PMT DB
PMT DB
Ryen Russillo, Andre Drummond, and the Suns in 4 Mentality
The Phoenix Suns are officially two games away from history, and the vibes in the desert are immaculate. Big Cat and PFT are riding the wave of Suns in 4, even if the math starts to get a little tricky as the series moves to Milwaukee. The broadcast quality alone has PFT convinced that Phoenix is the place to be, mostly because the fans look like they belong at a desert music festival rather than a basketball arena.
PFT CommenterSuns fans in 8K hit differently and make the viewing experience much better
But they're here for the Suns, and when they're in 8K, it hits different. It hits a little bit different in 8K. It's way different than when they're showing like the British fans in 8K... the Suns fans in 8K, it made the viewing experience that much better.
While the Suns look like a perfectly oiled machine where every role player is chipping in, the Bucks are currently the Giannis Antetokounmpo solo show. Giannis put up a heroic 42-point performance in Game 2, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Suns team that seems to have an answer for every run. Big Cat is starting to feel for the Greek Freak, who is putting up legendary numbers without much help from his supporting cast.
Big CatGiannis Antetokounmpo's Game 2 performance was exceptional, but he cannot win without his max-contract teammates showing up
Giannis was like, exceptional. It was reminiscent of... that finals game, the classic J.R. Smith game when LeBron had like 50... This was a Giannis display. He was the best player on the court, and he had no help because Chris Middleton and Drew Holiday were a combined 12 for 37... You cannot win with that when that's your second best guy and a max guy.
Middleton and Holiday struggled mightily, while the Suns got exactly what they needed from guys like Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges. PFT noted that when the Suns' role players are hitting, they become impossible to beat, specifically pointing to Crowder as the barometer for their success.
PFT CommenterJay Crowder shooting over 50% from three is the tipping point for the Suns' offense
I would like to see the statistical breakdown of Jay Crowder's performance as it relates to how likely the Suns are to win. Like, if he shoots over 50% from three... That's the tipping point for the Suns' offense because you have a chance of beating them if the role players don't contribute like that. But if they do, you have no chance.
Even with the Bucks heading home, the guys aren't backing off the Suns' hype. PFT clarified that 'Suns in 4' isn't just a prediction of a sweep; it's a state of mind that transcends the actual number of games played.
PFT Commenter'Suns in 4' is a mentality that remains valid even if the series goes five games
The Suns could win this series in a gentleman's sweep, and that's still Suns and four. They still won four games. It's just all about sometimes it's about the journey, not the destination, man.
Ryen Russillo on Writing and Being a Guy
Our good friend Ryen Russillo joined the show to talk NBA Finals, his budding screenwriting career, and the philosophy of being a 'guy.' Russillo, who has been open about his obsession with Chris Paul, defended CP3’s competitive nature while acknowledging the flopping narrative. He also touched on the league-wide injury crisis, offering a more nuanced take than the typical 'it's the short offseason' talk dominating the media.
Ryen RussilloThere is no conclusive evidence that the shortened NBA turnaround caused the recent surge in injuries
I'm just not sure based on everything I've read that we have some conclusive evidence that these injuries have happened just because of what we had in the past year... Silver definitely pushed back on it, which I was just at least I guess I was even surprised because he's been so pro player as a commissioner.
Between discussing the merits of log cabins and his 45-year-old dunking ability, Russillo broke down why he’s the preeminent source for Life Advice. He’s spent years making mistakes, bartending, and living in hotels, which gives him the 'guy' resume necessary to tell 25-year-olds why the girl at the gym isn't texting them back.
Ryen RussilloI have a strong resume for giving life advice because I have been a 'guy' for a long time and have made many mistakes
I've been a guy for a really long time now... those experiences of just being an idiot and getting stuff wrong allows me to be in a better position to give people advice.
Andre Drummond and the Big Penguin
Andre Drummond stopped by to talk about his new NFT collection and clear up a few things about his career. The big man was a great sport, even when Big Cat and PFT pressed him on his infamous 23-miss free throw night and his single-leg sleeve fashion choice. Drummond claims he's turned the corner on his shooting struggles, though he admitted that some of his past struggles were purely mental.
Andre DrummondI have conquered my free throw shooting struggles and am currently a 70% shooter
Well, if you have noticed, I'm shooting at least 70 right now. So I think that's something I've conquered already... I found a routine and shot it the same way for the entire summer.
We also got the origin story of 'The Big Penguin' nickname, which Drummond confirmed stems from his genuine love for the flightless birds. However, the most interesting nugget came when the guys asked him about potential destinations for next year. While he kept his cards close to his chest, he gave a very telling reaction to the idea of playing in Portland if their superstar departs.
Andre DrummondI will not play for the Portland Trail Blazers if Damian Lillard is traded
[Big Cat]: Name five of your favorite cities... Portland. [Drummond]: Dame's not there, though. No. [Big Cat]: Andre Drummond says he will not be going to Portland if Damien Lillard gets traded.
Fyre Fest and Final Takes
To wrap up the show, the guys held a special Fyre Fest with the guest producers. Big Cat shared a truly relatable dad moment from his vacation, involving the high-stakes game of vehicle Tetris. After successfully packing the car for a trip to the eastern point of Long Island, he officially felt like he’d reached the pinnacle of fatherhood.
Big CatPerfectly packing a car with vacation gear and kids is the official mark of a dad
Packing a car with two little kids and like doing the Tetris move to get the whole car full. I've never felt I earned my dad pinstripes like that was the official moment. I was like, yeah, I'm a dad because it was the hardest thing I've ever done. And it was like I wasted not a single inch.
Between the Euros, the Stanley Cup staying in Tampa, and the NBA Finals, it’s a massive sports weekend. Whether England brings it home or Italy brings it to Rome, the only thing we know for sure is that the Suns are still the team to beat.
Don't forget to check out the new Chevy Silverado, even if you have to whisper the promo code to a confused salesperson.
