The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: PJ Carlesimo & Steve Sands
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Introduction and Overview
In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, Dan Patrick is joined by former NBA coach and ESPN analyst P.J. Carlesimo and Golf Channel’s prominent announcer Steve Sands. The trio delves into a variety of sports topics, offering in-depth analysis, anecdotes, and personal insights that cater to both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners.
NBA Finals Analysis
Timestamp: 05:01 – 07:53
Dan Patrick kicks off the discussion by examining the ongoing NBA Finals, specifically focusing on Game 5 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Steve Sands provides a nuanced breakdown of the game, highlighting key players and pivotal moments:
"He's a really tough combination. The size, the ball handling, he's got the middle game." – Steve Sands [05:11]
Sands praises standout performances, particularly JJ Spawn, emphasizing his clutch play in critical moments:
"He’s an automatic end-of-game player you would ever want. He was so big, he was so good with the ball." – Steve Sands [12:18]
Steve Sands also touches on strategic elements, noting the Pacers' offensive struggles and the breakdown of their initial lead:
"They obviously weren't making threes, which early on had been their bread and butter in that game. So it kind of got away from them." – Steve Sands [06:23]
US Open Golf Coverage
Timestamp: 30:27 – 35:45
Shifting gears to golf, the conversation moves to the US Open at Oakmont, with Steve Sands offering his expertise on the tournament's challenges:
"If you're a little bit off your game and you're still the best player in the world, you can get it out of the rough, but you can't do that at a U.S. Open." – PJ Carlesimo [30:42]
The discussion highlights how Oakmont’s notoriously difficult course punishes even the slightest lapses, significantly impacting top players like Rory McIlroy and Scotty Scheffler. Steve Sands reflects on Rory’s recent struggles, attributing some of the challenges to external pressures and media scrutiny:
"Rory is really bothered by what happened at the PGA Championship... he’s in a little bit of a funk with the media." – Steve Sands [33:13]
P.J. Carlesimo shares a heartfelt anecdote about Rory McIlroy, illustrating his character and resilience:
"Rory looks at me, goes, 'I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I wanted to make sure I told you that in person.'" – Steve Sands [34:13]
Player Trades and Team Strategies
Timestamp: 07:53 – 09:28
Dan Patrick broaches the topic of the Desmond Bain trade, seeking insights from both sides. Steve Sands provides a balanced perspective, acknowledging Orlando Magic’s strategic needs and the significant assets they traded away:
"Orlando’s kind of poised to make a run in the Eastern Conference... but they gave up a lot. The jury’s out on loved him in Denver." – Steve Sands [07:59]
He commends Desmond Bain’s capabilities, emphasizing his shooting and defensive skills:
"Desmond Bain is a big-time shooter. He's a strong, physical guard and a very willing defender." – Steve Sands [08:20]
Despite recognizing the value Bain brings, Sands questions the heavy cost Orlando incurred:
"They gave up a ton, but they got a really special player back." – Steve Sands [08:20]
MVP Race and Player Performances
Timestamp: 03:31 – 05:01 & 11:52 – 12:18
Early in the episode, Dan Patrick introduces a poll question about Shohei Ohtani winning the NL MVP, sparking light-hearted banter among the hosts:
"I might do that with Aaron Judge... Nobody's having a year comparable to Aaron Judge." – Dan Patrick [04:15]
Later, the conversation shifts to the broader MVP race, with Steve Sands analyzing the strengths of top contenders:
"Kevin Durant’s still very, very good. He still is going to get you 30 or close to it." – Steve Sands [11:52]
Sands contrasts Durant's end-of-game reliability with other superstars, asserting Durant's superiority in clutch situations:
"KD was the whole package... a tremendous end-of-game player." – Steve Sands [12:18]
Historical Perspectives on Sports
Timestamp: 15:01 – 16:31
The hosts delve into the evolution of physicality in basketball, comparing the 1980s NBA to the Big East conference of the same era. Steve Sands argues that the Big East was notably more physical:
"I think in the '80s it was actually the Big East because nothing was called. It was expected." – Steve Sands [15:07]
He reminisces about the intense, no-holds-barred style of play, contrasting it with the modern NBA’s approach:
"You had two teams that prefer to pick up full court... guys laying on each other virtually every play." – Steve Sands [15:07]
Sands emphasizes how officiating has adapted to the increased physicality, making past eras seem even more rugged by comparison.
Personal Stories and Insights
Timestamp: 33:08 – 35:45
A poignant moment arises as Steve Sands shares a personal story about Rory McIlroy, showcasing the deep bonds formed within the sports community:
"He is such a good guy, and he's so smart and insightful... that was a very, very nice thing." – Steve Sands [34:13]
This heartfelt exchange underscores the human side of professional athletes, highlighting their capacity for empathy and support beyond the competitive arena.
Listener Engagement and Fun Segments
Throughout the episode, Dan Patrick encourages listener interaction through polls and phone calls, fostering a lively and inclusive atmosphere. For instance, the humorous banter around the poll results and rhyming quips adds a light-hearted flair to the show:
"See what I did, Todd? You cleaned it up. Thank you." – Dan Patrick [48:58]
This playful engagement not only entertains but also strengthens the connection between the hosts and their audience.
Conclusion
In Hour 3 of The Dan Patrick Show, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and interactive segments. With the expertise of P.J. Carlesimo and Steve Sands, the episode offers comprehensive insights into the NBA Finals, US Open Golf, and significant player trades, all while maintaining an engaging and personable tone. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or a casual observer, this episode provides valuable perspectives and entertaining moments that resonate well beyond the final whistle.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Sands [05:11]: "He's a really tough combination. The size, the ball handling, he's got the middle game."
- Steve Sands [12:18]: "KD was the whole package... a tremendous end-of-game player."
- Steve Sands [15:07]: "I think in the '80s it was actually the Big East because nothing was called. It was expected."
- P.J. Carlesimo [30:42]: "If you're a little bit off your game and you're still the best player in the world, you can get it out of the rough, but you can't do that at a U.S. Open."
- Steve Sands [34:13]: "He is such a good guy, and he's so smart and insightful... that was a very, very nice thing."
For more insightful discussions and expert analysis, tune in to The Dan Patrick Show on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.