Historic NBA Showdowns, Cleveland's Dominance, and Rising Stars: FRPC Deep Dive

[00:00:18] It's late night and it's, well, it's gonna be Thursday when you get this pod, but it's late night Wednesday night and Front Runner Podcast Collective is on the air. I am your humble host, Vince. I am with the trusty Saraya as producing this show. We have so much to get to and the reason, the reason why we're coming to you late night is because we witnessed the Cavaliers'

[00:00:48] and the OKC Thunder, get it on. And when I say get it on, this was everything that it was cracked up to be. We have so much to go over and this is the reason why we bringing you the podcast late night style, a little quiet storm for you, if you will.

[00:01:13] Now, before we get to all the festivities and go around the arc and also hit a little baseline buzz and go around the league and see what's going on there. The first thing that we got to do is we're gonna get to the socials and.

[00:01:29] We are on BlueSky.

[00:01:34] At FrontRunnerPC.BSky.Social. That's for me. And as for Saraya, it is at FRPC-Raya.BSky.Social.

[00:01:50] Now, over on Twitter or on X, as you would like to refer to it as. It's at FrontRunnerPC. It's also at Raya underscore Funch FRPC.

[00:02:05] So, don't forget to check out our YouTube channel, FrontRunner Podcast Collective for the clips and also the polls and some of the questions that we put up there.

[00:02:15] We also have some news coming next week.

[00:02:22] And that news is that there's a website.

[00:02:25] Just know.

[00:02:27] When we hit you with the website, it's going to be live.

[00:02:31] It's going to have blogs on it already.

[00:02:33] And I can't wait to have a one-stop shop where you can go get all of FRPC information.

[00:02:43] It'll be all there in one location.

[00:02:47] And we are super excited to bring it to you.

[00:02:51] With all that, the last thing that we got to talk about for the new people and also for the people who have been here with us for a while.

[00:02:58] Now, what's the mantra?

[00:03:02] Be a friend, tell a friend, right?

[00:03:04] How do you go about this?

[00:03:06] You are right now a friend of the podcast because you're listening to it.

[00:03:11] So, thank you.

[00:03:12] Thank you for doing that.

[00:03:13] We appreciate you, our loyal audience.

[00:03:18] Now, if you want to be a friend or true friend, you will tell a friend about the podcast.

[00:03:28] So, make sure you're getting the word out about Frontrunner Podcast Collective.

[00:03:33] We're here three days a week for your NBA pleasure.

[00:03:38] Also, for your NBA information.

[00:03:41] Sometimes, for your NBA humor.

[00:03:43] And we hope to bring you some insightful things along the way.

[00:03:48] Now, we're about to get into this segment around the arc.

[00:03:54] And obviously, it's going to feature the Cleveland Cavaliers and what happened tonight.

[00:03:58] And I want to give you a robust observation of what we saw.

[00:04:03] But before we get there, on a personal note, two things.

[00:04:08] Because I think we have some little laundry to clean up here.

[00:04:12] One, we live in Southern California.

[00:04:14] Now, I and Soraya are in Southern California.

[00:04:20] And there are some wildfires that are in the Malibu Canyon area.

[00:04:26] We are fine.

[00:04:28] We are south of this.

[00:04:31] But we know folks who are in that area.

[00:04:34] We send our prayers.

[00:04:37] We send our thoughts to people who are being displaced.

[00:04:41] Do not know if they're going to have homes to go back to.

[00:04:45] We just hope that people get out of their safe.

[00:04:48] You can replace things.

[00:04:49] You can replace items.

[00:04:51] You cannot replace people.

[00:04:52] So we hope for the best.

[00:04:54] And we give our support.

[00:04:57] And our thoughts to the men and women who are trying to put out these fires.

[00:05:03] And also giving care to the people who are suffering through this horrendous event that is going on in Southern California.

[00:05:15] The second thing is more of a personal note.

[00:05:18] And it's a lighter note.

[00:05:20] And I'm a big fan of the WWE.

[00:05:23] I have been a fan for a long time.

[00:05:26] Do I have a bunch of championship belts?

[00:05:28] No.

[00:05:29] Do I have a bunch of t-shirts and all that?

[00:05:31] No.

[00:05:32] But I consume the product.

[00:05:34] I've loved the product for a long time.

[00:05:38] I go back pre-Attitude era.

[00:05:41] So I was there for the Hulk and the Macho Man.

[00:05:45] The superpowers coming together.

[00:05:47] I was there for the whole Miss Elizabeth deal.

[00:05:53] But my favorite.

[00:05:55] One of my favorite wrestlers of all time is Shawn Michaels.

[00:05:58] So when Shawn Michaels kicked his tag team partner Marty Jannetty in the face and went solo.

[00:06:06] I was like that's my guy.

[00:06:08] I'm going to roll with him.

[00:06:10] And when he got Diesel and performed that situation and then it became the click and what have you.

[00:06:21] I rolled with Shawn then.

[00:06:22] I rolled with him when he went through hell in a cell with the Undertaker.

[00:06:28] I rolled with him when things weren't so great with him.

[00:06:32] He had his issues and his demons.

[00:06:36] And then our guy left.

[00:06:41] And we felt a little empty inside.

[00:06:45] And then Shawn came back.

[00:06:49] And I was telling my wife this earlier today that Shawn Michaels arguably had two Hall of Fame careers in one career.

[00:07:01] You can say pre-back injury and post-back injury.

[00:07:08] He gave us a lot of great memories and what have you.

[00:07:11] And he still does to this day.

[00:07:13] And he does it with NXT.

[00:07:16] He's the creative force behind NXT.

[00:07:18] And you wonder why I'm talking waxing poetically about Shawn Michaels.

[00:07:25] Well I told you he's one of my guys right.

[00:07:28] Well now he's truly one of my guys.

[00:07:31] Because for me.

[00:07:35] The boyhood dream.

[00:07:38] Has become reality to me.

[00:07:41] Because Shawn Michaels is following me.

[00:07:43] Is it.

[00:07:44] Is it stupid?

[00:07:46] Maybe.

[00:07:47] But it's cool to me.

[00:07:50] And shouts out to Shawn.

[00:07:52] Shouts out to the HBK.

[00:07:54] Heartbreak Kid.

[00:07:55] Who's brought us so many.

[00:07:58] Tremendous memories over the years.

[00:08:00] And he continues to do.

[00:08:01] Down at NXT.

[00:08:03] I want to thank all the NXT.

[00:08:06] Prospects down there.

[00:08:07] Miss Jada Parker.

[00:08:09] We love you.

[00:08:10] FRPC is behind.

[00:08:11] Miss Jada Parker.

[00:08:13] We are also behind.

[00:08:15] Trick Williams.

[00:08:16] Oh that.

[00:08:17] Trick.

[00:08:18] You are guy.

[00:08:20] And the reason why we like Trick.

[00:08:22] Is because he's a big man.

[00:08:24] He's a big man who's really athletic.

[00:08:28] And the reason.

[00:08:29] Why we want to talk about Trick.

[00:08:31] Real quick.

[00:08:32] Is because.

[00:08:33] We need to talk about these big men.

[00:08:36] In Cleveland.

[00:08:39] Cool little segue.

[00:08:40] Look at that.

[00:08:40] Like professional.

[00:08:42] And all that.

[00:08:43] Yeah.

[00:08:43] For sure.

[00:08:43] That's what we do here.

[00:08:46] It was a game.

[00:08:48] Folks.

[00:08:49] It was a game.

[00:08:51] And.

[00:08:52] How we want to start off.

[00:08:54] With this.

[00:08:55] Is that.

[00:08:56] Obviously.

[00:08:56] You are talking about.

[00:08:57] Two of the best teams.

[00:09:00] In the NBA.

[00:09:01] This is what.

[00:09:02] The NBA is all about.

[00:09:04] When you talk about.

[00:09:05] Oh football is king.

[00:09:06] I understand that.

[00:09:07] I get it.

[00:09:08] The NFL rules.

[00:09:11] But you get these matchups.

[00:09:13] Every once in a while.

[00:09:14] And you get.

[00:09:16] These stakes.

[00:09:16] And you get.

[00:09:17] These teams.

[00:09:18] That really want to prove a point.

[00:09:20] To one another.

[00:09:22] And Wednesday night.

[00:09:23] We got it.

[00:09:26] OKC.

[00:09:27] Rolled into Cleveland.

[00:09:28] With the second best record.

[00:09:30] In the league.

[00:09:31] A stifling defense.

[00:09:34] And an MVP candidate.

[00:09:36] In shade.

[00:09:36] Gilgis Alexander.

[00:09:39] Cleveland said.

[00:09:40] We don't sweat you.

[00:09:42] We got.

[00:09:43] 14 feet.

[00:09:44] Of awesome.

[00:09:46] We also have.

[00:09:48] Donovan Mitchell.

[00:09:49] Who is.

[00:09:50] Playoff.

[00:09:51] Battle tested.

[00:09:52] And we have.

[00:09:53] The up and coming star.

[00:09:55] In Darius Garland.

[00:09:57] Who.

[00:09:58] Lost his way last year.

[00:10:00] Through injury.

[00:10:01] And through some personal things.

[00:10:02] That young man went through.

[00:10:05] And now he's back.

[00:10:07] Dedicated to the craft.

[00:10:09] And he's.

[00:10:10] Healing it.

[00:10:11] So it was.

[00:10:12] All of what you wanted.

[00:10:14] In a game.

[00:10:15] And then some.

[00:10:17] So let's go ahead.

[00:10:18] And break it down.

[00:10:19] So the two powerhouse teams.

[00:10:21] Meet.

[00:10:22] At the peak.

[00:10:23] Of their.

[00:10:24] Respective.

[00:10:24] Seasons.

[00:10:25] With the Cavaliers.

[00:10:28] Emerging.

[00:10:28] Victorious.

[00:10:30] 129.

[00:10:31] To 122.

[00:10:32] Over a previously.

[00:10:34] Red hot.

[00:10:34] Oklahoma City.

[00:10:35] Thunder.

[00:10:36] The teams.

[00:10:37] Entered the game.

[00:10:38] With historic records.

[00:10:40] And the energy.

[00:10:41] In the arena.

[00:10:42] Reflected the stakes.

[00:10:44] Now it's hard to argue.

[00:10:46] Against Cleveland.

[00:10:48] Being the best team.

[00:10:50] In basketball.

[00:10:51] At the moment.

[00:10:52] With the NBA.

[00:10:53] Best.

[00:10:54] 32 and 4 record.

[00:10:55] They've now won.

[00:10:56] 11 straight.

[00:10:59] Let that sink in.

[00:11:01] They won.

[00:11:02] 11 straight.

[00:11:05] Their second street.

[00:11:07] Of at least.

[00:11:08] 11 wins.

[00:11:09] This season.

[00:11:10] So.

[00:11:10] They go streaking.

[00:11:11] A lot.

[00:11:13] We now know.

[00:11:14] That Cleveland.

[00:11:16] Has watched.

[00:11:16] A lot of old school.

[00:11:19] And.

[00:11:20] Their favorite character.

[00:11:22] From old school.

[00:11:23] Is Frank the tank.

[00:11:25] And what did.

[00:11:26] Frank the tank.

[00:11:27] Like to do.

[00:11:27] In old school.

[00:11:29] Once he had.

[00:11:30] A couple.

[00:11:31] Brew skis.

[00:11:33] In him.

[00:11:35] He go streaking.

[00:11:37] That's what the Cavaliers.

[00:11:38] Are doing.

[00:11:39] Not only.

[00:11:40] Are they going streaking.

[00:11:42] They're beating.

[00:11:42] The piss out of people.

[00:11:44] Mostly.

[00:11:45] Now.

[00:11:45] This was a.

[00:11:46] Highly competitive game.

[00:11:48] And we're going to get into.

[00:11:49] All the particulars.

[00:11:50] In one second.

[00:11:51] But.

[00:11:51] Before.

[00:11:52] This game.

[00:11:54] Their net rating.

[00:11:55] Is like.

[00:11:55] Eleven point.

[00:11:56] Is eleven point nine.

[00:11:57] Plus.

[00:11:59] What we're talking about.

[00:12:00] Is.

[00:12:01] A historic run.

[00:12:04] It's up there.

[00:12:05] With what.

[00:12:05] Some of the greatest.

[00:12:06] Teams.

[00:12:07] That we've ever seen.

[00:12:08] Play basketball.

[00:12:11] And.

[00:12:12] Yet still.

[00:12:13] Myself.

[00:12:14] And maybe others.

[00:12:15] Have had questions.

[00:12:17] About.

[00:12:18] This is awesome.

[00:12:19] But.

[00:12:20] Is it going to be able.

[00:12:22] To stand up in the playoffs.

[00:12:23] The first.

[00:12:25] Answer.

[00:12:26] To the question.

[00:12:27] Was this.

[00:12:29] How physical.

[00:12:30] Are the big men.

[00:12:31] Going to be.

[00:12:31] For Cleveland.

[00:12:33] That'll tell me.

[00:12:34] Everything I need to know.

[00:12:35] The Cavs.

[00:12:36] Big men.

[00:12:37] Stole the show.

[00:12:38] Jared Allen.

[00:12:38] And Evan Mobley.

[00:12:40] Absolutely.

[00:12:41] Dominated.

[00:12:41] The Thunder team.

[00:12:42] That sorely.

[00:12:43] Missed.

[00:12:43] Chet Holmgren.

[00:12:44] So.

[00:12:44] I do want to.

[00:12:45] Keep that.

[00:12:46] As a caveat.

[00:12:47] For people.

[00:12:48] That.

[00:12:48] OKC.

[00:12:50] Wasn't.

[00:12:51] Completely.

[00:12:52] OKC.

[00:12:54] Keep in mind.

[00:12:55] Alex Caruso.

[00:12:57] Not playing.

[00:12:58] Also.

[00:12:59] Chet Holmgren.

[00:13:01] Number two.

[00:13:02] Overall pick.

[00:13:02] A couple years back.

[00:13:04] Not playing.

[00:13:05] Because of the hip.

[00:13:07] Issue.

[00:13:08] But.

[00:13:09] Allen.

[00:13:11] Had a near perfect night.

[00:13:13] With 25 points.

[00:13:14] 12 rebounds.

[00:13:15] 6 assists.

[00:13:17] 3 steals.

[00:13:18] Mobley.

[00:13:19] Complemented.

[00:13:20] You know.

[00:13:21] Perfectly.

[00:13:21] By dropping.

[00:13:22] 20 more points.

[00:13:23] 10 rebounds.

[00:13:25] 7 assists.

[00:13:26] Together.

[00:13:27] They overwhelmed.

[00:13:28] The Oklahoma City Thunder.

[00:13:29] Interior defense.

[00:13:31] Going 17 of 24.

[00:13:33] From the field.

[00:13:34] And earning.

[00:13:35] 17 free throws.

[00:13:37] They.

[00:13:39] They just.

[00:13:40] Punished.

[00:13:41] Oklahoma City.

[00:13:42] Every time.

[00:13:43] There was a switch.

[00:13:45] And there was.

[00:13:45] A small.

[00:13:46] On Jared Allen.

[00:13:48] And or.

[00:13:49] Evan Mobley.

[00:13:50] They punished.

[00:13:51] That switch.

[00:13:52] They said.

[00:13:53] If this is what you're going to do.

[00:13:56] We are going to stick your little guy.

[00:13:58] In the hole.

[00:14:00] We are going to dunk.

[00:14:02] We are going to get layups.

[00:14:04] It is going to be a.

[00:14:05] And one fest.

[00:14:06] If you want to stick your little person.

[00:14:09] On us.

[00:14:10] This is the type of aggression.

[00:14:11] That we've been.

[00:14:12] Wanting to see.

[00:14:13] Out of Evan Mobley.

[00:14:14] Ever since he came.

[00:14:15] Into the league.

[00:14:17] From USC.

[00:14:19] Now.

[00:14:20] At the time.

[00:14:21] This is something.

[00:14:22] That I thought.

[00:14:23] Would come.

[00:14:24] Did I think.

[00:14:25] It was going to take this long.

[00:14:26] I didn't think.

[00:14:27] It was going to take this long.

[00:14:28] But.

[00:14:29] I do.

[00:14:30] Harking back.

[00:14:31] To one thing.

[00:14:32] And.

[00:14:33] I think.

[00:14:34] I'm going to need.

[00:14:34] To start really tweaking.

[00:14:36] My scouting eye.

[00:14:37] For this.

[00:14:37] It was something.

[00:14:38] That I did pick up.

[00:14:39] And it was something.

[00:14:40] That I talked to.

[00:14:41] Nico Miatello.

[00:14:42] Who used to be part of this program.

[00:14:44] A while ago.

[00:14:46] And.

[00:14:47] This.

[00:14:47] It.

[00:14:48] This was the situation.

[00:14:49] In my scouting.

[00:14:51] Evaluation.

[00:14:52] Of Evan Mobley.

[00:14:53] All the talents there.

[00:14:55] Where people were talking about.

[00:14:57] Is a shot there.

[00:14:58] Is he going to be able to rebound.

[00:14:59] And a high level.

[00:15:00] And all these things.

[00:15:01] I said.

[00:15:02] Listen.

[00:15:03] What you're missing.

[00:15:04] Is that he played with his brother.

[00:15:06] At USC.

[00:15:07] His older brother.

[00:15:08] Who now.

[00:15:09] I believe.

[00:15:10] Plays with him.

[00:15:12] In Cleveland.

[00:15:13] I think he's a bench guy.

[00:15:14] He doesn't see a lot of time.

[00:15:16] But he did play with him.

[00:15:17] In Cleveland.

[00:15:17] At one time.

[00:15:18] I do know that.

[00:15:19] Isaiah Mobley.

[00:15:20] Played with him.

[00:15:21] At USC.

[00:15:22] And he deferred a lot.

[00:15:24] To his brother.

[00:15:24] At USC.

[00:15:26] And a lot of people.

[00:15:27] Were really.

[00:15:28] Like.

[00:15:30] Bewildered by.

[00:15:31] Evan Mobley's numbers.

[00:15:32] Because you can see the talent.

[00:15:34] You can see the length.

[00:15:35] You can see the touch.

[00:15:36] The shot.

[00:15:37] And everything.

[00:15:38] But he wasn't.

[00:15:39] He was putting up.

[00:15:40] Pretty pedestrian numbers.

[00:15:42] For somebody.

[00:15:43] Who was dominating.

[00:15:45] Length wise.

[00:15:47] And athletically wise.

[00:15:48] He was just dominating.

[00:15:51] But.

[00:15:52] He didn't really show it.

[00:15:53] And I knew all this was in there.

[00:15:55] And he actually.

[00:15:56] I think.

[00:15:57] Before.

[00:15:58] The draft.

[00:15:59] He worked out with Chris Bosh.

[00:16:01] And to me.

[00:16:02] That's exactly what I thought.

[00:16:03] He was going to end up being.

[00:16:05] Now.

[00:16:06] Are we seeing it this year?

[00:16:08] Yes we are.

[00:16:09] Do we feel vindicated?

[00:16:10] I'm not going to tell you here.

[00:16:11] I'm not going to sit here and lie to you.

[00:16:13] And say I don't feel vindicated.

[00:16:14] I do.

[00:16:15] But the one thing I will say.

[00:16:17] Where I missed.

[00:16:18] In my evaluation.

[00:16:20] And why it might have taken so long.

[00:16:23] Is.

[00:16:24] Just the differential treatment.

[00:16:26] That Evan will give his teammates.

[00:16:29] He wants to be a team first guy.

[00:16:31] So badly.

[00:16:32] That he's not going to impose his will.

[00:16:36] Onto the team.

[00:16:37] What you're seeing now.

[00:16:39] Is the maturation process.

[00:16:41] Of a young man who is finding out.

[00:16:42] How good he is.

[00:16:44] Where his spots are on the floor.

[00:16:47] He's very comfortable with the ball.

[00:16:49] In or out of his hands.

[00:16:51] And he knows that he can affect the game.

[00:16:53] On both sides of the court.

[00:16:55] He now knows that.

[00:16:58] So guess what?

[00:16:59] The rest of the league.

[00:17:01] Now gets to pay the price.

[00:17:03] That Evan Mobley now knows this.

[00:17:05] So we're about to see the best.

[00:17:06] Of Evan Mobley.

[00:17:08] And this game was a clear indication.

[00:17:10] Of what are things to come.

[00:17:13] Like we said.

[00:17:14] Cavs big man.

[00:17:15] They be balling.

[00:17:17] Might be the best way to describe this game.

[00:17:19] Up until now.

[00:17:20] Cleveland.

[00:17:21] Has been obliterating squads.

[00:17:23] We talked about their net rating.

[00:17:25] They have been beating teams.

[00:17:28] By double digits.

[00:17:31] So many times.

[00:17:33] That is ridiculous.

[00:17:36] And you know how hard it is.

[00:17:37] To beat teams.

[00:17:39] By double digits now.

[00:17:42] Because of the advent.

[00:17:43] Of so many three-pointers.

[00:17:45] In the league.

[00:17:46] And even in.

[00:17:48] Garbage time.

[00:17:49] You'll have these guys out there.

[00:17:51] Just chucking up threes.

[00:17:52] So yeah.

[00:17:52] You'll see a.

[00:17:53] A 19 point lead.

[00:17:55] Go down to eight.

[00:17:56] Yeah.

[00:17:57] But it's still.

[00:17:58] It's not close enough.

[00:18:00] For them to catch up.

[00:18:01] So at the end of the game.

[00:18:02] Yeah.

[00:18:02] They'll.

[00:18:03] Get it close to eight.

[00:18:04] Or whatever.

[00:18:05] But to.

[00:18:07] Show.

[00:18:08] That type of dominance.

[00:18:10] To continue.

[00:18:11] To play your game.

[00:18:12] To continue.

[00:18:13] To put up points.

[00:18:14] On people.

[00:18:15] The way.

[00:18:17] The Cavaliers.

[00:18:18] Have been doing.

[00:18:19] And they showed this.

[00:18:20] In the second quarter.

[00:18:21] Because they were down.

[00:18:22] By nine.

[00:18:23] And it looked like.

[00:18:24] OKC.

[00:18:24] In that swarming defense.

[00:18:26] That we've been talking about.

[00:18:27] Pretty much all year.

[00:18:29] And they look like.

[00:18:31] A bunch of piranhas.

[00:18:32] Anytime.

[00:18:33] You are an offensive player.

[00:18:35] And you're playing.

[00:18:35] Against the Thunder.

[00:18:37] If you hold the ball.

[00:18:38] Two seconds.

[00:18:39] You have.

[00:18:40] Two guys on you.

[00:18:41] And you have a third.

[00:18:42] That's like.

[00:18:43] Trailing.

[00:18:44] Whoever.

[00:18:45] The guy.

[00:18:46] Who's coming to trap.

[00:18:47] The guy with the ball.

[00:18:49] They are so.

[00:18:50] On a string.

[00:18:51] On defense.

[00:18:52] And their.

[00:18:53] Intentionality.

[00:18:54] On defense.

[00:18:55] At such a high level.

[00:18:56] Right now.

[00:18:59] You thought.

[00:19:00] That you were going to.

[00:19:01] There was a part.

[00:19:03] In that second quarter.

[00:19:04] Quarter.

[00:19:04] I want to say.

[00:19:05] In the mid part.

[00:19:05] Of the second quarter.

[00:19:06] Where.

[00:19:07] OKC.

[00:19:08] Pulled away.

[00:19:09] A little bit.

[00:19:10] And then.

[00:19:10] There was a timeout.

[00:19:13] And then.

[00:19:14] The two bigs.

[00:19:15] Came back.

[00:19:16] Into the game.

[00:19:17] And.

[00:19:18] One by one.

[00:19:20] They were getting.

[00:19:23] Switched off.

[00:19:23] To little guys.

[00:19:25] And.

[00:19:25] Literally.

[00:19:27] It was a dunk fest.

[00:19:30] In the second quarter.

[00:19:31] Quarter.

[00:19:31] And then.

[00:19:31] By the time.

[00:19:32] The second quarter.

[00:19:33] Ended.

[00:19:33] And we were at.

[00:19:34] Halftime.

[00:19:35] The game.

[00:19:35] Was close.

[00:19:36] I believe.

[00:19:37] Cleveland.

[00:19:38] Was up by.

[00:19:38] Three.

[00:19:41] And then.

[00:19:42] When we got into.

[00:19:43] The third quarter.

[00:19:43] The game.

[00:19:44] Stayed close.

[00:19:45] But to me.

[00:19:45] I thought.

[00:19:46] That Cleveland.

[00:19:47] Really dominated.

[00:19:48] The game.

[00:19:48] I thought.

[00:19:48] They had the game.

[00:19:50] I wouldn't say.

[00:19:50] Well in hand.

[00:19:51] Because.

[00:19:52] Obviously.

[00:19:52] When you have.

[00:19:53] A single digit lead.

[00:19:54] And you have.

[00:19:55] The advent.

[00:19:56] Of the three ball.

[00:19:58] You're never.

[00:19:58] Were really.

[00:19:59] Just safe.

[00:20:00] But I always felt like.

[00:20:02] They had an answer.

[00:20:04] To anything.

[00:20:05] OKC.

[00:20:06] Did.

[00:20:07] So if they got up.

[00:20:08] By seven.

[00:20:10] OKC.

[00:20:11] Will bring it down.

[00:20:11] To three.

[00:20:13] You knew that.

[00:20:14] They were going to.

[00:20:16] Make the next shot.

[00:20:17] And then.

[00:20:17] The next time.

[00:20:18] Down the court.

[00:20:18] They were going to stop.

[00:20:19] OKC.

[00:20:20] From scoring.

[00:20:20] Their buckets.

[00:20:22] And that was.

[00:20:25] Crazy to see.

[00:20:27] Now.

[00:20:27] This team has.

[00:20:28] Been.

[00:20:29] Undeniably.

[00:20:30] Awesome.

[00:20:31] The Cleveland Cavaliers.

[00:20:33] But I cannot.

[00:20:35] Help.

[00:20:35] But to have.

[00:20:36] Those intrusive.

[00:20:38] Thoughts.

[00:20:39] Do they still.

[00:20:41] Need an upgrade.

[00:20:42] At the wing.

[00:20:43] Position.

[00:20:44] And could that.

[00:20:46] One position.

[00:20:48] Be their Achilles heel.

[00:20:49] In the playoffs.

[00:20:51] Their regular season.

[00:20:52] Dominance.

[00:20:53] Is undeniable.

[00:20:55] But the real test.

[00:20:56] Waits.

[00:20:57] Now.

[00:20:58] Donovan Mitchell.

[00:21:00] Struggled.

[00:21:00] Offensively.

[00:21:01] Finishing.

[00:21:02] With just.

[00:21:03] Eleven points.

[00:21:03] He was three.

[00:21:04] Of sixteen.

[00:21:05] Shooting.

[00:21:05] His leadership.

[00:21:06] And trust.

[00:21:07] In his teammates.

[00:21:08] Stood out though.

[00:21:09] Because you saw.

[00:21:10] A very.

[00:21:10] You saw.

[00:21:11] A very.

[00:21:12] Servicing.

[00:21:14] Donovan Mitchell.

[00:21:15] He was.

[00:21:15] Allowing the offense.

[00:21:17] To be.

[00:21:18] Run through.

[00:21:19] The bigs.

[00:21:20] He saw.

[00:21:21] That.

[00:21:21] Darius Garland.

[00:21:22] Was able to.

[00:21:23] Run the team.

[00:21:24] And things of that nature.

[00:21:25] He.

[00:21:26] Definitely.

[00:21:27] Played.

[00:21:28] Defense.

[00:21:29] At a high level.

[00:21:30] I thought he was.

[00:21:30] In the jerseys.

[00:21:31] Of the OKC Thunder.

[00:21:33] Perimeter people.

[00:21:34] But.

[00:21:35] I will say this.

[00:21:36] There was a quote.

[00:21:38] From my guy.

[00:21:39] And this is what he said.

[00:21:40] He said.

[00:21:41] As a unit.

[00:21:42] We don't win this game.

[00:21:43] Last year.

[00:21:44] Everybody came out.

[00:21:45] And did something positive.

[00:21:46] To affect the game.

[00:21:48] That's what it's going to take.

[00:21:49] To be the team.

[00:21:50] We want to be.

[00:21:52] Quote.

[00:21:52] From Donovan Mitchell.

[00:21:54] I think.

[00:21:55] Donovan Mitchell.

[00:21:56] Might.

[00:21:57] Have found his.

[00:21:59] Basketball.

[00:21:59] Shangri-la.

[00:22:00] As you speak.

[00:22:02] He was in Utah.

[00:22:03] For a while.

[00:22:04] And then there was.

[00:22:05] The playoff.

[00:22:05] Of disappointments.

[00:22:07] And what.

[00:22:07] Were they going to be able.

[00:22:08] To get over the hump.

[00:22:09] And all of these things.

[00:22:11] That were coming down on him.

[00:22:13] And then he got traded.

[00:22:15] He got traded.

[00:22:16] To Cleveland.

[00:22:18] And.

[00:22:18] The first thoughts.

[00:22:20] Were.

[00:22:20] How long is Donovan.

[00:22:22] Going to be in Cleveland.

[00:22:25] And then.

[00:22:26] You started to think.

[00:22:27] As we got.

[00:22:27] Got closer and closer.

[00:22:29] To when his extension.

[00:22:30] Was going to come up.

[00:22:31] Now.

[00:22:32] Cleveland fans.

[00:22:32] I know the history.

[00:22:33] He did sign.

[00:22:35] Right.

[00:22:36] But there were.

[00:22:38] Rumors.

[00:22:39] And there were.

[00:22:40] Whispers.

[00:22:41] That Donovan.

[00:22:42] Is looking for a way out.

[00:22:44] Donovan.

[00:22:45] Is looking for.

[00:22:47] Maybe.

[00:22:48] Pastors.

[00:22:49] Say.

[00:22:50] Belong in New York City.

[00:22:52] But.

[00:22:53] The rise.

[00:22:54] Of Jalen Brunson.

[00:22:57] The complete.

[00:22:59] Decimation.

[00:23:00] Of the Brooklyn Nets.

[00:23:02] And then also.

[00:23:03] The crumbling.

[00:23:04] Of the Miami Heat.

[00:23:06] A lot of the destinations.

[00:23:08] That Donovan Mitchell.

[00:23:09] Might want to go to.

[00:23:11] Look.

[00:23:12] Really.

[00:23:13] Pretty.

[00:23:14] Jinky.

[00:23:15] Compared to what you had.

[00:23:16] In Cleveland.

[00:23:18] So then.

[00:23:18] Donovan.

[00:23:19] Does sign the extension.

[00:23:20] In Cleveland.

[00:23:21] And all is well.

[00:23:23] But I just.

[00:23:24] See him.

[00:23:24] Feeling just.

[00:23:26] Very comfortable.

[00:23:27] With himself.

[00:23:28] He did not.

[00:23:28] Press the action.

[00:23:29] Tonight.

[00:23:30] And I was very impressed.

[00:23:31] With that.

[00:23:32] The 16 shots.

[00:23:33] In his shot profile.

[00:23:34] Those are shot.

[00:23:35] That's just a normal game.

[00:23:37] He didn't have a great night shooting.

[00:23:40] 3 of 16 is not great.

[00:23:41] But.

[00:23:42] He.

[00:23:43] Would have normally.

[00:23:45] Taken.

[00:23:46] Nine more shots.

[00:23:48] If he was.

[00:23:49] Shooting this poorly.

[00:23:50] Before.

[00:23:51] Because he wouldn't have trusted.

[00:23:52] His teammates.

[00:23:53] And let me give you a reason.

[00:23:55] Why he should trust.

[00:23:55] His teammates.

[00:23:56] The Cavs death.

[00:23:58] Played a major role.

[00:23:59] In their success.

[00:24:00] Max Struess.

[00:24:01] Anti Jerome.

[00:24:03] Led.

[00:24:03] A 43.

[00:24:04] To 26.

[00:24:05] Bench.

[00:24:06] Scoring advantage.

[00:24:07] Over the OKC Thunder.

[00:24:09] Struess.

[00:24:10] Connecting.

[00:24:11] On.

[00:24:11] Five.

[00:24:12] Of.

[00:24:13] Cleveland's.

[00:24:14] 15.

[00:24:14] Three point.

[00:24:16] Bombs.

[00:24:17] They had a three point.

[00:24:18] Differential.

[00:24:19] That proved to be crucial.

[00:24:21] Because Cleveland hit.

[00:24:22] 15 triples.

[00:24:23] And OKC hit.

[00:24:25] 11.

[00:24:25] And that margin.

[00:24:27] Made the difference.

[00:24:29] In a very tight game.

[00:24:31] Now.

[00:24:32] Coach.

[00:24:32] Kenny Atkinson.

[00:24:34] Reflect on the significance.

[00:24:35] Of this game.

[00:24:36] And this is what he said.

[00:24:38] That was.

[00:24:39] A great.

[00:24:40] Basketball game.

[00:24:41] Forget who won.

[00:24:42] Or lost.

[00:24:43] How do you describe this game?

[00:24:45] It was a beautiful game.

[00:24:48] Coming from somebody.

[00:24:50] Who was in.

[00:24:51] Golden State.

[00:24:52] That does not surprise me.

[00:24:54] Being a Steve Kerr disciple.

[00:24:56] The type of.

[00:24:57] The type of.

[00:24:58] Offense that he ran.

[00:24:59] In Brooklyn.

[00:25:01] Before.

[00:25:01] He was.

[00:25:02] Unserumously.

[00:25:03] Dismissed.

[00:25:04] When.

[00:25:05] KD.

[00:25:06] And Kyrie.

[00:25:07] And James Harden.

[00:25:08] Got there.

[00:25:09] He goes to Golden State.

[00:25:11] You see this.

[00:25:12] Fluid.

[00:25:13] Moving.

[00:25:15] Can.

[00:25:15] Everybody connected.

[00:25:17] On a string.

[00:25:18] Basketball.

[00:25:19] Passes.

[00:25:19] Every.

[00:25:20] Two.

[00:25:20] Three seconds.

[00:25:21] Make a move.

[00:25:22] Make a pass.

[00:25:23] Passes.

[00:25:24] Those type of things.

[00:25:27] On all of what you're seeing.

[00:25:30] In.

[00:25:31] Cleveland.

[00:25:32] There was a.

[00:25:33] Stretch.

[00:25:35] Where.

[00:25:35] I want to say.

[00:25:37] I think this was a point.

[00:25:39] When Ty Jerome.

[00:25:40] Was in the game.

[00:25:41] He was on the left hand side.

[00:25:42] Of the court.

[00:25:43] And.

[00:25:44] He gets trapped.

[00:25:46] They.

[00:25:46] Rush him.

[00:25:47] He kicks it out.

[00:25:49] To another.

[00:25:50] Premier.

[00:25:50] With a guy.

[00:25:51] Who quickly.

[00:25:52] Passes it.

[00:25:53] To Evan Mobley.

[00:25:54] Now.

[00:25:54] Evan Mobley.

[00:25:55] Had a really good shot.

[00:25:56] He had a small.

[00:25:57] On him.

[00:25:58] And he could have just went up.

[00:26:00] He was in the paint.

[00:26:01] He could have made a move.

[00:26:02] Got closer to the basket.

[00:26:03] Probably laid it up.

[00:26:06] Evan Mobley.

[00:26:07] Did not do that.

[00:26:08] Evan Mobley.

[00:26:09] Shot it.

[00:26:10] Over to the corner.

[00:26:11] To the open.

[00:26:12] Three.

[00:26:13] And.

[00:26:14] I believe it was.

[00:26:15] Max Struz.

[00:26:16] It was wide open.

[00:26:17] He hit it.

[00:26:17] Me.

[00:26:18] He could have drank a cappuccino.

[00:26:20] With the time that he had.

[00:26:21] But.

[00:26:21] He knocked it down.

[00:26:23] But.

[00:26:23] I thought I was so impressed.

[00:26:25] But.

[00:26:25] With that.

[00:26:27] Particular possession.

[00:26:28] Because.

[00:26:29] He passed up a really good shot.

[00:26:31] For a great shot.

[00:26:33] And.

[00:26:35] That's the type of basketball.

[00:26:37] That you're going to need to see in the playoffs.

[00:26:39] And it was.

[00:26:40] It was an impressive.

[00:26:42] Win.

[00:26:43] By.

[00:26:44] By.

[00:26:44] The Cleveland Cavaliers.

[00:26:46] Now.

[00:26:46] OKC.

[00:26:49] What do we take away from this game.

[00:26:51] So the first thing that I take away from this game.

[00:26:54] Is.

[00:26:57] I'm not going to panic.

[00:26:59] I'm not going to panic at all.

[00:27:01] They lost by seven points.

[00:27:03] To a really good team.

[00:27:05] Under men.

[00:27:08] I don't know.

[00:27:09] What.

[00:27:10] More you can say about that.

[00:27:12] Despite the loss.

[00:27:13] The Thunder remain.

[00:27:14] An elite team.

[00:27:15] They're 30.

[00:27:16] And six.

[00:27:18] And their philosophy.

[00:27:19] Under Sam Presti.

[00:27:20] Remains clear.

[00:27:22] We want to see our guys.

[00:27:24] Before making any rash decisions.

[00:27:27] They've been without.

[00:27:28] Chet Holmgren.

[00:27:30] They were overmatched.

[00:27:32] Inside.

[00:27:32] With Evan Mobley.

[00:27:33] And.

[00:27:34] And Jared Allen.

[00:27:35] Imposing their will.

[00:27:36] In the paint.

[00:27:37] Isaiah Hardenstein.

[00:27:38] Who had 18 points.

[00:27:40] And 11 rebounds.

[00:27:41] He also had.

[00:27:42] Eight assists.

[00:27:43] He acknowledged.

[00:27:44] The challenge.

[00:27:44] He said.

[00:27:45] They're a little bit tougher.

[00:27:46] For sure.

[00:27:48] Mobley.

[00:27:48] Got a little bit stronger.

[00:27:50] And bigger.

[00:27:51] But it's all stuff.

[00:27:52] I can control.

[00:27:54] Well.

[00:27:56] You.

[00:27:57] By yourself.

[00:27:58] Can't control it.

[00:27:59] Isaiah Hardenstein.

[00:28:00] You.

[00:28:01] By yourself.

[00:28:01] Can't.

[00:28:02] You gonna need some help.

[00:28:03] And I think.

[00:28:04] Down the road.

[00:28:05] You gonna get some help.

[00:28:06] And his name.

[00:28:07] Is Chet Holmgren.

[00:28:09] But.

[00:28:09] We still want Chet.

[00:28:11] To convalesce.

[00:28:13] At a.

[00:28:14] Patient.

[00:28:15] Pace.

[00:28:15] This is a.

[00:28:16] He had a.

[00:28:17] Broken hip.

[00:28:18] Man.

[00:28:18] Like.

[00:28:19] I know he young.

[00:28:20] Rest.

[00:28:21] Make sure it's all great dude.

[00:28:23] Then come back.

[00:28:25] Now.

[00:28:26] Shea Gilgis Alexander.

[00:28:27] The leading.

[00:28:27] MVP candidate.

[00:28:29] Delivered.

[00:28:29] He did exactly.

[00:28:31] What he was supposed to do.

[00:28:32] 31 points.

[00:28:33] Despite foul trouble.

[00:28:35] All night.

[00:28:36] Jalen Williams.

[00:28:37] Was.

[00:28:38] Phenomenal.

[00:28:39] This.

[00:28:40] Is the guy.

[00:28:40] Who's going to have to step up.

[00:28:43] And he did.

[00:28:44] 25 points.

[00:28:45] And 9 assists.

[00:28:47] With OKC.

[00:28:48] Simply.

[00:28:49] Didn't have the firepower.

[00:28:50] To match.

[00:28:52] Cleveland's.

[00:28:52] Three point shooting.

[00:28:54] Or their physical.

[00:28:55] Dominance.

[00:28:56] In the front court.

[00:28:58] Still.

[00:28:59] This is game.

[00:29:00] Was more of a learning opportunity.

[00:29:02] Than a setback.

[00:29:04] For Thunder coach.

[00:29:05] Mark Dagnold.

[00:29:06] Emphasizes the importance.

[00:29:08] Of staying present.

[00:29:09] In high stake moments.

[00:29:11] These elevated games.

[00:29:12] This is a quote from him.

[00:29:13] These elevated games.

[00:29:15] Are great.

[00:29:15] Great.

[00:29:16] They're great.

[00:29:17] In terms of learning.

[00:29:18] Our team.

[00:29:18] Our own team.

[00:29:19] What carries over.

[00:29:21] Against certain opponents.

[00:29:22] What doesn't.

[00:29:23] And what we need.

[00:29:24] To improve on.

[00:29:26] Now.

[00:29:27] Let's put a little.

[00:29:28] Historical context.

[00:29:29] On this game.

[00:29:30] Because you all.

[00:29:30] You guys know.

[00:29:31] I love history.

[00:29:32] Because I'm also.

[00:29:34] Oldest dirt.

[00:29:34] Right.

[00:29:35] Now.

[00:29:37] This game.

[00:29:38] Marked.

[00:29:38] The second time.

[00:29:39] In NBA history.

[00:29:40] That two teams.

[00:29:41] With at least 30 wins.

[00:29:44] In their first 35 games.

[00:29:46] Faced off.

[00:29:47] It was also.

[00:29:48] The first.

[00:29:49] East versus west.

[00:29:50] Matchup.

[00:29:51] Featuring teams.

[00:29:52] With winning percentages.

[00:29:54] Over 850.

[00:29:55] Or better.

[00:29:57] The Cavs.

[00:29:58] And the Thunders.

[00:29:58] Are set to meet again.

[00:30:00] January.

[00:30:02] 16th.

[00:30:04] In OKC.

[00:30:05] So we gonna be on the planes.

[00:30:06] Baby.

[00:30:07] Yippee-ki.

[00:30:08] Yeah.

[00:30:09] Yeah.

[00:30:09] Yeah.

[00:30:11] And this game.

[00:30:13] It's gonna be for every NBA fan.

[00:30:15] If you're listening to.

[00:30:16] The delta tones of my voice.

[00:30:18] At this present time.

[00:30:20] Mark your calendars.

[00:30:22] January 16th.

[00:30:23] Where I will be.

[00:30:24] I will be in front of the TV.

[00:30:25] I will be watching.

[00:30:26] I will be partaking.

[00:30:28] In this beautiful game.

[00:30:30] That we call.

[00:30:31] Basketball.

[00:30:32] And it will be the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[00:30:34] And they will be going.

[00:30:36] To the planes.

[00:30:37] They will be going to.

[00:30:38] America's heartland.

[00:30:41] Oklahoma City.

[00:30:42] And they will face.

[00:30:44] The Thunder.

[00:30:45] And all those Thunder fans.

[00:30:48] Good luck fellas.

[00:30:49] That's gonna be a hell of a game.

[00:30:50] I can't wait for the rematch.

[00:30:52] Cleveland remains.

[00:30:54] Undefeated against the Western Conference.

[00:30:56] They are now 11-0.

[00:30:57] We've been talking about how great.

[00:30:59] The Western Conference is.

[00:31:01] About how strong it is.

[00:31:03] It doesn't seem to matter.

[00:31:04] To the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[00:31:06] They do not sweat.

[00:31:08] The Western Conference.

[00:31:09] Whatsoever.

[00:31:10] With a.

[00:31:12] Just a.

[00:31:13] Perfect record.

[00:31:14] Perfect.

[00:31:15] No issues here.

[00:31:17] OKC will look to bounce back Friday.

[00:31:21] You talking about.

[00:31:23] A not get right game.

[00:31:25] They gotta go.

[00:31:26] To Madison Square Garden.

[00:31:29] To face the Knicks.

[00:31:32] Mark Dagnall.

[00:31:34] Loves challenges.

[00:31:35] He's gonna get one on Friday.

[00:31:37] Because.

[00:31:37] The Knicks.

[00:31:38] Are loaded.

[00:31:39] For bear.

[00:31:41] So.

[00:31:42] Another great game.

[00:31:43] For us to watch.

[00:31:45] So.

[00:31:45] Keep it locked.

[00:31:46] And we will probably be breaking that game.

[00:31:49] On Friday.

[00:31:50] We'll be breaking it all down.

[00:31:51] Now.

[00:31:52] The last thing I want to say about this game is this.

[00:31:55] Whether or not the Cavaliers are truly the best team.

[00:31:58] In basketball.

[00:31:59] Will only be recruiting in the playoffs.

[00:32:01] Now.

[00:32:02] I am not gonna take anything away.

[00:32:05] From what they're doing right now.

[00:32:07] It's historic.

[00:32:09] The people of Cleveland.

[00:32:11] Shoot.

[00:32:11] The.

[00:32:12] Positive vibes right now.

[00:32:14] Everything should be going great.

[00:32:15] In Cleveland.

[00:32:17] But.

[00:32:17] The question I do have.

[00:32:18] Will still be there.

[00:32:21] And the question.

[00:32:22] Will only be answered.

[00:32:24] By the crucible.

[00:32:25] That we do call the NBA playoffs.

[00:32:28] So.

[00:32:29] Great regular season.

[00:32:31] I hope they continue to stomp people.

[00:32:33] Into oblivion.

[00:32:34] My one thing is.

[00:32:36] You're gonna face.

[00:32:38] Three or four.

[00:32:39] Good teams.

[00:32:41] And.

[00:32:42] That Wayne.

[00:32:43] Situation.

[00:32:44] Is still.

[00:32:45] To me.

[00:32:46] An issue.

[00:32:47] When you go up.

[00:32:48] Against some of the best.

[00:32:50] That the NBA has to offer.

[00:32:52] So far.

[00:32:53] So good.

[00:32:54] You passed every test.

[00:32:55] I can't complain.

[00:32:58] Questions.

[00:32:59] You might think.

[00:32:59] That I'm being.

[00:33:00] Harsh.

[00:33:01] Might think.

[00:33:02] That I'm hating.

[00:33:03] You might think.

[00:33:04] That I'm just being salty.

[00:33:06] It's still a question.

[00:33:08] To me.

[00:33:08] And.

[00:33:09] I think the only way.

[00:33:10] To solve it.

[00:33:11] Is go through the playoffs.

[00:33:12] And prove me wrong.

[00:33:13] Stay tuned.

[00:33:14] January 6th.

[00:33:15] These two teams.

[00:33:15] Will be meeting again.

[00:33:16] I can't wait.

[00:33:17] We talked about that.

[00:33:19] So now.

[00:33:19] Let's get to the rest of the pod.

[00:33:21] Why.

[00:33:21] Why do we need to get to the rest of the pod.

[00:33:24] Damn.

[00:33:25] It's good.

[00:33:27] That's one of the reasons.

[00:33:29] You should be wanting to listen to it.

[00:33:31] That's.

[00:33:32] That's the other reason.

[00:33:33] Now.

[00:33:33] There is one person.

[00:33:35] That also.

[00:33:37] Might lay claim.

[00:33:39] To an MVP.

[00:33:41] Type of season.

[00:33:42] And that man is.

[00:33:44] Giannis Antetokounmpo.

[00:33:47] Now.

[00:33:49] I don't like the stat.

[00:33:52] The PER stat.

[00:33:54] I don't like it.

[00:33:56] But.

[00:33:58] 31.2.

[00:34:00] League leading.

[00:34:01] Translate.

[00:34:02] Transition points.

[00:34:04] The inconsistency.

[00:34:06] That plays this team.

[00:34:07] Has started to dwell.

[00:34:08] A little bit.

[00:34:09] A little bit.

[00:34:11] Now.

[00:34:12] That could be.

[00:34:14] Because.

[00:34:14] Chris Middleton.

[00:34:16] Kind of.

[00:34:17] He's.

[00:34:18] He's forming.

[00:34:19] Into shape.

[00:34:20] What is he doing?

[00:34:21] Rounding.

[00:34:21] Into shape.

[00:34:22] He's doing.

[00:34:23] Something.

[00:34:24] Into shape.

[00:34:25] His recent.

[00:34:26] 26.

[00:34:26] Point.

[00:34:28] That he had.

[00:34:28] Against the Raptors.

[00:34:29] Now.

[00:34:29] The Raptors.

[00:34:31] Are trying to tank.

[00:34:32] It showed.

[00:34:33] Some signs.

[00:34:34] Of light.

[00:34:36] Showed.

[00:34:36] Some spark.

[00:34:38] That.

[00:34:38] The Bucs.

[00:34:39] Need.

[00:34:40] To hold on.

[00:34:40] For hope.

[00:34:42] Because.

[00:34:43] The Cleveland Cavaliers.

[00:34:44] The team.

[00:34:45] We just talked about.

[00:34:46] Their machine.

[00:34:47] Right now.

[00:34:47] And.

[00:34:48] It's going to be.

[00:34:48] All hands on deck.

[00:34:49] When you play that team.

[00:34:51] So.

[00:34:52] The other guy.

[00:34:53] Is.

[00:34:54] Brooke Lopez.

[00:34:55] And he still remains.

[00:34:56] The anchor.

[00:34:56] Defensively.

[00:34:57] Leading the league.

[00:34:58] In contested shots.

[00:34:59] Per game.

[00:35:00] Advanced metrics.

[00:35:02] The Bucs.

[00:35:03] Defensive rating.

[00:35:04] Is.

[00:35:04] 110.7.

[00:35:05] And their ability.

[00:35:07] To force turnovers.

[00:35:08] Keeps them.

[00:35:09] Competitive.

[00:35:10] With their three point shooting.

[00:35:12] Has been streaky.

[00:35:13] And that's going to continue.

[00:35:15] To thwart them.

[00:35:16] Unless they can.

[00:35:17] Find a way.

[00:35:18] To get a sniper.

[00:35:21] Here's a question.

[00:35:22] That I do have for.

[00:35:23] Our Bucs fans.

[00:35:25] Fear the deer.

[00:35:26] However you like to call it.

[00:35:28] Can the Bucs.

[00:35:29] Find consistency.

[00:35:30] Needed.

[00:35:31] For a deep playoff.

[00:35:33] Are they too reliant.

[00:35:35] On Giannis.

[00:35:38] Y'all hit me up.

[00:35:39] On Twitter.

[00:35:40] At Frontrunner PC.

[00:35:42] Or also on Blue Sky.

[00:35:45] At Frontrunner PC.

[00:35:47] Dot B Sky.

[00:35:48] Dot social.

[00:35:49] We probably need to get into.

[00:35:52] Some of the other things.

[00:35:53] That are going on.

[00:35:54] Like the Indiana Pacers.

[00:35:55] And what have you.

[00:35:56] So we're going to get into that.

[00:35:58] In one second.

[00:35:59] I do want to make mention.

[00:36:01] About.

[00:36:02] The.

[00:36:04] Thing that we talked about.

[00:36:05] A little bit earlier.

[00:36:06] About the website.

[00:36:09] We have been.

[00:36:10] Giving you.

[00:36:11] A lot of draft stuff.

[00:36:12] And there will be some.

[00:36:13] Draft talk.

[00:36:15] In this.

[00:36:16] Particular pod.

[00:36:17] As well.

[00:36:17] In this quad.

[00:36:19] What's going to happen.

[00:36:20] Sorry.

[00:36:21] Not in this quad.

[00:36:22] What's going to happen.

[00:36:23] Over the weekend.

[00:36:24] Is I'm going to.

[00:36:25] Upload some information.

[00:36:27] In regards.

[00:36:28] To the draft.

[00:36:29] We have.

[00:36:30] About 45 players.

[00:36:31] That we have locked in on.

[00:36:33] And.

[00:36:34] We should have that up.

[00:36:36] For you.

[00:36:36] So when we.

[00:36:37] Tell you.

[00:36:38] The website.

[00:36:39] And all the information.

[00:36:40] And what have you.

[00:36:42] You guys will be able to go ahead.

[00:36:44] And take.

[00:36:45] Complete.

[00:36:46] Advantage of it.

[00:36:47] When we give you.

[00:36:49] All this information.

[00:36:50] So.

[00:36:50] Forward to it.

[00:36:52] It's going to be great.

[00:36:53] And.

[00:36:54] Now.

[00:36:55] We can basically.

[00:36:56] Get back.

[00:36:57] Into.

[00:36:58] To.

[00:36:58] This podcast.

[00:37:00] Let's talk about the Indiana Pacers.

[00:37:02] A little bit.

[00:37:02] They have been.

[00:37:04] Showing signs of life.

[00:37:05] Which is interesting.

[00:37:06] To me.

[00:37:08] Because.

[00:37:09] Of the fact that.

[00:37:11] The one thing that we do know.

[00:37:13] About.

[00:37:14] The Indiana Pacers.

[00:37:15] Is that.

[00:37:16] They are.

[00:37:18] Brimming with talent.

[00:37:19] They have a guy.

[00:37:21] On their team.

[00:37:21] That is absolutely amazing.

[00:37:23] By the name.

[00:37:24] Of Tyrese Halliburton.

[00:37:26] And.

[00:37:27] I have been.

[00:37:28] Lukewarm.

[00:37:29] On his performance.

[00:37:31] So far.

[00:37:32] This year.

[00:37:34] And one of the reasons.

[00:37:35] For that.

[00:37:36] Is because.

[00:37:36] It hasn't been.

[00:37:37] As devastating.

[00:37:39] As it was.

[00:37:41] A season ago.

[00:37:42] But we have seen.

[00:37:43] Signs of life.

[00:37:44] Of late.

[00:37:45] And I want to get to that.

[00:37:47] Right now.

[00:37:48] Because.

[00:37:48] My man has had a couple good games.

[00:37:50] And the reason.

[00:37:52] Why.

[00:37:53] Is because.

[00:37:53] I think he's starting to.

[00:37:55] Find.

[00:37:56] Ways.

[00:37:57] To use this team.

[00:37:58] His teammates.

[00:37:59] A little bit more.

[00:38:00] Let's see.

[00:38:01] Halliburton.

[00:38:01] Has had.

[00:38:03] And they're.

[00:38:04] They're.

[00:38:05] They're.

[00:38:05] Undefeated.

[00:38:06] In this situation.

[00:38:06] He scored.

[00:38:07] 30 plus points.

[00:38:08] His attempts.

[00:38:09] Are over.

[00:38:10] 18 field goals.

[00:38:11] A game.

[00:38:11] But he's still.

[00:38:12] Dishing out.

[00:38:13] 11 assists.

[00:38:15] This can't be.

[00:38:16] Coincidence.

[00:38:17] To this hot streak.

[00:38:18] That they've had.

[00:38:18] Halliburton's.

[00:38:19] Offensive.

[00:38:20] Box.

[00:38:20] Plus.

[00:38:21] Minus.

[00:38:22] This is a stat.

[00:38:23] That I absolutely love.

[00:38:24] This tells you a lot.

[00:38:26] About what's going on.

[00:38:27] In the league.

[00:38:28] It is.

[00:38:29] Positive.

[00:38:29] 7.4.

[00:38:30] Which ranks him.

[00:38:31] Third.

[00:38:32] Among guards.

[00:38:33] And the pace is a.

[00:38:34] 113.8.

[00:38:36] In offensive rating.

[00:38:37] That's ninth.

[00:38:38] In the NBA.

[00:38:39] It's heavily.

[00:38:40] Influenced.

[00:38:41] By Halliburton's.

[00:38:42] Playmaking.

[00:38:43] Because.

[00:38:44] He's the straw.

[00:38:46] That stirs.

[00:38:47] The drink.

[00:38:48] If that guy's.

[00:38:49] Going good.

[00:38:51] Great.

[00:38:52] That guy's not going.

[00:38:54] So good.

[00:38:55] You struggle.

[00:38:56] And we saw it.

[00:38:57] Earlier in the season.

[00:38:58] I don't know.

[00:38:58] If they can keep this up.

[00:38:59] I hope so.

[00:39:01] I think there's.

[00:39:02] Something missing there.

[00:39:03] I can't put my finger on it.

[00:39:06] I've seen the rumors.

[00:39:07] In regards to.

[00:39:09] Cam Johnson.

[00:39:11] I don't know.

[00:39:12] If that's what you.

[00:39:13] Necessarily need.

[00:39:14] Unless you're putting him.

[00:39:15] At guard.

[00:39:16] And just having a really big.

[00:39:17] Lineup.

[00:39:18] And being.

[00:39:20] Completely dynamic.

[00:39:21] That way.

[00:39:22] But.

[00:39:24] Something is going on.

[00:39:26] With this team.

[00:39:27] And.

[00:39:28] I hope.

[00:39:28] That.

[00:39:29] The.

[00:39:32] That team that we saw.

[00:39:34] Flying around last year.

[00:39:35] I hope that team returns.

[00:39:36] And I.

[00:39:37] I think they're getting closer.

[00:39:39] I think they're getting closer.

[00:39:41] But what's your thought.

[00:39:42] Pacers fans.

[00:39:43] Let me know.

[00:39:44] Hit me up on Twitter.

[00:39:45] Hit me up on.

[00:39:46] Blue Sky.

[00:39:47] And let me know.

[00:39:48] What you think.

[00:39:49] About what's going on.

[00:39:51] With the Pacers.

[00:39:52] And do they need to add something.

[00:39:54] Or.

[00:39:54] What do they have.

[00:39:56] What they have in house.

[00:39:57] Is that good enough.

[00:39:58] It just needs to find.

[00:40:00] Its level.

[00:40:02] That's my thought.

[00:40:04] Now.

[00:40:06] Talking about something like.

[00:40:07] Meeting their level.

[00:40:09] It is time.

[00:40:16] Was competing for.

[00:40:17] A play-in spot.

[00:40:19] With a 17.

[00:40:20] And 18 record.

[00:40:22] A one man.

[00:40:25] That I am.

[00:40:26] Extremely.

[00:40:27] Happy for.

[00:40:29] And that's.

[00:40:29] Cade Cunningham.

[00:40:31] And Cade Cunningham.

[00:40:33] Continues.

[00:40:33] To ascend.

[00:40:34] And the young talents.

[00:40:36] Like.

[00:40:36] Asura Thompson.

[00:40:37] And Ron Holland.

[00:40:38] Are making their marks.

[00:40:39] As well.

[00:40:40] Here's the key metric.

[00:40:42] For Cade.

[00:40:43] Cade Cunningham.

[00:40:45] Offensive aggression.

[00:40:46] Has added another layer.

[00:40:48] To his game.

[00:40:49] His recent.

[00:40:50] 40 point performance.

[00:40:51] Against Minnesota.

[00:40:53] His third.

[00:40:54] Career game.

[00:40:55] Reaching that mark.

[00:40:57] Showcase.

[00:40:57] His ability.

[00:40:58] To dominate.

[00:40:59] When needed.

[00:40:59] He also.

[00:41:01] Contributed.

[00:41:02] With nine assists.

[00:41:03] Which is.

[00:41:03] He's stuffing.

[00:41:04] The stat sheet.

[00:41:05] Six rebounds.

[00:41:06] As well.

[00:41:07] Now.

[00:41:08] Coach.

[00:41:08] J.B.

[00:41:09] Bickerstaff.

[00:41:09] Praise.

[00:41:10] Cunningham.

[00:41:11] For his leadership.

[00:41:13] Noting his balance.

[00:41:14] Between scoring.

[00:41:15] And involving.

[00:41:16] His teammates.

[00:41:17] His leadership.

[00:41:18] Shows trust.

[00:41:19] And that shows.

[00:41:21] What he does.

[00:41:23] Now.

[00:41:25] We do got something.

[00:41:26] To kind of.

[00:41:27] Talk a lot.

[00:41:28] Little bit about.

[00:41:30] Other guy.

[00:41:31] That I've always.

[00:41:31] Been worried about.

[00:41:32] Whether his development.

[00:41:33] Was ever going to get there.

[00:41:34] Or not.

[00:41:35] Is Jalen.

[00:41:36] Dorn.

[00:41:37] His defensive.

[00:41:38] Struggles.

[00:41:39] Have been notable.

[00:41:41] With.

[00:41:42] 116.6.

[00:41:44] Defensive rating.

[00:41:45] This season.

[00:41:46] Matching his career.

[00:41:47] Worst metrics.

[00:41:48] However.

[00:41:50] Over the Pistons.

[00:41:51] Not last.

[00:41:52] Nine games.

[00:41:53] His defensive rating.

[00:41:54] Has accrued.

[00:41:55] To 109.9.

[00:41:57] Now.

[00:41:59] This is.

[00:42:00] Upward.

[00:42:00] Trend.

[00:42:02] This is something.

[00:42:03] That.

[00:42:04] Dorn.

[00:42:05] Is very talented.

[00:42:06] He's very athletic.

[00:42:09] It has not all.

[00:42:10] Come together.

[00:42:11] For him.

[00:42:12] I'll give you a reason.

[00:42:14] Or observation.

[00:42:15] For me.

[00:42:16] When you were playing around.

[00:42:18] With all them bigs.

[00:42:19] A couple years ago.

[00:42:21] In the last couple years.

[00:42:22] I'm talking about.

[00:42:24] This.

[00:42:25] James Wiseman.

[00:42:26] Nonsense.

[00:42:27] That Detroit.

[00:42:28] Was.

[00:42:29] Pulling.

[00:42:30] Having all these.

[00:42:31] Older bigs.

[00:42:33] Cutting off.

[00:42:34] My man's.

[00:42:34] Development.

[00:42:35] And now.

[00:42:37] This is what's happening.

[00:42:38] But it seems that.

[00:42:40] Dorn is starting to.

[00:42:40] Gain his confidence back.

[00:42:42] We're starting to see.

[00:42:43] The aggression.

[00:42:43] That what we know.

[00:42:45] Is in that body.

[00:42:46] What we know.

[00:42:47] That's in that.

[00:42:48] 6'10".

[00:42:49] 6'11".

[00:42:51] 255 pound.

[00:42:52] Chiseled.

[00:42:54] Body.

[00:42:55] If.

[00:42:56] Detroit.

[00:42:57] Is going to continue.

[00:42:58] To be.

[00:42:59] In this.

[00:42:59] Planned.

[00:43:00] Situation.

[00:43:02] Jalen.

[00:43:02] Dorn.

[00:43:03] Is going to have to be.

[00:43:04] Real.

[00:43:04] Rugged.

[00:43:05] And raw.

[00:43:07] Now.

[00:43:07] We know.

[00:43:08] Is about it.

[00:43:09] About it.

[00:43:10] We know.

[00:43:11] That dude.

[00:43:11] Bring the heat.

[00:43:12] Every time.

[00:43:13] He touches.

[00:43:13] The court.

[00:43:14] But Jalen.

[00:43:15] Dorn.

[00:43:16] Is another level.

[00:43:17] Athlete.

[00:43:18] And.

[00:43:19] His impact.

[00:43:21] Could be.

[00:43:22] Immense.

[00:43:23] If he got his.

[00:43:24] Head right.

[00:43:25] Now.

[00:43:26] The next guy.

[00:43:27] I want to talk about.

[00:43:28] With Detroit.

[00:43:28] Because.

[00:43:29] There's a lot of great things.

[00:43:30] To talk about.

[00:43:31] With Detroit.

[00:43:32] Is.

[00:43:32] Asour Thompson.

[00:43:34] And he has been.

[00:43:35] A Swiss.

[00:43:35] Army knife.

[00:43:36] For Detroit.

[00:43:37] He's averaging.

[00:43:38] 4.7 rebounds.

[00:43:39] A game.

[00:43:40] In just.

[00:43:41] 18.3.

[00:43:43] Minutes.

[00:43:44] And he's showcasing.

[00:43:45] His elite.

[00:43:46] Defensive instincts.

[00:43:47] Five steals.

[00:43:49] In one half.

[00:43:50] Against the Minnesota.

[00:43:51] Timberwolves.

[00:43:51] He's an athlete.

[00:43:53] And he's really.

[00:43:54] Aggressive about it.

[00:43:55] And I love that.

[00:43:55] About him.

[00:43:57] Now.

[00:43:57] His ability.

[00:43:58] To play.

[00:43:59] Small ball.

[00:44:00] Five.

[00:44:00] And occasional.

[00:44:01] Lineups.

[00:44:01] Could unlock.

[00:44:03] Mismatches.

[00:44:04] As his jumper.

[00:44:06] Continues.

[00:44:06] To develop.

[00:44:07] Meanwhile.

[00:44:08] Ron Holland.

[00:44:09] He's starting to play.

[00:44:10] A little bit more.

[00:44:11] And we're starting to see.

[00:44:12] A little bit more.

[00:44:13] Impact from him.

[00:44:14] Uh.

[00:44:16] Now.

[00:44:17] He's just 19.

[00:44:18] I'm not expecting.

[00:44:19] To see like.

[00:44:21] Consistency.

[00:44:21] Out of.

[00:44:22] Ron Holland.

[00:44:22] But it's good.

[00:44:23] To see him.

[00:44:24] Be able to contribute.

[00:44:26] Especially in this situation.

[00:44:28] With.

[00:44:29] Uh.

[00:44:29] Jaden Ivey's.

[00:44:30] Horrific injury.

[00:44:32] That happened like.

[00:44:32] A week ago.

[00:44:33] Um.

[00:44:34] We sent.

[00:44:35] Our prayers up.

[00:44:36] To Jaden Ivey then.

[00:44:37] And we'll send.

[00:44:38] Our prayers up.

[00:44:39] To Jaden Ivey now.

[00:44:40] Cause.

[00:44:41] We miss you.

[00:44:42] My brother.

[00:44:42] And we wish you.

[00:44:43] A speedy recovery.

[00:44:45] Now.

[00:44:46] These performances.

[00:44:47] With the Pistons.

[00:44:48] Highlight the future.

[00:44:49] Coach.

[00:44:50] Baker staff.

[00:44:51] And GM.

[00:44:52] Trades in Langdon.

[00:44:53] Emphasize.

[00:44:54] Not skip.

[00:44:55] Any steps.

[00:44:56] Detroit.

[00:44:57] Appears.

[00:44:58] Committed.

[00:44:59] To nurturing.

[00:45:00] Their young core.

[00:45:01] Rather than rushing.

[00:45:02] The major trades.

[00:45:03] Or moves.

[00:45:04] With Jaden Ivey.

[00:45:05] Being sidelined.

[00:45:06] Due to injury.

[00:45:08] Cunningham's leadership.

[00:45:09] Will be critical.

[00:45:11] In maintaining.

[00:45:12] A competitive.

[00:45:14] Edge.

[00:45:15] Now.

[00:45:15] Here's the thing.

[00:45:16] If they fall back.

[00:45:18] This year.

[00:45:20] After all this greatness.

[00:45:21] Or.

[00:45:22] After all this great play.

[00:45:23] All this feel good.

[00:45:24] Or whatever.

[00:45:25] I personally.

[00:45:27] Won't be alarmed.

[00:45:28] At all.

[00:45:29] You're missing Jaden Ivey.

[00:45:30] We spoke about it.

[00:45:32] When the injury happened.

[00:45:33] It sucked.

[00:45:34] It just sucked.

[00:45:37] And.

[00:45:37] Because he was shooting.

[00:45:38] 39% from three.

[00:45:40] He was.

[00:45:41] He was an actual spacer.

[00:45:44] You had to check on him.

[00:45:46] At the three point line.

[00:45:47] Which made his.

[00:45:49] Paint touches.

[00:45:50] Even more devastating.

[00:45:52] And he was also.

[00:45:54] Finding the Oakland man.

[00:45:55] And it was all.

[00:45:56] Clicking for our guy.

[00:45:58] And.

[00:45:59] These things happen.

[00:46:01] I think he'll be back.

[00:46:03] Definitely.

[00:46:04] Attack this rehab.

[00:46:06] With a lot of.

[00:46:08] With just.

[00:46:08] A lot of vigorous energy.

[00:46:10] And I think that.

[00:46:12] We haven't seen.

[00:46:13] The last of Jaden Ivey.

[00:46:15] And I think that.

[00:46:16] I don't know.

[00:46:17] If it'll be the year that.

[00:46:19] The first year he comes back.

[00:46:20] But I think that.

[00:46:21] What we saw.

[00:46:23] Out of Jaden Ivey.

[00:46:24] We just.

[00:46:25] Touched the tip.

[00:46:26] Of the I squared.

[00:46:27] So.

[00:46:28] Can't wait till he gets better.

[00:46:29] Now.

[00:46:30] The question that I have.

[00:46:32] For Pistons fans.

[00:46:33] Is this.

[00:46:34] Can the Pistons.

[00:46:35] Missed with the young talent.

[00:46:36] And steady.

[00:46:37] Progress.

[00:46:38] Translate into their.

[00:46:40] First postseason.

[00:46:41] Burst since 2019.

[00:46:43] Or.

[00:46:44] Will they come.

[00:46:45] Just short.

[00:46:47] In a competitive.

[00:46:48] Eastern Conference.

[00:46:50] Here's the thing.

[00:46:51] Here's the question.

[00:46:52] That I have for Detroit fans.

[00:46:55] Deep down.

[00:46:56] In the resources.

[00:46:58] Of your mind.

[00:46:59] And heart.

[00:47:00] Would it be that bad.

[00:47:02] If the.

[00:47:04] Pistons missed out.

[00:47:05] On the playoffs.

[00:47:06] Knowing.

[00:47:07] What's coming down.

[00:47:09] The pike.

[00:47:10] In this draft.

[00:47:12] What are your thoughts.

[00:47:13] On that.

[00:47:13] Let me know.

[00:47:14] Hit me up on Twitter.

[00:47:16] And on.

[00:47:16] Blue Sky.

[00:47:18] At.

[00:47:19] Frontrunner.

[00:47:19] PC.

[00:47:22] Another team.

[00:47:23] That has seemed.

[00:47:23] To take a little.

[00:47:24] Up to.

[00:47:25] Is the Chicago Bulls.

[00:47:27] Now.

[00:47:27] The Chicago Bulls.

[00:47:30] They struggle.

[00:47:31] They're.

[00:47:32] They're struggling.

[00:47:33] To dominate.

[00:47:34] Possessions.

[00:47:35] Right now.

[00:47:35] They've been 07.

[00:47:37] Grabbing.

[00:47:37] Grabbing.

[00:47:38] Fewer.

[00:47:38] Than 45.

[00:47:40] Available.

[00:47:40] Rebounds.

[00:47:42] Nikola Vucevic.

[00:47:43] Defensive.

[00:47:43] Rebounding.

[00:47:44] Is 29.4.

[00:47:46] Which is impressive.

[00:47:48] But the rest of the team.

[00:47:49] Their.

[00:47:50] Rebounding.

[00:47:51] Needs to step up.

[00:47:52] We have been waiting.

[00:47:53] For Patrick Williams.

[00:47:55] And the athlete.

[00:47:56] That is Patrick Williams.

[00:47:57] For many a year.

[00:47:59] And I just don't know.

[00:48:01] If it's ever.

[00:48:02] Going.

[00:48:03] To come.

[00:48:05] I don't know.

[00:48:06] If he's.

[00:48:07] Going to be physical enough.

[00:48:08] I just don't know.

[00:48:10] Now.

[00:48:11] They do have.

[00:48:12] Jalen Smith.

[00:48:13] Who has.

[00:48:14] Been a vagabond.

[00:48:15] He was in Phoenix.

[00:48:17] And then.

[00:48:18] Phoenix.

[00:48:19] Mysteriously.

[00:48:20] Didn't renew.

[00:48:21] His fourth year.

[00:48:22] Of his rookie contract.

[00:48:24] Which was.

[00:48:24] Weird.

[00:48:25] Especially now.

[00:48:27] With all the depth.

[00:48:28] Issues that they have.

[00:48:29] And we'll get to them.

[00:48:30] A little bit later.

[00:48:31] But.

[00:48:34] If Vucevic is.

[00:48:35] Your only.

[00:48:36] Real rebounder.

[00:48:38] Then everybody else.

[00:48:39] Needs to like.

[00:48:40] Kind of gain.

[00:48:40] Rebound.

[00:48:41] And that's not happening.

[00:48:42] Right now.

[00:48:43] With Chicago.

[00:48:44] The other thing.

[00:48:45] The bigger storyline.

[00:48:46] Is this.

[00:48:47] Is that.

[00:48:48] Their 2025.

[00:48:50] First round.

[00:48:51] Pick.

[00:48:51] Is only protected.

[00:48:52] In the top 10.

[00:48:54] If the Bulls.

[00:48:55] Continue.

[00:48:56] To hover around.

[00:48:57] Mediocrity.

[00:48:58] They risk losing.

[00:48:59] This pick.

[00:48:59] To the Spurs.

[00:49:02] That's all.

[00:49:03] Win by Yama.

[00:49:04] Really need.

[00:49:05] And we'll get to him.

[00:49:06] A little bit later.

[00:49:06] In his exploits.

[00:49:08] But.

[00:49:08] That's all.

[00:49:09] Victor.

[00:49:10] Win by Yama.

[00:49:11] Really need.

[00:49:11] Is another lottery pick.

[00:49:14] Just like.

[00:49:15] The gifts.

[00:49:16] Continue to come.

[00:49:17] From Chicago.

[00:49:20] And still.

[00:49:21] They can't find.

[00:49:22] A creative way.

[00:49:23] To trade.

[00:49:24] Zach Levine.

[00:49:26] Tick tock.

[00:49:29] Tick tock.

[00:49:30] Chicago.

[00:49:30] Front office.

[00:49:32] Arturis.

[00:49:33] Karneshevich.

[00:49:34] You are on the clock.

[00:49:35] My man.

[00:49:37] To really get this team.

[00:49:39] Jump started.

[00:49:40] In the.

[00:49:40] Right way.

[00:49:41] You know what you need to do.

[00:49:43] Know what you need to do.

[00:49:46] Just saying.

[00:49:48] All right.

[00:49:49] Let's get to a little baseline buzz.

[00:49:51] We're going to talk about some.

[00:49:54] Returns.

[00:49:54] We're going to talk about.

[00:49:56] Some returns.

[00:49:57] To glory.

[00:49:58] To the court.

[00:50:01] The return to battle.

[00:50:03] As we would say.

[00:50:05] A young.

[00:50:07] Zion Williamson.

[00:50:08] Has returned.

[00:50:10] He has turned.

[00:50:12] Triumph.

[00:50:13] To the court.

[00:50:16] In a long.

[00:50:18] Awaited.

[00:50:18] Return to the court.

[00:50:20] Tuesday night.

[00:50:21] Young.

[00:50:22] Zion Williamson.

[00:50:23] In 28 minutes.

[00:50:26] In a.

[00:50:27] Horrendous loss.

[00:50:29] Of 104.

[00:50:31] To 97.

[00:50:33] To the.

[00:50:35] Outform mentioned.

[00:50:36] Minnesota Timberwolves.

[00:50:38] Who have their own struggles.

[00:50:40] After missing.

[00:50:41] A grueling.

[00:50:43] 27.

[00:50:43] Long games.

[00:50:46] With a hamstring.

[00:50:48] That was strained.

[00:50:50] Beyond.

[00:50:51] Repair.

[00:50:54] Williamson.

[00:50:55] Returned.

[00:50:57] And reminded.

[00:50:58] Us all.

[00:51:00] His immense talent.

[00:51:02] With a stat line.

[00:51:04] That was so promising.

[00:51:07] That all of New Orleans.

[00:51:10] Rang out in cheer.

[00:51:13] They said 22 points.

[00:51:16] Hear ye.

[00:51:17] Hear ye.

[00:51:17] They said.

[00:51:19] Nine of 15 shooting.

[00:51:21] They said.

[00:51:22] Hurrah.

[00:51:23] They said.

[00:51:24] Six rebounds.

[00:51:26] They said.

[00:51:27] That is good.

[00:51:29] And they said.

[00:51:31] Four assists.

[00:51:32] And they said.

[00:51:33] We.

[00:51:34] Are not worth.

[00:51:36] And.

[00:51:37] And then they said.

[00:51:38] Three steals.

[00:51:40] But.

[00:51:42] This.

[00:51:43] Is the moment.

[00:51:44] That we need to talk about.

[00:51:46] Because.

[00:51:46] One of those steals.

[00:51:48] Was so impressive.

[00:51:51] That my man.

[00:51:53] Made it.

[00:51:54] On to sports center.

[00:51:56] And y'all know.

[00:51:56] What I'm talking about.

[00:51:58] Come on man.

[00:52:00] Like really.

[00:52:01] First gang.

[00:52:02] Hamstring injury.

[00:52:03] My man go up.

[00:52:04] And says.

[00:52:06] Hamstring.

[00:52:06] Real good.

[00:52:07] Check this out.

[00:52:07] 360.

[00:52:08] Boom.

[00:52:09] I'm gonna go ahead.

[00:52:09] Do this.

[00:52:13] Zion.

[00:52:13] Be careful.

[00:52:14] Be careful.

[00:52:15] My guy.

[00:52:17] Be careful.

[00:52:19] Zion.

[00:52:20] Return.

[00:52:20] Return.

[00:52:20] Wasn't without highlights.

[00:52:21] We just talked about it.

[00:52:22] With the.

[00:52:23] With the dunk.

[00:52:23] He also had a.

[00:52:24] Put back.

[00:52:25] Off of.

[00:52:26] Eve Mises.

[00:52:27] Miss.

[00:52:28] And followed it up.

[00:52:30] With thunderous lob dunk.

[00:52:32] From CJ McCollum.

[00:52:33] So.

[00:52:34] He had the.

[00:52:35] 360.

[00:52:36] And a couple other dunks.

[00:52:37] It was great.

[00:52:38] They lost.

[00:52:39] Here's the thing.

[00:52:40] That we do need to talk about.

[00:52:41] With the.

[00:52:42] Pelicans.

[00:52:43] Is this.

[00:52:43] It's good that.

[00:52:44] Zion's back.

[00:52:45] I like to see him play.

[00:52:47] He brings a lot of excitement.

[00:52:48] To the league.

[00:52:49] But right now.

[00:52:50] We need to talk about.

[00:52:51] What he's doing.

[00:52:51] For the team.

[00:52:52] And.

[00:52:53] You would sit there.

[00:52:54] And go.

[00:52:56] Is this good or bad.

[00:52:58] For.

[00:52:58] Their tanking purposes.

[00:52:59] They're so far gone.

[00:53:01] It doesn't.

[00:53:02] Doesn't.

[00:53:03] No.

[00:53:06] Sorry.

[00:53:07] It just does not matter.

[00:53:10] Now.

[00:53:12] Here's the thing.

[00:53:14] We're glad he's healthy.

[00:53:16] We're glad that we're going to see.

[00:53:18] A lot of good dunks.

[00:53:19] We're probably going to see.

[00:53:20] A lot of highlight situations.

[00:53:22] But.

[00:53:23] Let's not lose track.

[00:53:24] Of what's going on.

[00:53:26] With this team.

[00:53:29] They need to trade some people.

[00:53:31] They are seven.

[00:53:32] And twenty nine.

[00:53:35] Okay.

[00:53:36] This team.

[00:53:38] Is done.

[00:53:39] Done.

[00:53:40] You need to figure out.

[00:53:42] Zion's back.

[00:53:43] Spotlight the people.

[00:53:44] That you need to trade.

[00:53:46] You know what I'm saying.

[00:53:47] Man.

[00:53:47] Good thing with Zion.

[00:53:49] Being back.

[00:53:49] There's going to be more eyeballs.

[00:53:51] On the team.

[00:53:52] Hopefully you can trade some people.

[00:53:54] Because you know.

[00:53:55] That New Orleans.

[00:53:56] Trying to stay.

[00:53:57] Underneath that salary.

[00:53:59] Luxury.

[00:54:00] Tax.

[00:54:00] That's the mandate.

[00:54:02] From.

[00:54:03] Up high.

[00:54:05] So that comes.

[00:54:06] Straight from the top.

[00:54:08] Now.

[00:54:09] The last thing.

[00:54:10] I'm going to say.

[00:54:10] About Zion.

[00:54:11] Is this.

[00:54:11] Is that.

[00:54:12] When healthy.

[00:54:13] His efficiency.

[00:54:14] Is undeniable.

[00:54:16] His career.

[00:54:17] True shooting.

[00:54:17] Percentage.

[00:54:18] Is 61.8.

[00:54:20] And his ability.

[00:54:21] To average.

[00:54:21] 20 over.

[00:54:22] 27 points.

[00:54:23] A game.

[00:54:24] Last season.

[00:54:24] Highlights.

[00:54:25] His dominance.

[00:54:26] When available.

[00:54:27] However.

[00:54:27] His frequent.

[00:54:28] Injuries.

[00:54:29] Particularly.

[00:54:30] His recurring.

[00:54:31] Hamstring.

[00:54:32] Issues.

[00:54:33] Pose.

[00:54:33] Significant.

[00:54:35] Concerns.

[00:54:38] My man.

[00:54:39] You need.

[00:54:40] Hey.

[00:54:40] You need a peloton.

[00:54:42] My guy.

[00:54:43] You need a peloton.

[00:54:45] You need to take care of that.

[00:54:46] Somebody needs you.

[00:54:47] To get you a peloton.

[00:54:48] You need to stay on that thing.

[00:54:50] I think you play video games on it.

[00:54:53] You put your little iPad on it.

[00:54:54] All kinds of stuff.

[00:54:55] With the peloton.

[00:54:56] You need.

[00:54:58] To stay.

[00:55:00] In.

[00:55:00] The gym.

[00:55:03] Stay off.

[00:55:04] Bourbon Street.

[00:55:06] Stay away from.

[00:55:07] Cafe Dumas.

[00:55:11] Stay away from the.

[00:55:11] Beignets.

[00:55:13] Stay away from the.

[00:55:14] Pogboys.

[00:55:16] Stay away from the.

[00:55:17] And play this basketball.

[00:55:18] Because.

[00:55:19] When you're out there.

[00:55:20] You're great.

[00:55:21] It's awesome to watch you.

[00:55:23] I love watching you.

[00:55:24] My wife.

[00:55:26] Who.

[00:55:26] Doesn't give.

[00:55:27] Two rats ass.

[00:55:28] About basketball.

[00:55:30] Loves watching you.

[00:55:31] And if you can get.

[00:55:32] Her.

[00:55:33] Who is.

[00:55:33] Probably one of the most.

[00:55:35] Differential people.

[00:55:36] When it comes to sports.

[00:55:37] Because she thinks it's lame as shit.

[00:55:39] To get you.

[00:55:40] To get her.

[00:55:41] To watch you play basketball.

[00:55:43] That's a feat.

[00:55:44] It's you.

[00:55:46] And Jimmy Butler.

[00:55:47] My guy.

[00:55:48] That's our favorites.

[00:55:49] You.

[00:55:50] And Jimmy.

[00:55:51] Both of y'all.

[00:55:52] Are always in the news.

[00:55:54] With some bad shit going on.

[00:55:56] So.

[00:55:56] Get it together.

[00:55:58] So my wife.

[00:55:59] Can watch some basketball.

[00:56:01] All right.

[00:56:02] Damn.

[00:56:03] Man.

[00:56:04] Messing things up.

[00:56:07] All right.

[00:56:07] Couple of things.

[00:56:08] And then we're gonna get up out of here.

[00:56:10] We need to talk about the Lakers.

[00:56:11] A little bit.

[00:56:12] The Lakers are the epitome.

[00:56:14] Of inconsistency.

[00:56:16] They have been.

[00:56:18] Physically outmatched.

[00:56:19] Especially in the last two games.

[00:56:21] Against Dallas.

[00:56:22] And Houston.

[00:56:23] They look.

[00:56:25] Unathletic.

[00:56:26] They look slow.

[00:56:28] Now the Dallas game.

[00:56:29] Is more of a travesty.

[00:56:31] Because.

[00:56:32] Both.

[00:56:33] Luka Doncic.

[00:56:34] And Kyrie Irving.

[00:56:36] Missed that game.

[00:56:38] And they're gonna be out for a while.

[00:56:40] But.

[00:56:41] They were out rebounded.

[00:56:43] By 11.

[00:56:45] And doubled up.

[00:56:47] On the offensive boards.

[00:56:48] And that was glaring.

[00:56:49] I think it was 44.

[00:56:52] To 33.

[00:56:54] And then it was 11.

[00:56:55] To 5.

[00:56:56] On the offensive boards.

[00:56:58] They.

[00:57:00] Need a change.

[00:57:03] I have said.

[00:57:04] For a while.

[00:57:05] That I thought that Rui.

[00:57:06] And.

[00:57:07] LeBron.

[00:57:08] Together.

[00:57:09] Were.

[00:57:10] Were too redundant.

[00:57:11] I think that Rui.

[00:57:13] Is playing out of position.

[00:57:15] At the three.

[00:57:16] I believe that he would.

[00:57:18] Benefit by going to.

[00:57:20] A bench role.

[00:57:20] Where he would have more freedom.

[00:57:22] To be the six man gunner.

[00:57:25] Of the offense.

[00:57:26] And everything.

[00:57:27] Kind of be curtailed towards him.

[00:57:29] And we feed him the basketball.

[00:57:32] Now.

[00:57:33] By acquiring.

[00:57:35] Dorian Finney Smith.

[00:57:36] This allows this situation.

[00:57:38] To happen.

[00:57:39] When will this change.

[00:57:41] Be made.

[00:57:42] How many gains.

[00:57:43] Will the Lakers need to.

[00:57:46] Evaluate their situation.

[00:57:48] Here's the thing.

[00:57:49] The Lakers.

[00:57:50] Is going to do all the evaluation.

[00:57:52] They want.

[00:57:53] This is what you need to understand.

[00:57:56] LeBron.

[00:57:56] Advanced age.

[00:57:58] Hasn't stopped him from posting.

[00:58:00] Ton of points.

[00:58:01] This dude.

[00:58:03] This dude.

[00:58:03] Is 40.

[00:58:04] Go get him.

[00:58:06] Some help.

[00:58:09] Hachimura.

[00:58:10] Lack of production.

[00:58:12] He had two.

[00:58:14] Rebounds.

[00:58:15] In.

[00:58:16] Two games.

[00:58:18] That is a.

[00:58:19] Six foot nine.

[00:58:21] Two hundred and forty.

[00:58:23] Pound.

[00:58:24] Agile.

[00:58:25] Should be.

[00:58:27] Rebounding.

[00:58:28] Machine.

[00:58:30] He had.

[00:58:31] Two.

[00:58:33] Rebounds.

[00:58:35] He had.

[00:58:36] Basically.

[00:58:37] He had one rebound a game.

[00:58:38] Dog.

[00:58:39] It's crazy.

[00:58:41] Go get this man some help.

[00:58:43] You got two first round picks.

[00:58:45] Go be innovative.

[00:58:47] And go get this man some help.

[00:58:49] Before he.

[00:58:50] Absolutely.

[00:58:50] Just collapse.

[00:58:51] On the floor.

[00:58:54] 40 year old man.

[00:58:55] Got to lead this team.

[00:58:56] Because.

[00:58:57] You can't get him some help.

[00:59:00] Now some of it is.

[00:59:01] Like just discipline.

[00:59:02] And what have you.

[00:59:03] Some of this is effort.

[00:59:05] And all of that.

[00:59:06] But I'm going to tell you right now.

[00:59:07] They don't have enough.

[00:59:08] Foot speed.

[00:59:09] On the perimeter.

[00:59:11] To keep the guards.

[00:59:12] Out of the lane.

[00:59:13] And you don't have enough.

[00:59:15] Length.

[00:59:16] On your.

[00:59:17] In your front court.

[00:59:18] To be able to.

[00:59:19] Stymie the guards.

[00:59:20] Once they're in the lane.

[00:59:22] So.

[00:59:23] Until.

[00:59:23] These things.

[00:59:25] Are shored up.

[00:59:26] The Lakers.

[00:59:27] Are going to have.

[00:59:28] Games where they.

[00:59:29] Strike brilliance.

[00:59:31] And look incredible.

[00:59:33] And then they will have games.

[00:59:34] Like we saw.

[00:59:35] The other night.

[00:59:36] Against Dallas.

[00:59:38] Where they look.

[00:59:39] Woefully.

[00:59:40] Inprepared.

[00:59:40] And they look like.

[00:59:41] They did not want to be there.

[00:59:45] Palenka.

[00:59:46] I understand that you're.

[00:59:47] Gauging.

[00:59:48] Your team.

[00:59:50] I understand you're.

[00:59:52] Analyzing.

[00:59:52] What your team looks like.

[00:59:55] Right now.

[00:59:56] Let me help you out.

[00:59:58] I can really help you out.

[01:00:00] With this.

[01:00:01] Your team.

[01:00:03] Looks uninspired.

[01:00:06] Your team.

[01:00:08] Or your leadership.

[01:00:10] On the team.

[01:00:11] Looks like.

[01:00:12] They could use.

[01:00:14] Another guy.

[01:00:15] That they could depend on.

[01:00:17] That they can say.

[01:00:18] Hey.

[01:00:19] This guy.

[01:00:20] We.

[01:00:20] He can guarantee us.

[01:00:22] 18 points a game.

[01:00:22] And he can guarantee us.

[01:00:25] Either.

[01:00:26] Six assists.

[01:00:27] Or nine rebounds.

[01:00:28] And he can guarantee us.

[01:00:30] That he is going to.

[01:00:31] Give a damn.

[01:00:32] On the defensive side.

[01:00:33] Of the basketball.

[01:00:35] That's what you need.

[01:00:38] Is it.

[01:00:39] Worth two.

[01:00:40] First round picks.

[01:00:41] I don't know.

[01:00:43] I don't run the team.

[01:00:45] I don't know.

[01:00:46] If it's worth.

[01:00:47] Two first round picks.

[01:00:48] Or not.

[01:00:49] I don't know.

[01:00:50] If you're saying.

[01:00:51] Two first round picks.

[01:00:54] In 2029.

[01:00:55] In 2031.

[01:00:56] 31.

[01:00:57] Are going to.

[01:00:59] Hurt us.

[01:00:59] So terribly.

[01:01:01] That.

[01:01:02] We're not going to be able.

[01:01:03] To fill the team.

[01:01:04] Or whatever the case may be.

[01:01:05] I don't know what it is.

[01:01:07] I don't know.

[01:01:08] If you're hedging your bet.

[01:01:09] Saying.

[01:01:10] We're just trying to.

[01:01:12] Squeeze by.

[01:01:13] Through.

[01:01:13] This iteration.

[01:01:14] Of the team.

[01:01:15] With LeBron.

[01:01:16] Then once LeBron is gone.

[01:01:17] We can get serious winning.

[01:01:19] I don't know.

[01:01:20] What the options are.

[01:01:22] But I'm going to tell you right now.

[01:01:23] The people of Los Angeles.

[01:01:25] Are not happy.

[01:01:28] And.

[01:01:29] I know.

[01:01:30] That.

[01:01:31] Rob.

[01:01:32] Don't really give a damn.

[01:01:33] About what the people.

[01:01:34] Of LA think.

[01:01:36] But.

[01:01:37] The bottom line.

[01:01:38] Is this.

[01:01:39] You need to start caring.

[01:01:41] Because your job.

[01:01:43] Might be.

[01:01:44] In jeopardy.

[01:01:46] Because of it.

[01:01:47] Now.

[01:01:48] We're going to end with this.

[01:01:49] Because.

[01:01:49] We need to end with some positivity.

[01:01:51] We're going to end with Victor.

[01:01:53] Win by Yama.

[01:01:54] And that's my guy.

[01:01:55] So.

[01:01:55] We're definitely going to end with him.

[01:01:57] So.

[01:01:58] Victor.

[01:01:59] His defensive dominance.

[01:02:00] Is there a question about who the defensive player of the year is?

[01:02:04] Now.

[01:02:04] We gave it to him last year.

[01:02:06] And we were a year early.

[01:02:08] And I'm going to tell you right now.

[01:02:09] I think we can just start.

[01:02:11] You can just give.

[01:02:13] The defensive player of the year.

[01:02:16] And then.

[01:02:17] You don't have to give it to him.

[01:02:19] For another 10 years.

[01:02:20] Because he's just going to win it.

[01:02:23] He is averaging.

[01:02:25] 4.

[01:02:26] 2.

[01:02:27] Blocks.

[01:02:28] A game.

[01:02:29] I say that one more time.

[01:02:30] 4.

[01:02:31] 2.

[01:02:32] Blocks.

[01:02:32] A game.

[01:02:34] That's so stupid.

[01:02:36] That is so dumb.

[01:02:38] Obviously.

[01:02:39] He's leading the league.

[01:02:40] And his.

[01:02:42] 96.1.

[01:02:43] Defensive rating.

[01:02:44] Ranks.

[01:02:45] Among the best.

[01:02:46] For starters.

[01:02:48] How.

[01:02:49] His offense.

[01:02:50] Has been.

[01:02:51] Up and down.

[01:02:52] He shoots threes.

[01:02:53] I love it.

[01:02:54] People hate it.

[01:02:55] They want him to have more of a.

[01:02:57] They.

[01:02:57] They want to have.

[01:02:58] Kind of.

[01:02:59] 65%.

[01:03:00] Twos.

[01:03:01] And.

[01:03:02] 33%.

[01:03:03] Threes.

[01:03:04] Here's the deal.

[01:03:07] People keep tripping.

[01:03:08] Off.

[01:03:09] Of what Victor is doing.

[01:03:10] And trying to.

[01:03:12] Expand his game.

[01:03:13] And why is he.

[01:03:14] Experimenting.

[01:03:15] So much.

[01:03:18] Because.

[01:03:19] He wants to be.

[01:03:21] The greatest.

[01:03:22] To ever do it.

[01:03:25] I think.

[01:03:28] We miss that.

[01:03:30] We haven't had that.

[01:03:32] In a long time.

[01:03:33] In our culture.

[01:03:35] In our NBA culture.

[01:03:36] Because people say.

[01:03:38] They want to be the best.

[01:03:40] No no.

[01:03:41] Victor.

[01:03:42] The audio.

[01:03:43] Is matching the video.

[01:03:45] This dude.

[01:03:46] Is putting in the work.

[01:03:47] To be.

[01:03:48] The very best.

[01:03:50] We've ever seen.

[01:03:51] Play this.

[01:03:52] Lovely game.

[01:03:53] Of basketball.

[01:03:54] That we enjoy.

[01:03:56] And he's going to shoot.

[01:03:58] Threes.

[01:03:58] And he's going to shoot.

[01:03:59] Twelve of them.

[01:04:00] And we're going to love.

[01:04:01] Every second of it.

[01:04:02] And we're going to be.

[01:04:03] Really frustrated.

[01:04:04] Sometimes.

[01:04:05] And it's going to make us mad.

[01:04:07] But guess what.

[01:04:10] He's still putting up.

[01:04:11] Almost thirty.

[01:04:12] He's still putting up.

[01:04:14] Twelve.

[01:04:15] And he's putting up.

[01:04:16] Four.

[01:04:16] Point two.

[01:04:18] Blocks a game.

[01:04:21] That.

[01:04:21] Is stupid.

[01:04:23] He just turned.

[01:04:24] Twenty one.

[01:04:31] All right.

[01:04:31] With that note.

[01:04:32] It's midnight here.

[01:04:34] So it's Thursday.

[01:04:35] Everywhere now.

[01:04:35] So happy Thursday.

[01:04:37] To you all.

[01:04:38] It has been an absolute.

[01:04:40] Blessing to be with you.

[01:04:42] And I do want to tell my audience.

[01:04:44] One thing.

[01:04:45] We work extremely hard.

[01:04:48] To gain.

[01:04:49] Your audience.

[01:04:51] We appreciate you.

[01:04:53] We appreciate.

[01:04:54] All that you do for us.

[01:04:56] You give us strength.

[01:04:58] To continue.

[01:04:59] To try to give you.

[01:05:00] Good quality.

[01:05:02] Content.

[01:05:03] On a regular basis.

[01:05:05] Thank you for sticking with us.

[01:05:07] Thank you for enjoying this podcast.

[01:05:09] Remember.

[01:05:10] X.

[01:05:11] At Frontrunner PC.

[01:05:14] Also.

[01:05:16] At.

[01:05:17] Rhea.

[01:05:18] Underscore.

[01:05:19] Funch.

[01:05:20] FRPC.

[01:05:21] On Twitter.

[01:05:22] Blue Sky.

[01:05:23] Oh the deal.

[01:05:24] Frontrunner PC.

[01:05:27] Get us there.

[01:05:28] That's where Shawn Michaels found me.

[01:05:32] Boyhood dream.

[01:05:34] Becomes a reality.

[01:05:36] And.

[01:05:37] Doing this podcast.

[01:05:39] Is a boyhood dream.

[01:05:41] That has become reality.

[01:05:43] And I thank everybody for listening.

[01:05:45] And we will leave you with this.

[01:05:47] The best part of you is you.

[01:05:49] Make sure.

[01:05:50] That the people that surround you.

[01:05:52] Are additive.

[01:05:54] Make sure.

[01:05:55] They are.

[01:05:56] Helpful.

[01:05:57] Make sure.

[01:05:57] They are.

[01:06:00] Inspiring your dreams.

[01:06:01] They are.

[01:06:02] Fueling your fire.

[01:06:04] That they.

[01:06:04] They're stoking.

[01:06:05] Passions.

[01:06:08] Then.

[01:06:09] With your light.

[01:06:11] With that.

[01:06:12] Beautiful light.

[01:06:13] That you have inside you.

[01:06:14] Go out and do some good in this world.

[01:06:16] We'll see you back on this feed on Friday.

[01:06:19] Y'all have a good one man.

[01:06:21] Deuce.

[01:06:21] You.

[01:06:22] You.

[01:06:22] You.

[01:06:22] Thank you.