Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show – PMS 2.0 1365

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Guests: Quentin Richardson, Adam Schefter, Mark Kriegel, AJ Hawk
Topic: Indiana Pacers Force Game 7 in NBA Finals against Oklahoma City Thunder

Introduction

On this Feel Great Friday, Pat McAfee and his dynamic panel delve into the electrifying developments of the NBA Finals, where the Indiana Pacers have forcefully advanced to a decisive Game 7 against the leading Oklahoma City Thunder. The episode offers comprehensive analysis, insider insights, and enthusiastic discussions, ensuring listeners are well-informed and entertained.

NBA Finals Recap

Game 6 Overview

The episode kicks off with Pat McAfee's excitement about the Indiana Pacers' performance in Game 6, which led to the forcing of Game 7. He describes the atmosphere in Indianapolis as "electrifying" and praises the Pacers for defying expectations.

Pat McAfee [00:00]: "Last night, Game six in Indianapolis Indiana was electrifying. We were lucky enough to be in the building."

Key Players and Performances

Pat highlights the resilience of the Pacers, particularly focusing on Tyrese Halliburton’s determination despite injuries and the overall team performance.

Pat McAfee [00:50]: "Tyrese Halliburton... gritted his ass through a calf and an ankle injury last night."

The panel discusses the standout performances from various players:

• T.J. McConnell: Recognized for his defensive prowess and leadership.
• Pascal Siakam: Commended for his offensive skills and pivotal plays.
• Obi Toppin: Noted for his energy and clutch performances off the bench.

Pat McAfee [05:10]: "He was incredible. T.J. McConnell's dad said he's incredibly proud. 'On Sunday, I'm going to Oklahoma City to watch my son play for a world championship.'"

The Road to Game 7

The discussion shifts to the strategic adjustments made by the Pacers and the anticipation surrounding their trip to Oklahoma City for Game 7. The team’s underdog mentality and strong fan support are emphasized as key factors for their continued success.

Ty Schmidt [02:26]: "Unbelievable. One of the best environments I've ever been in."

Mark Kriegel [68:01]: "They continue to defy the odds... this is a nightmare situation as you look ahead to the future."

Guest Insights

Quentin Richardson

Quentin Richardson shares his excitement about the Pacers forcing a Game 7 and offers his professional perspective on the team's dynamics and the potential outcomes of the upcoming game.

Quentin Richardson [14:30]: "I mean, anything can happen in this game seven. This is why, you know, if you were in OKC's situation, you wanted to try and end it last night, but clearly, that didn't happen."

Adam Schefter

Adam Schefter provides updates beyond basketball, touching on football trades and contract negotiations, particularly focusing on Jalen Ramsey's potential trade from the Dolphins and Trey Hendrickson's ongoing negotiations with the Bengals.

Adam Schefter [43:38]: "The Dolphins continue to have conversations about trading Jalen Ramsey, and I think that a trade there will get done... Jalen Ramsey will get traded."

He also discusses his recent experience covering a golf event, highlighting the challenges and excitement of reporting in a new arena.

Adam Schefter [38:19]: "Honestly, one of the thrills of a lifetime. It was incredible to be alongside Mark Dameron right there."

Mark Kriegel

Mark Kriegel, a renowned boxing writer and NY Times best-selling author, discusses his latest book on Mike Tyson, offering deep insights into Tyson's life and the transformations that have shaped his public persona.

Mark Kriegel [103:12]: "When you have bad guys and they have that wink, they get over, you know, exponentially. People become absolutely fascinated by him."

He also shares his thoughts on the resurgence of boxing, particularly the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight, emphasizing its significance for the sport's future.

Mark Kriegel [113:45]: "It's a great, great fight because on paper, I mean, Crawford's older, he's smaller, and he's technically, in economic terms, he's the B side. So everything in boxing history says Crawford should lose. I don't think that's going to happen."

AJ Hawk

AJ Hawk contributes to the conversation with his perspective on the Pacers' performance, the potential for Indianapolis as an expansion city for the NHL, and discusses his experiences with the podcast.

AJ Hawk [85:38]: "It's a team that could potentially win immediately. Absolutely no doubt."

Other Sports Discussions

College World Series

The panel briefly touches on the College World Series, notably highlighting Coastal Carolina and LSU's performances and the excitement surrounding the best-of-three series in Omaha.

Pat McAfee [30:23]: "Coastal Carolina, LSU. Best of three series. Good luck."

Baseball Updates

Discussions include the escalating rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres, focusing on Fernando Tatis Jr. being hit multiple times by Dodgers pitchers, leading to bench-clearing situations.

Boston Connor [32:01]: "Fernando Tatis Jr., who is arguably the star of the Padres, has been hit three times by the Dodgers in 10 days."

Olympics and Golf

Adam Schefter shares his recent experience covering a golf event, praising golfers like Rory McIlroy and Keegan Bradley, and discusses the upcoming World Golf Championships.

Adam Schefter [38:19]: "They were gracious, they were great to watch, they were great to follow. I thanked them for allowing me to trail in the footsteps of their greatness."

Audience Q&A

The hosts engage with listener questions, addressing topics such as the viability of Indianapolis as an NHL expansion city and the potential for T.J. McConnell to win the Finals MVP.

Listener Question [97:00]: "If the NFL ever expands, our NHL ever expands more, would Indy be a viable expansion spot?"

Pat McAfee [85:38]: "I think Indianapolis would be a great hockey home. We've had teams like the Indianapolis Racers and the Indianapolis Ice have had their moments."

Additionally, questions about T.J. McConnell's MVP chances are discussed, with the panel expressing optimism about his potential impact.

AJ Hawk [87:59]: "I put in a TJ ticket this morning for plus 11,000, which would mean if you put in $25 to win $2,775."

Concluding Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Pat McAfee and his guests reiterate their excitement for Game 7 of the NBA Finals, congratulate the Indiana Pacers on their remarkable postseason run, and express anticipation for witnessing history in the making.

Pat McAfee [93:16]: "It all comes down to this. You got it?"

Mark Kriegel [124:04]: "It's going into Oklahoma City at 8 o'clock on Sunday on ABC, something that's talked about forever."

The panel also touches on their favorite moments of the week, ranging from thrilling sports achievements to humorous anecdotes from their own experiences.

Closing Thoughts

Pat McAfee and his guests provided a thorough and passionate analysis of the Indiana Pacers’ journey to Game 7, enriched with expert opinions and personal reflections. The episode not only celebrates the Pacers’ underdog success but also offers a broader perspective on current sports narratives, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts eager to stay ahead of the game.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat McAfee [00:00]: "What's talked about forever... Good luck to all the boys."
• Quentin Richardson [14:30]: "Anything can happen in this game seven."
• Mark Kriegel [103:12]: "People become absolutely fascinated by him."
• Adam Schefter [43:38]: "Jalen Ramsey will get traded."

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the valuable discussions and insights shared during the episode.