The Dan Patrick Show Episode: Hour 2 – Tim MacMahon, Best & Worst
Release Date: May 5, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the latest happenings in the NBA, featuring an insightful interview with ESPN NBA reporter Tim MacMahon. The show also includes the beloved segment "Best & Worst of the Weekend," where regular contributors share their highlights and disappointments from recent sports events. Throughout the episode, Dan and his co-hosts provide expert analysis, engaging banter, and thought-provoking discussions that cater to both avid sports fans and casual listeners.

NBA Playoff Analysis

Playoff Odds and Team Performances

Dan Patrick opens the discussion by analyzing the current NBA playoff odds, highlighting the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets as notable contenders. He emphasizes the Thunder's depth and the Nuggets' resilience, noting:

“Their depth helped them win an NBA championship a couple of years ago. Gotta have that.”
— Dan Patrick [05:45]

Dan scrutinizes team performances, particularly focusing on Golden State Warriors' unexpected advancement beyond the first round, joining historical teams like the Lakers (2023) and Spurs (2010). He praises the Warriors' ability to perform under pressure:

“Steph was great in the second half, certainly in the fourth quarter. Buddy Hale was awesome.”
— Dan Patrick [06:30]

Interview with Tim MacMahon

Dan welcomes Tim MacMahon, an ESPN NBA reporter and author of The Wonder Boy Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness, to discuss various NBA topics.

James Harden vs. Russell Westbrook

The conversation kicks off with a discussion comparing the careers of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Both hosts and Tim express their preferences, weighing factors like playoff performances and individual accolades. Notable points include:

• Russell Westbrook is admired for his relentless effort and consistency, despite recent struggles in playoffs.
• James Harden is recognized for his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities but scrutinized for his postseason shortcomings.

“Russ doesn't have glaring game seven failures. The thing about Russ to me is you'll never have to question whether he cares or not.”
— Marvin [11:51]

“Harden was mastering the step back and took it to an extra step back.”
— Paulie [16:26]

Tim observes that while Harden may have better regular-season stats and a slightly more decorated career, Westbrook's undeniable hustle and commitment make him a worthy contender.

Luka Doncic and the Lakers

The discussion shifts to Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. Tim defends Luka's conditioning concerns, arguing that these issues have been a consistent theme throughout his career and do not justify the Mavericks' trade of Doncic to the Lakers.

“Conditioning has been a concern with him throughout his career. He's still been a five-time first team All-NBA player.”
— Tim McMahon [31:27]

Tim expresses optimism about Luka's future, believing that he is fully committed to winning championships with the Lakers.

Warriors vs. Nuggets Playoff Potential

When asked who has a better chance of advancing further, Warriors or Nuggets, Tim favors the Warriors due to their strategic advantages and historical performance in high-stakes games.

“I think the Warriors have a better chance to beat the Wolves than the Nuggets do.”
— Tim McMahon [34:42]

Signature Moves and Game Impact

The conversation delves into signature moves that have revolutionized basketball. Tim credits James Harden with popularizing the step-back three-pointer, comparing its impact to Manu Ginobili's Euro step.

“The step back three became a common weapon because of Harden.”
— Tim McMahon [40:16]

He also highlights the Euro step’s widespread adoption, making it one of the most utilized moves in today's game.

“I would say it's the Euro step. Probably got to be the Euro step.”
— Tim McMahon [40:54]

Best & Worst of the Weekend

Contributors: Todd, Seton O'Connor, Marvin, and Paulie

Each contributor shares their personal "Best & Worst" moments from the past weekend in sports.

• Todd Fritz (The Minister of Humor):

  • Best: Cody Clemens hitting a six-inning home run at Fenway with his father Roger Clemens in attendance.
  • Worst: The Avalanche losing seven consecutive game sevens in the NHL playoffs.

  “Roger Clemens hit a home run at Fenway. That was kind of cool.”
  — Todd Fritz [46:57]

• Seton O'Connor:

  • Best: Miko Rantanen's phenomenal performance with the Dallas Stars, including a hat trick against his former team.
  • Worst: The Avalanche's loss due to a contract dispute over $500,000, leading to the departure of a key player.

  “Miko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars. Phenomenal.”
  — Seton O'Connor [48:42]

• Marvin:

  • Best: Denver Nuggets' balanced scoring with six players scoring at least 15 points.
  • Worst: Houston Rockets missing 32 shots in the paint.

  “Denver Nuggets as a whole, balanced scoring attack.”
  — Marvin [49:12]

• Paulie:

  • Best: Buddy Hale's outstanding 33-point performance leading the Warriors.
  • Worst: Watching the physical demands on horse handlers, highlighting their tough job.

  “Buddy Hale did not make the headlines.”
  — Paulie [49:27]

Social Media and Personal Banter

The show briefly touches on the influence of social media, with Dan sharing his limited use of platforms like Facebook. The conversation includes light-hearted jokes about Facebook profiles, pet ownership, and the evolving nature of social interactions in the digital age.

“My sleep number setting is 75 and sleep plays such an important role in recovery.”
— Dan Patrick [25:06]

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments

Dan Patrick wraps up the episode by teasing upcoming segments, including a further analysis of Luka Doncic's future with the Lakers and the anticipation of former NBA player Jim Jackson joining the conversation in the final hour.

“We'll talk some more hoops coming up. Yeah, I want to find out this scenario where Luka would not stay with the Lakers.”
— Dan Patrick [27:59]

He also highlights various sponsored segments and encourages listeners to tune in to future episodes for more in-depth sports discussions.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution

• Dan Patrick [06:53]:
  “Tim McMahon: I thought Steph was brilliant tonight. I know he got us off to a slow start shooting the ball, but the whole key to the game was taking care of the ball. And he managed the game beautifully.”

• Marvin [11:51]:
  “Russ doesn't have glaring game seven failures. The thing about Russ to me is you'll never have to question whether he cares or not.”

• Seton O'Connor [13:04]:
  “Probably give a slight edge to Harden. I think ultimately he maybe has had a better career.”

• Paulie [16:26]:
  “Paulie Harden didn't at all invent the step back, but it felt like he mastered it and took it to an extra step back.”

• Tim MacMahon [31:27]:
  “Conditioning has been a concern with him throughout his career. He's still been a five-time first team All-NBA player.”

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Player Comparisons: The debate between James Harden and Russell Westbrook highlights the complexity of evaluating player careers, balancing individual statistics with team success and playoff performances.

• Team Strategies: The emphasis on team depth and balanced scoring underscores modern NBA strategies focused on sustainability throughout the grueling playoff season.

• Signature Moves: The discussion on signature basketball moves like the step-back three-pointer and the Euro step illustrates how individual player innovations can influence the broader game.

• Impact of Conditioning: Tim MacMahon's insights into Luka Doncic's conditioning issues with the Lakers shed light on the importance of player fitness and its direct correlation with defensive performance.

• Best & Worst Segment: The "Best & Worst of the Weekend" provides a multifaceted view of sports events, celebrating standout performances while critically examining disappointing outcomes.

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive exploration of current NBA dynamics, enriched by expert analysis from Tim MacMahon and vibrant discussions among the show's regular contributors. From player comparisons and team strategies to the evolution of basketball techniques, listeners are treated to an engaging and informative broadcast that captures the essence of contemporary sports discourse.

Tune In: For more in-depth discussions and the latest sports insights, catch The Dan Patrick Show on Fox Sports Radio or via the iHeartRadio app. Stay updated with upcoming episodes featuring special guests and exclusive interviews.