The Best of The Dan Patrick Show – Episode Summary
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guests: Tim Legler, David Spade

Introduction

In this standout episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick engages in compelling discussions centered around the NBA Finals, emerging talents, and the evolution of basketball's next big stars. The episode also features a lively segment with comedian and actor David Spade, offering a refreshing blend of sports analysis and comedic insights.

NBA Finals and OKC Thunder Analysis with Tim Legler

Guest: Tim Legler, NBA Analyst and Host of All City NBA Podcast

Dan Patrick welcomes Tim Legler to dissect the current NBA Finals, focusing primarily on the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive performances and strategic defensive plays.

OKC Thunder's Defensive Prowess

Tim Legler highlights the Thunder's exceptional defense, particularly their ability to stifle opponents' first-quarter scoring. He states:

“The Thunder have four wins by 30 or more points this postseason—the first NBA team in history to achieve this in a single postseason.”
[Timestamp: 02:22]

Legler emphasizes that while strong defense may not always capture viewers' attention, it's a fundamental component driving the Thunder's success.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) – The Rising Star

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around SGA's standout performances. Legler praises SGA's scoring ability and defensive tenacity:

“SGA gets you 35 a game, you play great defense, and you hopefully get support from your supporting players.”
[Timestamp: 05:15]

He discusses SGA's role in the team and his potential to be the next face of the NBA, comparing his impact to legendary players.

Anthony Edwards – The Next NBA Face?

The discussion shifts to Anthony Edwards, with Legler analyzing his development and potential:

“Anthony Edwards needs to understand that he needs to come out and have a Jordan-like approach, a Kobe-like approach.”
[Timestamp: 27:26]

Legler delves into Edwards' playing style, suggesting that freeing him from heavy playmaking duties could unleash his full scoring potential, making him a formidable star in the league.

Comparisons to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Legler draws parallels between current players and NBA legends to contextualize their impact:

“We were still looking for the next Jordan. Anthony Edwards, he reminds me of Jordan. No, not me. Not yet.”
[Timestamp: 29:00]

He underscores the high expectations placed on young stars and the challenges they face in matching the legacies of icons like Jordan and Bryant.

Team Dynamics and Coaching Philosophy

The conversation also touches upon team strategy and the importance of a strong defensive philosophy, reminiscent of the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich:

“When you have a philosophy, team philosophy, that is defense, and this is the Spurs’ great elixir, this is the magic potion for Gregg Popovich.”
[Timestamp: 09:45]

Legler praises the continuity and consistency of the Thunder's approach, projecting a potential modern-day dynasty.

Special Guest Segment: David Spade

Guest: David Spade, Actor, Comedian, Podcast Host

In a delightful departure from sports talk, David Spade joins Dan Patrick to share anecdotes from his career and current projects, infusing the episode with humor and light-hearted banter.

Stand-Up Special: "Dandelion"

Spade discusses his latest stand-up special, "Dandelion," providing insights into his comedic process and experiences performing for varied audiences.

“This is what I deal with, Dan. It's not all fun and games like you with the fireplace. You roll in wherever you feel like it. Action, action, blah, blah, sports.”
[Timestamp: 47:02]

Podcast Collaboration: "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey"

He elaborates on his podcast with Dana Carvey, highlighting the chemistry between the hosts and the engaging conversations they foster.

“It's definitely fun to do. Dana's funny. We just screw off. He's great.”
[Timestamp: 50:27]

Comedic Insights from NBA Events

Spade recounts humorous interactions at NBA games and other events, offering a comedic perspective on the often high-stakes world of professional sports.

“I was talking about Bill Belichick, and I can't remember even what I'm saying. So the crowd. I could blame them, but sometimes it's really just... I have to think of stupid stuff.”
[Timestamp: 53:39]

His anecdotes provide listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of comedy and sports entertainment.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution

• Dan Patrick: “Nobody cares about that [great defense], but OKC is just trying to win a title.”
  [07:09]

• Tim Legler: “If you're winning a championship, it's not kind of how you did it. It's just that you did it.”
  [07:00]

• Tim Legler: “He's just an absolute raw scoring machine. And you know, he's not a three-point shooter, he's the master of the mid-range jumper.”
  [26:00]

• David Spade: “I never figured that out. And it was on every show, they would turn and Letterman go, and what are you doing, Tiny Tim?”
  [48:43]

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a rich blend of in-depth NBA analysis and refreshing comedic relief. Tim Legler provides expert insights into the Thunder's strategies and the emergence of new talent like Anthony Edwards, while David Spade brings humor and personal stories from the world of entertainment. Together, their conversations offer listeners both thoughtful sports commentary and entertaining anecdotes, making it a must-listen for fans of sports and comedy alike.

For more episodes and detailed discussions, listen to The Dan Patrick Show on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app.