Postgame Show: JuJu Fires Joe Mazzulla (feat. JuJu Gotti)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Postgame Show: JuJu Fires Joe Mazzulla (feat. JuJu Gotti)
Release Date: May 8, 2025

In this dynamic episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz, along with co-host JuJu Gotti, delve deep into the latest happenings in the NBA, particularly focusing on the Boston Celtics' tumultuous season. The episode is a blend of passionate sports analysis, engaging debates, and interactive audience polls, all delivered with the show's characteristic flair.

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Betting Predictions and Game Analysis

The episode kicks off with JuJu Gotti sharing his predictions for the ongoing NBA games, demonstrating his confidence in his picks while maintaining a playful tone.

• Juju's Initial Picks:

  • Ant Man's Performance: "Ant man had a lackluster game last..." [00:44]
  • Junior's Assistance: "I'm going with my brother, Gary Payton Jr. For over 1.5 assists tonight." [01:45]

• Revised Predictions:

  • After some playful jinxing from the co-host, JuJu revises his prediction for Junior's performance:
    • "It's going to be the roughest two assists in the history of the sport... Over 50 threes. That's one three pointer, which would be the hardest three pointer in postseason history." [01:51]

Co-Host's Commentary:

• The co-host warns against being overly confident with bets:
  • "Don't jinx it, Juju. Anytime I go in thinking a bet's going to be a piece of cake, I end up losing said bet." [01:45]

Celtics' Struggles and Firing of Coach Joe Mazzulla

A significant portion of the episode centers around the Boston Celtics' disappointing performance and the subsequent decision to fire head coach Joe Mazzulla.

• Juju's Outburst:

  • "Boston Celtics fire Joe Missoula today." [02:37]
  • He fervently criticizes the team's strategy and leadership:
    • "Jayson Tatum had the worst shot in the history of the NBA... Pass the damn ball to Al Horford is two points in front of you. No, of course he launched a brick." [02:55]
    • "They are soft right now. Take the ball to the hole. How dare you do this to us." [03:00]

• Co-Host's Response:

  • Attempts to defend the Celtics:
    • "That's all right. They're champions." [04:35]

• Guest's Support for the Thunder:

  • Highlights the Seattle Supersonics' (Thunder) impressive performance:
    • "SGA probably have the greatest playoff performance from a metrics and plus minus number of all time." [04:40]

• Juju's Final Verdict:

  • "Celtics do the right thing. Fire Joe Missoula today." [05:20]

Discussion on Nick Wright's Appearance

The conversation shifts to the appearance of sports analyst Nick Wright on the show, sparking a debate about his credibility and contribution to sports journalism.

• Juju's Defense of Nick Wright:

  • "Nick Wright brings something else to this, to the field. And I think my brother deserves way more respect than to be compared every time." [06:27]
  • Emphasizes Nick Wright's unique perspective:
    • "We don't have to pit these folks against each other, especially when you're talking about Pablo." [06:27]

• Guest's Agreement:

  • "He's got sauce, Drew. He's got sauce that Pablo doesn't have." [07:22]

• Co-Host's Light-Hearted Jab:

  • Teases JuJu about blaming the entire team:
    • "Well, and I feel like Juju is blaming all of us where he should just blame Dan." [07:24]

Audience Polls and Interactive Segment

Interactive polls engage the audience, providing insights into listener opinions on various topics.

• Jalen Brunson's Popularity:

  • "Are you fundamentally obligated to love Jalen Brunson right now?"
    • 69% of the audience says, yes, you are. [08:51]
    • Juju responds with enthusiasm: "I'm damn near falling in love with him." [09:01]

• Joe Mazzulla's Performance:

  • "Is Joe Missoula a good coach?"
    • 78% of the audience says, no, he is not. [09:00]
  • "Should Joe Mazzulla be fired before game three?"
    • Initially pushed by Co-host and Juju.

• Pop Culture Questions:

  • "Do you know what Y2K was?"
    • 97% of the audience says, yes, they do. [09:37]
  • "Is the Santa hat the greatest hat of all time?"
    • 56% of the audience says, yes, it is. [09:45]
  • "Santa Claus or Bear Bryant? Who has the better hat?"
    • 55% of the audience says Santa Claus. [09:57]
  • "More championships or moments?"
    • 56% of the audience says championships. [10:17]

Light-Hearted Banter and Additional Topics

The hosts intersperse serious discussions with playful banter, showcasing their chemistry and rapport.

• New Pope Announcement:

  • The conversation takes a humorous turn with the announcement of a new Pope:
    • "Billy's not here, but it seems we have a Pope." [05:26]
    • "The Filipino Pope." [05:50]
  • The hosts engage in a light-hearted guessing game about the Pope's name, leading to laughter and friendly teasing:
    • "Missoula, we went back to Celtics talk. I thought we had established it all earlier." [08:10]

• Cultural References and Jokes:

  • Juju makes a playful analogy comparing team dynamics to personal relationships:
    • "I thought I would be upset as hell, but this is just like you have a homeboy... and you go back to the club again..." [03:00]

• Final Remarks:

  • The episode concludes with reflections on audience engagement and the value of listener opinions:
    • "Should have been 100%." [10:31]

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Key Takeaways:

1. Celtics' Coaching Crisis: The firing of Joe Mazzulla highlights significant frustrations with the Celtics' performance, emphasizing issues in game strategy and leadership.
2. Juju's Passionate Commentary: JuJu Gotti's fervent opinions drive much of the discussion, particularly regarding team performance and sports analysis.
3. Nick Wright's Credibility: The debate surrounding Nick Wright's appearance underscores ongoing conversations about sports journalism and analyst credibility.
4. Active Audience Engagement: Interactive polls not only engage listeners but also provide a platform for diverse opinions on both sports and pop culture topics.
5. Balanced Content: The episode skillfully balances intense sports debates with light-hearted banter, ensuring an engaging and entertaining listening experience.

This episode exemplifies the show's ability to blend passionate sports commentary with relatable, humorous interactions, making it a must-listen for fans seeking both depth and entertainment.

Transcript

[Lowe's Announcer]

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[DraftKings Host]

That's right. It's Thursday Thunder and It's presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours. Juju.

[Juju]

What do we got last week, Thursday Thunder, as you already knew it, two out of three once a damn again. But tonight we finna write the ship, baby. You dig it? Ant man had a lackluster game last. Last game, the Warriors. Until the second half, he kicked in and showed himself that if I just drive this ball to this hole, can't nobody stop me. So I'm going with my dog, Ant man to get over 27.5 points tonight. You dig it? Big bounce back game like juvenile next leg. I'm going with the glove, junior. You feel me? Because with Steph Curry being out, he's been one of the presences that. That has kind of helped out on both ends of the floor. And I'm going with my brother, Gary Payton Jr. For over 1.5 assists tonight. Should be a piece of cake. Or shallots, right?

[Co-host]

Don't jinx it, Juju. Anytime I go in thinking a bet's going to be a piece of cake, I end up losing said bet. Don't say that.

[Juju]

Right, right. I take it back. It's going to be the roughest two assists in the history of the sport Horses. And for the last. I'm sticking with the glove, Junior. The glove Junior gonna be out there. Last game he had 26 minutes, important minutes. And he also had a couple threes. So tonight I'm going with the glove, Junior. Over 50 threes. That's one three pointer, which would be the hardest three pointer in postseason history. Lock it in, baby.

[Stug]

I like it. I like it.

[Co-host]

I like them.

[Stug]

Juju. So overall last night, another great game. Celtics. Well, maybe not for you. Sorry. What are your takeaways from last night's.

[Juju]

Loss by the Celtics, brother? Taylor Jenkins. I see you, Michael Malone. I see you. Let's make history. Boston Celtics fire Joe Missoula today.

[Co-host]

Wow.

[Juju]

Game. Game. Between game two and game three, mid series. Get him out of here.

[Co-host]

Right. Okay.

[Juju]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

And replace him with who?

[Juju]

I mean, replace the. Sam Cassell is on the bench with the Biggest set that you ever seen. You feel me? I think that let my boy go watch the town. Go do what you do, brother. Because it's no way in Hades that you don't make an adjustment after game one, let alone when game two starts happening. You see the same stuff happening and you just letting folks just bruh. Jayson Tatum had the worst shot in the history of the NBA. I got it on my phone. I should have sent it to the video team, but it was a lot going on day. I'm gonna just put it up to the screen. Al Horford is wide open under the gold. Jason Tatum is in the corner. Jalen Brunson is on his face in the paint. Pass the damn ball to Al Horford is two points in front of you. No, of course he launched a brick. Of course they launched seven more bricks consecutively after that. How do you do the same thing two games in a row? I'm not, I. I thought I would be upset as hell, but this is just like you have a homeboy and you, you outside and you see your homeboy girlfriend in the club cheating her ass off. And you go, you go back to your homeboy and say, hey, bro, I seen your girl in the club. She was cheating, man. And he like, nah, that wasn't her. I don't believe you. As a matter of fact, get out of my face. And you go back to the club again and she's busting it wide open again for the same brother. Guess what? I don't care anymore. Y' all don't care. I don't care. Get them out of here. How dare you do this. They're soft. S o capital FT. The Celtics are soft right now. Take the ball to the hole. How dare you do this to us. Sorry I went on. I blacked out.

[Co-host]

That's all right. They're champions.

[Juju]

I mean, how about. They are. How about the other.

[Guest]

How about the other game? Dude, how about the other series we had? SGA probably have the greatest playoff performance from a metrics and plus minus number of all time.

[Juju]

Yeah, absolutely. SGA in a as. As a great team should do. After they the game stolen from them last game, they came back and said, no, sir Rebob, not on our court. And they put their foot in ass Last night the Joker fouled out in the third quarter. It did not matter. That's what you do in a bounce back game that you let down your fans. Do not come back with this. Joe Missoula, please. I'm sorry to drift back over there. Celtics do the right thing. Fire Joe Missoula today. But yeah, the thunder did a great job.

[Stug]

Yes, they did.

[Co-host]

Oh, what happened?

[Stug]

Oh, Stugazzi should be excited cause we've got smoke. Uh oh, White smoke in the Vatican.

[DraftKings Host]

Billy's not here, but it seems we have a Pope.

[Co-host]

Get out of here.

[Juju]

Get outta here.

[Guest]

Who is it? No name yet.

[Stug]

No name yet.

[DraftKings Host]

Just white smoke cylinder wraps.

[Stug]

The Filipino Pope. Filipino cardinal was leading the group chat.

[Guest]

Oz on favorite.

[Stug]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

Wow.

[DraftKings Host]

Back to you guys.

[Co-host]

So we have a Pope. We just don't know the Pope's name Exactly.

[Guest]

Okay.

[Co-host]

Edwin Pope.

[Juju]

Well, let's guess.

[Stug]

Mark Pope, Bill Pope, longtime coach.

[Co-host]

Everyone.

[Lowe's Announcer]

Pope.

[Juju]

Jinx.

[Stug]

Steve Martin.

[Guest]

Martin Pope.

[Co-host]

Hey.

[Juju]

Oh, come on, man. That's not fair.

[Co-host]

You're not listening.

[Guest]

He said Edwin Pope with the first one.

[Co-host]

I thought he said Eddie Pope. Stop.

[Stug]

Hope Eddie Pope's a good name.

[Co-host]

Eddie Pope is a good day. Juju, how'd you feel about Nick Wright today? His appearance on the show?

[Juju]

Man, Nick Wright, bro. I think we did my boy Nick writing injustice today. As soon as we got on the. On the. On the television, we comparing him to Pablo Torres, Stephen A. Smith, and then other journalists like brother the dance lute the Dan. But I'm pretty sure that the journalists who look down on. Right on. Nick Wright look up to his bankroll. Damn, what them journalists got to say? My boy on TV every day doing his thing. His Chiefs are better than ever, almost. Besides the little gaff against the Eagles. But at the same time, I think Nick Wright is one of the best in the business. We don't have to pit these folks against each other, especially when you're talking about Pablo. We got to stop going back to the Pablo. Well, every time we want to talk about somebody smart. Salute to my Peabody brother, but get him out of here. When we talking about Nick Wright. Nick Wright brings something else to this, to the. To the field. And I think my brother deserves way more respect than to be compared every time.

[Guest]

He's got sauce, Drew. He's got sauce that Pablo doesn't have.

[Co-host]

Well, and I feel like Juju is blaming all of us where he should just blame Dan.

[Stug]

I mean, I was gonna name names. Stug. I was just gonna say, well, it's not all of. We're not doing that.

[Juju]

No, we.

[Co-host]

Someone name the name.

[Juju]

So, yeah, Dan, don't do that. Now, like I say, put the journalists who complain about Nick's rights bankroll in the box. And put Nick Wright's bankroll in a box. Plus 100 million either here nor there. Don't file Mitchell Robinson. What are you doing? As soon as you filed Mitchell Robinson, he. They take him right out. And guess what? For the rest of the game, they're in the penalty now.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Juju]

Now you file Jalen Brunson in the clutch time. Guess what? He gets two freebies. And now Jason Tatum is a goofball again. Sorry about that.

[Co-host]

He fouled him twice. Fire.

[Stug]

Missoula, we went back to Celtics talk. I thought we had established it all earlier.

[Co-host]

What are the polls today? Juju, give us poll results.

[Juju]

Sorry about that before the post. Sorry about this. I had this. I don't know what the fine is. $50 or so, but George Springer is out of. He's a Puerto Rican and Panamanian descent. He is not a black man. I mean, I. I don't. I hate to do that to you, brother.

[Stug]

Are you saying he's a. I know black.

[Juju]

He's a. He definitely is a. I know black, bro. And I felt bad yesterday. I was like, dang, I know he was a brother. And comes to find out he is not a brother. Salute to him, though.

[Co-host]

All right. Salute.

[Juju]

$50. Are you fundamentally obligated to love Jalen Brunson right now? 69 of the audience says, yes, you are?

[Co-host]

Yep.

[Stug]

Nice.

[Juju]

And I don't blame them. I'm damn near falling in love with him. Is. Is Joe Missoula a good coach? 78% of the audience says, no, he is not. And I voted as well.

[Co-host]

All right, juju, can you put this on the poll Should Joe Mazzulla be fired before game three? Okay.

[Juju]

Yes, I would love to do that.

[Co-host]

Okay. Put that on after.

[Juju]

Most popular in New York, Jalen Brunson or Walt Clyde Frazier. My man.

[Co-host]

Easy.

[Juju]

66 of the audience says Jalen Branson.

[Stug]

Having a moment.

[Juju]

Do you know what Y2K was? 97 of the audience says, yes, they do.

[Stug]

Wow.

[Juju]

Okay.

[Stug]

I'm impressed.

[Juju]

Right? 20 CB is Santa. Is the Santa hat the greatest hat of all time? 56 of the audience says, yes, it is.

[Co-host]

Wow.

[Juju]

Right? Salute to Tim Allen. Better hat. Santa Claus or bear Bryant? 55 of the audience says Santa Claus.

[Stug]

Now, I want to stick up for my southern brother, Bear Brian.

[Co-host]

Oh, no.

[Juju]

Go ahead. Stick up for what's remembered. More championships or moments? 56% of the audience says championships. And those are your polls.

[Co-host]

All right. Should have been 100%.