

NBA Then and Now With Jackie MacMullan, Plus Brian Kenny on Boxing's Surprising Resurgence | The Bill Simmons Podcast
May 1, 2019
Joining the conversation are Jackie MacMullan, a veteran sportswriter with a wealth of NBA insights, and Brian Kenny, a seasoned host known for his boxing expertise. They dive into compelling NBA stories, discussing the evolution of team dynamics and the nostalgic bonds between journalists and players. MacMullan shares her experiences covering the Celtics' unpredictability, while Kenny analyzes the resurgence of boxing, including the upcoming showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs, and questions the complexities of championship titles in the sport.
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Episode notes
Bird's Bar Fight
- Larry Bird once got into a bar fight with Quinn Buckner, showcasing the different media landscape of the time.
- The incident exemplifies how such events would be handled differently in today's 24/7 news cycle and social media.
Parrish's Wife vs. O'Donnell
- Jackie MacMullan recalls Robert Parish's wife nearly confronting referee Jake O'Donnell.
- This highlights the volatile nature of the NBA and its personalities, even among family members.
Early Bird Gets the Story
- Jackie MacMullan formed relationships with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale by arriving early to practices.
- This demonstrates her dedication and how she gained access during a different era of sports reporting.