The Dan Patrick Show – Best Of (March 31, 2026)
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Host: Dan Patrick
Guests/Contributors: Jim 'Bones' MacKay (NBC Sports), Reggie Miller (NBA analyst), Show team: Paulie, Cris, Theodore, Todd
Episode Overview
This “Best Of” episode centers on high-stakes moments and personalities currently dominating the sports landscape: ongoing Tiger Woods speculation ahead of the Masters, Dan Hurley’s controversial courtside interaction with a referee, evolving narratives in the NBA MVP race, and key moments from recent college basketball and NBA games. Along the way, Dan is joined by notable guests Jim 'Bones' MacKay and Reggie Miller, contributing insight and signature banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tiger Woods at the Master’s: Uncertainty and Anticipation
- Dan opens by highlighting the Tiger Woods saga: “The Tiger Woods story is not just a sports story. It's a whole lot bigger than that.”
(03:14) - Main issues:
- Will Tiger play in the Masters? He hasn't informed Augusta National yet and speculation is rampant.
- Tiger's involvement in a new public golf course near Augusta, scheduled press conference, and possible attendance at the Champion’s Dinner.
- Dan points out a photo of Tiger’s private jet at Augusta as a possible clue.
- Quote:
“There is a report that Tiger is still practicing. And that would give you maybe some credence to Tiger will still try to play at Augusta.”
(05:04)
Interview with Jim 'Bones' MacKay (20:59–30:40)
- Golf legend insights:
- MacKay recalls being told he’s “walked around the globe twice with a golf bag” and shares caddie anecdotes.
- Expects Phil Mickelson at the Masters, believing Phil “would think he could win the Masters into his 60s.”
- Breaks down caddies’ and players’ preparations for the Masters, praising the official app’s immersive features.
- Physical demands of Augusta: “It’s rigorous and it takes a toll on your body… not only does your golf game have to be in good shape, but you have to be as physically as well.” (25:21)
- On Tiger's possible appearance: “I hope he's there… whether or not he plays, I don't know. I'm sure the events of last week may affect whether... he ultimately does tee it up.” (25:47)
- Describes Phil Mickelson’s shot out of the trees at Augusta in 2010 as a signature moment (28:43).
2. The NBA MVP Race Heats Up
- Focused conversation about Victor Wembanyama (“Wemby”) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (“SGA”).
- Dan comments on changing odds: “On March 24th, Victor Wembanyama's MVP odds were plus 2200. As of this morning, they're listed at plus 225. Here he comes.” (05:45)
- Reggie Miller, texting Dan late at night, wants to revisit his MVP pick, originally leaning towards SGA.
- “You get to your 60 wins… I still think that SGA is going to be your mvp, but the fact that you had JJ Redick, the Lakers head coach, Doncic was suspended for a 16th technical… LeBron had a triple double last night.” (06:17)
- Discussion of defense and MVP criteria: Should MVP focus only on regular season performance, minutes played, and team record, or does defense matter?
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Patrick:
“Luca, to me, is still the best player in the game. He's not going to win.” (06:55) - Reggie Miller (on SGA & Wemby):
“If we are going to give out the highest award in our game, which is the MVP of the regular season... I'm going with SGA just for the simple fact minutes played…” (35:15) - Dan (questions defense as MVP component):
“If we're going to use that, then Wemby defensively is an A plus, correct?” (37:25)
3. Dan Hurley's 'Meeting of the Minds' with Referee – A Viral Controversy
The Moment (11:25–16:14, 44:13–46:44)
- Hurley, after a critical shot, makes an unusual move: puts his forehead on that of Final Four referee Roger Ayers with 0.4 seconds left, igniting a social media firestorm.
- Dan: “I don't even know how to describe this, because it's not a headbutt, but it's almost a meeting of the minds…” (06:54)
- National/international headlines accuse Hurley of “headbutting” or confronting a referee; some pundits lament the lack of a technical foul.
- Dan, Paulie, Cris, Bones, and Reggie all review the footage, debating intent, context, and what the relationship is between Hurley and Ayers.
- Consensus emerges: the context and friendship (or at least familiarity) between coach and official makes the technical’s absence at least understandable—though “it’s a bad look.”
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Patrick:
“Why would he be taunting the official when you just hit a shot 4/10 of a second, your team is leading...” (08:29) - Cris:
“The thing though, that I keep coming back to… when you watch the ref, he has no reaction.” (12:54) - Reggie Miller:
“Wow, what a level of discretion here by the official because you could easily make a case ... surprised a technical file was not called.” (44:32)
4. College Basketball: UConn’s Buzzer-Beater, Duke’s Endgame Mistake
- Analysis of UConn’s dramatic win and Duke’s costly error in end-game management.
- Reggie on situation basketball:
“There was no reason for Boozer to attempt to throw the ball over ... All Kaden had to do was hold on to the basketball, escape dribble, dribble left, right. They were going to foul him.” (41:02) - Dan: “I have to give UConn credit because it was a great defensive play, a pass, and Caravan had just made a tough shot... he finds Mullins, who has, you know, wide open from 37ft out...” (42:33)
- Reggie on Braylon Mullins:
“If there's one player on that team that you didn't want to leave open. Yeah, was Braylon. ... That's all those kids do in Indiana is, is think of moments like that.” (43:01)
5. Lighter Sports Banter: NBA Team Names & Gambling Confessions
- The crew and Reggie riff on potential NBA team names for Las Vegas, ultimately dismissing options like “Mobsters” and “Strip.”
- Reggie indirectly admits to past gambling, favoring roulette and choosing numbers tied to NBA legends: “I go with Jersey numbers. I go with kids, ages. I go with MJ. I go with Michael. I go with Larry...” (51:13)
- Dan jokes about luck: “Michael never bet on 31.” (52:19)
Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)
- On Tiger Woods' Ambiguity:
“As of this morning, Tiger has not let anybody know anything.” (04:50) - Reggie Miller’s passionate MVP case:
“I'm not leaning. I am going with SGA as the MVP right now.” (40:42) - Contextualizing Hurley’s action:
“This is after the Mullen shot. So Hurley was obviously not mad at the officials. Social media wasn't as kind and didn't offer that context here.” (08:54) - Cris on watching the video repeatedly:
“The more like you ... I've watched it a gajillion times and it gets kind of more bizarre, slash, more amusing each time that I watch it.” (12:54) - On NBA defense double standards:
“Nobody talked about SGA's defense. Nobody. ... But I want to know where the analysts were when James Harden was considered the best player in the game.” (38:11) - Classic Reggie banter:
“They're seeing the same thing you and I are. Yes, yes, they see the same thing.” (49:50) - Vegas team name ideas get vetoed:
“Somebody said the mobsters.” (50:13)
Reggie: “Oh, no, no.” - Gambling confession:
“I go with Jersey numbers. I go with kids, ages. ... That's my go to.” (51:13)
Important Segments (Timestamps)
- Dan’s Tiger Woods Lead-In: 03:14–06:17
- NBA MVP Odds Discussion: 06:18–10:00, 34:31–40:42
- Dan Hurley Controversy: 06:54–16:14, 44:13–46:44
- Jim 'Bones' MacKay Interview: 20:59–30:40
- College Basketball: UConn-Duke Endgame: 41:02–44:13
- Vegas Team Names & Reggie’s Gambling: 50:01–52:48
Summary & Takeaway
This episode is a vibrant microcosm of the Dan Patrick Show—combining investigative curiosity (the evolving Tiger Woods story, Hurley’s viral confrontation), analytical debate (NBA MVP, college basketball crunch time), and convivial, inside-baseball banter. For those who missed it, expect in-depth discussion, seasoned perspective, and the delightful unpredictability that comes when sports’ biggest moments intersect with its biggest personalities.