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Brian Windhorst, The Knicks Are 2 Wins Away From A Title, The Stanley Cup Final Has Been Insane + Who's Back Of The Week

Monday, June 8, 202627 takes ยท Transcript โ†“

The New York Knicks are 2 wins away from an NBA Title and Wemby choked away game 2 and now people are asking if he lacks the clutch gene. We talk NBA Finals and the Knicks being on an all time run (-). Taylor Swift's seat is up for auction (-). Stanley Cup Final has been on crack with Vegas winning Game 2 in OT after an insane 2nd and 3rd period. NHL Combine questions are weird and we asking some. Big Cat remembers Stacey King (-). Who's back of the week including soccer and World Cup Fever (-). Brian Windhorst joins the show live from the NBA Finals to talk about the Spurs potentially getting back in the series, what makes Wemby so confident, Lebron and Giannis next year, his Mt Rushmore of NBA Finals hes covered and more (-). We finish with lottery ball machine.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Netflix. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/pardon-my-take

The New York Knicks are officially two wins away from immortality, and the vibes in the office are at an all-time high. Big Cat and PFT recap a wild start to the NBA Finals that has the Spurs reeling and Knicks fans planning parades through the canyon of heroes. Madison Square Garden is about to become the center of the universe for Game 3, and Big Cat is ready for the spectacle.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30672
Big CatBig Cat

The New York Knicks playing at Madison Square Garden for the NBA Finals will be an absolute movie.

I am hyped for what the New York Knicks in the NBA finals are gonna look like at MSG. I think it's gonna be absolutely nuts. The crowd is gonna be nuts.

The atmosphere at MSG during a championship run is objectively high-energy, though 'insane' is subjective.

The conversation quickly turned to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs' late-game collapse in Game 2. While Wemby is the future, PFT wasn't holding back on the rookie's performance in the closing minutes.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30673
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Victor Wembanyama choked at the end of Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

So he choked. That was a big time choke at the end. Like he, you gotta look before you throw that pass. It was a ill-advised pass to make. And then out of frustration, he just, he commits a bad foul. I, I think [Wembanyama] is to blame, obviously for everything that happened at the end of this game.

Wembanyama did literally have a turnover and a foul at the end of the game, though 'choke' is a subjective descriptor.

Big Cat placed a fair amount of the blame on the sidelines, specifically questioning why the Spurs didn't try to settle things down when the game was hanging in the balance.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30674
Big CatBig Cat

Mitch Johnson should have called a timeout for the Spurs before Victor Wembanyama's late-game turnover.

I thought Mitch Johnson not calling a time out there was crazy. They have one time out left, there's seven seconds left... Call time out, call up your best play. If Brunson on the floor attack Brunson... you get a shot to potentially win without the risk of losing and regulation, which is what ended up happening.

This is a tactical opinion on coaching strategy.

PFT also pointed out a growing trend in the league where the obsession with the "two-for-one" strategy actually blows up in the team's face by leading to terrible shot selection.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30675
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The 'two-for-one' strategy at the end of basketball games can actually hurt teams by forcing rushed, bad shots.

When you, when you put up a bad shot, it also, I, I wanna see what the numbers are, but I would assume that the likelihood of a fast break or getting like, you know, a, a numbers overload off that miss off a bad miss and a long rebound are higher than if you get a normal shot... when you try super, super hard and make sure to get that two for one up, no matter what the cost is, that actually ends up hurting you a little bit.

The effectiveness of the two-for-one is a subject of ongoing analytic debate.

The Knicks Are Just Better

Memes and Zach are basically vibrating at this point, but even the objective observers have to admit the Knicks look like the superior unit. Big Cat has seen enough to declare that the talent gap is wider than people thought heading into the series.

Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30676
Big CatBig Cat

The Knicks are simply a better basketball team than the Spurs.

I truly think The Knicks Are just a better basketball team all around than the Spurs. That's just, and and the lines also don't... They're be, they're a better basketball team. Like I two and a half point favorites. I I, I dunno what to say Memes. I, they're, they're the better basketball team.

The outcome of the series will determine which team is superior for this season.

Despite the Spurs' struggles, PFT laughed off the idea that the Knicks' success should be diminished by the previous Jalen Brunson tampering investigation. He sees it as a clear sign of fear from the rest of the league.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30678
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Bringing up the Knicks' Jalen Brunson tampering investigation now is just 'loser talk.'

It's, it's loser talk to even bring this up. If, if the punishment was a second round pick to bring it up to try to like, take it away from you before you've already done it, that's how you know that you're winning.

Whether it is 'loser talk' is a subjective matter of sports fan etiquette.

Stanley Cup Final on Crack

The Stanley Cup Final between Vegas and Carolina has been absolute chaos. After the Golden Knights blew a 4-0 lead only to win in double overtime, PFT noted just how close they were to a total mental breakdown.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30684
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Golden Knights would have crumbled if they hadn't won the double OT game after blowing a 4-0 lead.

The Knights needed that in this game... I don't think that they can give up that comeback and then go on to win the the cup final afterwards. It would think that would've very hard would, that would've made 'em crumble. And I think that if the, the team that win wins that game, I believe it's about 80% of the time goes on to win the Stanley Cup.

The psychological resilience of a team is a subjective interpretation of events.

A huge part of the Vegas run has been Mitch Marner, who has completely reinvented himself after leaving the pressure cooker of Toronto. Big Cat thinks the change of scenery was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30685
Big CatBig Cat

Mitch Marner's resurgence is due to playing on a better team away from the pressure of Toronto.

Mitch Marner in 70 games playoff games before this year. He had 13 goals in 19 playoff games this year he's got 10 goals... part of it is that there was a lot of pressure in Toronto and he is from Toronto and being away from that probably has loosened his game up.

The causes for a player's performance improvement are complex and not definitively provable.

Brian Windhorst Joins the Show

Our good friend Brian Windhorst hopped on to give a vibe check from the Finals. While everyone is ready to crown the Knicks, Windy warns that the Spurs have been in both games until the very end. He credited the Knicks' success largely to their ability to outmuscle San Antonio on the glass.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30697
Brian WindhorstBrian Windhorst

The San Antonio Spurs would have won Game 2 of the NBA Finals if they could just grab a rebound.

The Spurs couldn't get any freaking rebounds. And I think three different times in the second half of game two, I think three different times the Knicks got an offensive rebound and hit a three. I mean that is just backbreaking... No rebounds, no rings. If the Spurs just get some rebounds, they win that game.

Windy also touched on the massive offseason rumors swirling around Giannis and LeBron. While some fans are dreaming of LeBron in Cleveland on a minimum deal, Windy isn't even sure the King is committed to playing another season yet.

Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30692
Brian WindhorstBrian Windhorst

LeBron James might not even play basketball next season.

I still have not heard definitively LeBron's playing next year. Now is he probably gonna play... I would say I think he's gonna play, but like, people have got him in a minimum with the calves and starting opening night, and I'm not even sure he is playing.

Whether LeBron plays will be determined by the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

As for the Bucks' superstar, Windy identified a clear frontrunner if a trade request actually goes down this summer.

Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30691
Brian WindhorstBrian Windhorst

The Miami Heat are a strong contender to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

I think, I think Miami is a strong contender to trade for him at this moment. I think there are some other teams that are, can and will make compelling offers leading up to the draft. But I think Giannis, that's a place where I think Giannis wants to play.

This is a prediction about trade talks that will resolve during the NBA offseason.

The interview wrapped up with a look at the Knicks' front office wizardry. Windy gave massive credit to Leon Rose, reminding everyone that he has a history of building legendary superteams.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30698
Brian WindhorstBrian Windhorst

Leon Rose was the true mastermind behind bringing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh together for the Miami Heat's 'Big Three.'

Leon Rose put together the big three in Miami. Now I know Pat Riley played a role and obviously LeBron, Dwyane and Bosh had to get together and do it. But Leon Rose organized that. He was with CAA, he got all of them to agree to contracts that were the same length. He got 'em all on the same page. He set all that up. Like his hand was on the steering wheel of that move.

Whoโ€™s Back and Hot Seats

Whoโ€™s Back of the Week featured soccer fever and the USMNT's performance against Germany. PFT is fully bought in after seeing a world-class volley.

Void
Jun 8, 2026ยทWho's Back
#30689
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The US Men's National Team goal against Germany was their best since the 2014 World Cup.

The first half was awesome against Germany. It was one of those goals where it's like you watch that goal and you're like, oh, fuck yeah. It got me hard. I I got an erection when he hit that volley. It was the coolest goal. Maybe the best goal since 2014 in the World Cup.

The 'coolest' or 'best' goal is a matter of personal aesthetic preference.

We also touched on the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding rumors at MSG. While PFT sees a massive business opportunity, Big Cat thinks the whole thing would be a bit much for the Mecca.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30681
Big CatBig Cat

A Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding at Madison Square Garden would be 'tacky as hell.'

How tacky is that? Well, I think you believe it. It's real. Yeah. Oh, I don't... I agree. Tacky as hell if they actually do this.

The tackiness of a wedding venue is entirely subjective.
Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30682
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce should put their wedding on pay-per-view to make a billion dollars.

Make a billion dollars off this wedding if you're them sell tickets also put it on pay-per-view. Yeah. Why not? Go for it. Do do the whole nine yards. They should just, you'll never have to work a day in your life. You, you could retire off of your wedding.

This is a hypothetical business suggestion.

Finally, Max provided some life advice for anyone complaining about their dinner being slightly wrong, reminding everyone that if you want it done right, you've gotta do it yourself.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30687
MaxMax

If you want a food order exactly how you like it, you should make it yourself instead of complaining at restaurants.

My order could be all the way fucked up and I sit down, take it and eat. Like it's, it is what it is. When you order something, it's in God's hands... If you want something Exactly. Particular of how you want it, make it yourself.

This is a personal philosophy on dining and social conduct.

If the Knicks sweep on Wednesday, we might actually lose Memes forever.

nba-finalsknicksspursstanley-cupgiannis-antetokounmponhl

More Takes

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30677
Big CatBig Cat

The Atlanta Hawks have been the biggest test for the Knicks during this postseason.

They have proven so far through, I know we're only halfway through the NBA finals or, or I, you know, two games in. But they've, they've proven thus far that to be the biggest test to the Knicks this postseason.

Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30679
Big CatBig Cat

Victor Wembanyama has a clutch gene problem and cannot win the big one.

I think we've got enough of a sample size to prove that Wemby can't win the big one. Right. I think he's got a clutch gene problem.

The literal claim is that Wemby can't win the big one. This will resolve over his career, but predicting he will never win is a bold long-term claim. Currently pending.
Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30680
HankHank

The Knicks are going to sweep the Finals and become one of the greatest teams of all time.

I mean they're gonna, they're gonna sweep this series and probably have a case to be one of the greatest teams of all time. It's, it's tough. I did, I put an absolute nuke on the Knicks 'cause I just knew that, you know, the Spurs were gassed and they didn't have what it takes.

Pending the outcome of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30683
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Knicks are currently ahead of the Celtics for 'Team of the Decade' if they win the Finals.

I would say that if The Knicks win this finals, I I think that they're already ahead of the Celtics because they beat you in the playoffs last year. And also if they, I mean, if they end up, if they don't lose again Yeah.

The 'Team of the Decade' cannot be determined until 2030, but the Knicks' 2026 title would be a major factor.
Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30695
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Golden Knights will win their next two games against the Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final.

Now everything is sunshine and rainbows because they were able to luck their way into win. And it's crazy how quickly that can happen. Like they would be so down on themselves if they didn't happen to squeak that one out. Now I think they're probably going to, I'm gonna bet on 'em next game and I'm gonna bet on 'em game afterwards. Love the knights.

Pending the results of Games 3 and 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30686
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

An NHL player is better off choosing a 10-year career without a Cup over a 4-year career with one.

The honest answer is 10-year easily. But the answer I would give in this interview is four years.

Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30688
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Brandon Aiyuk might be genuinely 'crazy' based on his recent social media behavior.

I keep going back and forth between like it's good to have one kind of crazy wide receiver on your team and also like, I think he just might be actually crazy. Yeah. So we'll see... There's like every red flag possible going up right now.

The psychiatric state of an NFL player is not something this podcast can verify.
Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30696
Big CatBig Cat

The Chicago Bears will ultimately build their new stadium in Arlington Heights, not Indiana.

I still think they're gonna end up with Arlington. It still doesn't make sense to me. They bought a fucking parcel land that is enormous for $200 million.

Pending the final groundbreaking/decision for the Bears' new stadium.
Void
Jun 8, 2026ยทWho's Back
#30690
ZacZac

European soccer players complaining about the heat in the United States is just 'cope.'

The pitch talk is just cope. That's all they're doing. They're just scared of the heat. Which, which is soft. They're grown men. And we're talking about heat. What are we doing?

This is a subjective interpretation of player complaints.
Void
Jun 8, 2026
#30693
Brian WindhorstBrian Windhorst

Anthony Edwards misses playing with Karl-Anthony Towns due to the double teams he now faces.

I think Ant misses Kat because the double teams that now come his way, they really annoy him... those double teams didn't come as frequently when he was playing with a guy who could kill you from the outside like that.

This is an interpretation of a player's internal feelings and on-court tactical changes.
Open
Jun 8, 2026
#30694
Big CatBig Cat

Moving football stadiums to suburbs and making them all indoors will be a major regret for the NFL in 25 years.

We're gonna get to a point in like 20, 25 years, where we're gonna look back and be like, why did we put all of our football stadiums indoors?... We just took, we took this element of it And we, And we moved them all out out of their cities... I think it's gonna be a big regret.

This is a long-term cultural and business prediction about the 'feeling' of a sport.

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