We Got a Game 7! Plus, Are the New Tanking Rules Really That Bad? With Anthony Slater

Ryen is joined by Wosny Lambre from the scorers table at Game 1 of the NBA Finals to discuss the Knicks stealing Game 1 in San Antonio. Then Ryen talks with the NBA’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Strategy & Analytics Evan Wasch about draft lottery reform, NBA play-in games, and possible future NBA changes. Finally Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including ditching a previously agreed-to event to watch the NBA Finals, and an engagement party ruining July 4th. WOSNY LAMBRE (3:50) Knicks steal Game 1 (8:15) KAT’s effectiveness (11:30) Knicks’ tough defense (14:00) Jalen Brunson’s absurd shotmaking (27:30) Dylan Harper being this good as a rookie EVAN WASCH (36:30) Why the NBA draft lottery needed reform (41:00) The new lottery restrictions (49:00) What's next for NBA changes? (54:15) The NBA play-in tournament (59:30) Expansion, relegation, and the league's future LIFE ADVICE (1:00:00) _ _ _ _ _ Shell V-Power® NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. More power. More performance. In gasoline direct injection engine fuel injectors with continuous use of Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. Compared to lower octane fuels. Actual effects and benefits may vary according to vehicle type, driving conditions and driving style. See https://shell.us/more for more details. _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _

Ryen and the crew are in San Antonio for the Finals, live from the arena! He opens with some quick thoughts on the matchup and his official pick. Then, Tim Legler stops by to talk about the biggest keys for both the Knicks and Spurs, Karl-Anthony Towns' evolution, and what surprised him most about Wemby. Next, Hall of Famer Gary Payton joins the set to discuss what he loves about the guards in this series, some "would you rather" player debates, and the time he and Ryen nearly survived a plane crash. Then, former NBA referee Monty McCutchen talks about how league rules evolve, the flopping debate, and why everyone complains about officiating. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a woman who gets hit on too much. FINALS PICK (1:32) TIM LEGLER (8:05) Keys to the Finals matchup (15:30) Evolution of KAT (18:45) What surprised him about Wemby (22:20) The scary part: the Spurs can get much better GARY PAYTON (29:25) Their near-plane crash together (32:35) On the Finals (37:00) Loves the guards in the series (40:00) Why he hates comparing eras MONTY MCCUTCHEN (42:30) The complaints about officiating (47:00) Officiating reform (49:25) How players use their hands now (55:00) Social media hurts young refs NBA ALLIANCE (57:25) LIFE ADVICE (1:01:00) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _ Download the app and get started for free. Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive improved scores or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost®. See Experian.com for details. _ _ _ _ _ Download the Reddit app today. _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with the Spurs heading to the NBA Finals, how Wemby got there this early in his career, Chet’s disastrous series, and why OKC is probably still fine long term. Then, Austin Rivers stops by with more on Game 7, why the NBA Cup matchup isn’t relevant to the Finals, and whether Jalen Brunson is the player he trusts most in the NBA right now. Finally, Ceruti joins for a quick recap of the Champions League final before Kyle hops in for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including getting a puppy from your mom and receiving a wedding invitation from someone you're not really friends with. SPURS KNOCK OUT OKC (1:40) AUSTIN RIVERS (11:55) Spurs advance (14:30) Chet was a disaster (25:45) Wemby’s hatred for Chet (34:10) OKC not fouling Wemby out (40:35) Harper and Castle’s roles (46:30) Finals pick (59:00) Updating NBA player tiers: Where does Brunson rank? (1:05:00) How Austin sees the draft playing out CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: PSG BEAT ARSENAL (1:08:00) LIFE ADVICE (1:18:30) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _ Join the Shell Fuel Rewards program and save. _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with another blowout in the Western Conference finals as the Spurs force a Game 7. Then, ESPN’s Anthony Slater stops by with his prediction for Game 7, whether Wemby is getting annoyed with the media, who the Knicks would rather play, some potential offseason moves, and the news that the Magic hired Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including rockets blowing up, getting into cigarettes, and a friend group whose balance is off. SPURS FORCE GAME 7 (2:00) ANTHONY SLATER (15:15) Biggest takeaway from Game 6 (Harper) (22:25) Wemby annoyed with the media? (26:50) Who do the Knicks want to play? (29:30) Are the new anti-tanking rules that bad? (35:30) Draymond, LeBron, Kawhi, and Giannis futures (39:30) Magic hire Sean Sweeney LIFE ADVICE (46:50) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _ Download the app and get started for free. Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive improved scores or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost®. See Experian.com for details. _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with the Thunder taking a 3–2 lead over the Spurs and why Hartenstein beating up Wemby has really changed the series. Plus, why the viral Thunder foul clips aren’t great, but also aren’t the reason the Spurs are losing. Then, NBA champion Channing Frye stops by with more on Thunder-Spurs, why he thinks people are still sleeping on the Knicks, and stories from his Knicks days and the Cavs’ 3–1 comeback over the Warriors in 2016. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a friend using too much slang and a wedding invite problem. OKC GOES UP 3–2 (1:43) Thunder beating up Wemby (10:55) Viral OKC foul clips are bad, but not why they’re up 3–2 CHANNING FRYE (13:52) OKC’s adjustments are winning the series (29:00) People still sleeping on the Knicks (36:45) The wild Knicks teams early in his career (46:20) Stories from the Cavs’ 3–1 comeback in 2016 LIFE ADVICE (56:33) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _ Join the Shell Fuel Rewards program and save. _ _ _ _ _

Ryen is joined by Sam Vecenie right after the Spurs’ rout of the Thunder in Game 4, and now the series comes down to a best-of-3 with injuries playing a major role. Then, they talk about the Knicks’ 10 straight playoff wins and whether New York is actually that good or the East is just that bad, plus some draft talk and a few All-NBA disagreements. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including what gift to get for an anniversary. SAM VECENIE (1:23) Spurs dominate Game 4 (9:44) Can the Spurs actually get Wemby better looks? (16:43) Who wins the series? (23:40) Knicks’ 10 straight playoff wins… but (30:47) What do the Cavs do this summer? (36:31) NBA draft (48:54) All-NBA team snubs? ALLIANCE PARLAY (58:07) LIFE ADVICE (59:41) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with the Knicks’ easy Game 2 win over the Cavs to go up 2–0. Then, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski joins him as someone who covers the Timberwolves, who have been bounced in consecutive years by the Spurs and Thunder, to discuss which team impresses him more and how Minnesota can build a supporting cast around Ant that rivals those two teams. Next, Danny Kanell stops by as talk of a 24-team College Football Playoff begins gaining steam. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a college son being a d**k and whether to buy a wedding gift when you think the couple will get divorced. KNICKS UP 2–0 (1:50) JON KRAWCZYNSKI (18:32) What separates the Spurs & Thunder from other teams (24:30) OKC’s foul-baiting (33:16) How the Wolves can keep up with the Thunder & Spurs (36:52) Keeping Ant happy in Minnesota (38:45) Was the Gobert trade a win in hindsight? DANNY KANELL (49:02) Case for a 24-team playoff (1:02:11) Does expanding the playoff make up for uneven regular-season schedules? (1:11:42) Is there a breaking point for fans with playoff expansion? LIFE ADVICE (1:26:33) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with the Cavs’ historic collapse in Game 1 against the Knicks and yet another rough James Harden playoff stretch. Then, NBC Sports commentator Mike Tirico stops by with his thoughts on the Knicks’ comeback and the experience of calling Wemby’s Game 1 performance in person in OKC, plus getting back into calling NBA games, his favorite arenas, and more! Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a country club incident and whether to bring a girl on a birthday trip. CAVS COLLAPSE AT THE GARDEN (1:35) MIKE TIRICO (21:37) Knicks–Cavs (24:02) Is the Garden the best NBA crowd? (29:42) Spurs–Thunder (32:45) What it’s like calling Wemby in person (52:02) How OKC bounces back (56:57) Why do people hate the Thunder? (1:03:45) Tirico’s incredible preparation as a broadcaster LIFE ADVICE (1:14:47) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with the Cavs’ Game 7 win, the Pistons’ flaws, and how confident he is in the Knicks reaching the Finals before talking about SGA’s back-to-back MVP awards and ranking the top 16 players in the Thunder–Spurs series, including SGA vs. Wemby for the top spot. Then, NBA champion Brendan Haywood stops by to break down both conference finals matchups, plus how to defend Wemby, share Kobe and LeBron stories, and explain why the 2011 Mavs were so motivated to beat the Heat. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including arguing with the elderly and pursuing an ex’s friend. NBA OPEN (1:47) Cavs beat Pistons in 7 & ECF pick (10:00) SGA wins MVP again (11:14) Ranking players in Thunder–Spurs BRENDAN HAYWOOD (21:36) Cavs bigs vs. Pistons bigs (27:30) Knicks–Cavs (32:50) Wemby or SGA right now? (34:55) Defending Wemby (41:31) LeBron and Kobe stories (51:21) Heat mocking Dirk’s illness in 2011 Finals NBA ALLIANCE (55:30) CHARLES LEE (1:02:00) How the Hornets took a huge leap (1:06:56) Drafting Kon Knueppel (1:12:20) Coaching LaMelo (1:18:23) Favorite player he’s coached (1:21:50) Learning from Orlando play-in blowout LIFE ADVICE (1:24:36) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _ Get 20% off your first purchase at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/RYEN when using the code RYEN at checkout _ _ _ _ _

In our final show from Chicago, Ryen opens with the Pistons’ major problems after going down 3–2 to the Cavs. Then, Warriors assistant GM Larry Harris stops by to look back at the process of drafting Steph Curry, the pitch to Kevin Durant, why the two-timelines strategy didn’t work, and the continued search for another star to play alongside Steph. Next, Rockets GM Rafael Stone joins to talk about the injury-riddled season, expectations for Kevin Durant, and what needs to change next season for Houston to take the next step. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti hang out for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a girlfriend wanting to move and more. CAVS GO UP 3–2 (1:49) Pistons have a problem LARRY HARRIS (13:37) Drafting Steph Curry (22:12) How they courted Kevin Durant (24:49) Using the draft to help Steph (32:26) The failure of the “two timelines” strategy (41:08) Why he gravitated toward the front office over coaching (42:58) Warriors pursuit of another star alongside Steph RAFAEL STONE (51:50) NIL impacting the draft’s depth? (52:47) Getting over a disappointing season (58:53) How Durant impacts the rest of the roster (1:04:24) Reed Sheppard (1:08:40) Jalen Green (1:13:11) How he became a GM LIFE ADVICE (1:14:56) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://m365copilot.com/work _ _ _ _ _ Get your tickets and get courtside for the playoffs, at https://Cosm.com _ _ _ _ _ Shell V-Power® NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. More power. More performance. In gasoline direct injection engine fuel injectors with continuous use of Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. Compared to lower octane fuels. Actual effects and benefits may vary according to vehicle type, driving conditions and driving style. See shell.us/more for more details. _ _ _ _ _