Denver’s in Charge, Ant's Unbelievable, Kimmel’s Back, and UFC 299 Storylines With Rob Mahoney, Jimmy Kimmel and Ariel Helwani
Mar 8, 2024
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Topics include NBA game analysis with standout performances, Oscars mishap discussion, hosting experiences with funny anecdotes, and preview of UFC 299 event with fighter analysis.
Anthony Edwards showcases top-tier potential in the NBA with stellar performances and clutch plays for the Timberwolves.
Dallas Mavericks' inconsistent performances raise doubts about playoff readiness, particularly concerning Tim Hardaway's struggles and defensive lapses.
Phoenix Suns emerge as top-tier contenders in the west, despite concerns over Chris Paul's recent form and team consistency.
Miami Heat exhibit championship contender qualities led by Jimmy Butler's defensive prowess and lineup depth, poised to challenge in the playoffs.
Frances Ngannou's underdog status against Anthony Joshua highlights his impressive MMA skills and potential to upset the favorite in their upcoming boxing match.
Deep dives
Minnesota Timberwolves and Karl-Anthony Towns
The Timberwolves led by Karl-Anthony Towns have been on a stellar run, showcasing their potential to contend in the league. Edwards' dominant performances, especially in crunch time, highlight his emergence as a top-tier player.
Dallas Mavericks Inconsistency
The Dallas Mavericks have displayed inconsistency throughout the season, with streaks of poor performances alternating with moments of brilliance. Hardaway's struggles and the team's defensive issues have raised concerns about their playoff readiness.
Phoenix Suns Emerging as a Top Contender
The Phoenix Suns stand out as a top-tier team, with their solid performances and high ceiling. However, concerns linger over Chris Paul's recent form and the team's ability to maintain consistency.
Miami Heat's Looming Threat
The Miami Heat have started to show championship contender qualities, posing a significant threat to other teams in the league. With Butler's defensive prowess and strategic depth in their lineup, the Heat are a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming playoffs.
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou Fight Preview
Francis Ngannou, known for his dominant MMA career, is set to face the favorite, Anthony Joshua, in a highly anticipated boxing match. Ngannou's impressive skills were evident in his match against Tyson Fury, where many believed he won. With his significant experience in combat sports, Ngannou poses a serious challenge despite being an underdog in the betting odds.
Anthony Joshua's Resurgence
Anthony Joshua experienced a resurgence in his career following a devastating loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. After setbacks against Oleksandr Usyk and a mental breakdown, Joshua reemerged with a solid win streak. His recent performances against notable opponents showcase a rejuvenated and focused fighter, ready to reclaim his status in the heavyweight division.
Key Factors in the Joshua vs. Ngannou Matchup
The upcoming fight between Joshua and Ngannou poses intriguing dynamics. While Joshua displayed improved form and dedication, Ngannou's power and experience in the octagon present a unique challenge. Ngannou's smirk signifies a newfound confidence, hinting at a calculated strategy to face the heavyweight champion.
Frances Ngannou's Remarkable Journey to the Top
Frances Ngannou's journey from a novice in boxing to a potential contender for the undisputed heavyweight title is a captivating story. Despite limited boxing experience, Ngannou's raw power and resilience have propelled him to face elite competitors. Learning from his previous fights, Ngannou aims to showcase improved endurance and capitalize on his strong striking abilities in the upcoming match.
Fight Predictions for the Weekend
The podcast episode discusses the upcoming fight between Frances and Anthony Joshua. Frances is expected to be aggressive, aiming to shock everyone, while Anthony Joshua is likely to approach the fight with a measured and calculated strategy. The importance of focusing on securing the win rather than flashy moves is emphasized, highlighting the significance of this match on the path to undisputed gold.
Netflix Entering Combat Sports and Wrestling Schedule Speculations
The podcast delves into Netflix's potential entry into the combat sports arena with the announcement of a free matchup between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on Netflix. Speculations arise regarding the wrestling landscape, particularly the possibility of WWE's Raw moving from Mondays to Tuesdays, affecting the traditional wrestling schedule and potentially shifting competition dynamics between wrestling promotions.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss the Nuggets win over the Celtics, the epic Anthony Edwards game and where some of the second tier contenders rank in the west (01:25). Then, Bill catches up with Jimmy Kimmel to talk Oscars, what it’s like hosting, and his best memories from the shows (54:45). Finally, he closes it out with Ariel Helwani to talk Ngannou-Joshua, UFC 299, and the future of 'WWE Raw' on Netflix (01:35:04).
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Rob Mahoney, Jimmy Kimmel, and Ariel Helwani
Producers: Kyle Crichton, Steve Ceruti, and Jessie Lopez
