

NBA 10-Game Awards and Matt Damon Returns (the Sequel!) | The Bill Simmons Podcast
Nov 13, 2019
Kevin O’Connor, NBA writer for The Ringer, and Matt Damon, Academy Award-winning actor, dive deep into the NBA's early season awards. They debate MVP candidates like Giannis and Luka and explore the evolving roles of players in a positionless game. Damon shares his thoughts on his films, from 'Ocean's' to 'Ford v Ferrari,' while also swapping tales of rivalry with Jimmy Kimmel. The conversation blends sports and cinema, highlighting the synergy between both worlds and offering a lively insight into their passions.
02:03:46
Early MVP Candidates
- Bill Simmons believes the NBA MVP conversation is limited to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić after ten games.
- He doesn't see other strong contenders yet.
Phil Jackson vs. Simmons and Wahlberg
- Bill Simmons recalls an instance during the 2008 NBA finals when he and Mark Wahlberg cheered for the Celtics near the Lakers bench.
- Phil Jackson, then Lakers coach, told them to "sit down and shut the fuck up."
Zion's ROTY Potential
- Kevin O'Connor wonders if Zion Williamson's potential return and strong performance could create a Rookie of the Year debate.
- It would be similar to the Joel Embiid and Malcolm Brogdon situation.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
NBA Season Insights: Awards and Evolving Roles
02:00 • 10min
Rookie Rivalries and Team Dynamics
11:30 • 14min
NBA Players' Performance Predictions and Holiday Sound Systems
25:10 • 3min
Phoenix Suns' Transformation and NBA Dynamics
28:01 • 15min
NBA Prospects and Rising Stars
43:06 • 7min
Basketball Insights and Tech Innovations
50:21 • 5min
Exploring Expectations and Surprises in 'Downsizing'
55:13 • 2min
The Artistry of Filmmaking
56:58 • 21min
Quarterbacks, Classics, and Cinematic Sports
01:17:56 • 17min
Mastering Stunts and Skills for Authentic Acting
01:35:24 • 5min
Reflections on Film, Sports, and Family
01:40:23 • 19min
Reflections on Aging and Cinema's Appeal
01:59:22 • 4min

Fletch
Gregory Mcdonald
Fletch, a comedic mystery film, stars Chevy Chase as Irwin Fletcher, an undercover investigative reporter.
The film is known for its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and Chase's comedic timing.
Fletch's charm and quick wit make him a memorable character, and the film's blend of humor and suspense keeps audiences engaged.
The film's success led to a sequel, and Fletch remains a popular character in the comedic mystery genre.
The film's enduring appeal lies in its clever writing and Chase's comedic performance.

Once upon a Time in Hollywood
Michel Hazanavicius
Juliette Michaud

The girl with the dragon tattoo
Steven Zaillian
Scott Rudin
David Fincher
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the first book in Stieg Larsson's Millennium series, introduces Lisbeth Salander, a young, rebellious hacker with extraordinary skills.
The narrative follows her investigation into a decades-old disappearance alongside journalist Mikael Blomkvist.
The story delves into themes of social injustice, corporate corruption, and the dark underbelly of Swedish society.
Lisbeth's unique perspective and complex character make her a compelling protagonist, while the mystery unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers engaged.
The novel's exploration of trauma and its impact on individuals adds depth to the narrative.

The Irishman
Elizabeth O'Conner
The Irishman follows the experiences of Paddy Doolan, an Irish horse wagoner, and his son Michael in the Gulf Country of north-eastern Australia.
The novel captures the challenges faced by a remote community as it adapts to technological changes in the early 20th century.
It is both a personal coming-of-age story and a broader exploration of societal transformation.

The Martian
Andy Weir
R.C. Bray
The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead and left stranded on Mars after a fierce storm.
With limited supplies, Watney must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
Meanwhile, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring 'the Martian' home, while Watney faces numerous challenges in his quest for survival.
The novel is praised for its blend of science, humor, and suspense.

The Bourne Identity
Robert Ludlum
The Bourne Identity follows Jason Bourne, a man with no memory who is found with bullet wounds and a microfilm frame implanted under his skin.
He discovers a Swiss bank account in his name and embarks on a journey to uncover his past.
Along the way, he encounters a Canadian economist, Marie St. Jacques, and must evade numerous assassins and conspirators.
The novel delves into a complex web of espionage, double identities, and a cat-and-mouse game with the infamous Carlos the Jackal.
Unlike the film adaptations, the book explores deeper moral complexities and a more intricate plot.

Taken
The Spaniard's Virgin (Harlequin Presents)
Lucy Monroe

Downsizing
Tom Watson
In 'Downsizing', Tom Watson shares his personal story of transforming his health by losing 8 stone and reversing his diabetes.
The book chronicles his lifestyle changes and offers insights into his journey towards better health.
While it touches on broader health issues, it primarily focuses on Watson's personal transformation and advocacy for healthier living.

Rounders
a screenplay
David Levien
Brian Koppelman
Rounders is a screenplay written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, telling the story of Mike McDermott, a law student and skilled poker player who gets drawn into the high-stakes world of underground poker.
The film explores themes of risk, friendship, and redemption.
It stars Edward Norton and Matt Damon and has become a cult classic among poker enthusiasts.

The Shining
Stephen King
In 'The Shining,' Stephen King tells the story of the Torrance family—Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny—who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies.
Jack, a recovering alcoholic and aspiring writer, takes the job as the hotel's winter caretaker to overcome his personal demons and reconnect with his family.
However, the hotel, with its dark and violent history, exerts a malevolent influence on Jack, exploiting his weaknesses and threatening his family.
Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as 'the shining,' is particularly vulnerable to the hotel's supernatural forces.
As the winter isolates them, the family faces terrifying events that culminate in a tragic confrontation with the hotel's evil presence.

The Talented Mr. Ripley
Patricia Highsmith
Michael Hayden
The Talented Mr. Ripley is a 1955 novel by Patricia Highsmith that follows Tom Ripley, a young American con artist who travels to Italy to persuade Dickie Greenleaf to return home.
As Ripley becomes increasingly obsessed with Dickie's lifestyle, he commits a series of crimes to assume his identity.
The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and deception.
Highsmith's portrayal of Ripley as a charismatic yet amoral character has captivated readers and inspired numerous adaptations.

Good hunting
Jack Devine
Good Hunting: An American Spymaster's Story is a memoir by Jack Devine, detailing his experiences in the CIA. It covers his involvement in major covert operations like Charlie Wilson's War and the pursuit of Pablo Escobar.
The book provides a candid look at the CIA's role in American statecraft and debunks myths surrounding the agency.
Devine argues for the effectiveness of covert operations over full-scale military interventions.

The Legend of Bagger Vance
Steven Pressfield
In the Depression year of 1931, on the golf links at Krewe Island off Savannah's windswept shore, golf legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen meet for a mesmerizing thirty-six-hole showdown.
They are joined by a local unsung opponent, the troubled war hero Rannulph Junah, who is guided by his caddie and mentor, the mysterious and charismatic Bagger Vance.
Vance holds the secret of the Authentic Swing and his mysterious powers guide the play, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives he touches.
The story is a sports fable that reveals that, in life as well as golf, the real battle is not with outside opponents but with oneself.

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY
Robert Ludlum
In *The Bourne Supremacy*, David Webb, also known as Jason Bourne, is forced back into his violent past when an imposter starts killing high-ranking officials in Asia under his name.
As Webb navigates through international espionage to find the imposter and rescue his kidnapped wife, Marie, he must confront his fragmented past and the psychological turmoil within himself.
The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and deception in a complex web of global intrigue.

The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty
Buster Olney
In 'The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty', Buster Olney provides a vivid portrayal of the Yankees during their late 1990s and early 2000s dynasty.
The book delves into the pressures and complexities faced by the team under George Steinbrenner's ownership, highlighting key players like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.
It also explores the team's eventual decline and the broader societal context, including the aftermath of 9/11.

The Bourne Ultimatum
R. Ludlum
In 'The Bourne Ultimatum', David Webb must once again assume the identity of Jason Bourne to confront his deadliest enemy, Carlos the Jackal.
Bourne's plan involves infiltrating the powerful Medusan group to lure Carlos into a trap.
The novel culminates in a gripping confrontation between these two legendary assassins, set against the backdrop of international espionage and conspiracy.

For Love of the Game
Shaara
For Love of the Game tells the story of Billy Chapel, a 37-year-old baseball legend nearing the end of his career.
As he pitches his last game, he reflects on his life, love, and the sport that has defined him.
The novel explores themes of love, loneliness, and coming of age, set against the backdrop of a perfect game.

Walk the Line
Johnny Cash
June Carter Cash
This book offers an intimate look at Johnny Cash's life, drawing from family archives and personal conversations.
It explores his values, creativity, and the impact of his music on his family and the world.

Logan
A Family History
John Neal
Published anonymously in 1822, *Logan* is a Gothic novel that explores the complex relationships between Anglo-American colonists and Indigenous peoples on the western frontier of colonial Virginia.
It is loosely inspired by the true story of Mingo leader Logan the Orator and delves into themes of violence, family, and racial boundaries.

The last duel
Eric Jager
The Last Duel by Eric Jager recounts the true story of a trial by combat between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, sparked by an accusation of rape.
The duel, sanctioned by King Charles VI, was a pivotal event in medieval France, reflecting the societal tensions and legal practices of the time.
Jager's meticulous research brings to life the complex society and dramatic events surrounding this infamous duel.
HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O’Connor to talk NBA awards after 10 games including MVP, ROTY, COTY, Most Improved, Most Hopeless Team, and more (1:50). Then Bill sits down with Matt Damon to talk 'Ocean’s,' 'Rounders,' NBA, NFL, MLB, his new film 'Ford v Ferrari,' feuding with Jimmy Kimmel, and more (53:25).
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