed breakdown of Texas A&M, Miami’s strengths, and key matchup considerations:
    • Texas A&M’s mobile QB Marcel Reed is a threat, but Miami has generally contained mobile QBs this season.
    • Importance of Miami’s offensive line and running backs (with special mention of Malachi Tony).
    • Differences in team trajectory: Texas A&M slumping; Miami peaking.
    • Atmospheric challenges at Kyle Field, described as “a cult” with over 100,000 intimidating fans.
  • Discussion about the overall weakness of the SEC this season, and how Miami could “expose” the conference.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan: “This is the realest chance that Texas A&M has had for a championship since… blank.” (27:52)
• Mike: “This is the biggest game in 20 years. You better start acting like it’s the biggest game.” (20:10)
• Dan: “You’re scared of the venue. You’re not scared of the team.” (27:33)
• Mike: “It’s not like they get drunk off their ass and are vile people to you. I happen to find the area really nice. It’s like any cult. They’re super nice because they want you to join.” (27:35)
• On Miami’s path: “They've got to go through Texas A&M, Ohio State, and maybe Georgia. Miami’s got the toughest path to a title.” (27:02)

Timestamps:

• Dissecting Texas A&M and Miami (09:59–14:10)
• Kyle Field as “cult” (22:43–23:08)
• Miami’s potential to “expose” the SEC (23:08–24:33)
• Homefield/homer takes and playoff paths (27:02–27:33)

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3. Knicks Mania, NBA In-Season Tournament, and New York Sports Culture

• Topic: The emotional state of Knicks fans and the cultural credibility of the new NBA in-season tournament.
• Key Points:
  • Brunson’s popularity compared to New York legends like Patrick Ewing and Walt Frazier.
  • Carmelo Anthony (somewhat unloved), Karl-Anthony Towns (a fan favorite until he misses shots), and how Brunson is “Teflon” from criticism—for now.
  • Knicks' recent win in the NBA’s in-season tournament has seemingly energized the fan base and city, with references to over-the-top celebrations.
  • Broader debate on whether the tournament will stick as a meaningful part of the NBA calendar. Amin draws a historical comparison to the holiday of Christmas, suggesting new “traditions” can swiftly become institutional.
  • The segment ends with playful bickering about basketball lore and favorite Knicks.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan: “Jalen Brunson is the most beloved Knick of my lifetime. Beyond Patrick Ewing, who are you putting above that?” (30:41)
• Amin: “Frazier was culture beyond the game… he’s still beloved and respected even among people born decades later.” (37:33)
• Dan: “Confetti from the sky… this has not been a relevant franchise in 25 years until most recently. Like they’ve been a punchline.” (44:27)
• Juju (on the tournament): “Now you can’t deny that the in-season tournament matters… in 20 years from now, it’ll just be part of culture.” (44:59)
• Amin: “I’m telling you, the way the players were playing, the way the crowd was in a neutral site… this is the turning point.” (45:18)
• Amin (on Christmas): “The concept of Christmas as Santa Claus and presents and trees… is like 200 years old. The NBA cup is Christmas.” (47:35)

Timestamps:

• Knicks/Brunson/Frazier discussion (30:30–38:07)
• In-season tournament impact & Christmas analogy (44:59–47:39)

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4. Classic Banter, Show Self-Referencing, and Outlandish Moments

• Office banter: Repeated meta-jokes about Dan’s recent “mistake” regarding the Heisman Trophy/Downtown Athletic Club and his “Porky Pig” moment pronouncing “matriculate.”
  "Matriculate the ball down the field…ma-ma-matriculate…" (40:42–41:19)
• Pop culture riffs: Juju defends Blue’s Clues with unfiltered Miami energy: “Bro, if you don’t like Blue’s Clues, you’re a loser.” (17:37)
• NBA history/lore: Playful corrections about iconic player traditions (e.g., the “goldfish in shoes” urban legend) culminating in “That was literally I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” (38:54)

More Memorable Quotes:

• Dan: “Jason’s trying very hard to pollute this place with holiday spirit, and no one wants it.” (05:26)
• Amin (roasting Dan): "If Daniel Day Lewis did it, you’d be jerking off all over yourself." (35:18)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Tony wants to look cool instead of actually being cool.” — Dan, 05:56
• “This is the biggest game in 20 years. You better start acting like it’s the biggest game.” — Mike, 20:10
• “It’s like any cult. They’re super nice because they want you to join.” — Mike, 27:35
• “Jalen Brunson is the most beloved Knick of my lifetime.” — Dan, 30:41
• “Now you can’t deny the in-season tournament matters… in 20 years from now it’ll just be part of culture.” — Juju, 44:59
• Amin: “The concept of Christmas … is like 200 years old. The NBA cup is Christmas.” (47:35)
• Dan (about his mispronunciation): "Matriculate the ball down the field…ma-ma-matriculate…" (40:42–41:19)
• Juju (on Blue’s Clues): “Bro, if you don’t like Blue’s Clues, you’re a loser.” (17:37)
• Amin (roasting Dan): "If Daniel Day Lewis did it, you’d be jerking off all over yourself." (35:18)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Holiday video drama & office politics: 05:26–07:43
• Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas A&M preview & deep-dive: 09:59–14:10, 22:43–27:33
• Debate on Miami’s “homerism” and CFP path: 25:13–27:33
• Knicks cultural moment, Brunson, and in-season tournament: 30:30–38:07, 44:59–47:39
• Meta-show jokes, Dan’s “Porky Pig” moment: 40:42–41:19
• Pop culture riff (Blue’s Clues): 17:37
• NBA lore: goldfish in shoes myth: 38:54

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Final Thoughts

This “Local Hour” is classic Le Batard: sports analysis laced with self-deprecating humor, deep Miami references, show in-jokes, and playful debates about pop culture and sports legacy. The drama over office participation in the holiday rap, the intense Hurricanes football breakdown, and the spirited conversation about Knicks fandom—and the NBA in-season tournament’s place in American sports culture—make this a lively episode for fans awaiting Christmas, bowl season, or just craving the weird, communal spirit of the Le Batard universe.

Transcript

[Dan Le Batard]

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[Juju Stugatz]

Standard Time live on Netflix.

[Trista]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Trista]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Mike Ryan]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Trista]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Mike Ryan]

Shadow Show. Shadow Show. Shadow Show. Shadow Show. Shadow Show. Shadow Show.

[Dan Le Batard]

Shadowing it Devontae Smith was the last Heisman Trophy winner to have been alive when they had most recently awarded the Heisman Trophy at the downtown athletic club.

[Mike Ryan]

Today's not the day for that, Mike. It's just. No, it's not funny. I came in today and I said hello to him and the first thing I said is, I'm still wearing. Yesterday's mistake of not knowing that downtown Athletic club hadn't hosted the Heisman for a quarter century. And that's how you start this. That Mike.

[Dan Le Batard]

25 years. Dan.

[Mike Ryan]

This is not the day to do this to me. It's not. I've got. The holiday party's coming up. I'm stressed out about that. We've got too many people in town, Jason. The director can't get anyone to work with him and he. Tony bailed on him at the last minute. Rose wouldn't sing for him. We've got office chaos here and you're hitting me in a vulnerable spot. That's a bad mistake.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm lashing out. It's been two weeks since we've talked Miami Hurricanes football There was some.

[Amin]

Not to spoil it. There's some rapping involved. Not. Not rapping like gift wrapping, like Rapp in this year's intro. And Tony felt that his cool card might get taken away if he did it.

[Dan Le Batard]

He was worried about the Internet.

[Amin]

Little peek behind the curtain dog I.

[Dan Le Batard]

The couch two weeks ago.

[Mike Ryan]

Let's start the show.

[Juju Stugatz]

Turning over turning over Holidays are back Jack drop a new track here with their audio almanac.

[Mike Ryan]

We said bye bye Billy and that was whack. When will Stu come out?

[Juju Stugatz]

You know about that Thai food lifts my mood.

[Mike Ryan]

Zaslow is a wild dude.

[Juju Stugatz]

Nice hat hole.

[Mike Ryan]

I got the scoop salute Juju Gotti with the alley.

[Chris]

Ooh, what's the worst part of the life? Will Fork has got a new wife. Roy Bellamy loves to talk Paul. When Chris messes up he says, does Craig have a Back in my day the traffic just got in his way. And then he says you never know. Confirming you don't get the show.

[Juju Stugatz]

Turning over turning over we got Pablo vocal modulating. I mean's been weak and observatin Connor McD's MC over rating again.

[Chris]

The Panthers took that out.

[Mike Ryan]

So let's give it to Dan cuz.

[Juju Stugatz]

His name's on the show and hand.

[Mike Ryan]

It to Mike cuz he happened to.

[Juju Stugatz]

Know now pass me the ball like.

[Mike Ryan]

Stafford Duka feliz D Happy Chuka start the show a year turning over turning over. So they might bench tour but I got to get to the office politics. That was a lovely open welcome to Trista and Juju Ali oop. We love having them around during the holiday season and I want them to legislate some things going on around here because no one wants wanted to participate with tone with Jason in the making of that open. No one. Tony bailed on him, made him rewrite the whole thing. Made Jason rewrite the whole thing because Tony bailed at the last minute because it was going to hurt his cool quotient. And then Rose, he wrote it for Rose and then Rose bailed at the last minute as well. And then they forced Ethan to do it. And I see that Ethan was on the cutting room floor. As far as I can tell, I didn't see Ethan, which I was grateful for. I didn't see Ethan anywhere in that open. Maybe he was a Santa or something. I saw Jason as an elf, embarrassing himself as an elf because no one would participate with him. So Trista, please legislate this. We've got a judge in our midst. But tell me what it is that I should be doing here. Where Jason's trying very hard to pollute this place with the holiday spirit, and no one wants it.

[Trista]

I think you need to just force them. Really? Like indentured servitude. I said, did you. I said this song goes hard. I mean, this. I. I would like an MP3 of this. Are we still doing MP3?

[Mike Ryan]

No one wanted to rap. That's juju. Tony wants to look cool instead of actually being cool.

[Lucy]

Yeah.

[Juju Stugatz]

I think Tony has to really suffer the consequences of this one. Because if you're not gonna be a team player, no matter how embarrassing it is, you gotta do it now. Neither here nor there. This may have been sent to me as well, and they may have asked me to rap on this as well.

[Trista]

Of course they did.

[Juju Stugatz]

And I don't do ghost riders.

[Mike Ryan]

But what about. What about Rose? Like Rose, Rose loves to sing. Rose has the biggest banger. We've got people competing around here all the time to sing songs.

[Trista]

That wasn't Rose singing.

[Amin]

That was Rose did do the hook.

[Dan Le Batard]

And for the record, that was Ethan as Santa.

[Mike Ryan]

But Ethan was only participating in the video because Tony and Rose didn't want to look. However that was going to look on video. They were embarrassed by what Jason was going to make. What Meadowlark was making was too embarrassing for cool Rose and Tony.

[Trista]

I think this thing should have won a Golden Globe.

[Mike Ryan]

It was pretty good.

[Juju Stugatz]

Okay, we gonna start you off for $2. I don't know. Golden Globe.

[Dan Le Batard]

Although podcasts are now eligible for Golden.

[Trista]

Globes or a short.

[Chris]

What is it?

[Dan Le Batard]

The shorties?

[Trista]

The Webbies. These are Webby award.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't know if you guys have heard Rose's original classic. And I will get to the University of Miami.

[Chris]

I don't think I have playing.

[Mike Ryan]

You haven't heard Rose got pepper sprayed at Ohio State, right? No. And it sounded. That sound he's making is Rose. That's the sound she made on the field. It was actually.

[Amin]

We can play her classic in hour two.

[Mike Ryan]

That okay? Yeah, because we got to monetize it. All right, we'll play it for Zazzle. We'll sit around and play it for Zazzle. I need to know what to do about Jason, though. I like Christmas carols. Okay. I. Are you guys singers? Do you guys sing around the house? Did your family sing growing up? Because the only time I saw my family sing ever in the house was Christmas carols. There was no other song in my house.

[Trista]

I. I might have sung at Carnegie Hall.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's a flex.

[Juju Stugatz]

All right.

[Trista]

Look at me, Louie at 11 or 12. I've sung at 11 in a group.

[Mike Ryan]

Look at me, Lucy.

[Dan Le Batard]

I've sung we are the champions at 11 at the top of my lungs.

[Juju Stugatz]

I found the national anthem yesterday in the shower because when somebody in here has to sing the national anthem song. So I was singing what do I have here? And I got nothing.

[Trista]

Juju, you did the national anthem and not lift every voice and sing? That's very off brand.

[Juju Stugatz]

Don't tell anybody.

[Mike Ryan]

So Juju simply refused to participate as well. Did they not ask you? Because Zasla would have done it. I.

[Chris]

Okay, so all those people you mentioned said no, and then they came to.

[Mike Ryan]

Me and I did it.

[Dan Le Batard]

That was me also. So far, all the people he's mentioned but Tony were involved.

[Chris]

But I did it. I did the rap.

[Mike Ryan]

Rose refused.

[Dan Le Batard]

She's singing all over the track. She's the lead voice.

[Amin]

Tony and Juju. You got it? Yeah. Everybody else that you're saying didn't do it is in it.

[Juju Stugatz]

See, I do music. You feel me? I'd be rapping. And so that just didn't go with the. The aesthetics of what I usually put out. You feel me?

[Mike Ryan]

I am told that we now have the video. Not we can't play the audio because it's a song, but here is Lucy and Rose. Rose was pepper sprayed. She made a honking goose sound, and I believe Lucy was laughing nearby.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Oh, no.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, my God, the pepper spray. Pepper spray.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, no.

[Mike Ryan]

Unfortunately, the honk was separate audience.

[Amin]

Oh, look, there it is.

[Mike Ryan]

You'll have to take my word for it. She honked. It's not. It's not AI. Altered Mike, have you been dining on Texas A and M podcast?

[Dan Le Batard]

Listen to everyone, including one that is 100% AI. You can tell by how they say Concepcion.

[Mike Ryan]

That is the giveaway so far on.

[Dan Le Batard]

All AI the way to enter the NFL draft.

[Mike Ryan]

You.

[Chris]

You enjoy that?

[Dan Le Batard]

I love previewing opponents by listening to what the enemy says. This is. This is. I told you, Department of War, pal. I got to do advanced scouts. I got to see. I'm real worried because they're mentioning that Chris Bell route against us in that Louisville game. I'm like, damn, they know.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, Chris Bell, a first round pick who is now injured. He was injured against smu and people are degrading Miami schedule because they lost to Louisville. But that's a first round pick and Miami couldn't cover him because no one can. And he got hurt and Louisville got hurt. But as we dissect who's good and who's not in a football landscape, Pro and college, where we're being confused by, like, who's the best. Actually, I think this first round game is the only first round game that features two balanced enough teams that if either of them lost, I'll still say that could have been a champion. That's the only. Like, you got bogus James Madison and Oregon over here. And you got Mississippi playing Oregon.

[Amin]

Yeah. Thank you, Trista.

[Dan Le Batard]

And it's Lou.

[Trista]

I'm a Duck.

[Dan Le Batard]

I didn't want to do that to you. It's been a shaky start, but we let the things.

[Mike Ryan]

Why do you think it was a shaky start?

[Dan Le Batard]

Downtown Athletic. Yes.

[Mike Ryan]

Yes.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's kind of producer.

[Mike Ryan]

What do you mean? It doesn't have anything to do with you.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, we got to call it out.

[Mike Ryan]

I came in expects accuracy. I came in saying that I was still wounded 24 hours later. Zaslo soothing me last night because I was still. I'm still. Yeah, he's texting me. Soothing balm. Just. Dan, it wasn't that terrible today. You weren't that terrible.

[Dan Le Batard]

He was bad. He was bad. You got to hold. You got to speak truth to power, man.

[Mike Ryan]

So you decided that the way to start the show today and produce me when I've got Jason in the other room giving everybody bad ideas they don't want to do. That actually turned into a very good song because yet he's talented. And we can dance around. We can. We could dance around. And if all we got to do is dance around in costumes. Yeah, we could do that.

[Trista]

Sounds like Portland by the Ice Center.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm lashing out. This is, as you said, two teams playing for a CFP spot here. Winner gets the defending national champion. It's the biggest game in Miami in their last. Well, since they last handed out the Heisman Trophy at the Downtown Athletic Club.

[Chris]

I just can't believe that there's a time in the day where you say, you know, I have a little bit of free time right now, and you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to listen to a Texas A and M podcast.

[Dan Le Batard]

There was a Cuban on one of them.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. They're going into a cult. Okay. This is a difficult place to play. The people that surround both huddles are weirdos. All of them. They're chanting weirdos. It's got a weird communal feeling of they speak a language no one else does. And this is a better team, I think a more balanced team than any of the ones Menzel was on. And I think this team has enough athletes on it all over And I know I sound gas baggy when I tell you Texas Tech is good and Texas A and M is also really good. They've got athletes all over the field. I don't know how they get down 30 to 3 to South Carolina at the half, but I'm assuming it's because Marcel Reed was inaccurate. He can be shaken. They've got nothing but running backs that average 5 yards of carry. Marcel Reed is very good and he presents a problem they haven't had this season. A good team with a quarterback that can move like he's their second leading rusher. He's, he's really good moving the ball down the field, but he can be inaccurate. He can be picked off. And I don't know if you guys think in today's College Football that 10 interceptions is a lot, but it's one a game. And in this kind of game between two teams that are pretty equal, the way Miami lost Louisville is. Louisville had three great interceptions, but it's four interceptions at Carson, that's how they'll lose. Miami's got offensive line, an offensive line that is as good protecting the quarterback. And they were not a good run blocking team up the middle because the coaches were stubborn all season. That's a good offensive line. And Texas A and M I don't think has played a lot of those. They lost to the team they did play Texas. Texas had a good offensive line.

[Dan Le Batard]

Texas A and M athletes not.

[Mike Ryan]

They didn't protect Arch Manning well, but the athletes across the board.

[Dan Le Batard]

So macro view, these are two teams that I think based on form are kind of headed in opposite directions. You can argue Texas A and M is playing their worst football of the year right now. And you can certainly make a sound argument that Miami's playing their best football right now. Dan mentioned the mobile quarterbacks. They haven't hurt Miami. Miami has done a real good job against the mobile quarterbacks on their schedule. They've contained them and that's exactly what they have to do with Marcel Reed. If he breaks contain, he will hurt you with his feet. You actually want this guy to sit in a pocket. The more he is forced into that pocket and make reads against his own, the more likely he is to throw an interception. People make a big deal out of Carson Beck's proclivity to turn the ball over. Marcel Reed has had more interceptible passes than Carson Beck has had this season. I think if you're watching the Texas game, the lesson to learn from that is sit back and make them matriculate down the field. Don't let these guys get into man coverage because they have really, they have three really dangerous receivers that once they get the ball in their hands, if they shake the first defender, they can house call it. So just sit back in zone and be patient with it. The World cup is coming back to North America for the first time since 1994. 48 teams, these giant stadiums, the whole continent turning into one massive party. I cannot wait. But actually getting tickets to any of this, yeah, that part, brutal. That's why the gametime map has been a total lifesaver. It gives the advantage back to us, the fans. You can track price drops in real time, get alerts when seats opened up, grab tickets the second they hit the app, all backed by the game time guarantee. I'm on the app looking at World cup matches in Miami because you know, I am not missing that. I'm scrolling through every section in the building, behind the goal, midfield, lower bowl, upper bowl, and the deals are good. I had great seats locked in within minutes. The experience is so simple and intuitive. Two taps and I'm done. And the price, no surprises. Fees are included, the seat views are my favorite feature. And you'll get a full panoramic look before you buy. Take the guesswork out of buying soccer 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. Swipe, tap, ticket. Go download the Gametime app today.

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[Amin]

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[Lucy]

What a game.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

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[Juju Stugatz]

Don LeBatard I ain't never met nobody in the world that's done hate on Blues.

[Mike Ryan]

Great nomination.

[Juju Stugatz]

Like who don't like Blue's Clues, bruh? If you don't like Blues Clues, you're a loser.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stugats.

[Juju Stugatz]

Look, you get one paw print. That's the first clue. You put it in a notebook. Now what do you do? Blues Clues. Blues Clues.

[Amin]

Sit on the chair and think about it.

[Juju Stugatz]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.

[Chris]

So I saw them in person once this year, Texas A and M. I was at the LSU game and I thought they were really good. But I think it's also important to point out, man, they kind of got lucky with their SEC schedule. Like you look at, they they didn't play any of the teams in the top half of the conference except for Texas, who they lost to. And all seven of their wins are literally the bottom half of the conference. It's Arkansas, South Carolina, Sneaky Deets in Mississippi State, Florida, lsu, Missouri. Those are all of their SEC wins.

[Dan Le Batard]

They've played a lot of bad quarterbacks this season. And I will say from a size perspective, even though this is a really aggressive team, they're really good on the blitz. Owens is good. They don't have the same size that the Jimbo teams had. I think this is a line of scrimmage game strength on strength, patience. And I actually, it's not more complicated than get the ball in the hands of Malachi Toney. They have a veteran nickel corner that I don't think can hang with Malachi running with him. So outside runs and Malachi Tony is the recipe here.

[Mike Ryan]

Chris Cody, can you help me with a couple of things. There are two questions I have for you right now. Amin has appeared out of nowhere. He's on the show today. Why is he late again?

[Amin]

Coming from Vegas, baby.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, that's one thing. I've got one issue over there. The other issue I have is why does Mike Ryan, who is wearing a coach's assistant jumpsuit to represent the University of Miami, are you wearing a headset? Why does he go into full coach speak when after listening to this Texas A and M pods where he's like, well, we got to matriculate the ball down the field.

[Dan Le Batard]

You're right. I'm asking for us and the audience.

[Mike Ryan]

We got a house. Call it. We got to show patience. We got to control the line of scrimmage.

[Dan Le Batard]

This is you making fun of me.

[Mike Ryan]

You got me rattled because of how you started the show. You started the show.

[Amin]

That's a rough start.

[Mike Ryan]

You started the show.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, come on. You're owning me. Let's go. Keep dunking on me.

[Mike Ryan]

Why is it that you go into full coach speak when you're talking about this football game?

[Dan Le Batard]

Why is it that when I give 10 seconds of analysis, the only analysis allowed here on the show in the last two weeks, it becomes boring? Coach speak? That's actually really good Nuggets. Most people in our audience don't know that Marcel Reed is more inclined to throw an interception than Carson Beck. I'm trying to provide a path here for victory for our Miami Hurricanes. And yes, I said I. Our Miami Hurricanes. It's the biggest game in 20 years. You better start acting like I say.

[Amin]

I think he's saying, when you look like a coach, it just sounds like coach speak.

[Chris]

How do you even decide which Texas A and M podcast you're going to listen to?

[Dan Le Batard]

All of them. That's how I know one of them is 100% AI Concepcion.

[Mike Ryan]

What's his nationality?

[Dan Le Batard]

Puerto Rican. Really good player. Hurt us a lot when he was at NC State as a freshman. They got Craver, Bethel, Roman and Concepcion, who's going to be a first round pick. They're just dynamite with the ball in their hands.

[Mike Ryan]

5 yards of carry from all their running backs. Marcel reed is their second leading rusher.

[Dan Le Batard]

They get Le'Veon Moss back though. That's the expectation. And he's our big power back. Miami struggled when Florida handed the ball to their power back in that one good looking drive that they had. Moss makes it a lot easier. There's Reuben Owens who likes to talk his crap and we have sound of that credit to the Miami Hurricanes and Mario Cristobal. Because they haven't given teams any bulletin board material this year, they've been very respectful of the opponent. This is now the second time that we've heard a Texas A and M Aggie kind of give Miami some motivation.

[Juju Stugatz]

I wouldn't say as much much as a challenge.

[Mike Ryan]

I know my guys, they're ready for the challenge.

[Juju Stugatz]

You know, it's been like that a couple games.

[Mike Ryan]

Mizzou game, they said they was a good run defense. We put up over 200 rushing yards. So.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, well, Mizzou was ranked 17th nationally. They got fat off of bad teams. They never beat a good one. And Miami seventh nationally against the run.

[Chris]

I'll tell you, I. I think. I think what's going to play a role the Canes have not played in an atmosphere like this all season long.

[Mike Ryan]

All right.

[Dan Le Batard]

Fair.

[Chris]

The, like the acc, the SMU is different from Caulfield.

[Lucy]

Right?

[Chris]

All right.

[Dan Le Batard]

I've been to both and there's over.

[Chris]

There's over 70,000, which by the way, 70,000 is like tiny for an SEC Stadium because obviously.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, it's 110,000. That's. Yeah. Miami has not played in front of close as more than 70,000 people. This.

[Chris]

Oh, that's okay.

[Lucy]

I'm sorry.

[Chris]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Dan Le Batard]

I will say in terms of having been to both stadiums, thank you. The Caulfield is what you laugh. Super intimidating. It's super loud. It's awe inspiring. Like there's levels upon levels as far as the eye can see. It's. It's a pretty cool.

[Mike Ryan]

It's a cult. It's 100,000 chanting people in the middle of nowhere amid some tumbleweed.

[Dan Le Batard]

Now, you're not going to believe what I'm going to tell you right now because SMU's stadium is at like a 32,000 capacity stadium. But what they were doing in the first half with blasting the music to the point that the offense had to wait till it stopped, that was so illegal that it had to stop in the second half is quite literally the loudest thing I've ever heard inside of a stadium. And I've been to Kyle Field.

[Mike Ryan]

I believe that most of the people listening to this think that this is homerific analysis on the University of Miami. When I keep telling you that's a team with athletes that can win a championship among the, you know, top teams in the sport. If we're going to play random ball with kids, right, they're. They're kids and they make a lot of mistakes and you don't trust teenagers to be responsible with much of anything. But Miami has a game breaker in Tony who throws the ball as well better than any non quarterback they've ever had. So they're going to use him in multiple ways. But you've been following, you've been traveling to these places. Mike's been screaming at the top of his lungs, the SEC is fraudulent, all of it. But this is the cream of the sec. It's not Alabama and Oklahoma. And when this team is the cream of the SEC feeding on a conference that is a lot weaker than people understand, a lot weaker, it's, it's in disguise. This is not the SEC you remember. Alabama and Oklahoma are shells of what those programs have been the last 10 years. Texas a and M is the top of the conference. But Miami's got a chance to expose the entire conference if they physically drag this team that was down 27 at South Carolina and then when it went to Texas and played the team that lost at Florida, a Texas A Texas team that is very physical. They got their ass kicked by a bad, not, not a bad Texas team, but a Texas team that did not deserve to be in the playoffs.

[Chris]

Like, I know what you're saying about Alabama and Oklahoma. I'm Oklahoma. I'm not so high on. I'm not so sure that Alabama and Oklahoma are not just as good as Texas A and M. Like Oklahoma and Alabama have really good SEC wins on their resume. Texas A and M doesn't.

[Mike Ryan]

What did you make of them being down 33 at the half against South Carolina?

[Dan Le Batard]

And it's crazy because the key to the game for South Carolina was, quote, get off to a good start, which is right up there with my favorite keys to the game behind. Don't get hurt. Yeah, you want to get off to a good start because it's a football game. South Carolina stinks. And I think that's the takeaway is how do you let South Carolina get off to that kind of lead?

[Mike Ryan]

So when people are listening to this and we're telling them Miami can win the championship, Miami's good enough to beat the, to win the championship. But also this is the toughest first round game there is in terms of two teams that you think could actually win the championship. But you guys are making me rethink my position of what. On what I've thought Texas A and M is all year. Because when I've watched Texas A and M at the beginning of the year, not toward the end when they were playing less well, I saw an offense because of what they did to LSU and others that can run a bunch of athletes off the field. Like it's the last two games that I've watched of Texas A and M. I'm like, okay, well wait, did I get it wrong?

[Dan Le Batard]

But it's a cliche. But playing your best ball at the right time of the season is a real thing. We saw with Notre Dame last year how they were building the crescendo. That's another thing that people that I know have gone back and watched a Texas A and M game at Notre Dame. It's a common opponent. Miami had the benefit of playing them at home where Texas A and M in impressive fashion went to South Bend. If you watch that game, mad fluky Notre Dame dropped two picks and one of the more egregious holding calls that didn't get called led to that game tying and then go ensuing pat opportunity that helped Texas A and M hand Notre Dame their second loss. Miami probably doesn't get into the College Football Playoff if they call that holding, by the way in South Bend.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, look at that. Call that holding back in South Bend.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, I think that that was more impactful on Miami's playoff chances than anything because it gives Notre Dame one loss. You don't have that head to head advantage there. And the two loss Texas A&M gets in over a two loss Miami.

[Mike Ryan]

The people who are listening are only hearing homerism here, right? Thinking that Miami could win the champ, the champ. That thinking that Miami can win the championship because we've watched this team all year and we've also seen them lose to smu.

[Dan Le Batard]

You're the one that's supplying that homer take. I haven't said that I'll let you stand on that island. Miami's got the toughest path to a title. They got to go through Texas A and M in Kyle Field. They got to play a Cotton bowl against Ohio State and potentially a Fiesta bowl against Georgia. I wish there was a different path here. I'm not exactly sure why Ole Miss was ranked ahead of Texas A and M. I'd feel much better about that game. But I'm excited about this and I don't think I've been super homorific here. Just telling you what it is. We respect the opponent over here.

[Mike Ryan]

You're scared of the venue. You're not scared of the team.

[Dan Le Batard]

Not even that scared of the venue. Haven't. Haven't been there. It's just really impressive. But the people are super nice. It's not like they get drunk off their ass and are vile People to you. I'm staying in College Station again. I happen to find the area really nice. It's like any cult. They're super nice because they want you to join.

[Mike Ryan]

Just to backtrack for a moment because I don't think that people sort of realize the history of this program. And Kevin Sumlin and Johnny Manziel made the previous incarnations of Texas A and M that had fewer expectations, I think than this one. Right. Because when Menzel beats Alabama and Saban, you still weren't expecting them to win the championship. This is the realest chance that Texas A and M has had for a championship since. Blank. Right. This is the best Texas A and M team. I mean, they gave Jimbo Fisher so much money and he didn't produce 18, didn't produce a quarterback or a team as good as this one.

[Chris]

Yeah, this team's only loss. It's the final game of the season.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's probably the. That's a fine Trista. Welcome aboard. This is.

[Trista]

It was on do not Disturb. I don't know what happened.

[Amin]

Well, it disturbed.

[Dan Le Batard]

This is probably the second most talented Texas A and M team. I'm pretty sure there was a Texas A and M team with Mike Evans, Johnny Manziel and Miles Garrett on it. But because of the college. Because of the expanded College Football playoff.

[Chris]

Minor penalty. 2 min delay a show.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

You're going to have to leave Trist. I'm sorry to do this to you. Just going to have to go. She said.

[Amin]

Where is it? You'll figure it out.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, just wander around, walk past the mean.

[Dan Le Batard]

If you want, you can tag him in.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, if you want. That's fine. We can use some amine.

[Dan Le Batard]

I do think that whoever wins this game is going to be kind of a sexy pick to upset Ohio State. I'm not there.

[Chris]

God, that shit would be so.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm not there with beating Ohio State. I don't know if this team.

[Mike Ryan]

That's all. That's only happen. It's only happening because you just saw Indiana do it. And Indiana's got like this thing that they're doing where no one will believe it is champion until after it is champion. Just because it's Indiana.

[Chris]

Like how. How bad. How bad do you want Miami to win this weekend? Not because you. You obviously want them to win the national championship, but man, you so badly just want them to play Ohio State.

[Dan Le Batard]

That'd be great. That'd be great. Yeah. There's. I mean, you know me. Miami Hurricanes are my life. I want to win this game. So Bad.

[Mike Ryan]

You're taking them one at a time, though. Don't get to that one yet. You're taking them one at a time. You want to matriculate down the field?

[Dan Le Batard]

No, I don't give the opposing team bulletin board material.

[Mike Ryan]

Amin. Welcome. There was a big NBA story last night. The Knicks won. Something meaningful. I think it's time for us to shift into regional programming. WFA team. The Knicks haven't felt this good in a while because the east is weak. Although I think they'd have problems against Detroit and Orlando and Toronto. But the Knicks haven't felt this good about a team in a long time because they also like the players. Because they've fallen in love with Karl Anthony Towns, even when they hate him sometimes. And Jalen Brunson is the most beloved Knick of my lifetime.

[Lucy]

Well, not of your lifetime. Hold on.

[Mike Ryan]

The most beloved. Nick, how old do you think you are? Oh, beyond Patrick Ewing, who are you putting above that?

[Dan Le Batard]

Back to downtown athletic Club days. There were some popular Knicks players on that team.

[Mike Ryan]

No, I mean the way that I hear the most obnoxious of New York fans talk about Jalen Brunson. They never talked about Carmela this way. They never talked about. They never talked about Ewing this way. Who are you putting above him in my lifetime?

[Lucy]

So Cloud.

[Juju Stugatz]

Frazier.

[Chris]

Yeah, Clyde Frazier.

[Lucy]

Frazier.

[Dan Le Batard]

Ewing.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, but I didn't want you said your lifetime.

[Dan Le Batard]

Jalen, I'm sincerely asking because I was much more of an NBA fan in the 90s. Do you think Brunson is at Ewing level?

[Mike Ryan]

I think a lot of people disliked Ewing.

[Chris]

Ewing got a ton of heat.

[Dan Le Batard]

I know he got a ton of heat. But at the height of his popularity.

[Mike Ryan]

Brunson gets no heat. Brunson is just loved.

[Lucy]

That's a good point. Brunson gets whatever the number is, whatever the ratings are. Brunson is like a 100% damn near close.

[Dan Le Batard]

Whereas today.

[Lucy]

I know it's nice and basic. It's gravelly.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's a red eye from Vegas.

[Lucy]

That's a lot of things.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, but you've been working hard. Thank you.

[Amin]

Folks, listen up. You know my holiday pattern by now. Every single year, I tell myself, listen, Chris, you're going to be thoughtful this year. You're going to get good gifts. You're not going to be lazy. You're not just going to get gift cards. And this year, guys, I have news. I pulled it off. No panic, no sad little card. You know what I gave? I gave an aura frame. Like, why is it so hard to find a personal gift these days it's for the people I'm closest to. My parents, my wife, my in laws, my kid. The most important people in my world. I have no idea what I'm supposed to get them as a gift. But one thing I know, people light up when they get photos. People love photos. So I loaded up my Aura frame with all the moments I know they'll love. My daughter being adorable. Random selfies, group pictures where none of us are looking in the same direction. I kept adding them because aura lets you send unlimited photos and videos. Goes right from your phone anytime. And the best part? You can preload the thing before it even ships so when it's open on Christmas morning, all the memories are already there. I'm telling you guys this is a great gift. And folks, for a limited time save on the perfect gift by visiting auraframes.com to get 35 off or's best selling Carver mat frames named number one by Wirecutter by using promo code DLB. This deal is exclusive to listeners and frames sell out fast. So order yours now and get it in time for the holiday. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

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[Mike Ryan]

I swear.

[Dan Le Batard]

It'S a holiday season and the 50th anniversary of Miller Lite the holiday is all about spending time with friends and family. Why don't you sit back and toast a few Miller Lights? Make your holiday time. Tis Miller time. And with the 50th anniversary of Miller Lite, you get to remember and reflect on all the good times that you had with your trusty buddy by your side. Miller Lite brewed for flavor with simple ingredients like malted barley, rich balanced toffee notes and that iconic golden color. And at 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces, it lets you enjoy the season without weighing you down. The original light beer since 1975 and still hitting different 50 years later. The best holiday beers are the ones you don't expect. 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. Tis Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Lucy]

Don LeBatard if Daniel Day Lewis did it, you'd be jerking off all over yourself.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, come on.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, I would be aggressive description.

[Mike Ryan]

I mean what is it? What is that?

[Lucy]

I'm just saying.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's me.

[Mike Ryan]

Saying what?

[Dan Le Batard]

That's me. Daniel Day. I see that photo of Daniel Day Lewis looking like Lincoln before he's about to start filming. Lincoln. And you know what I do amin stugats. I jerk off all over myself. That's what I do.

[Mike Ryan]

Lincoln, who you outed the other day.

[Dan Le Batard]

Don't make this a rejoin.

[Juju Stugatz]

This is the Don Levatar show with the Stugach hats.

[Amin]

A couple playoff exits for Brunson. Right. And that heat will turn up.

[Lucy]

No, but here's the weird part. I think to this point he still has a little bit of Teflon where couple of playoff exits like last year that was a disappointment. You were supposed to beat the Pacers. How many people said it's cuz Brunson wasn't good enough to be. Nobody said that.

[Mike Ryan]

But when you say to this point like this. This part's super interesting to me when it comes to popularity and the difficulty having it in New York like this is super simple basketball stuff. Ewing was a giant. Brunson is small it and they just love the. The grittiness of that guy represents us. Look, it's 10 points every first quarter and. And in the fourth quarter he's going to be efficient. And how does he do it? I don't understand he's tiny.

[Chris]

And Ewing was the number one pick where Brunson was like, wow, I can't believe we gave him this much money. Oh my God, he's a discount so.

[Mike Ryan]

That we can keep getting better. Carl Anthony Towns has never been more popular, even though, you know, if he misses his next six, they'll, they'll turn on him quickly because he's big.

[Lucy]

Right? So to answer Chris's question, if the Knicks get knocked out early or don't achieve, Towns is first on that list. Well, before they get to.

[Chris]

And then Bridges before Brunson, because we.

[Lucy]

Gave up five first round picks for you.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's.

[Lucy]

There's. He has so many layers of insulation. Mike Brown is on that list before he gets there. Brunson is pretty. To your point, Dan, he's pretty damn popular. But when I think about Walt Frazier, a winner, right?

[Mike Ryan]

When did he stop playing?

[Lucy]

In the 80s, but the early 80s.

[Dan Le Batard]

Jalen Brunson, winner.

[Lucy]

Well, not like Walt Frazier.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, he's got championship.

[Lucy]

Well, Frazier had two. How about that? Okay, so, but then the other part of this, you have to understand, Frazier was culture beyond the games. So it wasn't just, oh, he's a great player for the Knicks. It's like, this guy's cool, he's dressing cool, he's got the suede pumas, da, da, da. And then. Cause Frazier stayed around as a broadcaster, still showing up dressing flamboyantly. He's become like the mascot who stayed. And for that reason, he is still beloved and still kind of respected, even among people who were born decades after he played for the Knicks.

[Mike Ryan]

Fair enough. I stand corrected. I don't know what year Clyde Frazier stopped playing, but it was before I started watching basketball. Like, I didn't start watch. Well, I. Oh, wow, that's judgy. I get there to my. I get there in my teenage years and it's unacceptable to you. I'm a casual because I've merely been following it half a century.

[Dan Le Batard]

They didn't have league pass back then. I mean, I mean, the Miami Heat weren't around.

[Mike Ryan]

That's. Is this an indictment of me that I started watching basketball after Clyde Frazier?

[Chris]

You know, watch a. Highlights, you know, from New York, New.

[Dan Le Batard]

Jersey Sports center wasn't around, guys.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, give me all the Clyde Frazier expertise I have in the room. Non mean division.

[Dan Le Batard]

Nah, just for men. Commercials for me.

[Lucy]

Yeah. Boom.

[Mike Ryan]

Did he wear goldfish in his shoes or was that somebody else? Like I, I was at a.

[Lucy]

That was. I'm gonna get you, sucker.

[Juju Stugatz]

This happened Bro, we gotta find this man. That was literally. I'm gonna get you, sucker.

[Mike Ryan]

No, no, there wasn't. There was absolutely a was. There's absolutely a basketball player who's done this. Somebody will support me in the audience. You have this wrong. I do not have this wrong. Not. This is not me conflating.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oddly confident for you given the week you've had.

[Mike Ryan]

Again with this.

[Lucy]

Can we talk about this happened in today's show, and I know it's off to a rough start, whatever, but you turned into Porky Pig and nobody said anything.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, we said things.

[Lucy]

No, you guys just let him just kind of roll with it.

[Mike Ryan]

Do you have for me, can you cut that up, Chris? Me getting stuck on matriculated. Have you guys cut that up yet?

[Lucy]

The only part that was missing, Dan, was you needed to go sign up. That me would have been 100% Porky Pig.

[Mike Ryan]

I wasn't that confident. Can you give me a little bit of a palate cleanser? By producing Walt Clyde Frazier talking to the Rizzler. Thanks for joining us this morning.

[Trista]

This is how you do the wrist face. So put one eyebrow down like this. And then you raise one up, and then you suck in like this. Then you do this. That's how you do the.

[Mike Ryan]

Did that happen just instinctively or are you something you used to get in the front of the mirror and used to practice?

[Trista]

Well, I used. I think I practiced it like a little bit at school, but then I went home and then I did it.

[Amin]

Yeah.

[Trista]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

So you like being a celebrity or.

[Trista]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

Oh, great. So did you see my book?

[Trista]

Yeah, it's really cool.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah. Oh, thanks. Thanks. We're coming out with a couple coloring book too.

[Amin]

So that's why he spoke to him.

[Dan Le Batard]

Look how dark that goatee was.

[Lucy]

Winning and grinning.

[Amin]

Dan, I have you saying matriculate.

[Mike Ryan]

Matriculate the ball down the field. Matriculate the ball down the field.

[Amin]

That is not edited.

[Chris]

That's better than I remember.

[Mike Ryan]

Matriculate the ball down the field.

[Lucy]

That's what I'm saying.

[Trista]

You guys kind of this song.

[Lucy]

You guys just moved on. And I was like, what? What?

[Mike Ryan]

Mat. Mat. Matriculate the ball down the field.

[Chris]

I mean, it's on the level of Kendrick Perkins, Moses Moody.

[Mike Ryan]

Mat. Mat. Matric. Matriculate the ball down the field. I kept thinking that Juju was just saying blow every time he hear that. Is that is Juju just feeling for me inside of the sound. Mat, mat, mat. Matriculate the ball down the field. Matriculate the ball down the field. I think Your quibble is with juju. Why didn't juju come after me and make the room ransack me? Because of what had happened. Matriculate the ball down the field. The Knicks haven't felt this good in a while in terms of how it is that this fan base is rallying around the journey and two years. And are they going to get better and am I going to get more attached to the players?

[Lucy]

Yeah, I mean, this validation, right, that's what they've been seeking for so long, is that what they're doing is working and meaningful. And even when you talk about Carmelo Anthony, you know that team, the peak of that was a second round knockout to the Heat. But it like, even though they were like the best in division that year and all that, it never felt real. Like it was like, yeah, we're good, 50 wins. But it's just like, this isn't going to be a team that can win a championship. And what's happened in the last three years, pretty much since Jalen Brunson's gotten there, is there is a real belief that this is something that's building towards actual tangible success. Banners and awards and all that stuff. And so last night was kind of especially. They were down. The crowd was very. It was a San Antonio crowd. It was a San Antonio crowd. And this is. I don't know if it's because the rodeo was in town before and these people just stayed, or was this like the announcement that, hey, the spurs are good and this is going to be a huge following that's going to be a national brand over the next couple of years. But the shock of the life for everyone. We thought when we got to Vegas on Friday and Saturday that it's going to be a bunch of Knicks fans, come on. Who can fly in last minute. Who has a fan base at every city? They've got people. It's the Knicks. It's going to be Knicks crowds. And the first game, it was like Knicks magic. It was like, it's a slightly advantaged Knicks crowd, but it wasn't really as loud as we thought. And then last night it was like, no, this is a San Antonio crowd. And. And I'll tell you what, like, for the Knicks to win that, it felt like they won a road game. It felt like they won, quote, quote, unquote, against all odds. Everyone wanted Wemby to be the mvp. Wemby to be incredible. And they went out and did it. And now is this going to mean anything four months from now, five months from now, now probably not, but it's a start.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, what it could mean is that they're going to face Detroit again and Detroit has learned all the hard things and are a better team. And so they won't lose the way they lost to them last year because Detroit is better this year. What was the scene around New York?

[Chris]

It must have been crazy.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, they had to overreact as Amin mentioned. I assumed it's because all the Knicks fans were back in New York ready to celebrate. This is a team that's captured the hearts and minds. Take a look of New York City. This is where they always celebrate their first round victories. Over here, Madison Square Garden after its team wins the first trophy its franchise has had since 1973. Look at them, all three of them. Outside of Madison Square Garden celebrating the.

[Juju Stugatz]

New York Knicks is that Dante Divincenzo.

[Mike Ryan]

Everybody makes fun of the Knicks for being loud and proud. They've gotten carried away the last few seasons winning a playoff game. Confetti from the sky. This has not been a relevant franchise in 25 years until most recently. Like they've been a punchline. First round exits every time the east is weak. This Knicks team does have the fan base wanting desperately to have these games matter again. I don't think they're good enough though. They're the same team they were last year.

[Juju Stugatz]

Yeah, I, I think last night though, the biggest takeaway is now. You can't deny that the in season tournament matters. LA has won, hung the banner. New York is going to win and hang that banner in 20 years from now. The in season tournament is going to be a part of just the culture and I'm, I'm happy for that as a basketball fan.

[Lucy]

Juju. It's not going to be 20 years. I'm telling you. The way the players were playing this year, the way the crowd was in, in a neutral site, the way New.

[Amin]

York fans reacted outside msg, it's, it's.

[Lucy]

Like, it felt like, okay, this is the turning point where the quality of basketball is so much better and the fan engagement was so much better. The ratings are up. I talked to Stan Man Gundy last night.

[Mike Ryan]

How great was he? And Dwyane Wade.

[Chris]

That's a good broadcast.

[Mike Ryan]

Together, the two of them together. Were they just so clearly like each other?

[Lucy]

So that's a part of it. Part of the story of why this has been such a success is because Amazon owns the rights to all of this, this and they said we're going to treat it like it's our, you know, bowl season. Or whatever. They've gone 10 toes down in terms of committing to this thing. And the energy towards the broadcast, both studio and game broadcast has been incredible.

[Trista]

How much do you think that had to do with the teams that were in it though? Because we have the defending champs, we have Wemby. Is he coming back? You got the Knicks, big market team. You got a new coach. Like, if there were worst teams in here, I don't think people would be as excited.

[Lucy]

I would say. This is what I would say, Trista. The cup games before we got to Vegas were great, right? The cup games before we got to Vegas were. You know, think about Heat, Magic, two teams where I wouldn't say anyone is like on the top of anyone's radar in terms of popularity. But that game was a great game. And that that game rated really well. Obviously the Thunder destroying Phoenix wasn't. But the point is these teams, Spurs, Lakers, another great game. People are engaged. And I say people, I'm saying the players, the coaches, the broadcasters and the fans, we all bought in. And it's like all it takes is do this again and again. Joe Varden wrote an incredible piece about the future of NBA cup. And as he's trying to talk about, like, hey, this is something that we just have to stick with, he brings up the concept of Christmas. Dan, do you know that the concept of Christmas in this country, country as like, oh, Santa Claus and presents and trees and all that, it's like 200 years old. Like it happened in 1800s to us. Now it's like Christmas is an institution. How dare you say Happy Holidays. You should say Merry Christmas like that's.

[Mike Ryan]

Like 200 years old.

[Lucy]

People did not care about Christmas like that in the 1700s.

[Mike Ryan]

Fascinating. I did not know that the NBA cup is Christmas. I don't understand though.

[Amin]

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[Lucy]

Wfat.

[Mike Ryan]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Amin]

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