The San Antonio Spurs are officially back. After a grueling seven-game series against the Thunder, Wemby and the Spurs have punched their ticket to the Finals to face the New York Knicks. Big Cat and PFT are buzzing about the matchup, especially the way San Antonio refused to blink in Game 7. While SGA was doing everything humanly possible for OKC, the Spurs' youth and fearless defense—highlighted by a massive Luke Kornet block—ultimately carried the day. Big Cat couldn't help but notice how one specific big man seemed to shrink as the lights got brighter.
Chet Holmgren was emasculated and scared of the moment in Game 7
I've never seen anyone get more like emasculated and scared of the moment than Chet Holmgren in this series. And specifically in game seven. I What do you guys think? He says after the game in the locker room, do you think he's like, like does he try to crack a joke being like, man, he really is seven five.
PFT noted that the intensity was personal, especially between the two young bigs. The rivalry is already at a fever pitch despite these teams being so young, largely because it feels like one side is playing with a vendetta.
Victor Wembanyama genuinely hates Chet Holmgren
Wemby hates Chet's guts. Like truly, truly hates him. I think if Chet could go back in time, he would give back that under 17 World Cup Gold medal because that was the start of the Wemby being like, I'm going to destroy Chet Holmgren's life. And it's just not reciprocated by Chet whatsoever.
The Knicks' Final Hurdle
Transitioning to the Eastern Conference, Big Cat is fully bought into the Knicks' magic. Between the Villanova chemistry and the depth of scoring options, he sees a team that is built to finally bring a title back to the Garden. The conversation turned to how OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson will have to handle the impossible task of guarding Victor Wembanyama, but the confidence levels in the studio are at an all-time high.
The Knicks will win the 2026 NBA Finals
I'm getting more and more confident The Knicks gonna win this series. I really do. I I, I was thinking about it last night... The Knicks are completely different in the fact that it feels like everyone can score with The Knicks right now.
Big Cat even found a way to bridge his Big East obsession with the Finals, pointing out that the conference is well-represented on the game's biggest stage.
Half the starters in the 2026 NBA Finals played in the Big East
Big East stat. Yeah. Big great. Sta sta half the starters in the NBA finals played in the Big East. Great stat. It's pretty good stat.
Mike Breen on the Garden Buzz
The legendary Mike Breen joined the show to discuss the surreal feeling of calling a Knicks Finals. Growing up a diehard fan in New York, Breen admitted the electricity in the city is unlike anything he's ever seen. He touched on Jalen Brunson’s legacy and how the star point guard has completely altered the trajectory of the franchise.
Jalen Brunson is already in the conversation as one of the all-time great Knicks
He's in the conversation as one of the greats. Can I put him ahead of Clyde or Patrick Ewing? I I think that might be early even though he wins the title. Not only that, but when he arrived, they were on one of the darkest stretches that the franchise has ever been on... He's absolutely in the conversation.
Big Cat and PFT tried to help Breen stay impartial by suggesting a "bang-a-meter" to ensure the Spurs get their fair share of signature calls. Breen also broke down why he thinks Mike Brown’s leadership style has been the secret sauce for this specific Knicks run.
Mike Brown is the most collaborative coach in the NBA.
Mike Brown, who is, he's the most collaborative coach I've ever watched in covering the NBA. He's so open to suggestions and not just from assistant coaches, from the players. And not only is he open to the suggestions, he's not afraid to install them and try them.
Keith Yandle Previews the Cup
Our good friend Keith Yandle stopped by to break down the Knights vs. Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final. Yandle admitted he used to hate watching Carolina's style of play, but he’s finally come around on the "old school" grit that Rod Brind'Amour has instilled in that locker room.
The Hurricanes are a true old-school hockey team
I've totally switched my tune on them. The way that they play... Rod the Ball fun group to watch just 'cause they all play the same way. They're like a true old school hockey team that everyone, you know, the saying, everyone ropes, everybody rides, nobody rides for free.
On the other side, the guys discussed the Vegas Golden Knights' ruthless approach to winning. Whether it's firing coaches mid-season or trading away franchise icons, the Knights have proven they only care about the trophy. Yandle thinks that cutthroat culture—combined with the draw of playing in a tax-free, low-media-scrutiny market—has made them a powerhouse.
NHL players increasingly prefer playing for Southern markets so they don't have to deal with intense 24/7 media scrutiny.
Guys don't want to be in these big time markets where you're getting, like Mitch Marner for example, like he's in Toronto... I think the draw of playing in those big cities is, has came down a little bit and you know, guys wanna live in nice weather... But if you're in Tampa or Fort Lauderdale or Vegas or even more South Colorado, like those, those, those guys can, they can, they can live their lives and and also enjoy the, the fruits and labor of being in the NHL.
When it came time for predictions, Yandle is riding with the mojo in Vegas. He thinks the combination of experience and their ability to find "erasing" defenders like Keandre Miller will be too much for the Canes to handle over a long series.
The Golden Knights will win the Stanley Cup in six games
I'm going Vegas in six. I hope it goes seven, but I'm going Vegas in six. I I think they, I think they got the mojo going right now and at the end of the day, man, can you, can you root against your guy Liam Blattman?
Who's Back and the Madden Curse
The show wrapped up with a heated Who's Back of the Week. Hank went after the NCAA for potentially expanding the tournament, while Zac brought some Chicago-centric anxiety to the table regarding the new Madden cover. With Caleb Williams reportedly gracing the front of Madden 27, the fear of the curse is officially back in the Windy City.
Caleb Williams will be on the cover of Madden 27
My who's back this week is gonna be the Ice Man. Caleb Williams... the they elite. The the Madden cover for this year. Madden 27. Caleb's on the cover, I guess could be depending on, Hey, look at it. Some guys believe in the Madden Curse, some don't.
Between the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup, and the start of Mount Rushmore season just two weeks away, it’s officially the best time of year to be a sports fan.
Good luck to the Knicks, but keep an eye on the Spurs—Wemby might just be the "Great Discourager" the Garden isn't ready for.

