Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
NFL International Games REACTION + VAR Chaos & NBA Playoff Sweeps
14 Plays20 days ago
Episode 76 – NFL International Games Reaction, VAR Chaos & NBA Playoff Sweeps
Episode 76 of Who’s Got The Ball? sees James, Shane, and Evan lead the show with a major discussion around the NFL’s newly announced International Games schedule.
The lads break down the standout matchups, debate the logistics of international travel for teams, and discuss whether the NFL’s global expansion is helping or hurting the league. There’s also discussion around the possibility of Ireland hosting another NFL game in the future and what the continued European growth means for fans abroad.
In football, attention turns to the VAR controversy in West Ham vs Arsenal before debating whether Michael Carrick could genuinely become Manchester United manager on a permanent basis. The lads also preview the upcoming FA Cup Final.
Michael then joins James for the NBA section to discuss the Knicks and Thunder playoff sweeps before previewing Friday night’s games between the Pistons and Cavaliers along with Timberwolves vs Spurs.
As always, the episode wraps up with Gan Seans and the latest Power Rankings.
Another packed episode full of NFL debate, football controversy, NBA playoff reactions, and strong opinions throughout.
🎧 If you’re into:
Premier League, NBA & NFL talk
Weekly predictions & reactions
Underdog picks (Gan Seans 👀)
Power rankings & sports debates
🔁 New episodes every week — follow so you don’t miss one.
🌍 Where football, NBA & NFL collide every week
💬 Connect with us:
📸 Instagram: @whosgottheballpod
🐦 X / 🎵 TikTok: @wgtbpod
📩 wgtbpod@gmail.com
🇮🇪 Irish-based, talking global sports every week
(0:00) Intro
(2:34) NFL International Schedule Reaction
(22:21) VAR Meltdown in London
(33:31) Carrick to be Appointed Permanently for United
(41:47) FA Cup Final Preview
(44:26) Gan Seans: Our Underdog Picks
(47:10) What Next for the Lakers & LeBron?
(54:02) Morey Fired After the Sixers are Swept
(1:01:37) Can the Timberwolves Force a Game 7?
(1:09:03) Cavs Attempt to Close Out Pistons
(1:17:41) Power Rankings
Recommended
Transcript
Shane's Week and Upcoming Events
00:00:09
Speaker
Alright lads, welcome back to another episode of Who's Got The Ball, episode 76 there, flying by myself and Shane here once again. Shane, what's the crack? Not a whole lot, just kind of having a quiet week after bank holiday weekend where I did the dog on myself. So I'm off to drink now until July. We'll see how it goes after that then. But going to Limerick Waterford now on Sunday, another friend is home from the Cayman Islands. So we had all the lads over from America last week, Cayman Islands this week. So once you've gone, then it stops for while. But yeah, just just living, working away.
00:00:42
Speaker
two Two things there on that. First of all, not until July, like that as if you're not going to drink for the whole World Cup or any Limerick game between now and then. It's the biggest load of shite I ever heard. I actually forgot about the World Cup and everything.
00:00:56
Speaker
If you're going to mention new man is home this weekend, there's no way I'm not going to drink this weekend. No, I was just going to say, this sounds so dodgy. It's like, oh, your man's home from the Cayman Islands. It's like, what what's he bringing back when I'm there for you, lads? What kind of a dodgy situation is he in?
00:01:10
Speaker
Look, I'm already getting myself in trouble with the PGMOL for the way I spoke about Arsenal in a couple of minutes, so we won't mention anything about the Cayman Islands now. The guard's off my back as well now. All right, fair enough. Yeah, we got and another another packed episode.
NFL International Schedule Excitement
00:01:25
Speaker
So let's keep this intro short. and Evan joins us once again. He's been a guest three or four times now. So a friend of the show to talk about the NFL international schedule release.
00:01:36
Speaker
Look, it's it's always an important time of the year for European and NFL fans outside of America to see what games are coming to countries near them. So we wanted to talk about those and which ones we're looking forward to the most.
00:01:48
Speaker
Then we jumped into the football side of things, myself and Shane, and talked about the VAR issues over the weekend and how they could play into the title race. United potentially signing Carrick as their long-term manager, as is being reported, and an f FA Cup final preview. Then we've got Ganshance, as usual, with our underdog picks.
00:02:08
Speaker
Then into the NBA, myself and Michael did that portion of the show together, and we talked about the sweeps of... the Sixers and Lakers and also the two game six matchups that are coming this evening as you're listening to this so if you're getting this on Friday you'll be getting the goods the previews for the game sixes that are coming tonight and hopefully we'll get a couple of game sevens this weekend wrapped up with the power rankings as usual so let's jump into the action so a friend of the show Evan is back once again he's even more kitted out in Dallas Cowboys gear than he ever had before Evan was
00:02:43
Speaker
But you know what, as well, and I only just had it the thought of making a cup of tea. I'm sure I could have brought me Cowboys mug. That would have really tipped it all off, like...
00:02:57
Speaker
Yeah, that would have really been... a And they want to send it over the edge. You talking before I started recording, you were vaping there. Like, could get you an old cowboys vape and make a thing of it here. Why not? A bit of Dallas Cowboys juice. ah Present the old idea there to Jerry. Jerry, come here. What if, right, we get the whole team to just start vaping and see how that goes? I think it would take off in Texas, honestly.
00:03:19
Speaker
I think they'd love... If it's going to take off anywhere, it would take off there anyway. that They love an old fad. yeah Whatever the word is, they definitely it. good read let's get into a bit of international nfl here because that's what we want to touch on um the international schedule is released the full schedule is releasing like a few hours after we record this so you'll you'll have it when you're when you're listening to this on friday but we're really focusing on the international games because obviously as fans outside of the us it's really important to us um every year to see what what goes on so we'll run through quickly
00:03:56
Speaker
And starting off in Melbourne week one, we've got the Niners against the Rams week three. Then in Rio, we've got the Ravens against your Cowboys, Evan. Then the London series starts from weeks four to six. We've got the Colts and commanders in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
00:04:13
Speaker
the Eagles and Jags in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Jags stay in town and they play the Texans then in Wembley the week after. Then it gets to week seven where we've got the Steelers and the Saints in Paris, the first French game. Back to Spain as we were there last season and we've got a whopper between the Bengals and Falcons in week nine.
00:04:34
Speaker
Moving over to Munich then, back to the Bayern Munich Stadium, we've got The Patriots facing off against the Lions in week 10 and then to wrap up in week 11, the Niners are on the road again and they're playing in Mexico City against the Vikings. So which games are you most looking forward to, Evan? I think you're saying you've got three really highlighted, so we're going to talk about them and and maybe any other thoughts we've got.
00:04:58
Speaker
Yeah, I think obviously if the one there for me is obviously the Ravens and Cowboys, right? Like that's a massive game. Head coach Jesse Minter, I think he's going to have a lot to prove and he's going to be put to the test, I suppose. It depends how our offense rolls.
00:05:16
Speaker
Last year was insane. Obviously the passing game was going to be nuts when you've got basically two wide receiver ones and then I honestly didn't think we were going to have a run game and absolutely shocked by what we produced, especially like the he the injury that he sustained as well.
00:05:36
Speaker
The question mark was, coming off that injury, is he going to be able to run the ball? And he did, so that was huge. So I think Jesse Minter has a big thing on his plate now of trying to be able to hold the Cowboys' offense at bay.
00:05:48
Speaker
And then on the flip side of that, we have... Our new DC. So Christian Parker's got a lot on his plate now. We're trying to turn our defensive story around. i think we were, 30th in defense last year?
00:06:03
Speaker
i' I didn't look at it. I don't know if anyone has a stat to handball. I think we were like 30th or 29th defense last year. We can't be down there, especially when our offense is cracked and we're putting up huge points. But sure, what does the points matter when you're letting up just the same amount?
00:06:19
Speaker
So yeah, we've got we've got a lot to look around there in terms of turning around the defense. And obviously that defense then is helped with Rashawn Gary from Green Bay. We've got Malachi Lawrence from UCF.
00:06:34
Speaker
And we struck gold in Caleb Downs. Yeah. So, I mean, that that's huge. Whether or not we can do it, we'll see. We'll see how the season goes.
Ravens vs. Cowboys Matchup Analysis
00:06:43
Speaker
But yeah, I don't want to be delusional, but like, I'm ready for this year. I'm so sorry.
00:06:48
Speaker
Yeah, I think... That was me last year, I've been... Don't forget. Yeah, that was... Put myself through last year. That was quite a spectacle last year, all right, Shane, with the Jets. that We but obviously have talked a little bit about the Ravens when they got Jesse Minter in, I think we were both pretty high on them, Shane. I think...
00:07:03
Speaker
a big game in Rio where all the eyes are on you, like how do you think they're going to fare in week three, Shane? I think it's it's a good early test for them, especially to kind of... it depends how their first two games have gone. If they've gone into that and they're 2-0 and they're absolutely firing on all the cylinders, this is a good matchup for them kind of get away from...
00:07:23
Speaker
the lights and the glamour of DAT and T and going down to Mexico and see what they do down there. i'm I'm still really high on them. I think they have they're such a good team. They really do. They have such a good team there, and it just needs to be harnessed properly.
00:07:37
Speaker
I think just getting the players away for five or six days as well you can only do them the world of good. Warm weather training, obviously, in Mexico, I'd imagine. Brazil. Away from the distractions. Sorry, Brazil. So, yeah. So, it will be warm weather training in Rio, yeah. So, yeah.
00:07:50
Speaker
just get them away from the distractions of like, I know they'll have media to do, but it won't be as intense in Brazil as it will be if they were doing it in Texas or Baltimore. So I think it's a really good matchup from good and good and early in the season as well. We'll know a lot about him after that game, both teams.
00:08:05
Speaker
Yeah, i think it's it could be, that's one of the ones I have my eye on because I think That's a great game to spread the sport as the NFL wants to do to put on good spectacles in other countries. I think the Cowboys' offense will be very good and the Ravens' offense will be very good. And I think it's a question of the defenses like you mentioned, Evan. night There's something that needs to be proven there.
00:08:32
Speaker
and By Parker in Dallas and obviously Minter wants to put a stamp on the Ravens So this is a good time where both teams will have a couple of games under their belt While we have you on the Cowboys side of things, you did mention Downs and Lawrence and i had We've been messaging back and forth and I did say that Lawrence was the sleeper of the draft Before the before it went down, Cowboys picked him up in the first round So obviously the fact we have to play you twice a year That is not ideal for the Giants as well as Caleb Downs going over there. So what was your total thoughts on the the Cowboys draft? Do you think it's going to really change the the defense around into this new season?
00:09:10
Speaker
I think so. I mean, ah i so the the funny thing about this too was that I had just gone who Orlando and I was like, the whole time I was there, it i always wanted to get bits and pieces of merch, right? Bits and pieces of college merch.
00:09:26
Speaker
And I was like, do you know what I should do while I'm here? I should kind of just settle on a college soon. This has kind of become the city that we love outside of Ireland and, you know, all that jazz.
00:09:37
Speaker
but Yeah, I should make the college team that I follow, Orlando-based one. There's a few, obviously, to pick. And I was like, you know what, UCF it is. And then sure enough, we we spoke about it because as soon as I opted to go, yes, UCF, I was like, I should do a little bit of a deep dive now into the roster and see.
00:09:56
Speaker
And sure enough, it was the two edges that are unreal on that team, Malika Lawrence being the number one of them. So yeah, it was very cool for that to turn around and that to happen.
00:10:07
Speaker
and And then, of course, the safety, Caleb Downs. I mean, the tape on that guy is unbelievable. Absolute freak. I'm so excited to see how he plays into the backfield because Lord knows we needed help in the backfield. um So, yeah, I'm stoked. Those two picks couldn't have gotten better, in my opinion. And I think we had one hell of a draft, which was glorious to see.
00:10:33
Speaker
Yeah, I really liked the approach in the first round. I think defence was certainly something that needed to be needed to be attacked. Why don't you throw out another game that you're really looking forward to?
Steelers vs. Saints Game Interest
00:10:45
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, cool. The other one that I you had my eye on as well, that I suppose... we'll We'll probably get an idea anyway of of how it turns out. But the other game that I had in mind was the Steelers and the Saints.
00:10:58
Speaker
I suppose I've got a few question marks on both these teams. I suppose the Steelers is who's their starting QB. what's going to happen there. The Steelers have been left in the lurch and have not had anything or any work. Yeah, once again. So it's like, I think now at this point, the Steelers fans are like, you know what? Almost fuck Aaron Rodgers for leaving us out in the lurch and not giving us an answer so that we can at least move forward and do their bit. Instead, they're hanging on to see how it pans out.
00:11:30
Speaker
Whether he comes back or not is one question, but on the flip of that, if he doesn't, how is that going to pan out? right so Their QB room isn't great, but the one thing that I would love to see is Will Howard as an option. Now, I know they did just pick up Penn State Drew O'Larrick in the draft.
00:11:53
Speaker
He's throwing this. Yeah, I'm not a fan, but Will Howard in his 2024 season with Ohio State was electric. Super good player. He had a high QBR. And even just just because they were so good, i just pulled out some stats for Will Howard.
00:12:11
Speaker
So completion percent when blitzed, 72.9%, he was first. In completion percent when blitzed. Huge stat to have. In completion percent when pressured, he was first.
00:12:25
Speaker
pressure Pressured the sack, he was third. And then also on the backside of that, in comparison to his 2023 stats, it was like elevation of 15 to 20% on each stat practically.
00:12:36
Speaker
In the space of a year, he grew and put down a hell of a season with Ohio State. So I think he's my QB1 in the event that Aaron Rodgers doesn't hang along. I think that that would be a fun watch. They did have a lot losses.
00:12:52
Speaker
But I think it will be an interesting matchup. And then on the other side of it, then we have the Saints. I think they're an interesting and fun team to watch as well. They bag Travis Etienne, massive pickup in the running game.
00:13:05
Speaker
And honestly, i was relatively impressed with Tyler Schock. He had some moments, especially towards the latter part of the season, where he was like, whoa, they might have got a guy. So see how that goes. And then, of course, then, Charlie Smith, lads. Yeah, So, yeah, I think that could be a fun matchup, but we'll have to see how the whole Steelers thing goes.
00:13:29
Speaker
What about the Steelers? What addition did the Steelers have? that They had a... drafted poisonson right yeah no the sandins Drafted Tyson, drafted Saints drafted Tyson. The Steelers wanted Mackay Lemon and then they were left behind their face when the Eagles traded up and they had to pick the amateur and literally like 200,000 Pittsburgh fans just left the draft area after that because they were so sick. That was it that was a sight and a half, I would say.
00:13:58
Speaker
Look, I think the Will Howard point is pretty good because another thing to add to that is he have to he had to practice against the iowa of Ohio State defense his whole time that he was there, and there's no better college defense to go up against. So if Rodgers doesn't come back, and I think they should just tell him to shove it because they're probably not going to be that good either way, but they probably will just hang around for them like he did last year. Shane, any thoughts on this game in Paris?
00:14:24
Speaker
Yeah, so I actually just wanted touch on the Will Howard point as well. And I agree with what you said that at this point, should be telling Aaron Rodgers to go because just just go away. Because what's the point of waiting around for him to do nothing? It's another year of probably a transition. And why would you not transition with a national champion in Will Howard?
00:14:40
Speaker
just put him in there. If you know you're going to win eight or nine games, there's no point bringing back Aaron Rodgers, giving him all that money, and then next year you're in the same position, and Will Howard hasn't gotten a second of of snap time. He might get a couple of us. At some point, you just have to throw these kids in.
00:14:56
Speaker
the way like it like He's had his year now sitting. I'm pretty sure he is he was sitting last year behind Aaron Rodgers, was he drafted this year? Yes, he was sitting last year. Yeah. like it Kansas City Chief wouldn't be in the position they are now if they didn't just go passing the homes in year two.
00:15:11
Speaker
And that's the have to look at it. if If someone is good enough, then they're definitely old enough. And he is 24 as well. So yeah, I think it's time to put him in. I'm hoping for a lot more from the Saints this year than last year. I think last year was their their kind of semi-tanking year.
00:15:25
Speaker
They had a decent draft. I've i've never claimed to be a draft expert, so I always wait and see what they're like when they actually playing the NFL. But I do like that matchup. The one I'm mad about is game one, or we'll say week one in Melbourne. And it's not even, because obviously it's two really good teams, but it's the fact that it's it's a 10.35am kickoff in Australia.
00:15:44
Speaker
I want to see what the atmosphere is going to be like. Is there going to be much of a, like there'll obviously be a full crowd, but the camera people have gotten on the beer, like Jones. I just think it's going to be, that's going to be some spectacle at the Melbourne cricket ground. And obviously, two teams that will be right up there, Super Bowl hopefuls as well, going into the season. So it's it's some first game to have. And just hope the pitch is in better shape. And I'm pretty sure Rio last year, they pitched it in an awful shape for that first game the season.
00:16:10
Speaker
So hopefully it's better in Rio for the Cowboys. And hopefully it's better in the Melbourne cricket ground as well. Yeah, I think in in Melbourne it's going to be some spectacle. The Aussies will be up at 6am drinking, like yeah getting ready for that one.
00:16:22
Speaker
The same way we'd same way we'd be. Yeah, I think that's like, it's the perfect place to have a game. I think it's going to be such a good crowd. And I think if Conan was on this episode, he'd be delighted that you brought up the Saints, Evan, because he...
00:16:35
Speaker
Sends me some messages that you would say are slightly an over-exaggeration. of bit turn shook So let's see how that one goes down. and For me, one that I really want to see is the Texans and Jags in Wembley.
00:16:48
Speaker
I think it's it's a great matchup because the Jags have been quite poor lately. And then last season, they just completely exploded back onto the scene. and Just like a superb job done over there. And Trevor Lawrence kind of...
00:17:02
Speaker
came into his own a little bit for the first time since his rookie season so if he can continue that and they can get Travis Hunter going they can use their defense now granted their draft was pretty bad they obviously didn't have first rounder because they gave it up for Hunter
Vikings vs. Niners Game Highlights
00:17:16
Speaker
and then on the other side you're looking at a Texans team who are out for blood they need to come back and and turn things around on the offensive side of the ball after how they finished last season so to have a divisional matchup like that in a big stadium like Wembley is going to be unbelievable for that. like I'm but looking at at these here and apart from Niners, Rams and Texans, Jags, there's no other actual divisional matchups. So those divisional games are always good. You could put them and you could have it on the moon and it'd be class. yeah So I'm looking forward to that one massively.
00:17:51
Speaker
Yeah, I think Football on the Moon could be class. Anyway, get Gerry Jones on that one. yeah Yeah, yeah i don't know I don't know how much more time we have here, but the the other one as well that I do like is ah the Vikings and Niners.
00:18:07
Speaker
The one thing is it's a bit later into the season as well. i think it's like the week 11, I think, game. um And that's a huge matchup there for the... I love the thought of a revenge matchup where you have Juwan Jennings...
00:18:22
Speaker
like taking it to the Niners. So I think that's one interesting aspect, but also Kyler Murray with Kevin O'Connell. That's, that's huge. ah I'm so excited to see how that plays out.
00:18:34
Speaker
Obviously Kyler Murray can be explosive and behind this line with the playbook of Kevin O'Connell, I think you could see some magical shit happening, especially like he's got Justin Jefferson as well.
00:18:47
Speaker
you know what mean? Like it's just unreal to have um as a QB. But yeah, we'll see how that one pans out. Yeah, I think that Murray's situation is going to be a lot better than people think. Sorry, Shane, go ahead.
00:19:02
Speaker
No, I was just going to kind of say the same thing. I think this is a really good move for Carlo Murray and another man who kind of... if he can get going outside of America and he comes he can bring that confidence back with him, then I think he could have a really good season. I think we'd be remiss not to mention Patriots and Lions and Munich as well. One team have to come off the back of an unbelievable season. Another team off the back of really, really disappointing season. That's gonna be some matchup. I think these teams are probably the most evenly matched kind of just just under Super Bowl level maybe and I think in Munich as well they put on some spectacle last year in Munich is going to the same this year that's going one hell of a game in Munich I think yeah we've got some some huge matchups for sure and
00:19:45
Speaker
Pretty much everything we've covered there, obviously. Colts, commanders doesn't have much of a ring to it for me. no Eagles coming to town against the Jags is always massive. I think don't think me or Evan want to focus too heavily on the Eagles during the off-season. And then the last one is Joe Burrow heading to Madrid. I don't think there's a better man to head on to the Madrid pitch, play at the Bernabeu than Joe Burrow. Especially after the week, Dave, has.
00:20:08
Speaker
Yeah, as long as he's standing upright and the rest of the team is is fit and ready to go, that's going to be, that could be rough for the Falcons, yeah let's be honest. But that's, yeah, I think we're at we're we're getting a lot of very good games here. So we've got nine in total. look Obviously, the NFL's goal is to have one every week of the regular season eventually. So hopefully it's not too long before we get one back in Dublin. Yeah. Yeah.
00:20:33
Speaker
but So unfortunate. So unfortunate. Another one. A back tobacco would have been class. sure of what can we do i think the fact that they've tried us out and it went well i think they're going to try out a lot of other countries and then have like a recurrent schedule so i could see it in a situation where we have one every two or three years um which is very good for the size of the country yeah obviously croke park is an amazing stadium so we're blessed with that yeah but and the other thing too as well i suppose is yeah it was we didn't get one
00:21:06
Speaker
we're still blessed with all of these games that we do have an opportunity to go see as well. A wee cheeky flight and you're golden. you know So it's not too bad. If they keep banging these out, it could be a good time.
00:21:18
Speaker
Yeah, there there are six within like a three-hour flight of us. Six of the nine. are They are really, really close. they are like They're not a stone's throw, but you just get off to Dublin Airport and you're there in three hours max. Let's say Munich might be the furthest, and that's probably two and a half hours. Madrid, maybe.
00:21:32
Speaker
yeah yeah like Paris is an hour away. It's pretty good. For us, it's basically for us, if can get we can fly from Shannon, it's like going to the Dublin game anyway, going to Paris. for me and Evan, James, it's a bit easier in Dublin. Yeah, it's a wee trolley fucker. yeah i think as well with the london games the fans don't tend to sell it out anymore like they used to because it's been there for so long so if you did want to get a ticket i think that's the best shout maybe for an irish fan if you want to just have a handy flight over but yeah let's hope we get one back here pretty soon and let's hope it's a good one but evan appreciate you coming back on once again we will have you on more to chat cowboys during the off season soon and we will talk to you again soon
00:22:16
Speaker
Absolutely, absolutely. Thank you both gentlemen. I appreciate it. Cheers, Ed. Thank you very much. was a pleasure. Have a good one. Okay, let's jump into the football side of things. A couple of topics to touch on we usually do.
00:22:27
Speaker
performance of the weekend but it's getting to that kind of stage where some teams aren't really playing for a whole lot so i think there's some more pressing things to be spoken about we'll start with probably something we never want to talk about but it has to be really covered off here and that's the var controversy um it's always something
VAR Controversy in Arsenal Game
00:22:48
Speaker
with var that's controversial and Again, last weekend, there was something that could decide the title. Obviously, I'm just talking about Pablo fouling Raya as the way it was deemed by the AR.
00:23:06
Speaker
Arsenal managed to get the win because of it, because the ball. After Raya kind of fluffed the punch, it came back out. West Ham scored, but that was overruled due to Pablo's arm being across on Raya's arm. Now, I don't think there's any arguing that that is a foul because he holds his arm.
00:23:22
Speaker
But the issue that I think a lot of people have and that I have is the reason Pablo is holding his arm is because he gets rugby tackled into him by Trossard. And his jersey is also being ripped off him by Gabriel at the same time.
00:23:36
Speaker
So for the report now of Chris Kavanagh to have said, this is what has been reported, that he said, during it that the Declan Rice foul behind was after the hold on on the keeper, so that's null. And that the rugby tackle from Trossard, he didn't see anything wrong with it.
00:23:55
Speaker
Yeah, it wasn't enough. Yeah, I'm completely confused by this whole situation. i actually think it's it's kind of disgraceful that they didn't either let the goal stand or give a penalty because the very first thing that happened wrong there was Pablo literally getting spear tackled around his waist by Trossard and getting his jersey pulled by Gabriel.
00:24:17
Speaker
Yeah, so you were saying we're not doing a performance at the weekend, but I think the performance at the weekend is Howard Webb for going on that mic'd up and showing us was this kamikaze. And it wasn't just this one, and that was actually what annoyed me more was seeing what they said for the Seshko goal and what they said for not giving everything the penalty against West Ham.
00:24:36
Speaker
Like, it was actually... it it They must be embarrassed sending him out there to do these mic'd up shows because... the The level of incompetence of some of these is actually, it's its it's criminal. And it's getting to a point now, well, sorry, that's a wrong word to use. Might get sued for that, suppose. It's just really, really bad. like And I'll come back to the Everton one a second. But the one on Arsenal, so Kavanaugh says, he's over at the screen. They're showing him and they're like, we want you to look at these phones here. And he goes, what are you trying to show me? Give me a clue.
00:25:05
Speaker
is what he says to the VAR. And they're like, they trust our pull on Pablo. Oh, there's not enough in that for me. What's next? Rice is rugby tackling whoever. He's trying to drag down whoever. Yeah, that comes after the Royal Foul. Okay, I'm not giving the goal.
00:25:19
Speaker
ah can do It doesn't make sense that there's 14 fouls inside the box at that time and they've decided to punish the only one that leads to the goal not being given.
00:25:30
Speaker
And fair enough, it's the same as the Man City-Lupro one where they didn't give the Haaland goal, they went back and sent off Sabaslay and gave the penalty because there was a foul by Haaland, sorry, foul by Haaland Sabah's like play went on advantage of played and then Haaland fouled Sabah's like so then it's like well that's done void so off you go Sabah's like penalty given this was the same only worse because that Liverpool one was clear as day it was Sabah's like he was trying to stop him scoring a goal it was all day it's a red card it's a penalty blah blah blah whatever this one
00:26:02
Speaker
you as you said, Gabriel is fouling, Trossard's fouling, Rice is fouling, Saliba's probably doing something as well, Dechton Rice is probably the worst one of the lots, and Pablo's arm across the keeper, it's a foul, 100% it's foul.
00:26:14
Speaker
But it's not enough for that goal to be ruled out, and especially for Arsenal, and someone's gone back and done a video on Twitter of all the times they've gotten the way of it this year. And then ducking and diving, Gabriel's diving all over the place. The one against Spurs in particular is very bad. And they get away with this. And the biggest moment of the season for me, it's the title.
00:26:33
Speaker
Because they're going to batter Burnley, obviously. like it's it's i was looking at the odds earlier for Gonçant and it's quite clear they are going to batter Burnley. And then Palace last day the season, can't remember, before or after the final.
00:26:45
Speaker
i think it's before their final. So they're not going to want to get Mitheta injured or... It's after it. Oh, is it Kay? Oh, the Palace one. Sorry, I was thinking of the Land City. Yeah, it's before it, like three days before it. So perfect. Yeah, so they're not going to want to get anyone injured in that. So it's... I don't see how they don't win the title from here, unfortunately. And it's all down to this because Kavanaugh couldn't see the clear fouls that were going on around the one that he did look at. And that drives me insane.
00:27:10
Speaker
Yeah, i I just can't understand the reasoning for him to... like As if he's saying that they're... For him to say give me a clue. Yeah. like I don't understand that because...
00:27:24
Speaker
It's as if they're sending him over trying to catch him out when he says something like that, to be like, they're not there to help him. Like, they're there to tell you what to look at. And instantly he rules that out. And that's probably the most egregious thing because it leads to this chain reaction of Pablo.
00:27:39
Speaker
The reason he couldn't get his a arm up higher than it was is because his jersey is being pulled by Gabriel underneath. Like, it the whole thing is just a farce. I think Arsenal were on the border all season. They were doing things that were quite clever and you could get away with.
00:27:54
Speaker
But I go back to the first game of the season where they beat Man United 1-0. Gabriel grabs Altai Bajander's arm as he's going up for the ball, stops him punching it.
00:28:06
Speaker
And on commentary, it's all, you know, Neville going like, has to be stronger there, has to be stronger. But then when it's at Raya, Neville is like, oh, clear foul. You know, that's definitely a foul there. And everything seems to swing for Arsenal when it's these in-box situations, even though this is identical and nobody rugby tackles Gabriel into the keeper.
00:28:27
Speaker
So, yeah, this has kind of sewn things up for them. It seems, look, they are going to batter Burnley. Palace will have a weakened team. And there's no guarantees that City will beat Bournemouth anyway to keep this away.
00:28:40
Speaker
But I will say if it goes to the final day and there's two points in it and both teams are playing at the same time, look, I think anything could happen because Arsenal have so many times bottled things. It could be the ultimate on the final day to throw this away when you do have an opportunity to win it.
00:29:01
Speaker
Nothing is guaranteed in the Premier League, no matter who you're playing against. And look, I don't know. I think it's highly likely that they win it now and that this plays a big part in it. But it's not over yet. Yeah, though 100%. And like we've seen with Liverpool and City going at it over the years, that year of Villo and 2-0 up at the Etihad. Like if that happens, Arsenal, don't see them coming back and turn that around to make it 3-2 to win it.
00:29:24
Speaker
Especially if Man City are 2-3-0 up and coasting on the last day against Bournemouth. Very unlikely, I know, but they could be. They could just come playing out of the traps, thinking we need to put the pressure on here early. We need an early goal.
00:29:35
Speaker
And if Arsenal go 2-0 down and here's City or 2-0 up, they could very easily show it away. Yeah, I think they have Bournemouth on next Wednesday. Sorry, they... And then it's Villa on the final day. Oh, it's Villa, yeah. So, yeah, so Villa will be just after their Cup final as well. So they'll be on the beach.
00:29:52
Speaker
Yeah, 100%. But it's just the referees and we we've actually refrained a lot from talking about us all year because in our when we're texting over and back every single week there's a new VAR thing.
00:30:03
Speaker
We had one with the Celtic one last night. yeah like that I know it's a different league, we're not going to talk about it but that's another ridiculous, but not ridiculous, I don't know how they've decided to give that to be honest. And yeah and that's a great league pretty much as well. Yeah, it's it's it's just, it's happening all over the place week on week, but it just seems to be a million times worse than the Premier League. And maybe it's because we're more exposed to it. Like we don't see, I saw a couple of ones from the Scottish League last night that went in Rangers favours that are just absolutely out. They're just egregious. Like there's clear right cards, clear penalties, penalties and given, goals been taken away.
00:30:38
Speaker
And it does come down to point where you're actually thinking, is there bias in all of these lads that say, Scotland, especially like, oh, let's get this to a final day, decide or get get the eyes on the televisions, get the people in the stadium.
00:30:50
Speaker
Like you just, guess the point we have to wonder because none of these decisions make sense on their own. There's no way they're all this incompetent. But I was looking there to see if Chris Cavanaugh is going World Cup because this time last year he was one of FIFA's highest rated VAR officials. He's now not going World Cup and neither is a man on bars when I haven't picked for the Cup. That's slightly surprising because it's not at all. because I used to love the likes of Michael Oliver. think he was a great referee. Not anymore. I don't think there's a single referee in the Premier League now like It's gotten so bad that I think that Anthony Taylor might be the best ref in the Premier League the moment. And he has been horrific for years. So the fact yeah have they all gotten worse? Has he gotten better? I don't know. And I can't wait for the season then for many reasons, but not having to talk about referees for three months is going to be absolutely wonderful.
00:31:35
Speaker
Yeah, I don't know the guy's name. so um But he refed, I think, on the opening weekend. And... He was sent by VAR to overturn or give some decision. I think it was in the City Wolves game and he didn't give it.
00:31:50
Speaker
And he got basically put back down to reffing the championship and he's only got like three games that yet so far this season in the Prem. Even though that was just a really good decision. He just didn't go with what the VAR recommended. Yeah.
00:32:02
Speaker
So if you show any bit of strength, you know, you're being relegated back down to the championship. Yeah, it was the 32-year-old Farai Halam. Yeah, that was him. Yeah, he actually she hasn't done a Premier League game all year.
00:32:16
Speaker
And even like you look at Jared Gillett, who looked unbelievable in Australia. He comes over and his standard is falling into the floor. Like you have to wonder, is it the training? Is it who they're hanging around with? They all have nicknames to each other when they're on the bar instead you know, it's like Cav go over there or Tails or whatever they're calling each other. Mike Dean as well on Soccer Saturday saying, oh, it's May. They don't give decisions in May.
00:32:39
Speaker
That's not helpful either. And then he's like trying to backtrack himself. Oh, not me now, Joe. I don't think these lads are doing it. But when it comes to May, like the football teams are on the beach or the referees, like the referees can't be on the beach. No, it's your job. It's your job.
00:32:53
Speaker
If I went into work tomorrow and said, I'm actually on the beach today. It's May. It's May. I'm not doing any work today. And then the one fellow who makes a courageous call here is the BBC calling this and he just gets completely thrown out. is like, oh, you're 32. You'll come back when you're 40 maybe and you're willing to listen more.
00:33:11
Speaker
it's just it's It's such a a boy's love. It drives me absolutely bananas. Yeah. that is it is That's the only way to describe it. And I think the less time spent on it, the better, because we've tried to avoid it at times this season, but this is such a big one, it
Michael Carrick's Management Impact
00:33:27
Speaker
needed to be talked about.
00:33:29
Speaker
Another no-off looks like Michael Carrick is going to be hired permanently as Manchester United manager. After doing their process, I think they've done checks on Andoni Uriola and Uni Emery, among others. And it's been recommended that they go ahead with Carrick and following interviews. So it's up to Sir Jim Ratcliffe to ratify that and then the contract to be worked out. It seems likely it'll be a two-year deal with an extra one on top.
00:33:55
Speaker
um the backroom team of Steve Holland Jonathan Woodgate Travis Binion etc will probably be also signed which I think is they to be kept on if they're keeping him have to keep them on yeah and I think that once the Carrick one is done they will also be done and so that makes a lot of sense look I think He has shortcomings. There's issues that you could question, but in terms of what he's done since he's come in, he's earned it because United have had the most goals in the league since he's come in or equal to it.
00:34:24
Speaker
The highest shot conversion rate... They've done pretty well defensively considering where they were a couple of years ago. Goals conceded 16 during his time. That's seventh. Sixth in shots faced. Sixth in XG against goal difference.
00:34:38
Speaker
Plus 11 is equal to second. And points is 32, which is first. So a lot of positives. He's done superbly since he came in despite some question marks over. I think substitution patterns is the main one I would have. And Obviously, how he will handle the European season and, you know, working with new signings is going to be massive as well. All unanswered questions. But in terms of what he's done with the team, you know, I think it would be unfair not to give him at least a shot because he is he's well earned it. And given all the points that I just raised.
00:35:13
Speaker
Yeah, I just don't think he's earned the Manager of the Year nomination for 15 games. I think that's a bit ridiculous, to be perfectly honest After 15 games when there's managers who've done the full seasons. Now, I know a lot them.
00:35:25
Speaker
Like, I don't think there's anyone on the list I'd take off. Like I think everyone there has deserved it except Carrick but I don't know who I'd put in at the same time. Yeah I don't know who I'd put in is the question. i if There's no one else really that would win but I just think for 15 games you can't be getting a manager this season manager of year. I think it shows how poor some of the teams have been though because I actually think there's a lot of other teams that deserves to go in there.
00:35:47
Speaker
So Brentford is there Bormut is there. Yeah. Fulham don't deserve to be there. They've fallen off a cliff. Yeah, know what? There's probably no one else. You've kind of said everything I have in my points here. It needs a big summer. Interesting to see how he gets on with Europe.
00:36:03
Speaker
Topps, who was hung until last Friday, were going to Adlone, and he was saying that he wants either Enrique to come in from PSG or keep Michael Carrick. And obviously obviously Enrique is not going anywhere now. I presume if they win the Champions League, he's going to try and go for the three in a row. So he's not going to leave. So...
00:36:18
Speaker
ah like I was only arguing with my friends last week on Sunday over this. Like, are we better keeping Slaughter or going for a Glasnow or an Ereola? And sometimes I think the devil you know is better than the devil you bring in.
00:36:32
Speaker
Now, maybe not the same with Slot. I'm not trying to compare Slot and Kerry because Kerry obviously had a really good season. But I think knowing what he's done is better than the unknown quantity of bringing in Iriola, who has only done it for small club, 38 games a year. he's joe He's never had a European competition to deal with. So...
00:36:50
Speaker
How would he fare with coming in and all of a sudden have to manage 50 games over 38? Carrick's the same, but at least he has a bit of a track record. He's shown what he can do with United. He's the next player. He'll get a bit more leeway. Iriana comes in and he straight away has to just hit the burner, has to be winning his first five games. So i think in that way, it makes sense.
00:37:09
Speaker
I'm happy enough to see him there, but that's at the moment because like he's he's never really had top-level experience. Now, what he did with Middlesbrough in his first year in particular was brilliant, and that is a 46-game season.
00:37:24
Speaker
That is the three games a week, so he does know how to manage a three-game-a-week run. So we'll just to see how it goes, but I do think he needs a big summer back in. With Casemiro going especially, he needs to be replaced.
00:37:35
Speaker
And then probably, like, I know you're scoring lot of goals, your most shot conversions, but you probably need a better backup to Sesko than Xerxes because he started against Sunderland and if he was still playing now, he probably wouldn't have scored. So...
00:37:47
Speaker
Yeah, I agree. sent back kael I agree with the fact of needing to reinforce, and I think that's down now to Ineos and the rest of the team, too. Once they get Carrick in, actually, you know, do your work in the background, not for Carrick, but for the sake of the club, because you're going into the into your, like, look, if Carrick doesn't work out, you're still going to need a squad.
00:38:06
Speaker
So I think... The comparison, i know you weren't making directly with Slott. I think still Slott won the league the year prior, so he has that behind So that's why you give him six months.
00:38:20
Speaker
and So I think there are different situations, but you ultimately reach the same conclusion that you go with the guy that's done something positive for you at some stage, and it's not that far removed from it. Yeah.
00:38:31
Speaker
Now, I do think Areola will be a good big team manager down the line, considering how far he's come with. First, he was bit bad at the lead, and then Bournemouth. But he's done Bournemouth is insane this year, I think. For them to be sixth... Yeah, and the adaption as well. He doesn't just stick to the same football. They've moved through a better, more sustainable type of football to keep the wins up.
00:38:52
Speaker
So, that shows with him. I think one point on Carrick that people may not be talking about that I think is important is... He has an experienced coaching staff and yes he was a superb midfielder.
00:39:06
Speaker
So if you United are trying to be rebuild their midfield, I think with him there, it's no better time to do it than now because he's the last good midfielder United had before. You could say Casemiro and Main who have looked decent this last six months, but long-term, he's been the guy.
00:39:21
Speaker
yeah That was a long time back. So I think if he's able to come in there, he has a good relationship with Darren Fletcher who's the under 18s manager he's going to all the youth games so I think there could be some promotion there from the youth team considering we have so many games coming up I think if he has a bigger squad he'll sort out that substitution issue because the squad is is quite bare and I agree with the Xerzi point he needs to go and they need to get a better backup in there so look a big summer ahead but I think he's earned it and let's see because
00:39:52
Speaker
The jury is certainly not out on him right now. but He hasn't done enough to to write himself out of things. So let's it's a big up in the air and I think he deserves it more than anybody else would.
00:40:03
Speaker
I think it's mad that Liverpool and United are still trying to replace Fabinho and it's been five years maybe and you're still trying to replace Carrick and it's been maybe 15 years. and maybe It goes to show like when when you do have a player like that and both these clubs need to pick one of these up in the summer, someone that's considered to base in the field and actually play football as well as be able to defend because Gravenberch was great last year, he's been horrific at it this year.
00:40:27
Speaker
Casemiro has been absolutely brilliant in the last six months but the first six months of this of this season I thought he was horrific and like that's why they were letting his contract run down and all of a sudden he's been learning him from Carrick and now look at him he's like the man who was playing for Madrid five years ago winning big headers very good against Liverpool at times as well but Maynou as well like Maynou has just come on leaps and bounds on their Carrick and like obviously there was a reason he wasn't starting for that other clown Ruben Amram but whatever reason he had it's probably not valid one yeah exactly but I just think i think as you said the jury isn't out but it it won't be long before it does because Soarca didn't get as much time as people thought he would as a legend of the club as well so we'll have to see where it goes but
00:41:11
Speaker
Yeah, I think it's it's very hard for us to judge it right now. We need to wait until maybe August and see what to transfer at the end of July, see what transfers are, see how pre-season has gone, what kind of shape he's playing, if he's still playing the same kind of football.
00:41:24
Speaker
I'm looking forward the episode where we just do an hour on Liverpool and over the summer, and there's nothing else happening in the basketball and the football. Just do an hour on Bourke-Herrick and Slaughter going at this season. So just get on to that now. Keep your eye out for that off-season filler. You'll have noticed, if you're watching this on YouTube, the sun is slowly coming around to blind me. So let me go close the blinds before we jump into this FA Cup preview. Okay, so a quick and f FA Cup preview before we jump into Ganshance.
FA Cup Final Preview: City vs. Chelsea
00:41:52
Speaker
City versus Chelsea on Saturday.
00:41:55
Speaker
it's It's the only English football match on that day, so if you want to get your fix, that's where you're going to have to get it. Ah, it nice. Yeah, they moved everything else around. it is It is kind of mad, but I think this is only going one way.
00:42:09
Speaker
City rested some of their best players. Like, O'Reilly wasn't even in the squad against Palace, and they won 3-0 handily. Haaland didn't get any minutes. Look, they're resting their players for this f FA Cup final and I think they might be able to take them off after an hour and rest them for Bournemouth on the following week because I think they're going to batter Chelsea who are all over the place.
00:42:31
Speaker
Two teams on the beach played each other last weekend in Liverpool and Chelsea and it was a 1-1 draw. And Chelsea are going to continue to, I think, be on the beach. I think they probably will have the intention of giving it their best effort. But after 20 minutes and the relentlessness of City, I think they'll cave in fairly quickly.
00:42:50
Speaker
Yeah, I don't see how this goes anything other than one way. Chelsea, as you said, they got the point last week, but Liverpool were horrific in the first half in particular. Absolutely dreadful. And Chelsea still didn't look like a fully functioning team against a Liverpool team that was literally not even firing on half a cylinder, let alone all cylinders.
00:43:09
Speaker
the City are so heavy favourites. They're 4-6. Chelsea are 15-4. does like as you said they played a second 11 last night and went down Badr Palace like that's the strength in depth they have there's no way they're not coming out hungry for the possibility of domestic treble here and there's no way Chelsea are going to get in their way and stop them I actually do genuinely think Leeds will put up a better fight tomorrow than Chelsea are going to yeah yeah I think so I don't know. I think I would have liked to see Leeds in this. I said that before. But look, it went the way of Chelsea. And I think City's firepower is going to be way too much with Semenyo on form after getting his goal. Cherokee, as usual, popping up with assist.
00:43:49
Speaker
Haaland is fully rested, as I mentioned. Look, I'm i'm going 3-0 City. There's no beating around the bush with it. think they're pretty happy with that scoreline recently as well. They seem to be getting quite a lot of 3-0. So I think this is going to be another one and ah a second trophy for them this season.
00:44:05
Speaker
Yeah, I've gone 3-1, but it's because, as you said, I think a lot of their players will come off after 60 or 70. They might have John Stones playing centre-back and might just get run past by Joe Pedro just once. So that's why I think 3-1, but I don't think it's going to be close at all. I really don't.
00:44:21
Speaker
Okay, yeah, we're both going the same way there. I don't think there's too much faffing around to be done with that game. Gone chance. last week was not a good one for either of us. I had West Ham away to Arsenal. That what didn't work out. Leeds away to Spurs. That was a draw. So that didn't work out. And so the Spurs to lose to the Timberwolves. I did it for game three. Game four was the one where they lost. So good.
00:44:44
Speaker
And you had Sixers to beat Knicks. Yeah. Thank you for that. But no, never. And Sunderland to beat United that was a draw and Burnley to beat Villa no that didn't work out either plenty of draws but I'm still 41 30 up um it's game over I'm just trying to cancelation here yeah because there's two weeks left and yeah there's only 11 points in it you can only get a max of 10 so I'll let you go first anyway with your picks this week thank you very much handshake um I've gone Sunderland at to beat Everton at 4-5.
00:45:19
Speaker
Wolves at 14-5 to beat Fulham, who are Just because I think Fulham are actually more on the beach than Wolves are, because of what Edwards said in his press conference last week, that would still be ringing in the rears. dust He's like, it's embarrassing. a lot of these players need to go. So a lot of these players are playing.
00:45:34
Speaker
The stay at a club is going come straight pick up because they're not getting Premier League moves. And I've gone with the Timberwolves at 31-20 to beat the Spurs, who are 1-2. No reason. i just I actually do think this is going to a game seven. And after Michael said it was going to be four airline just I'd be really happy if it went to a game seven.
00:45:52
Speaker
Yeah, same reasoning for me there with the Timberwolves and Spurs. I actually do think it's going to go to a game seven. I think... They're going to be the team that really is hungry and we've seen them do it a lot so far this season. and In the playoffs, they've like when it comes down to brass tacks, they're like no messing around. Something goes wrong for them, they turn it around the next game. So I think they're going to get this to a game seven, especially considering they're at home. So I've got that one too.
00:46:19
Speaker
I've got Wolves as well to beat Fulham, same as you. I think Fulham are just done this season. They couldn't care less. um And it's Wolves' last home game in the Premier League, I think. So they're going to have to go after it.
00:46:31
Speaker
And then last up, I've got the Pistons to beat the Cavs to get that to a Game 7. I honestly am not sure if I... think that that will even happen but it's just the best one I think that was left between Premier League and NBA so I'm gone with that it's 6-4 for the Pistons and the Cavs are 5-9 considering they they're at home it's understandable that the Cavs are favourites haven't lost the home game in the playoffs which is mad Yeah, I think Pistons, look, they're decent value and i'll I'll throw them in there for this week. So that's my my next pick. But let's stay on the and NBA topic.
Lakers' Offseason Challenges Post-Elimination
00:47:01
Speaker
We're rewinding back to earlier today when I recorded with Michael. So you'll see my hair is a bit longer. got a haircut in between.
00:47:07
Speaker
So let's go back to that and welcome Michael in. OK, so it's me and Michael here to dive into the and NBA section for this week. Of course, we're going to have to start. With the demise of the Sixers and Lakers, both teams getting swept in the first round.
00:47:21
Speaker
Obviously, the Thunder sweeping the Lakers and Knicks sweeping Sixers, those two teams will carry on. into the conference finals so they're going to get plenty of of our attention from next week on so let's just talk about how the season ended for the other two and let's start with the Lakers look they fought hard I think in each game but OKC's kind of overpowered them in the fourth quarter of every game barring the final game in which I think was actually quite close
00:47:52
Speaker
And I think the Lakers could have done with Rui on the floor at the end, considering how hot he was from three throughout that series. But it wasn't to be. Austin Reeves missed a three to tie it, and that was it. So obviously the better team continues, and OKC are 8-0 in this playoffs, and it's scary for for the rest of the league.
00:48:12
Speaker
Yeah, OKC just looks absolutely fantastic. I don't know, when it comes to the Lakers, it was always just like,
00:48:22
Speaker
Can you even get one game? Even when I picked them for my my bracket at the start, which looks horrible now. But rumors were that Luka was going to be coming back before like Austin Reeves does. So you're just kind of if you're a Lakers fan, you had you had your moment. You had your moment in round one with LeBron. But I look at this team and I look at this offseason and I'm like,
00:48:51
Speaker
I don't think there's going to be much change. Like, Rob Pelinka is going to have to do so much in picking up, like, really smart players that fit the system in a contract that is low enough where it doesn't affect the cap. But I also, i don't, I'm not sure there's not a team out there that doesn't just throw A.R. the max. And that'll be really tough to match.
00:49:17
Speaker
And if you have no A.R. and you've pissed off LeBron enough that he wants to Rumors have it signed for a minimum around the league to who's ever the best.
00:49:27
Speaker
like It might be really rough for the Lakers after this offseason, but we'll see what they do. We'll see what kind of moves Mr. Palenka can get up to, but ah ah they're going to have to do something.
00:49:41
Speaker
Yeah, I think it's a massive offseason for them. A lot of teams when they when they flame out of the playoffs it becomes a big off season but when you've got superstar talent like LeBron and Luka it's even more important and i think a lot of the reports now are that Luka has given the ultimatum kind of if you will that Reeves has to stay but obviously like you said it depends how much money he wants and what other way they're willing to go about this roster but
00:50:13
Speaker
If Reeves and LeBron leave and things don't go well next season for Luka, he could start kicking up a stink. So they'd want to play this very smart. But then it's a question of if you do pay Reeves, what else can you do to maximize this roster?
00:50:31
Speaker
Because the free agency class is not exactly amazing. And they did say tall Luka, allegedly, according to reporting that... They're going to build a team similarly to the way the Mavs were set up when they made that finals run. So I don't see how you do that without i trading away lot. And do they have enough to trade away something to give them back enough to challenge with him and to make him happy? This whole thing just revolves around Luka and his happiness and the way the team plays based around him.
00:51:05
Speaker
it's It's also really telling... saying that, that they're going to try and recreate that same Mavs team because LeBron does not fit that. I mean, AR fits in that upcoming Brunson role. You know, and you hope he takes that to new heights than what it was in that finals run. But LeBron doesn't fit.
00:51:25
Speaker
And like all the reports and everything about the Lakers is that I don't think they really care if LeBron comes back or not. Which... It's crazy to say after the run he just went on. I feel like he really proved everybody in that building wrong. But I'm not sure keeping Luka happy and also doing what's best for the team and keeping LeBron happy are separate bubbles that they have to act like that.
00:51:53
Speaker
But we'll leave the offseason talk for now. The OKC Thunder look crazy. AJ Mitchell is balling. Chet has risen to the occasion. I mean, it's really tough to see if the Spurs or the Wolves can get there. I think the Spurs have the best chance if they get there, but I've already been proven wrong. There's a game six now. If Wemby doesn't throw that elbow, I could have been here chanting about how right I was. But I'm just praying it doesn't go to a game seven because that's the one thing I said was not going to happen. And it can't happen, okay?
00:52:29
Speaker
I have to get this right. Yeah, I think it could be... what everyone wants to see if it's Spurs OKC, that's what everyone's been waiting for this whole regular season to make all those like hard to watch games worth it when you get to this kind of talent in the playoffs.
00:52:48
Speaker
So I think that's what everybody wants that OKC and Spurs matchup. But you're right about OKC and every single player on that roster is just stepping up like The less said about Jared McCain, the better. But he's stepping up. Every single person is stepping up on that team.
00:53:07
Speaker
And I think to touch on the LeBron thing one more time, I just think that you're right. They can't please vote LeBron and Luka and build a team they want.
00:53:20
Speaker
So it makes sense to me that LeBron would be the one to be let go at this point. I know how amazing he's been, but he is so old now. He probably has one season left and you probably just want to cut ties so you don't have to make this season like a like a retirement run for LeBron, like a legacy to our team.
00:53:40
Speaker
Because you want to focus on moving forward with Luka. So I think that's probably important. And maybe he can go somewhere else that can do that better for him. Like the Warriors or somewhere like that. So I'm not sure what way it goes. But I do agree with that point. um I think the McCain thing segues us into the Sixers perfectly.
Sixers' Playoff Exit and Future Challenges
00:54:00
Speaker
Because... That was surely the final nail in Daryl Morey's coffin. The Sixers get swept 4-0 by the Knicks. um Apart from Game 2, nothing was close. Embiid was a non-entity defensively.
00:54:16
Speaker
He just was getting run over by the Knicks in the way the Celtics should have done to him. But now Daryl Morey is fired. And yeah the final thing he does as GM is trade-yard McCain away. apparently selling high on him, but he's splashing threes for this for the OKC, like there's no tomorrow.
00:54:34
Speaker
And he could be a champion within months of leaving the Sixers, so that tells you everything you need to know. But Bob Myers leading the search for the new Sixers GM, where do they go from here? One thing I want to say as well, everybody, like there were so many Sixers fans as well who were saying, oh, are we really going to miss a guy who can't defend in the playoffs? what He's the best three-point shooter on the team.
00:54:57
Speaker
I was saying it at the time. like Just because he like tore his knee and then tore his thumb a week before the start of the season, he had a rough start. And Nick Nurse pulls him for every mistake he makes. like and We were talking about it, and we knew this was... like for OKC needed shooting. like it It just seems like a crazy last trade for for Daryl Morey. On top of that, as the reports have been leaking throughout this process, there's reports that he shopped around McCain.
00:55:32
Speaker
And considering that he only went for, what, like a couple second rounds, the fact that the Rockets did not trade because they're stuck on Terry Eason, you look silly.
00:55:44
Speaker
Shane would go on more about it. You look so silly. But like... We had McCain-Rockets rant last I'm glad Daryl Morey's gone. Before this info came out.
00:55:57
Speaker
Yeah, I... I just, I really wasn't on the Sixers train. I was texting you on Sunday and i i wasn't on the Sixers train and I didn't believe in them against the Celtics.
00:56:12
Speaker
Then we won. And I found myself so upset Sunday night, like sitting at home, just being like, damn, we really did something we've never done before in the last 40 years and then just bobbled it away. Like we couldn't even get one game. We just had to get swept immediately.
00:56:33
Speaker
oh man. Yeah, it's a typical Sixers experience. Like even one one good thing finally happens and it's followed up by just the most horrendous thing. And then you're like, we're 2-0 down.
00:56:46
Speaker
And then OG goes down and you're like, oh, our luck is in here. and Paul George is like, yeah, first game back from that. He's flaming. He's like 15 points in first quarter. You're like, okay, we're cooking here.
00:56:58
Speaker
And then he proceeds to score like seven points in the next seven quarters combined. A point a quarter. Like, come on, bro. You are on so much money and you can't do anything. Like, this is the Daryl Morey legacy.
00:57:12
Speaker
Like, he has left us in tatters. The team is in such a bad position. Like looking at what we need for next season, just like Grimes cannot be re re-signed and we need some more shooting and we need somebody who is able to back up kind of at the four or five that's able to actually grab a rebound, but put kind of actually play basketball at a high level.
00:57:38
Speaker
that you don't have to ride and beat because look, he said his knee is better. Nurse is going to just play his best players for as many minutes as possible. That's never going to change. So at least if we have some more rotational pieces, he will play them more.
00:57:51
Speaker
And we we need to get this draft right because we've still got a solid pick. Like we've done well in the twenties before. So look, Maxi and McCain both came in that range. So if we can do something, we can be smart and build a little bit better, I think next season could be a building block. But bottom line for me is Embiid needs to go and lose weight this offseason. He cannot keep playing with this much weight.
00:58:15
Speaker
Because he can't move. Like he's physically said his knee is better, but he's too big and he can't defend properly. So if he doesn't actually do the Tim Duncan and lose some weight to help himself elongate his career, he's we're not going anywhere because he's on a massive contract.
00:58:33
Speaker
So yeah, he needs to lose weight first and foremost. And and we need to build a better roster. I'm sorry.
00:58:42
Speaker
I feel like we're Stephen A talking about Zion right now. like i don't think I think the big thing he said is that he finished the season feeling like his knee was healthy for the first time, which after those two bumps, you worry so much about it. It seems like that's all it was, bump for him.
00:59:02
Speaker
i think his appendicitis was a lot like that recovery is a lot longer than He took, I think he took two weeks and then came back.
00:59:16
Speaker
And he got punched in game one in the side and proceeded to play clearly worse for the rest of the series. So I'm going to attribute that kind of decline to that.
00:59:28
Speaker
I don't think he was like choosing to go out that sad.
00:59:34
Speaker
I feel mixed because I feel like this was the best year of basketball we got from him just because... He pushed through so much, but he was looking really good to end the season.
00:59:48
Speaker
Really in, in like he was averaging, what, like 30 plus points per game?
00:59:54
Speaker
And then his just his appendix explodes. I feel like, but we say this every year, but like he gets elbowed in the eye, his appendix explodes. like just some He goes for a jump, lands normally, and his like knee implodes. like I get that he does have to lose weight, but part of it is also he is injured all the time and he is noticeably bigger after when he's coming back.
01:00:20
Speaker
Whereas during the season where he looked his most agile and his best was at the end after playing his way through, you know, not back to backs, but every other game.
01:00:31
Speaker
That's just my take on it. But I see what you're meaning. He does need to go down a little bit. Yeah, i think I think that in general, when you look back to his earlier career when he was much lighter, he was so much more physically capable, even coming off those bad injuries he had.
01:00:48
Speaker
And then even if you look like, what, two years ago, he dropped 70 on Wemby in three quarters. Like... Yeah, OK, I get it. was Wemby's rookie year. But the way he could move back then is so much different. And if his knee is OK, then that's because you're carrying more weight. And I get that you've had injuries, but I think a little bit of of a loss there could definitely help his mobility because he's such a big guy.
01:01:09
Speaker
And that would help him in the long run. Like, it helped Duncan. It doesn't make you any less of a man or ah less of a player. to say I've got to go lose some weight it's it's part of sport and when you're that big you kind of need it to elongate and protect your knee and things like that but look let's see let's save the Sixers talk to next next season and we'll save the Knicks talk on how good they've been till we preview the the conference finals because that's going to be coming up next week But we do have two series left. We've got the Spurs and Wolves and we've also got the Cavs and Pistons.
01:01:46
Speaker
So right now we're heading into a game six for both those. It'll be tonight as you're listening to this Friday
Spurs vs. Timberwolves Series Predictions
01:01:52
Speaker
night. So first of all, Spurs versus Timberwolves. That Wemby game five was so good.
01:01:59
Speaker
The performance was just amazing. But to me, the thing that stands out so far in the playoffs is how... john mitch johnson has managed to manage the flow of the guards that they have so just looking at the way things are set up they've got fox playing 34 vassal 33 the self should i say call him vassal 32 for castle mixing those two up 25 for harper and 20 for keldin johnson and
01:02:31
Speaker
The production they're getting from these guys is unbelievable. Like 18.5 points for Fox, 12.5 for Vassell, 18.5 for Castle, 13.5 for Harper, and 8.5 for Johnson. And each one of them is averaging at least a combined steal and block, if not 1.5 or 2 in case of Vassell.
01:02:49
Speaker
So they're contributing, scoring, defending, and everything in between. And the rotation just seems seamless. So this is so positive for years to come because most of these guys are are still young. Even Fox is still pretty young.
01:03:03
Speaker
So I just think that this team is going to be scary for a long, long time with that guard rotation and then Wemby thrown in there.
01:03:11
Speaker
Yeah. um This Spurs team, they look... As much as OKC looks like a machine when it comes to defensive wings, it feels like the Spurs is a machine, but in terms of... it feels creativity. it feels like every player brings a different wrinkle into the game, whether it's offensively or defensively.
01:03:36
Speaker
And you have, like, Wembenyama conducting everything because he can do everything all of the time. This team looks... amazing and it's it's definitely topped off by their their last dominant win over the the wolves but they just have to come in here game six close out the series prove me right and i think they will do it as well i think this okc spurs series if it happens has to be must win tv now sorry has to be must watch like
01:04:13
Speaker
Absolutely. Every single game, every highlight has to be watched because that's going to be, I feel like it's been mounting to it all year. Ever since, what was it? that The NBA Cup, wasn't it?
01:04:24
Speaker
Yeah. Now, i feel like if I just spoke about the Spurs, it would be doing a disservice to the Wolves because those guys have just beaten me up on my opinion. i thought they were too injured to do it.
01:04:36
Speaker
And the i saw this clip today where someone said, They're the best version of ah are you a bitch basketball. Yes, i saw that. Where, like, the regular season goes by. ah It's whatever. we We're in the playoffs. And then it gets into the playoffs. And everybody on the team has the same energy of, like, oh, you think I'm a bitch?
01:04:59
Speaker
Okay, that's fine. Let me show you. And they just blast their way into the Eastern Conference Finals. I think the knee issue is hurting lot.
01:05:09
Speaker
And a bit more than people are giving you credit for. Because his stamina in particular. He has these spurts where he looks fine. And then he'll go droughts in between where he's he's clearly hampered a little bit. He's not as fast as he was. He's not as aggressive as he was.
01:05:28
Speaker
And Julius Randle. Goddamn. I thought we were over you sucking in the playoffs. You gotta to step it up. A little bit. Please. your Your running mate has half an E. Just... It looks like sometimes he's better on shooting a bump-contested fadeaway than he is on an open shot. I swear. Yeah, I...
01:05:54
Speaker
I think that in general, OKC have overshot their expectations, especially with the injuries. like In this case, I still have the Spurs to win this, and I did from the start to win this series, but I did think it was going to go further a 6 or a 7. And I still think the Timberwolves have one more in them, to be honest.
01:06:16
Speaker
I just think that how how they play... In the even Chris Finch said it that he has asked the guys all season like can you ramp this up? We need to ramp this up and they're like, yeah, don't worry. I got you and then they don't ramp it up and then he's like, oh, don't worry when the playoffs come we'll get there and then the playoffs came and they just got there like straight away. They went to that level that they needed to go to the end point is important. If you look in the last game.
01:06:42
Speaker
He shot four times in the first quarter, had eight points, but then he only had one shot in the second quarter, no points. Five shots in third quarter, ten points, and only three shots in the fourth quarter for two points. So he's clearly gassing out in the second quarter when he's out there. He's able to get his oxygen on board at halftime and before the game.
01:07:00
Speaker
He is struggling, but he just needs to go as hard as he can because the season will be over without him. I think... The Timberwolves still show that they have that dog in them like coming back from how far they were down twice in that game five.
01:07:15
Speaker
With 2.24 left before halftime, they were down by 16. And with five minutes into the second half, it was 61-61. So they they went on a 19-3 run either side at halftime there. They still have that effort.
01:07:29
Speaker
They still have something that they can fight for. and I'm going to go with this to get to a Game 7 because I believe in them and their grit to just drag this out and make it so hard for the Spurs.
01:07:42
Speaker
I don't know, man. Wemby was a plus 24 in minutes played. So it wasn't because they were figuring something out with him. I just... Yeah, but it's 3-2. It's not 3-0. I know he did the the whole elbow debacle, and that but they beat him with him on the court already in there in San Antonio. So let's see. I think it's too early to write them off. Look, the Spurs are obviously the favorites, but I think it's it's too early to just say this is over. I think it could easily get to a Game 7.
01:08:13
Speaker
I still think the Spurs come through at the end, but I think the Tim Rolves are not going to go down without a fight. like This is not going to be a blowout by any means.
01:08:24
Speaker
Last thing I want to say, God, Rudy, if you if you could do anything consistently offensively, you'd be so good, bro. They don't want to pass on the ball for a year.
01:08:35
Speaker
a and then And then I saw one possession where they looked him off. He was completely sealed in the post. They looked him off and next one they passed him and he it just went straight out. And I was like, oh man.
01:08:48
Speaker
But you don't do yourself any favors, man. Like, you have to... you can Please, you complain, but like, everyone's Everyone can see why. Yeah, we can see. can see. And and that actually, i think that's a good segue into the Cavs and Pistons matchup because Jalen Doran is actually probably worse.
01:09:09
Speaker
Like, he sucks. Man, he is so bad in the playoffs. This is just incredible. So in the regular season, 28 minutes per game played. It's not like he was burnt out.
01:09:22
Speaker
He was averaging 20 and 10. and one and a half steals and blocks combined probably too low for his size but anyway playoffs 31 minutes per game he's upped it by three that guy is averaging 10 and 8 10 10 and 8 in the playoffs and you play the magic and the calves like this just can't be serious like 7.7 field goals attempted per game and he's only getting to the line three and a half times per game for his size six and a half boards per game in the calves series so far
01:09:53
Speaker
it's just It's just embarrassing. Like as Charles Barkley, I think, put it on Inside the and NBA, he was like, there's no world in which he could be getting just two boards in a game. He's like, that's two more than a dead man.
01:10:04
Speaker
And you're like, when you put it like that, that's just like, how? like I think I could go out there and just have no idea. And two but too bad but two rebounds will bounce to me at some stage if I get 31 minutes out there. Like, it's just inexcusable how bad he's been.
01:10:20
Speaker
And everything has been on Cade Cunningham. And that's why it's 3-2 to the Cavs heading back to Cleveland for game six. Yeah, the Durin thing, like, we've been joking about it in our group chat.
01:10:35
Speaker
throughout throughout the playoffs at the end of the the first round, I said, Jalen Dern with a season high in the playoffs, 15. fifteen whoa Like he's just been in what world? Like I really thought he was going to step it up in round two in my heart. I really believe like, okay, bad matchup with the magic. There's super big defensive team.
01:11:01
Speaker
You know, i can see why he would struggle. No, it's just, it can't be everybody. You were averaging 20 plus. You were going to get a max.
01:11:14
Speaker
yeah If you guys didn't make the playoffs, you'd actually be in a better financial position. And that's insane. Like, and we saw last night as well.
01:11:27
Speaker
Everybody was, there was this kind of movement online where everyone was saying, oh, the Pistons. They figured it out. Duncan Robinson, playoff riser. Okay, i actually do believe in him. But they were saying, Danis Jenkins and and Tobias Harris is here, the veteran.
01:11:45
Speaker
He's scoring 20 plus. Oh my God, blah, blah, blah. No, anybody who had him on the Sixers, any Sixers fan knows it's a
Player Performance Concerns: Harris, Durant, Harden
01:11:55
Speaker
bluff.
01:11:55
Speaker
This is the real Tobias Harris shooting, what, 35% last night. When you need him the most, he is not there. He cannot be dependent on.
01:12:07
Speaker
That 20 points per game from Durant has to be there because the Cavs looks like they could just win the next game. They've just won three in a row, which is crazy momentum for them.
01:12:21
Speaker
Harden is looking like a fantastic playoff player against you. So he he might actually be handing the torch over to To Jalen Duren. But I also still don't believe in Harden. I think, like, even if he plays well next game and they make it into the the the Eastern Conference Finals,
01:12:46
Speaker
his time will come. Like, day time, it will arrive. Game six, when you need it the most, that man will go two for 12 with eight turnovers. Even last night, he had a great game. Six turnovers, though. So on a game that he's not shooting that well, you're going to be screaming about that.
01:13:07
Speaker
So I just, time will tell, but... Yeah. i mean The real question is if Donovan... Yeah, go on. No, go with the question because i think it's going to lead into my point.
01:13:18
Speaker
I was going to say the real question is if Donovan Mitchell can keep up his good playoff performances more than his bad playoff performances. That's exactly it. That's exactly what i was going to say, that He bailed them out late last night because otherwise people... Yeah, it's a good Harden game, but people will look to the bad points of that game.
01:13:38
Speaker
Like his ridiculous foul on Jenkins when it was a two-on-one to the rim and he just didn't need to do that. And then he asked them to review. Like, no, just stop. Why are you asking i anyone to review that? We know you slapped his arm. And then, like, silly things like when...
01:13:53
Speaker
you look at Mobley and he's got like a double on him and you just like softly lob it into him and they just steal it and go for a fast break. Like those are the things that were going to be highlighted if Donovan Mitchell didn't pull it out of the fire late last night.
01:14:08
Speaker
And so it's not like he he did have an...
Cavs' Momentum and Game Predictions
01:14:11
Speaker
a game without fault it's just it was one of his better games and like you said when it's on the line when it's going to be a game seven when it's going to be the conference finals that's when you're going to get him going one for nine from three and 12 turnovers and it's going to be like yep there it was the whole time and you're not going to get the defensive effort ever and i think They probably get through this. I have them winning game six. I think they're unbeaten at home so far. So I think they're going to continue to win at home. They look great there. And like you said, they have the momentum.
01:14:46
Speaker
They had the momentum coming off the end of game four. It was 103 to 94 with... I think three minutes left at the end of of quarter four of the last game. And they go on a nine-hour run to to come back and and tie the game. And they just drive that into overtime with Mitchell scoring seven in overtime. And Cade can only do so much. Like,
01:15:09
Speaker
With Duncan Robinson out last night and with Durham doing nothing, you're looking at Cade putting up 27 shots, 10 threes, and then your next two are Tobias Harris with 19 shots and Dennis Jenkins with 17 shots. like That's not a good... and It's just not good enough. Those players are like no discredit to them. Well, discredit to the Bias Harris for what he did to the Sixers, but no discredit to Jenkins. hesh It shouldn't be that big of a load on him because Doran is just sitting this one out and Asar Thompson has no offense.
01:15:40
Speaker
It's just, yeah, they they don't have enough there and they're relying on K too much. So I'm going with the Cavs to win this one and close it out at home. What are you going with? No, definitely...
01:15:53
Speaker
Oh, I don't know. oh i was I was going to say definitely the Cavs, but like even as I say that, what would be better? No, i actually i actually don't think they make it. I think it's the Cavs. You're right, you're right, you're right. Okay, let's see. After losing three in a row, so much pressure.
01:16:17
Speaker
Who's going to step up? Darren? It'd be crazy if he scored 20-plus in this game. What a way to bring bring the momentum back. Oh, I'm back. 25. you go. If he he drops 25 and 15 and they lose, that would just be like he secured him the money again. would be like, look, it wasn't my fault.
01:16:39
Speaker
Well, the best clip from the game is like Cade fakes a three and he like tosses it inside to Doran and Doran is like starting to look towards the rim and it hasn't even passed his head yet.
01:16:54
Speaker
And he could be like, oh, I was waiting for to see if I needed to rebound. Well, are you watching the game or are you playing the game? Because look at the basketball until it's passed and then you can turn around.
01:17:04
Speaker
Like this guy is like looking at the rim and the ball just bounces off his hands. And then he's just like to Cade, oh, like I was looking here. Like I'm sure Cade is just sick to death of the way that he's been playing in this playoffs. It's just, yeah, it's bad. And I can't see him dropping anything special in this last game.
01:17:21
Speaker
I think that, yeah, Cavs are going to close it out, but. We're both on the same page for that. Let's see how it goes. Let's see if the Wolves can drag it to a game seven. It would be great to have at least one game seven in this round because we had a couple in the last round. And then we'll gear up for the conference finals next week with Michael back here once again. So let's let's look forward to that.
Sports Power Rankings Discussion
01:17:41
Speaker
Alright, as Michael heads away, back to myself and Shane to wrap things up here. We're going to give you the power rankings, the second last one of the season. Last week I had Thunder, Arsenal, United, Knicks, Bournemouth and Pistons.
01:17:54
Speaker
So, Thunder and Arsenal stay 1-2. Arsenal is still obviously top of the league and they' it's theirs to lose and they're in the Champions League final, so they're where they are, the Thunder won eight in a row, so they're in the playoffs, eight and all, it's crazy, they're so they're one. So, Nick's moved then up into third.
01:18:12
Speaker
They were in fourth, they swept the Sixers, they look unbelievable, best team in the East, so they're in third. Bournemouth move up to fourth for me, from fifth. Still haven't lost since January the third in the Premier League, they're up to fifth still, and they're knocking on that door to move sixth, is it?
01:18:28
Speaker
Phil or fifth. Oh, sorry. Yeah, you're right. I was thinking about the last Champions League space. They're knocking on that last Champions League space from sixth into fifth. And then we've got San Antonio Spurs back in at fifth. They look quite powerful amongst the rest of the NBA team. So I think they are deserving of that last NBA spot. And then Man United bring up the rear. They're still in there looking 0-0 draw to Sunderland after what they've done the rest of the games. Doesn't drop them completely out, but they didn't look very powerful in that game. And Arsenal and Bournemouth have been...
01:19:00
Speaker
Better of late. So they are bottom of the Premier League and bottom of the six for me, but they're still in there. So it's Thunder, Arsenal, Knicks, Bournemouth, San Antonio, Spurs and United. Yeah, so I have actually moved Arsenal down a spot. So last week I had Thunder, Arsenal, San Antonio as far as Borne, Pistons and United. So Thunder stay top for me. Obviously, they're just outrageous.
01:19:22
Speaker
I brought the Knicks in at second after the sweep against Europe. I did actually back the Knicks to win this out preseason. And they look like they are going to go to conference finals now. And we you never know from there.
01:19:36
Speaker
have Arsenal in a third. They have dropped one. I'm hoping they'll drop another four. and after they lose Burnley at the weekend and they're out of my top six before we wrap this up. I brought the Cavs in at four, unbeaten at home the playoffs and three in a row against like the number one seed Pistons. So they had to come in. Bournemouth have dropped one me to five. It's not about anything they've done wrong. It's the other basketball teams are just doing everything right.
01:20:01
Speaker
I brought City back in over United. This has been a flip-flop all season for me. But City on the back of two Tremont wins, every cup final coming up. And United had a poor draw with Tundal. So, yeah.
01:20:12
Speaker
I'd love to have taken Arsenal out over United. That's how bad I am at the moment. But I have literally no reason to get those other crowd out, yes. Yeah, that's true.
Podcast Wrap-up and Goals
01:20:20
Speaker
there They're hanging in there until they do stumble, which, look, we don't know if they're going to, but history telling it could happen. That's another episode wrap. There's a lot in this one. Obviously, Michael on board, as usual, for NBA and Evan jumping in with the NFL side of things. So plenty for you. We'll be back again next week and I'll throw to you to wrap it up, Shane.
01:20:38
Speaker
Yeah, just sam thanks very much as always. That's 76 episodes in the book. We'll have 100 up before Christmas if my maths does any right. So we just really appreciate the support on everything. The TikToks are flying and now. Aisling has taken over them for me. and doing a great job. We won't talk about the one that I need to sit down and have a coffee with her after what she did to me last week. was But other than that, everything is going well. We really do enjoy doing this and we we hope you enjoy listening to this. 100,000 subscribers, come on. I want to stop talking about this. Just get us there if you wouldn't mind. that It can't be that hard to find 99,000 people that you know. So we'll see you next week.
01:21:16
Speaker
Welcome back to another episode of Who's Got the Ball with Shane and James.