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It's broken curses and broken hearts. But for those chasing it, it's everything. The only question is, who will take it? You just have to watch the Stanley Cup final presented by Geico on ABC and the ESPN app. This is the Rich Eisen Show.
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Now, on with the show. Wow! You're ready! This is the Rich Eisen Show. Wempy, catch and shoot, missed it off the back rib, and the Knicks survive!
From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Today's guests, ESPN basketball analyst, Monica McNutt. ESPN play-by-play announcer, Chris Fowler, two-time Emmy Award-winning actor, Tony Hale. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Hell, hey, everybody.
Welcome to this edition of the Rich Eisen Show. We are live on Disney Plus. We are live on ESPN, the app, and ESPN Radio right here on a very big day in the month of June on this Monday.
So many big things to talk about on this show.
So many big things happening around this show. NBA Finals Game 3 tonight in Madison Square Garden, first MSG-based NFL NBA Finals game since 1999. Also, it's episode two of This Was Sports Center Chris Berman. That already dropped this morning right here on the Disney Plus app, on the ESPN app. And my Rich Eisen Show YouTube channel, the Dan Patrick shows out there as well.
That's big for us. The Overreaction Monday podcast, Chris Brockman, I already recorded it. That's also out on the Rich Eisen Show YouTube channel for you to take in or wherever you get your podcasts. And potentially, most importantly, on this very day, June 8th, it is the last day before the half and half and the Rich Eisen Show mini fridge expires.
So I'm Hold on. Let me just take in this. How? It tastes good. Still good.
Tastes good.
So there's a lot on the line. I am fine. There's a lot on the line. I just uh put that half and a half in. Good thing I had my glasses so I could see the little date on it.
You can see that it said is it empty? But just wanted to let you know, I did pour it in before taking a look at the expiration date.
So it didn't matter.
So I'm taking risks today. I wouldn't leave this program if I were you.
Okay. Never know what's coming out. Good to see you, Chris Brockman, Jason Speller, T.J. Jefferson. That candle appears to be lit already, sir.
How are you? Good to see you. Good. How are you guys doing? I'm great.
I'm rape Friday night. I was feeling it sitting there watching game two of this NBA Finals game, watching the Knicks up by double digits. Fourth quarter. Here we go. I'm already thinking.
You know. Um What my newfound friend on the streets of New York was captured saying on video. That his mayor's Muslim and his bagels are Jewish, his Christians Dior, Nixon 4. Pretty epic. And then.
You know. The Spurs decided to s say not yet. Potentially not today. And in the fourth quarter, went on a massive run and took a lead in this game. Team all the way back and took a lead.
Wemby's getting and ones. They're going crazy in their turquoise shirts. The nuns. are feeling it. Everybody's feeling it.
And Uh Jalen Brunson finally snaps that. Ron. And the game is tied. And Brunson's got the ball in his hands with less than 10 seconds to go, and he's taking a shot. And everyone in San Antonio is holding their breath and he misses He also missed a free throw, which never happened.
And When Bunyama gets the rebound, Yeah. I don't even know how the hell this happened. He Starts looking towards the center of the court.
So Steph Castle turns his back, thinking he's. Either going to pass it to the middle of the Or just court, or just take it himself, because he's always dribbling up the court himself. He runs up the. The court And Wembanyama hits him right in the back with the pass. And Jalen Brunson steps right in.
says thank you for that gimme turnover and Wembanyama fouls him. And that's when he went to the floor for that one free throw. And they had a foul to give, but they used it like 10 seconds before. Yeah. And he missed the free throw, meaning it was just a one.
Point game with the Spurs having the ball with mere seconds to go. I thought De'Aaron Fox was going to take it because Fox was having a night. He played well. I thought Fox was going to take it. He was eight of twelve from the floor, twenty points in this game.
I thought maybe they'd give it to Dylan Harper because he was unstoppable. Or Wembunyamo would just get it somehow in the paint and. Draw a foul or just turn around and flip it in, but instead he's. As a Nick Man, I'm sitting there going, okay, you want to take the jump shot from 18 feet out? Go for it.
It can pop. No good. Nick survived. They're up two games to none going to Madison Square Garden. The exact opposite.
Of the 1999 NBA Finals, where the Spurs took the first two and took a two games to none lead in Madison Square Garden. And I thought that thing was over anyway. It was just a matter of time. and sure enough the Spurs wanted him five. As the Nicks took one in the garden, They're coming back now just the third team.
Just the third team in NBA Finals history to take a Two games to none lead on the road back to their home court. No team that's ever. lost their first two games. To start the finals at home, has ever come back from that 0-2 hole to win it? It's never happened.
So the Knicks is feeling really good. And everybody's asking Wembunyama how he's going to handle pressure. This is Wembunyama. on the uh second off day. I don't I don't you know, I'm I'm not a TV executive or an NBA executive.
I don't know why we took the entire weekend off, but hey. Travel day. They did. Sure. You know.
Okay. Don't know if you're going from. West all the way east, or the other way around.
Okay, it is what it is. Because a nice day in New York City, after you know, it was a rainy Saturday night and Sunday, and apparently Wembanyama spent Sunday in the park drawing a statue in Gramercy Park. Oh, really? Yes. That's very cool.
Yeah, Adam across screener showed me that video just as I was checking the expiration date on the half and half. But anyway, Wenbunyama was asked, and once again, for those listening, he's holding the mic, and it looks like one of those little mics that they give you when you're shooting something for social media on a phone. Hit it. I think the key is uh acceptance a lot of times. Mm.
Um T taking a step back. realizing the the all the you know the journey that's behind us and what's ahead of us. Um Just being okay with Who I am, where I am, what I'm doing. I think um The other day this is everything that I wish for, so there's n there's no reason to really overthink it or I mean This is what I'm built for. Mm-hmm.
I hear you. He hangs with the monks and the nuns, and he's again stenciling statues in his off time. I don't think he's feeling any pressure. He's also probably never seen a With all due respect, a crowd like the one he is going to encounter this evening. Mitch Johnson, how are you going to approach this Must have game.
Mm. Had that discussion before, and I understand the discourse around it. I think it's a little bit of all of it. I have to make sure that there's environments that the ball finds him. I think he's got to make sure that he can't rely on that to get shots as well.
And there were times, I think, when he was open on rolls or around the paint, and his teammates got to give him the ball.
So I think it's a combination of all that. But he had four shots and a half. uh on this stage is is not acceptable. All right, there you go. It's Johnson talking about what happened on Friday night.
Mm-hmm. So So Listen. The Spurs know this is a must-win, they gotta have it. And You know, it's not as if The entire city of New York has been waiting for this game. for 27 years.
It sounds like, you know. Knicks fans talking about this game. Hmm. Let's hit this. Knicks fans talking about this game three.
Sounds like the old lady from Titanic. Mm-hmm. Explain. It's been 84 years. You know, whatever the number she said in Titanic.
It's been this long.
Okay. And 27 years to be exact. 84 years is the meme. But the Knicks have never been up 2-0 in the NNBA Finals, period. Ever.
Let alone winning the first two on the road. let alone winning thirteen in a row in a playoffs. let alone winning thirteen in a row in the playoffs and having a Margin of victory of two hundred seventy three points in that thirteen game win streak in the playoffs. Again, the Knicks have not lost a game since the first night of the NBA draft when I was there in Pittsburgh, PA. I have never seen a Knicks team play like this.
And everybody in New York City has been waiting for this moment. To show up in Madison Square Garden and show out with a team. that they feel confident in. Not like, oh, if this goes this way, this goes that way, then maybe we've got a shot. No, they're the team holding the reins.
They're the team that is knocking everybody off their perch. They're the team that everyone's got to have to target. This isn't one of those, well, you know, if Charles Smith makes a free throw moments in an Eastern conference finals, this isn't one of those, well, if Ewing can make this play or that play on a fadeaway jumper, you know, if this can happen, if that can happen. The other teams are the ones coming up with the if and that. And in case anybody's wondering why Nick fans are so crazy.
Why are they the ones out on the streets going crazy if they're allowed to be out on the streets? They're not going to be allowed tonight based on the one person who's going to the game tonight. Um The reason why Nicks fans are so nuts Just to explain to everybody, going into these two games in Madison Square Garden, in which the Knicks could potentially. Finish things off. By winning 15 straight playoff games.
Is because there's only one team in New York. almost everybody roots for. Yankees fans will never root for the Mets. Ever. As I think has been established on this show, and it's vice versa, correct?
I mean, I don't hate the Yankees. Yes, you do. You know? I don't. A giant fan will look at the Jets as just like, you know, something to swat away on a summer night.
And a Jet fan will look at the Giants as saying, Ah, you know, You're the one with all the trophies. I get it. But deep down They look at each other as if they're Not in the same sport in a way sometimes. But There's no animosity between Jets and Giants, but there can be. It's very difficult to just root for both.
You don't find too many of those. in New York. The Nicks. Can count among their fan base. Jets fans, Giants fans, Yankee fans, Met fans.
It is truly. One of the few teams we all root for. It's the truth. My brother and I I'm a Yankee. He's the Met.
We do not like each other's baseball teams. But after game two? I called Jeff up. And I'm like, How about those Nicks? And we chatted.
Because the Knicks are. The central Shared love of New York sports fandom. And the guy who is the avatar for it is Jalen Brunson. And he spoke about what it will feel like to be in that arena. Tonight.
And what it's like to be the guy. who was the avatar of all these New York sports fans. I've always said this and I've I've felt Um The amount of love Um I've gotten from this fan mason from the city since since day one. Um I think it's uh it's grown over the years. But um I'm so thankful.
Honored to be able to put your across my chest. Um Wouldn't trade that feeling for anything in the world. And again, the fact that he's the guy to do what is happening right now, or to lead the charge for what is happening right now. After the Knicks couldn't buy. A superstar.
Literally. Couldn't buy one. Who wants to come and take James Dolan's money to lead the New York comeback? Anyone? You?
Bueller? Durant? No? We'll put you on the season ticket. Brochure, anyway.
Before you're a free agent. LeBron, you want to come? Who wants to come? Anybody. Who wants to these.
Knicks fans to fall in love with you? And the answer was Similar to a harbaugh. Chant Nobody And they trade for Jalen Brunson and look at him now. And every single answer you hear from Brunson now. You're getting a sense of what burns inside.
Malika Andrews found out he doesn't even want to be in a spot with an NBA Finals. Larry O'Brien trophy. Behind him, but he has to for these. Press conferences. The NBA Finals logo is there with the Larry O'Brien behind him.
And he doesn't even want to be seen with it until he gets to hold one of 'em. And he says to Malika, how'd you find out about that? Because he's so private about everything, right? You got that? How'd you hear about that?
How'd you hear about that? Well, as you know, Brunson was not a first-round draft choice, and that chip still sits on his shoulder. When a guy like you falls into the second round of the draft, a lot of people miss something about you. When you think back on your draft process, what do you think it was that was just underestimated, not seen in you at that time? Everything.
Oh boy. God, do I love this guy. Everything is a chip. Everything is. A shoulder chip, and he's two wins away from a chip.
Oh, baby. Can't wait. Simply cannot wait. Monica McNutt calls Nick's games on the radio. She is the radio analyst.
And um she's excellent at it. An ESPN Radio a New York City colonies games. and an ESPN NBA analyst.
So I'm like, let's get Monica on the program to set up game three being in Madison Square Garden. Holy crap! Again, Ringling Brothers is normally the circus in that building, but tonight might be a different story. And I cannot wait to see what that looks like this evening. And the Spurs are sitting there saying we are ready to spoil the party.
With Victor Wembanyama and all of those young Turks around him, it's going to be a fun Game Three. She will join us next. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial right here on the program, here on this busy Monday. The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. While the world watches the stars of the FIFA World Cup, Hyundai has its eyes on the next generation of talent, future stars who are already turning heads at age 14.
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Get a $15 O'Reilly gift card after rebate when you buy five quarts of Mobile One full synthetic motor oil for just $35.95. Stop by your local O'Reilly Auto Parts. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show radio audience. Just talking about how well the Knicks have been playing, obviously. And um Happy to have here prior to game three.
She is outstanding in calling Nick's games on ESPN radio locally. And you know, Tyler Murray's calling the play-by-play, and Monica McNutt. Patrick Ewing's not the only Georgetown Hooper who's in the building when the Knicks are playing. Monica McNutt here on the Rich Oz Show. How are you, Monica?
What's going on?
Well, thanks for having me, Rich. Exciting times here in New York, for sure. What is it like? I mean, I was there a couple of weeks ago for the Emmy Awards, and Knicks fans everywhere at security, you know, at the bell desk. What is it like for you walking around town?
Now, you know, I go back to, I mean, frankly, the start of this postseason, and Nixon 4 has been the chant, right? Like, Atlanta is the only series that has not gone that way. And so, I feel a responsibility to be like, Yeah, I hear your enthusiasm, you think, and like have these small conversations about the Nixon 4 thing. And I've been so wrong so far. And here we are with the opportunity again.
The city is so alive. The various communities, the hood and hollering out of your window, if you're around watching the game in the city, the gatherings. Like, I am so, so happy for this fan base, Rich. Like, they have been in it through the thick and thin. I can't tell you how many times folks have brought up the 17-win seasons as they are on the cusp of being champions.
I could not be happier for a fan base. Yeah, well, I'm part of it. Born in Brooklyn, raised in Staten Island, and having. To go back to the mid-70s when I was first taken to Madison Square Garden to start watching those teams. And this is the best Knicks team I've ever seen with my own two eyes.
And because of the way that they play, the way that they share, how deep they are, how they're being coached, how they're taking the coaching, how sometimes Rick Brunson comes in and he's the adult not only for his own son, but for the coaching staff, the way that Mike Brown's described it. Why is this happening from your Position. Marital. I don't think you are appropriately Appreciating what's happening this year if you only talk about this year's team. And feel as you may about Tom Thibodeau.
Frankly, Rich, feel as you may about Julius Randall, but this is a four-year sort of evolution. And those guys, neither of them are with the program anymore, but they put the program in a position, of course, with Leon Rose also coming in as leadership, that's huge. You got to give him a ton of credit. But they put the organization in a position that it was attractive for one of Leon Rose, for a Jalen Brunson. And yes, Jalen Brunson undoubtedly is your cornerstone now.
But I also think, and we're seeing it in these finals, the past couple of years of heartbreak with this core remaining intact has been something that has propelled them to capitalizing in this moment. And so, I give the front office a ton of credit. I give Mike Brown a ton of credit. And I'll be honest, Rich, like, this is my fifth year covering the team. And Mike comes in and he's joyful.
And yes, he has experience, but you're like, also, bro, this is New York, right? But what you saw in terms of that sound that he just shared about Carl Anthony Town has been Mike through and through all season long. He came in talking about wanting to be collaborative and his willingness to grab the 15th guy off the bench just to make sure that they were ready. But those two things have held true to this very moment. And so I think when the clock struck playoffs, besides guys elevating their individual play, there was a level of accountability that they were more comfortable with in terms of calling each other up.
And I think you see that in how they've played through this postseason. And Monica, I think Brown and Brunson share one thing in common is that when they both arrived on the scene for the Knicks, everyone's like, really? This is the guy that's going to do it because we, you know, obviously Brunson comes in free agency and. Everyone's like, okay. This is the guy.
I wanted LeBron. I wanted Durant. I wanted to just start naming them all, right? And brown is What was he choice E, F after the Knicks knocked on the door of so many coaches who were under contract, weren't given permission to talk, didn't want to talk, didn't want any peace? And look what he's done, the two of them together along with the rest of the roster.
There is something There's something that is sort of Bubbled up to the surface, if you will, for me as I've watched this finals unfold. And it is the experience and the poise of both of those guys, right? Brown, having been in this moment before, and then Jalen Brunson, a guy who never gets too high and never gets too low. And so I think the combination of those two, as far as your leadership, has allowed the Knicks to use their emotions as a positive in these moments, right? There is an expectation that we're going to figure it out.
As Jalen coined two seasons ago now, this team is going to find a way. And he has been at the helm of leading them to do just that. But I think in so many ways, and you're a New Yorker, so I want to defer to you. I live in the city, but I'm not a New Yorker by birth, but it is so New York-like, right? You make.
Your story in the city of bright lights. You go get it. And both of these men have gone to go get it on one of sports' biggest stages here in the city. Yeah. New York's also about shoving people out of the way when you want to get it.
There's that. There's that. You know, and Carl Anthony Towns. Yeah. Would you say he has finally gotten rid of the too soft?
Moniker? It's Monica. I certainly love that. I certainly hope so, Rich. I'll say this though: the world, in terms of viewership of the finals, has just gotten hip to this matchup.
But I can say with full confidence, having watched this matchup all three times during the course of the regular season, and that includes the cup, he has always had Wimby's number. Like, this is just sort of. The perfect matchup for him and a nightmare for Victor Wimbinyama, in terms of a guy that is of similar size, but also has the skill set. Like, and this is no shade to chat, but like what Carl Anthony Towns is doing now is what people thought Chet Holmgram would have done in the last series. And so we forget that this dude is a seven, he might be eight, but seven, eight-time all-star.
Like, he's a grown man. He's he's got eight years on Victor Wimbinyama. Like, he's 30 and has been a bucket. The thing that has been attached to his softness, if you will, is his ebbs and flows as a defender. But nobody sleeps on Carl Anthony Towns as one of the most versatile scorers as a big man in the league.
And so that's what we're seeing. Yeah. And Bridges and OG, in a way, similar to Brunson and. And Brown, and the fact that OG's acquired is like, wait a minute, you're sending Barrett and RJ and IQ. To Toronto for, you know, I know he won a championship, but two for one, is that what we're doing?
And then Bridges, five firsts. And now they're all together with this Bench that is deeper and is being used in a way. And listen, I really like Thibodeau. I didn't think they should have fired him. Um I I really was thought he was going to be the guy.
But to see the way this bench is being used and how deep they are. You know, Shamit is unbelievable. He is just like lit right now. Market. It's yeah.
I think Tibbs deserves a tip of the cap in the arc of how you got here because I think he's a part of getting the most out of this team. But through his basketball purview, You had reached your match. I mean your max. And I don't think that necessarily is a bad thing. It just is, right?
Mike Brown comes in with a far more innovative offense, a far more creative offense that gets guys involved and is willing to go into his bench. Like, that's the modern NBA. I don't think you want to wear out guys in terms of playing, leading the league in minutes. Like, and quiet as it's kept, the Knicks still had some leaders in minutes played in the league, but it just wasn't as drastic as it was last year. And Landry Shanman, I mean, Jose Alvarado.
Mikael Bridges, like all of these guys really stepping into their own in particular in the postseason, again, to me, has to do with the last couple of years in terms of the journey to get here. They've just done a really, really good job assembling this team. But I also think these guys are. I said this to Carl earlier this year. I was like, y'all are not babies in the league, but I wouldn't call you veterans either.
Like, I'm calling y'all big cousins. And he was like, okay, so we do the big cousins of the league. Like, he bought into it because they've had enough experience, but there's still enough ahead of them that they're in that sweet spot. And so I think that is indicated both by their talent, but also their maturity and how they've operated during this run. Monica McNutt calling Knicks games locally on the radio, MNBA, WNBA, and college basketball analyst for ESPN here on the Rich Eisen Show.
And, you know, you and I, at least from my Nick Fandom here, have been talking about this as if a banner's already been achieved. To quote Kobe Bryant, jobs not finished. And not to put this in the ether, but this happens before. Name me the Spur who could be the Trey Young. Uh Tyrese Halliburton.
Of this equation to come into Madison Square Garden and put the proverbial finals turd in the punch bowl, Monica? Who do you think could do that? Is it Wemby? Because the Spurs are a very, very good team, if not great. and Prideful team.
Wha what do you think about game three? I don't. I'm less concerned about Victor Wenbinama and more concerned about a guard getting loose. Like the game that the Knicks lost to the Spurs during the regular season, and now granted, both of these teams are different. New Year's Eve, Julian Champagne had 36 and hit 11 threes.
Like, that was a problem.
So it's me, it's De'Aaron Fox suddenly getting hot and getting downhill, or Champagne going off again like that. That gives me more pause than anything else because I do think that a part of this team's run is their maturity and their mindset. Very appropriate that you quoted Kobe there, Rich, because that's what they've been saying as well. Like, they still want to play with desperation and urgency as if the score is 0-0. And they've been able to do that sincerely.
So I'm less worried about Victor Wena Binyama and one of those support guys kind of getting loose because of the energy that a Wenbinyama demands. Especially since Champeny is probably like, this is my house, too, right? Playing for St. John's. He knows exactly what it's like to be a home team in an environment like this.
Um so What do you think, though? You're thinking brooms? Let's be honest. Let's really. Rich, I have not.
I have not been on the broom train at any point this season, and I've been proven wrong twice. The thing that I'm watching, though, and I think the Spurs have the opportunity to run the league for a long time coming. And one of the things that I admire about their group and Victor in particular is that they are so honest and their emotions are on their sleeve and they are not hiding that. I think it has almost become a counterproductive mindset though, because I think they've become too emotional for what the finals demand. I still think it might be a gentleman's sleep.
But there's a. I do think that they will be the victors when it's all said and done. I'm between four and five.
Okay. I know you've been locked in on the finals in the Knicks playoff run. You want to take a crack at the WNBA here, Monica, and the fact that. All these fouls and whistles. It seems like there's a new emphasis happening here.
Caitlin Clark is. You know, in the spotlight as sort of the avatar of getting all these fouls and being in the face of officials. You want to chime in on that subject matter?
So I will say this, Rich, because last year. The officiating was like, woof, WMPA season 29, great things are happening. Second headline was like, what is happening with this officiating? And so I can remember preseason sitting in our officiating meeting being like, oh, this is going to get interesting. Because the conversation was that the game was too physical last year.
And so some of the amendments, if you will, that have been made. I'm not surprised that we're sort of here in terms of tempers flaring and folks upset and trying to figure out what's what's happening. And coaches being and coaches being let off by police after they're ejected and freedom of movement. But I mean, we're we're ten games in for some teams here. And there's still an adjustment period that we're seeing.
So that's what I'm saying. I was about to say to you, I think we're still in an adjustment period. There's going to be so many conversations behind the scenes. Obviously, the league is very protective of its stars. 10 games in, it feels like a lot, but it's not really.
Like, I think we've got probably, what are we in? Maybe we're about to be in June. I think things will probably level up by the end of this month, and we'll get to consist more consistency approaching all-star and then heading out all-star. But the wrinkle here, Rich, this year, is the World Cup play.
So there's going to be a break, and the players will go back to playing a more physical style internationally and then got to work all that out.
So we'll see what's going to happen with this one. I hope that this doesn't become too much of a headline. It is year 30, and I do hope they tighten it up. Who's playing better than you expected? Or you're fired up to see how they've performed over the first 10 games?
I'm actually really disappointed in myself that I didn't see this coming. But Minnesota, like Olivia Miles is having a rock star rookie season. Nafisa Collier will get healthy. Cheryl Reeve always has her team in contention. Like, I was disappointed in myself that I didn't see this coming.
Potentially out of Minnesota, but it's definitely Minnesota for me. Yeah, I mean, they've been lighting it up. And all right, I'll just go here because, again, Um Caitlin Clark is definitely in the crosshairs of a lot of people. that she is focussing on the wrong stuff. And that she's been taken that that it she's officially being taken out of her game.
And or her game's not good enough. Like, that's the subtext of the conversation right now. Monica, you want to. Let's take a swing at that one. This is what I will say.
I think for a long time, Rich, this league has been run by veterans in terms of their skill, talent, their strength. And I applaud Caitlin, Angel, Olivia, Cameron when she's healthy, like all of these rookie classes that we've seen over the last couple of years. I applaud them, Paige Beckers, all of them. They've come in and hit the curve in a way that has been very, very impressive initially. And while the rookie curve does not necessarily look the same, there still is a curve.
And so I think between both some of the adjustments to officiating, teams are becoming even more familiar with her game. Caitlin's nature as a player, if you go back and watch Iowa, she is competitive, she's spirited, she's fiery. I think there's a lot happening at once, and it's going to prove to be a growth moment for her and her organization.
Now, I expect her to navigate it, but I think what is still true, even though it looks different because the younger players maybe have more popular names and bigger brands, is it's a league that vets have dominated so far. And I think that's where we're running into an issue. Unless you're AZ Fudd or Paige Beckers or Olivia Miles, right? I mean, I know that there's still more to go, but they've. seem to be handling it in the first year plus.
of these careers. Yeah, and so I think even for them, and Paige talked about a little bit offseason in terms of how she had to change her body and all of that, right? Yes, there is a personal poise that we're talking about, right? That every player has to navigate on their own. But I think the curve still hits every player, whether it's going to be your rookie season or a little bit later.
The more tape your opponents have on you, the more you've got to work to be prepared to be able to navigate that. And that is both your tape on you as a player and how to get under your skin.
Well, I appreciate the two cents on all the subject matters. You know, we record women's sports now out of this studio here for ESPN and Disney Plus and everybody else. Let me personally invite you on behalf of the Women's Sports Now crew once the next season is over, okay?
Sounds good to me.
So then, Thursday, right? This Thursday, you'll be available. Come on now. I'm sorry. I don't want to put you in that position.
I'm out of my skull. I really am. I'm really out of my skull. And just take a swing on what you think it's going to look like tonight. Like, really, what's that going to be like?
You settle in your chair. This is what do you think it's going to be loud? It's going to be energetic. I will say, Rich, and this is only coming to my consciousness probably in the last couple of days, partly behind the sound we heard from Josh Hart. I am curious to see what it feels like at that ticket price.
That's right. But I still think it's going to be alive, it's going to be energetic. The thing that I love about Knicks fans, and I don't think that this will be robbed. Is even if you can't afford those tickets and it's casual because we just did a feature on Celebrity Row, as much as that is Celebrity Row, those people happen to be Knicks fans for real. And so even they get loud and are so passionate about it.
So I know it's going to be energetic. I just think the place is going to be alive. I can't wait. Enjoy it, Monica. I really do enjoy seeing those videos of you and Tyler.
You know, they got the camera on you guys for these victorious moments. And there've been 13 of them in a row. And I can't believe it. And I look forward to seeing more. And thanks for the time.
Outstanding. Thanks for having me, Rich. And your time. Thanks again. Monica McNutt calling tonight's game on ESPN New York.
And the New York Knicks radio network, and then you'll see her on ESPN, and then she'll be on Thursday's Women's Sports Network. I only wonder, like, how does Monica navigate herself in and out of the garden through all that madness? Like, if you're trying to actually get to work, like, how do you deal with those knuckleheads out there?
Well, I mean, there are going to be fewer knuckleheads out there because of the game tonight. They're not allowed to, and rightfully, you know, it makes sense that watch parties are not. We're not going to have thousands of people just outside the stadium with the. President in the building. You know?
And, you know, it is. A sign of the times that a billionaire is coming to the game.
So the fans are that that can't be priced in. They're now not allowed to be outside. That's what I'm saying. And it sucks. There's no other way to put it for that.
And I do hope that the fans are as loud as I hope they. Need to be because I do remember game one of the Yankees Mets World Series. Mm-hmm. Back in 2000, you know the one where there was a gentleman sweeping that surge. Um yeah.
I told you Yankees and Met fans don't get along. I told you that they're all together for the Knicks. But at any rate, I do remember game one of that World Series in Yankee State, and that was the night where Clements threw the bat at Piazza. Yeah. Because he thought it was the ball.
He thought it was the ball, yeah.
Okay. He wondered why we came quite along. But I do remember. sitting there and thinking it was l not as raucous. As we all expected the first Yankees Mets World Series to sound like and look like because of.
The corporate Ticket holders that were there. Weren't the Ziggies who were just going nuts? And I hope tonight isn't that way. I'm telling you, if the Knicks lose tonight. Because of that?
Oh, man. It won't be because of that. You don't know that, Richard. No, it won't be because of that. Obviously.
You know, home court means something. They've been there every game and they haven't lost in two months. Home court means something. They would lose tonight is if the Spurs. Listen, the Spurs.
Perimeter defense is so friggin' good. It's so freaking good. The Knicks are always move you know, trying to get a shot with five seconds left on the shot clock. Because if they somehow do break the perimeter defense, there's an avatar Right there in the middle, that makes them go back outside to the perimeter defense that's shutting them down. Or they're doubling Jalen Brunson.
They're picking up 94 feet and then they're doubling him the minute he crosses half court. That's the way that they win. And you know, also The Knicks almost Blew out the Spurs in that game, having By the way, you know Jalen Brunson's free throws? Though we're Were the Only the fifth, those fourth and fifth, the one that he made the first and missed the second, only the fifth free throw of the second half for the Knicks. And the first three that they got.
was from a three-point shot during the run. That ended the run, actually. that the spur is made On a foul, clear foul of OG Ananobi that was called a clean block, and the Knicks had to challenge it. And it was champagne mugging OG. If the Knicks don't get the reverse in their favor, From the officiating.
That's another way that they lose. It won't be because The crowds. At At 10 instead of spinal tap a little bit. Oh, man, they're out there bing-bonging, and the Knicks haven't lost, and all of a sudden you don't let them out there. More pressure on the Knicks tonight.
Well, I would disagree with that. You know, you don't want to give the Spurs life, but the Spurs, if they don't win, hold up. It's a wrap after that. Home crowd, you guys are talking sweep. Expectations are through the roof.
I got you. Let's take a break. Phone calls 844-204-RICH is the number to dial right here on the Rich Eisen Show. The Rich Heisen Show, the podcast. Rich Eisen here with some advice.
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Terms and conditions apply, NMLS 696891. Fast funds terms apply at sofi.com/slash debt play. A bandwagon fan. The biggest insult in sports. But this summer, during the FIFA World Cup, it's an invitation, America.
Never watched soccer before? Perfect. Think a corner kick is a karate move? Sure, why not? Prefer sports where players can use their hands?
Me too. Just here for the snacks?
Now we're talking.
So grab a bag of Lays and jump on the bandwagon. We're undefeated. Lays, the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Back here on the Rich Island show 844204 Rich numbered. Donald, let's take some phone calls here on the Rich Island show.
First in, first up, Ed in Charleston, South Carolina wants to talk about something. What's up, Ed? How are you? How are you doing, Chris? I appreciate you taking my call.
You gentlemen and a scholar. No, I appreciate that. Right back at you, and I don't know you, but you sound like one. Thank you. Appreciate it, brother.
What's going on?
What is on your mind? Hey, I want to see if we do the win-lose with the Houston Texans. Oh, the Houston Texans.
Soil loss game. Are you a Texan fan there in South Carolina, huh? I think he heard you. You there, Ed? Yes, sir.
You're a s you're a Texan fan in South Carolina. Absolutely. I've been to at least ten games Uh, my most recent one was last year, okay, Tennessee, and we lost.
Okay, let's get to it, let's get to it. Um, the music. It's playing. Ed in Charleston, South Carolina. What happens when the Bills visit the Texans to start the season?
It's going to be a repeat of last year. We'll go nine sacks. We're going to take that win. Ooh, okay. With a nine-sacker.
All right, and then you've got Joe Burrow coming in the next week.
Okay. That's another, that's a win, but it's gonna be a tough one. I like Joey B. 2-0 going into the Colts. Another win, 3-0.
The Cowboys then come into your house week four. Come on, I'll take another win.
Okay. Oh, now you're at Tennessee, Ed. It's the Ed in Charleston, South Carolina, Bowl. What happens? We're going to go ahead and smash that.
That's like another win. 5-0.
Now you're going to go to London and take on the Jaguars. Ah, that's a tough one. That's the Jaguars' homefield advantage.
So I'm going to go ahead and give them a win.
Okay, five and one now, back home against the Giants. Ah, that's a win. Six and one at the Chargers after a buy. 7-1 at the Browns. He got to go ahead and win.
You got no defense now. Eight and one short week. You're going for the sweep of the Colts. At home. Oh, oof.
I'm gonna go ahead and take that win. 9-1. Home for the Ravens. Mmm, that's a tough one. I'm gonna take the L on that one.
Nine and two at the Steelers on NBC. Yeah, BC. That's a winner. 10-2 at the Commanders. Another winner.
11-2, home for the Jaguars. We'll take the win on this one. We'll split the series. 12-2, Christmas Eve. Against the Eagles in Philly.
Man, I'm gonna go ahead and lose that one. They're 12-3 at the Packers on a Monday night. It's gonna be cold. I don't know what we can do with that one. I'll take a loss.
12 and 4, home for the Titans. 13 and 4 says Ed. In Charleston, South Carolina. Wow. All right, Ed.
There you go. I'm excited. I appreciate you, gentlemen. Thank you. And you're a scub.
There we go. Be well, my friend. 13-4 wins the AFC South. I will say that. Fact.
Okay? Absolutely. The Texans, man. Do they sign CJ Stroud before the season begins? to an extension.
And if so, he's not going to be able to do it. He's got to make more than Will Anderson. Right.
Okay, there's that. That's that bubbling beneath the surface. Um Texans win total nine and a half. Sneaky. Acquisition.
David Montgomery. Bingo. Said that wouldn't happen. Bingo. David Montgomery.
In the one spot, right? I'm assuming. Professional running back. I'm assuming. I know they got Woody Marks.
Yep, yep. He's nice. Not that. Everybody back healthy at receiver? Need tankdale back.
We're back. And that defense. Man. That defense. Yeah, it's all in the quarterback.
They go lights out. It's all on the quarterback. It's all on the quarterback. Make him prove it. The Houston Texans.
Against the Jaguars in London, very rare to put a division game. But if you're the Jaguars, I would take that division game. and put it in London. You give up a home game. In Jacksonville, I understand what that means for the local folks, but you're going over to London.
That game is in Wembley. That's the home of the Jaguars in London. Yeah, make them. You know, I know they're playing a game in Tottenham the week before as well, Jacksonville, but. We'll see what year two of Liam Cohen looks like there.
AFC South, sneaky good. Again. Maybe the Colts don't fall off the edge of the NFL planet this time around. I can't wait for it. It's going to be here soon.
Can't wait for this. It's closer than you think. I know. I know. Chris Fowler's coming up next.
My buddy. He's got an incredible story about his dad. teed up for Sports Center on Father's Day. He wants to talk about Maybe I hit the Alcoraz thing with him too. Why not?
The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. Mm-hmm.
