Nuggets-Wolves Game 7 Legacy Check, OKC’s Big Issue, an NFL Complaint, and Boston’s Eight-Year Run With Rob Mahoney and Chris Ryan
May 17, 2024
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Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney, writers for The Ringer, dive deep into the playoff dynamics of the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves showdown. They discuss Nikola Jokic's impressive playoff stats and how critical Game 7 will shape legacies. The duo also touches on the Oklahoma City Thunder's struggles, touching on potential trades and team psychology. Additionally, they explore the nostalgia of NFL fandom and the Celtics' strong playoff positioning, delivering a mix of sharp analysis and lighthearted banter.
Minnesota's dominating Game 6 performance shows control and energy over Denver.
Key players like Jamal Murray crucial for Game 7 outcome expectations.
NFL dynasty's decline marked by playoff loss, championship envy, and scheduling issues.
Inside the NBA personalities likely to remain, ensuring high viewership and program continuity.
Boston Celtics' sustained success in playoffs showcases franchise competitiveness and consistency.
Deep dives
Minnesota gets the upper hand in Game 6 against Denver
Minnesota dominates game 6 against Denver with a strong performance, showing energy and control over the game.
Momentum Shift in the Series
The momentum in the series between Minnesota and Denver has shifted, with Minnesota displaying a more determined and energetic performance.
Key Players' Performances
Players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are crucial in determining the outcome of the series, with Murray expected to deliver a strong game 7 performance.
Critical Game 7 Predictions
Expectations are high for Game 7 as both teams prepare for a decisive matchup, with factors like bench performance and team defense crucial for the final result.
Signs of the end of a dynasty in the NFL
The NFL dynasty's end is marked by a playoff loss, false hopes with new players, championship envy, playoff defeat from a previously dominated team, arguments about whose responsibility success was, realization of no uniqueness, rooting against the team for a better draft pick, negotiating salary cap challenges, scheduling issues, and an eventual acceptance of the decline.
The Issue with NFL game scheduling
NFL game scheduling raises concerns due to an overload of early games and the lack of late afternoon games, resulting in viewers' frustration with network prioritization and potentially hindering optimal viewing experiences.
Future of Inside the NBA
Despite potential changes in broadcasting rights, key personalities like Barkley and Kenny from Inside the NBA will likely remain in professional post-game show capacities, ensuring the program's continuity and high viewership in various sports media settings.
The Intensity of Playoff Hockey Fandom
Playoff hockey fosters fanatic hatred for rival teams, allowing fans to unleash emotionally charged dislikes towards players, teams, and even opposing fan bases, creating a unique and intense sports environment.
Reimagining the PGA Major Tournament
The PGA Major Tournament could benefit from unique changes such as players being required to carry their own bags instead of having caddies, creating an interesting competitive dynamic and setting it apart from other major golf tournaments.
The Celtics' Notable NBA Run
The Boston Celtics' sustained success in the NBA, marked by multiple appearances in the final four in recent years, signifies a significant accomplishment in franchise history despite the absence of an NBA title, highlighting the team's consistent competitiveness and playoff prowess.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Rob Mahoney to discuss how the Timberwolves blew out the Nuggets in Game 6, who has the biggest legacy implications for Game 7, Nikola Jokic's historic career playoff stats, Thunder-Mavericks, Knicks-Pacers, and more (1:05). Finally, Bill opens a Michelob Ultra six-pack and runs through six topics, including NFL scheduling, the death of a sports dynasty, 'Inside the NBA,' playoff hockey, the PGA tournament, and the Celtics' "historic-adjacent" run (1:14:26).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Rob Mahoney and Chris Ryan
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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