Thanks for listening to The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weeknight ten pm to two am Eastern seven to eleven pm Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. Find your local station for The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon at Foxsports Radio dot com, or stream us live every night on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR.

Thanks for listening to The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weeknight ten pm to two am Eastern seven to eleven pm Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. Find your local station for The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon at Foxsports Radio dot com, or stream us live every night on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR.

Please give this you're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Please give this you're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Hello, Welcome in side our three, The Jason Smith Show with my best friend Mike Harmon. No lot from tire iraq dot com, studios Direct dot com. Help you get there an unmatched election, fast, free shipping, free road hazard protection at over ten thousand recommended installers tirack dot com.

Hello, Welcome in side our three, The Jason Smith Show with my best friend Mike Harmon. No lot from tire iraq dot com, studios Direct dot com. Help you get there an unmatched election, fast, free shipping, free road hazard protection at over ten thousand recommended installers tirack dot com.

The way tire buying should be. Well, we'll get to Rick Carlisle coming up in a few minutes.

The way tire buying should be. Well, we'll get to Rick Carlisle coming up in a few minutes.

The Celtics eliminate Carlile and the Pacers one oh five, one oh two head to the NBA Finals.

The Celtics eliminate Carlile and the Pacers one oh five, one oh two head to the NBA Finals.

On a four to oh sweep.

On a four to oh sweep.

They will have all kinds of time to get Chris tops porzingis healthy as it doesn't start until June sixth, so who knows how much he's even gonna play when he comes back because well, the Celts are playing a pretty high level without him, and now you disrupt the rotation a bit, but still they have time to get him back. Now, let's debate, and let's talk about the officiating call that has a lot of people, Pacers, fans and probably were Carlisle very upset that didn't get called in the second half of this game. Uh, there was a flagrant foul opportunity to be called on the Celtics on Jalen Brown who in going for a loose ball, hits TJ McConnell in the face, in the face in the peyton McConnell is obviously stricken hard he goes down. If that's a flagrant foul, potentially that could have changed the game instead of a foul and Boston winds up going up by four. It's a pretty big swing in that game. Ah.

They will have all kinds of time to get Chris tops porzingis healthy as it doesn't start until June sixth, so who knows how much he's even gonna play when he comes back because well, the Celts are playing a pretty high level without him, and now you disrupt the rotation a bit, but still they have time to get him back. Now, let's debate, and let's talk about the officiating call that has a lot of people, Pacers, fans and probably were Carlisle very upset that didn't get called in the second half of this game. Uh, there was a flagrant foul opportunity to be called on the Celtics on Jalen Brown who in going for a loose ball, hits TJ McConnell in the face, in the face in the peyton McConnell is obviously stricken hard he goes down. If that's a flagrant foul, potentially that could have changed the game instead of a foul and Boston winds up going up by four. It's a pretty big swing in that game. Ah.

Now, and here's where the now the pace is.

Now, and here's where the now the pace is.

What we're gonna all we're gonna do is look at the foul calls and why the foul calls. While we look at the foul calls, Yeah, you got swept. Okay, you got swept. This wasn't the seven game series. All you got swept. Stop with about the fouls.

What we're gonna all we're gonna do is look at the foul calls and why the foul calls. While we look at the foul calls, Yeah, you got swept. Okay, you got swept. This wasn't the seven game series. All you got swept. Stop with about the fouls.

Pace was up six at that point, seven to twenty three, remaining the eventual finals Eastern Conference Finals MVP.

Pace was up six at that point, seven to twenty three, remaining the eventual finals Eastern Conference Finals MVP.

With with the contact.

With with the contact.

Yeah, look, and I I understand that they're upset about the lack of a call here now big picture and then specific picture the issue with flagrant fouls and in calling them, and not not for this play specifically, But the issue is they're too nebulous. Right when you see the the the officials say, Hey, the contact though unfortunate, or this contact was inadvertent. I mean a lot of flagrant fouls are inadvertent, right. It's it's just it's too nebulous. It's it's too hard. It's almost like the old NFL what what's a catch rule? I don't I don't know what it catches. I don't know what it can because they change it. Yeah, when you leave too many things open to interpretation, you're gonna get a wide spectrum of what some officials see as a flagrant foul and what they don't see is a flagrant foul. And and so that that's inherently that's something that hey, we got to tighten that up a little bit, because hey, why is this a flagrant foul.

Yeah, look, and I I understand that they're upset about the lack of a call here now big picture and then specific picture the issue with flagrant fouls and in calling them, and not not for this play specifically, But the issue is they're too nebulous. Right when you see the the the officials say, Hey, the contact though unfortunate, or this contact was inadvertent. I mean a lot of flagrant fouls are inadvertent, right. It's it's just it's too nebulous. It's it's too hard. It's almost like the old NFL what what's a catch rule? I don't I don't know what it catches. I don't know what it can because they change it. Yeah, when you leave too many things open to interpretation, you're gonna get a wide spectrum of what some officials see as a flagrant foul and what they don't see is a flagrant foul. And and so that that's inherently that's something that hey, we got to tighten that up a little bit, because hey, why is this a flagrant foul.

This wasn't a flagrant foul, and why this was here? Why this was here?

This wasn't a flagrant foul, and why this was here? Why this was here?

So I think that needs to wind up being taken care of because you do get too much. You don't want the needle to swing too far to the left or right, and you want the needle to be a little bit more towards the center on it. But this play, I'm okay with it for a couple of reasons. That it wasn't called number one because you had to play earlier.

So I think that needs to wind up being taken care of because you do get too much. You don't want the needle to swing too far to the left or right, and you want the needle to be a little bit more towards the center on it. But this play, I'm okay with it for a couple of reasons. That it wasn't called number one because you had to play earlier.

In the game.

In the game.

Or Isaiah Jackson kicks Peyton Pritchet in the face crazy?

Or Isaiah Jackson kicks Peyton Pritchet in the face crazy?

Was that something I know?

Was that something I know?

And that that was a big kick, and that was a backwards kick like.

And that that was a big kick, and that was a backwards kick like.

Chris Adams Super Yeah Class Championship, going all the way back.

Chris Adams Super Yeah Class Championship, going all the way back.

I mean, he's like six feet in the air with that kick to the face. And it's not like the only time he's ever done he's done it before. But that wasn't called a flagrant foul, So okay, And this one, yes, did it look flagrant? Did Jalen Brown go into that knowing that, Hey, I can catch a lot of TJ McConnell's face here, because this is a guy that's been getting into the lane and hitting those little tear drop jumpers from seven to eight feet away. And he's the most annoying player in the NBA, So yeah, can I kind of teach him a little bit a lesson here?

I mean, he's like six feet in the air with that kick to the face. And it's not like the only time he's ever done he's done it before. But that wasn't called a flagrant foul, So okay, And this one, yes, did it look flagrant? Did Jalen Brown go into that knowing that, Hey, I can catch a lot of TJ McConnell's face here, because this is a guy that's been getting into the lane and hitting those little tear drop jumpers from seven to eight feet away. And he's the most annoying player in the NBA, So yeah, can I kind of teach him a little bit a lesson here?

Yeah? Did it look like it was a flagrant fowl?

Yeah? Did it look like it was a flagrant fowl?

Yeah, but what he did to hide it and to stop getting the call is that he made it where he was going for the ball like when you see flagrant fowls called the officials, I think now rely on the fact that, Okay, if I can see one hundred percent he's not making a play on the ball, I can call it right, which I don't know how. You don't how you call you don't call the kick to the face of early game of Peyton Pritchard. But that's kind of what the officials are gonna go. Okay, can I see he's not making a play in the ball, And at the least I look at this and I see here's Jalen Brown going in, going in with his arm up.

Yeah, but what he did to hide it and to stop getting the call is that he made it where he was going for the ball like when you see flagrant fowls called the officials, I think now rely on the fact that, Okay, if I can see one hundred percent he's not making a play on the ball, I can call it right, which I don't know how. You don't how you call you don't call the kick to the face of early game of Peyton Pritchard. But that's kind of what the officials are gonna go. Okay, can I see he's not making a play in the ball, And at the least I look at this and I see here's Jalen Brown going in, going in with his arm up.

Towards the basketball.

Towards the basketball.

Now, did he want to catch TJ mcconnald's Of course he did, Like he wanted to send to met You're not gonna just come in here in the lane and keep hitting shots right, like, this is not the Knicks where everybody over five seven is out of the game. Now, okay, this is you're not gonna do this. But he made it. Look hey, I'm going for the ball. So I can see the official looking at it and saying I can't look at this and say he's one hundred percent not.

Now, did he want to catch TJ mcconnald's Of course he did, Like he wanted to send to met You're not gonna just come in here in the lane and keep hitting shots right, like, this is not the Knicks where everybody over five seven is out of the game. Now, okay, this is you're not gonna do this. But he made it. Look hey, I'm going for the ball. So I can see the official looking at it and saying I can't look at this and say he's one hundred percent not.

Going for the ball like he's.

Going for the ball like he's.

Yes, he gets him, and that's why the official says the contact, while unfortunate, doesn't rise to the level of a flagrant foul. So for those couple of reasons, I'm kind of okay with it, because obviously, if you have one you didn't call. It was a flagrant fowl early in the game, you don't call one later. Okay, I'm okay with that, you canceling each other out. But that one, I get it. I get the strategy, and I get why they didn't call it. If this was just Jalen Brown comes in with a straight arm and it's more of a clothes line or so, oh yeah, then I get it. But the way it looks, hey, my hand is going up and I'm going for the basketball, and oh I just so happened to get him. So it's a regular foul. So I'm okay with the note flagrant foul calls, and they also understand why they didn't call it there on on on the Celtics.

Yes, he gets him, and that's why the official says the contact, while unfortunate, doesn't rise to the level of a flagrant foul. So for those couple of reasons, I'm kind of okay with it, because obviously, if you have one you didn't call. It was a flagrant fowl early in the game, you don't call one later. Okay, I'm okay with that, you canceling each other out. But that one, I get it. I get the strategy, and I get why they didn't call it. If this was just Jalen Brown comes in with a straight arm and it's more of a clothes line or so, oh yeah, then I get it. But the way it looks, hey, my hand is going up and I'm going for the basketball, and oh I just so happened to get him. So it's a regular foul. So I'm okay with the note flagrant foul calls, and they also understand why they didn't call it there on on on the Celtics.

I'd have more respect for him.

I'd have more respect for him.

I just said it was a makeup call, makeup instead of explanation. Well, you know, this is Zaraba talking to the indie Stark quote after review. Brown is following the arch of the ball. Make you play on the basketball during the rebounding action. There's no wind, there's no follow through with.

I just said it was a makeup call, makeup instead of explanation. Well, you know, this is Zaraba talking to the indie Stark quote after review. Brown is following the arch of the ball. Make you play on the basketball during the rebounding action. There's no wind, there's no follow through with.

The contact of m McConnell. Yeah, because his face stops the hand. That was me editorializing.

The contact of m McConnell. Yeah, because his face stops the hand. That was me editorializing.

That's not his fault. His face stopped his hand, all right, that's not his fault.

That's not his fault. His face stopped his hand, all right, that's not his fault.

We feel that it was unfortunate, but it did not rise to the level of a flagrant fall. Again, just tell me it was a make up call for the one that for Richard wearing the side of a.

We feel that it was unfortunate, but it did not rise to the level of a flagrant fall. Again, just tell me it was a make up call for the one that for Richard wearing the side of a.

Top shoe. I mean, that's really what it comes down to.

Top shoe. I mean, that's really what it comes down to.

I was gonna say cleat, but obviously out of cleat. But you know, the the idea that you let this go. Look, in a regular season game, you're calling that every time, every time. There's no question about because he doesn't get any he doesn't get a hand on the basketball.

I was gonna say cleat, but obviously out of cleat. But you know, the the idea that you let this go. Look, in a regular season game, you're calling that every time, every time. There's no question about because he doesn't get any he doesn't get a hand on the basketball.

Saying you tried to make a play.

Saying you tried to make a play.

Doesn't excuse you punching a guy, all right, giving him an open hand slap to the face, which is what happened here, and he and it was dangerous, right because he's flying in for the board and he ends up going over as if it were a full.

Doesn't excuse you punching a guy, all right, giving him an open hand slap to the face, which is what happened here, and he and it was dangerous, right because he's flying in for the board and he ends up going over as if it were a full.

On WWE inspired clothesline.

On WWE inspired clothesline.

Exit out about a Fresca exit swalling down The Jason Smith Show with Mike Carmon Live from the tirec dot Com studios.

Exit out about a Fresca exit swalling down The Jason Smith Show with Mike Carmon Live from the tirec dot Com studios.

All right, so there's our takes on the Roma style.

All right, so there's our takes on the Roma style.

You're gonna see. Look, maybe the Pacers are gonna be upset. They're always upset with calls. What did Rick Carlisle have to say following.

You're gonna see. Look, maybe the Pacers are gonna be upset. They're always upset with calls. What did Rick Carlisle have to say following.

The Pacers elimination.

The Pacers elimination.

Let's hear a little bit of the Pacers head coach following the defeat and end of their season.

Let's hear a little bit of the Pacers head coach following the defeat and end of their season.

And look, they're opportunistic. They don't want this thing to go on any any longer. Give them credit for the stuff they pulled off at the end of the last two games. They simply made more plays, you know, they block shots, they got offensive rebounds, they made they made key shots.

And look, they're opportunistic. They don't want this thing to go on any any longer. Give them credit for the stuff they pulled off at the end of the last two games. They simply made more plays, you know, they block shots, they got offensive rebounds, they made they made key shots.

We were unable.

We were unable.

I love the fact that you know, our guys never waivered competitively one one inch or millimeters or anything like that. You know, we we played at a at a great level, and we you know, we we made our share mistakes. Like tonight, you know, we we gambled probably five times in the second half that led to at least ten points for them. And those are those are discipline type things that you have to you have to learn in this kind of environment, you know, and you know, I just you know, you swing and miss and they get a three. You swing and miss, they get a layup, and it's just and then you if you're unable to match at the other end, I mean, it's it.

I love the fact that you know, our guys never waivered competitively one one inch or millimeters or anything like that. You know, we we played at a at a great level, and we you know, we we made our share mistakes. Like tonight, you know, we we gambled probably five times in the second half that led to at least ten points for them. And those are those are discipline type things that you have to you have to learn in this kind of environment, you know, and you know, I just you know, you swing and miss and they get a three. You swing and miss, they get a layup, and it's just and then you if you're unable to match at the other end, I mean, it's it.

Makes it very very difficult.

Makes it very very difficult.

And then momentum ships and so you know, those are some of the lessons. Those are like, you know, strategic things and all.

And then momentum ships and so you know, those are some of the lessons. Those are like, you know, strategic things and all.

Right, so there summer Rick Carlisle, uh talking about the end. They're very philosophical at the end. And look in the end, what can you say, I mean, can you really come out and blame the officials when you got swept?

Right, so there summer Rick Carlisle, uh talking about the end. They're very philosophical at the end. And look in the end, what can you say, I mean, can you really come out and blame the officials when you got swept?

I mean you can't. You can't.

I mean you can't. You can't.

Mean he made his point and he went over the top and he was crying and whining with the Knicks. And after game two, okay, then he goes away. Then after game five, then after game three says, oh, there's a lot of things Pacers fans wouldn't be upset. It's like, dude, come on, and are you really gonna do that after every game and say there's plays that we needed to that we didn't get a chance to make, or that.

Mean he made his point and he went over the top and he was crying and whining with the Knicks. And after game two, okay, then he goes away. Then after game five, then after game three says, oh, there's a lot of things Pacers fans wouldn't be upset. It's like, dude, come on, and are you really gonna do that after every game and say there's plays that we needed to that we didn't get a chance to make, or that.

It's our fault. Let's go back. Let's go back to game two.

It's our fault. Let's go back. Let's go back to game two.

You gave away Game one that you gave away to the to the Celtics because you coached poorly. Right, let's not forget that that was the game of the series, because honestly, when you look at, say, the Celtics winning the series four games at all was so than that. Yeah, and Game one was where the Pacers lost the series. Right for all of the talk back then, which was, hey, boy, I feel really good if I'm the Pacers. They almost beat the Celtics. On boy, this feels really great. What did we say after that? No, that was the game the Pacers needed to win. People forget the Celtics are a much better team than the Pacers are. Doesn't mean the Celtics are infallible. Doesn't mean the Celtics are gonna automatically win the series because you know they're gonna give you a game. They give you at least one game in every series where for whatever reason, they show up and they don't play to their capabilities. Game one was that game, and you gave it away by not calling time out, by not fouling. You lost that game. That was the game. All the other stuff that's all cosmetic because you lose Game two, you lose Game three, All that stuff is cosmetic. There's no but I can point to specific examples of Game one that you gave away that you needed to close and you didn't win that game. You play the last two games without Tyres Haliburton, How expected are you to win? The fact you came this close without him? That says a lot for the Pacers. But that was what lost this series. And anytime I see him talking about the officials out, I'm like, come on, you gotta stop. So I'm glad at least he was more philosophical about this the end of the series, realizing okay, we lost in four games. It wasn't a sweep, but boy, I really would like to see him say, hey, you know what Game one was where we lost this series? Because it was because it could have been. It could have been a series. Pacers win Game one, suddenly it's a Celtics backser to the wall. Hey it's one to one. Pacers are going home. They're feeling really good, they got a split. We said, hey, maybe it's two to two. They find a way to pull something out, but instead it was just that's it.

You gave away Game one that you gave away to the to the Celtics because you coached poorly. Right, let's not forget that that was the game of the series, because honestly, when you look at, say, the Celtics winning the series four games at all was so than that. Yeah, and Game one was where the Pacers lost the series. Right for all of the talk back then, which was, hey, boy, I feel really good if I'm the Pacers. They almost beat the Celtics. On boy, this feels really great. What did we say after that? No, that was the game the Pacers needed to win. People forget the Celtics are a much better team than the Pacers are. Doesn't mean the Celtics are infallible. Doesn't mean the Celtics are gonna automatically win the series because you know they're gonna give you a game. They give you at least one game in every series where for whatever reason, they show up and they don't play to their capabilities. Game one was that game, and you gave it away by not calling time out, by not fouling. You lost that game. That was the game. All the other stuff that's all cosmetic because you lose Game two, you lose Game three, All that stuff is cosmetic. There's no but I can point to specific examples of Game one that you gave away that you needed to close and you didn't win that game. You play the last two games without Tyres Haliburton, How expected are you to win? The fact you came this close without him? That says a lot for the Pacers. But that was what lost this series. And anytime I see him talking about the officials out, I'm like, come on, you gotta stop. So I'm glad at least he was more philosophical about this the end of the series, realizing okay, we lost in four games. It wasn't a sweep, but boy, I really would like to see him say, hey, you know what Game one was where we lost this series? Because it was because it could have been. It could have been a series. Pacers win Game one, suddenly it's a Celtics backser to the wall. Hey it's one to one. Pacers are going home. They're feeling really good, they got a split. We said, hey, maybe it's two to two. They find a way to pull something out, but instead it was just that's it.

That's it. Go going home down.

That's it. Go going home down.

Two zip to the Celtics different than going home down two zip to a beat up Knicks team that was just trying to make it day to day. That's what lost the series. Nothing that happened tonight, nothing lad That Game one was what lost the series for the Pacers.

Two zip to the Celtics different than going home down two zip to a beat up Knicks team that was just trying to make it day to day. That's what lost the series. Nothing that happened tonight, nothing lad That Game one was what lost the series for the Pacers.

Yeah, I mean the open his remarks talking about what a magical season it was and how expectations will be raised. And I haven't seen the full transcript for all the questions that would have been asked. But again we go back to as we broke it down, Why why no time out? Why no slap file to try to extend the game?

Yeah, I mean the open his remarks talking about what a magical season it was and how expectations will be raised. And I haven't seen the full transcript for all the questions that would have been asked. But again we go back to as we broke it down, Why why no time out? Why no slap file to try to extend the game?

Why not? I mean, I get it, You're you're down.

Why not? I mean, I get it, You're you're down.

Three to Oh nobody's ever done this, but the competitiveness, the fight.

Three to Oh nobody's ever done this, but the competitiveness, the fight.

Yeah, to your point.

Yeah, to your point.

Game one, give it away, Game three, give it away, Game four over a ninety percent win probability again. Uh and and you lose outright and get swept. So yeah, there's gonna be a lot of anxious moments. He did get to talk about how a couple of guys are gonna represent Team Canada and the Olympics.

Game one, give it away, Game three, give it away, Game four over a ninety percent win probability again. Uh and and you lose outright and get swept. So yeah, there's gonna be a lot of anxious moments. He did get to talk about how a couple of guys are gonna represent Team Canada and the Olympics.

So that's good. Yeah, that's good. And hey, hey, the Olympics are coming, right, Olympics are coming.

So that's good. Yeah, that's good. And hey, hey, the Olympics are coming, right, Olympics are coming.

We're getting and now they won't have a conflict with like the NBA finals.

We're getting and now they won't have a conflict with like the NBA finals.

It's well, the.

It's well, the.

Finals start after the Olympics.

Finals start after the Olympics.

Mike, Oh, I'm sorry I missed the No, no, no, I think no, justin you have it wrong. The finals begin, then they take a break in the middle of the finals for the Olympics, and then they finish the finals after the Olympics. That's how it goes.

Mike, Oh, I'm sorry I missed the No, no, no, I think no, justin you have it wrong. The finals begin, then they take a break in the middle of the finals for the Olympics, and then they finish the finals after the Olympics. That's how it goes.

Wow.

Wow.

Yeah, the first three games are before the Olympics. Then they have the Olympics, then games four through seven, whatever's necessary. Wait, did the Olympics count as a second in season tournament this year?

Yeah, the first three games are before the Olympics. Then they have the Olympics, then games four through seven, whatever's necessary. Wait, did the Olympics count as a second in season tournament this year?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Okay, okay, So I don't want to get too complicated. But okay.

Okay, okay, So I don't want to get too complicated. But okay.

What we could see happen depending on how the Olympics goes, is that we could see a champion awarded the first three games of the NBA Finals, like someone who wins two of the first three wins the first NBA Finals. Then, depending on who wins the Olympics, then the last four games of the NBA Finals could go to another team. We could see two NBA Finals champions. I don't want to get too complicated, but you got it. You forced me to explain it, man, you forced to explain it.

What we could see happen depending on how the Olympics goes, is that we could see a champion awarded the first three games of the NBA Finals, like someone who wins two of the first three wins the first NBA Finals. Then, depending on who wins the Olympics, then the last four games of the NBA Finals could go to another team. We could see two NBA Finals champions. I don't want to get too complicated, but you got it. You forced me to explain it, man, you forced to explain it.

Neither one of them will be the.

Neither one of them will be the.

Next and neither one of the will be the Lakers.

Next and neither one of the will be the Lakers.

Of course it will. It's a tournament.

Of course it will. It's a tournament.

All of a sudden, we come back. Oh, hey, the Lakers are showing up here.

All of a sudden, we come back. Oh, hey, the Lakers are showing up here.

They're playing it angle five hundred thousand dollars out there, man, let's.

They're playing it angle five hundred thousand dollars out there, man, let's.

Go Undertaker gift trending.

Go Undertaker gift trending.

Hey, Lebron and a d are gonna play for Luke and Kyrie. Okay, that's gonna happen. Exit outbout of Fresco, Exit swollen down The Jason Smith Show with ma I best friend Mike Harmon. Yeah, this game fun entertaining. Rick Carlisle bifted at the end, which we'll get to, but this was over after Game one. Coming up next, NBA insider Mark Medina stops by. Are the Celtics Unstoppable? Plus we'll continue to remember the life of Bill Wall and keep it right here Jason and Mike.

Hey, Lebron and a d are gonna play for Luke and Kyrie. Okay, that's gonna happen. Exit outbout of Fresco, Exit swollen down The Jason Smith Show with ma I best friend Mike Harmon. Yeah, this game fun entertaining. Rick Carlisle bifted at the end, which we'll get to, but this was over after Game one. Coming up next, NBA insider Mark Medina stops by. Are the Celtics Unstoppable? Plus we'll continue to remember the life of Bill Wall and keep it right here Jason and Mike.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon weekdays at ten pm Eastern, seven pm Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app. Two NBA Insiders podcasting twice a week to plug you right into the NBA graape fine.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon weekdays at ten pm Eastern, seven pm Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app. Two NBA Insiders podcasting twice a week to plug you right into the NBA graape fine.

All happening in only one place. This League Uncut, the new NBA podcast with Me.

All happening in only one place. This League Uncut, the new NBA podcast with Me.

Chris Haynes and me Mark Stein join.

Chris Haynes and me Mark Stein join.

Us as we team up to expound on everything we're covering Hearing and Chason.

Us as we team up to expound on everything we're covering Hearing and Chason.

Listen to This League Uncut with Chris Haynes and Mark Stein.

Listen to This League Uncut with Chris Haynes and Mark Stein.

On the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

On the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Radio The Jason Smith Show with my best friend Mike Harmon live from the tire Rack dot Com Studios. Celtics beat the Pacers one oh five to one oh two. Jason Tatum with twenty six thirteen rebounds and eight assists, Jalen Brown with twenty nine and zero flagrant fouls to lead the Celtics.

Radio The Jason Smith Show with my best friend Mike Harmon live from the tire Rack dot Com Studios. Celtics beat the Pacers one oh five to one oh two. Jason Tatum with twenty six thirteen rebounds and eight assists, Jalen Brown with twenty nine and zero flagrant fouls to lead the Celtics.

Into the NBA Finals.

Into the NBA Finals.

The Pacers, well, they win as many games in the conference finals as the Knicks.

The Pacers, well, they win as many games in the conference finals as the Knicks.

Is that too soon?

Is that too soon?

Too soon for that?

Too soon for that?

Mic?

Mic?

Well, you know, so too soon? Yeah, now you're just shining bitter and hateful.

Well, you know, so too soon? Yeah, now you're just shining bitter and hateful.

But I'm accurate. I'm not lying. No, sure, Yeah, I didn't lie.

But I'm accurate. I'm not lying. No, sure, Yeah, I didn't lie.

Joey have the welcome shine out in Kenkon.

Joey have the welcome shine out in Kenkon.

With us now on the hot line to break it all down NBA Inside or longtime friend of the show. You can follow on Twitter at Mark g Underscore MA DNA Seum on TV here in La Mark, what's happening?

With us now on the hot line to break it all down NBA Inside or longtime friend of the show. You can follow on Twitter at Mark g Underscore MA DNA Seum on TV here in La Mark, what's happening?

But how are you? Man?

But how are you? Man?

I'm hanging in as you. Oh No, It's been a tough tay losing the great Bill Walton. But in honor of him, I'll try to be a part of a great radio broadcast as you all to entertainment, fun and stories.

I'm hanging in as you. Oh No, It's been a tough tay losing the great Bill Walton. But in honor of him, I'll try to be a part of a great radio broadcast as you all to entertainment, fun and stories.

You know.

You know.

It's I mean, the biggest thing that I've said tonight, I think is that you're going to see and hear a hundred stories about Bill Walton in the next few hours, and they're all true.

It's I mean, the biggest thing that I've said tonight, I think is that you're going to see and hear a hundred stories about Bill Walton in the next few hours, and they're all true.

Like there's not one, there's no wing. No, no he did that. No he did.

Like there's not one, there's no wing. No, no he did that. No he did.

He played the xylophone, He ate cupcakes. All is that he did all of these things. He was just that kind of guy.

He played the xylophone, He ate cupcakes. All is that he did all of these things. He was just that kind of guy.

Yeah. I remember talking to him a few years ago when he was, you know, really obsessed with his bike and exercise regimen after having all these health ordeals, needing thirty seven procedures for you know, address him was everything with his back, knees and ankles, and he was sharing that when they want the championship in seventy seven, that's when he first got introduced to his bike and really loved it. But the problem was when he was celebrating now there, like his bike got separated because of all the crazy Blazer maniacs that wanted to want to celebrate with him. So he didn't know where his bike wound up being. But he was just thankful he still ended up in one piece.

Yeah. I remember talking to him a few years ago when he was, you know, really obsessed with his bike and exercise regimen after having all these health ordeals, needing thirty seven procedures for you know, address him was everything with his back, knees and ankles, and he was sharing that when they want the championship in seventy seven, that's when he first got introduced to his bike and really loved it. But the problem was when he was celebrating now there, like his bike got separated because of all the crazy Blazer maniacs that wanted to want to celebrate with him. So he didn't know where his bike wound up being. But he was just thankful he still ended up in one piece.

The great Bill Walton.

The great Bill Walton.

Yeah, so many things. But you know, the argument now.

Yeah, so many things. But you know, the argument now.

Becomes, you know, as people look back on the career, it's like basketball player are broadcast or Mark.

Becomes, you know, as people look back on the career, it's like basketball player are broadcast or Mark.

Yeah, I mean that's that's the ultimate thing. Because he was very entertaining as a broadcaster. I felt like when he even date back to his time doing NBA broadcast, Like, on one hand, he was very honest, so honest that I remember when Luke Wall was the Lakers coach, he shared that one of his initiation or deals that he went through was that, you know, Shaquille and El and Kobe Bryant in particular, did not like some of the critical things that Bill said about them on the air, so they took it out on Luke and assigned him even more rookie duties. So on one hand, he's really critical and didn't hold back, But hand we saw just the Goofyenis and just all the viral moments. And the tough thing about this is to compare his whole playing career. I mean, he had a Hall Fame resume for a reason, like he was part of that UCLA dominance, had a championship in Portland, but there was a lot left on the table because of all his injuries. I mean, if he had been healthy, he can only imagine how many more championships, how many more records he would have set because he was just that skilled of a big man.

Yeah, I mean that's that's the ultimate thing. Because he was very entertaining as a broadcaster. I felt like when he even date back to his time doing NBA broadcast, Like, on one hand, he was very honest, so honest that I remember when Luke Wall was the Lakers coach, he shared that one of his initiation or deals that he went through was that, you know, Shaquille and El and Kobe Bryant in particular, did not like some of the critical things that Bill said about them on the air, so they took it out on Luke and assigned him even more rookie duties. So on one hand, he's really critical and didn't hold back, But hand we saw just the Goofyenis and just all the viral moments. And the tough thing about this is to compare his whole playing career. I mean, he had a Hall Fame resume for a reason, like he was part of that UCLA dominance, had a championship in Portland, but there was a lot left on the table because of all his injuries. I mean, if he had been healthy, he can only imagine how many more championships, how many more records he would have set because he was just that skilled of a big man.

Mark Medina with US Year of Fox Sports Radio, Jason Smith, Mike Harmon, well on the dead look and how much can you say? The PAC twelve conference ends, the Celtics go to the NBA Finals. His former team is former conference, you know, helping to you know, Honor Bill Walton seeing to the end of the PAC twelve, the Conference of Champions. It's been it's been some kind of day with those coincidences.

Mark Medina with US Year of Fox Sports Radio, Jason Smith, Mike Harmon, well on the dead look and how much can you say? The PAC twelve conference ends, the Celtics go to the NBA Finals. His former team is former conference, you know, helping to you know, Honor Bill Walton seeing to the end of the PAC twelve, the Conference of Champions. It's been it's been some kind of day with those coincidences.

Going on too.

Going on too.

Yeah, I mean, I definitely believe in some sort of cosmic forces in play here, so if there is a connection with that, I want to be surprised.

Yeah, I mean, I definitely believe in some sort of cosmic forces in play here, so if there is a connection with that, I want to be surprised.

You know.

You know.

The other thing that really triggers me with Bill is just like remembering some of his quotes and I'm just like reflecting on his interview he gave me a few years ago, and as he was saying these things, I was trying hard not to laugh. But at the same time I knew that it was sincere. Like when he was talking about, you know, the Blazers championship brought in seventy seven. He said in his voice that I can't really imitate, but he was praising the Blazer crowd. He was saying, the crowd made me better, the crowd made me high. They knew how to make us better. They just drove us to even higher levels, to delirious celebration and delirious support. And I can't imagine any more true words he would have spoken like, I think that the crowd made him high from an adrenaline stand rush, but I want to be surprised as that crowd made them high after the game.

The other thing that really triggers me with Bill is just like remembering some of his quotes and I'm just like reflecting on his interview he gave me a few years ago, and as he was saying these things, I was trying hard not to laugh. But at the same time I knew that it was sincere. Like when he was talking about, you know, the Blazers championship brought in seventy seven. He said in his voice that I can't really imitate, but he was praising the Blazer crowd. He was saying, the crowd made me better, the crowd made me high. They knew how to make us better. They just drove us to even higher levels, to delirious celebration and delirious support. And I can't imagine any more true words he would have spoken like, I think that the crowd made him high from an adrenaline stand rush, but I want to be surprised as that crowd made them high after the game.

Still, it takes a village.

Still, it takes a village.

Mark Medina with us here, Fox Sports Radio, Jason Smith Show with Me, Mike Carbon all right, so let's move to well, his former team, the Celtics, move on, Jalen.

Mark Medina with us here, Fox Sports Radio, Jason Smith Show with Me, Mike Carbon all right, so let's move to well, his former team, the Celtics, move on, Jalen.

Brown the Conference finals, MVP.

Brown the Conference finals, MVP.

I'll ask you the poll I put up Mark on Twitter at Swallend Dome, which was a more competitive final series? You know when we talk about the Nuggets and the Lakers or these Pacers with the Celtics.

I'll ask you the poll I put up Mark on Twitter at Swallend Dome, which was a more competitive final series? You know when we talk about the Nuggets and the Lakers or these Pacers with the Celtics.

Yeah, it's really it's honestly a good question. I would say it was Lakers Nuggets only because once Tyres Haliburton was out with you know, the hamstring. I know that technically the Pacers are giving a fighters chance and making competitive, but it didn't have this feel that they actually had a shot. It's felt like the Celtics were playing down to their competition, as they have often done this season, and once they need to actually play they did that Game one was something else. I felt like that that would have been the chance to make it competitive, but they just really squandered everything with the mishandling, you know, knowing how to possess the ball, calling time outs, for Carlisle, not having someone you know, foul Jalen Brown before he could have you know, forced overtime with the three that he did. Where I think with the Lakers Nuggets, clearly the Nuggets showed every single game that they were a better team. But up until crunch time, the Lakers were technically in the games. So I would give the not to the Lakers. But yeah, I would say the bigger more competitive series out of all these were uh should have been the Knicks series. But you know what, are you going to say that they got shipped with all those calls and if they were healthier, they would have given the Celtics a better run.

Yeah, it's really it's honestly a good question. I would say it was Lakers Nuggets only because once Tyres Haliburton was out with you know, the hamstring. I know that technically the Pacers are giving a fighters chance and making competitive, but it didn't have this feel that they actually had a shot. It's felt like the Celtics were playing down to their competition, as they have often done this season, and once they need to actually play they did that Game one was something else. I felt like that that would have been the chance to make it competitive, but they just really squandered everything with the mishandling, you know, knowing how to possess the ball, calling time outs, for Carlisle, not having someone you know, foul Jalen Brown before he could have you know, forced overtime with the three that he did. Where I think with the Lakers Nuggets, clearly the Nuggets showed every single game that they were a better team. But up until crunch time, the Lakers were technically in the games. So I would give the not to the Lakers. But yeah, I would say the bigger more competitive series out of all these were uh should have been the Knicks series. But you know what, are you going to say that they got shipped with all those calls and if they were healthier, they would have given the Celtics a better run.

Oh hey, there you.

Oh hey, there you.

Go, my favorite guest ever on the show, Mark Medina here on Fox Sports Radio. All right, so let's get to the game here, because what I what fails to to make any sense to me, Mark, is how the Pacers navigated the final thirty seconds of that game by turning it into an all or nothing possession for the Celtics. They're down three and they decide it's okay to give them a shot that best case scenarios, we get the ball back with about five seconds left and are pushing up a desperation three. How they don't try to make the Celtics make free throws and extend the game. I just don't get Because what's a bigger advantage for a team being up by three with thirty seconds left or being up by three with eight seconds left, which was where you were going to be at best case scenario.

Go, my favorite guest ever on the show, Mark Medina here on Fox Sports Radio. All right, so let's get to the game here, because what I what fails to to make any sense to me, Mark, is how the Pacers navigated the final thirty seconds of that game by turning it into an all or nothing possession for the Celtics. They're down three and they decide it's okay to give them a shot that best case scenarios, we get the ball back with about five seconds left and are pushing up a desperation three. How they don't try to make the Celtics make free throws and extend the game. I just don't get Because what's a bigger advantage for a team being up by three with thirty seconds left or being up by three with eight seconds left, which was where you were going to be at best case scenario.

With the Pacers.

With the Pacers.

I don't know why they didn't try to extend the game.

I don't know why they didn't try to extend the game.

Yeah, I don't get it either. I mean, yeah, you ideally like to have single possessions in the game, but you also need the clock on your side. So I'm with you one hundred percent. It's the same logic as far as like, you know, fallying on a three point shot when you're up, Like, yeah, you give up some points, but you know you don't run the risk of the worst case scenario happening. So yeah, normally, when it comes to clock management, I'm not too in favor of like the two for one because we've seen players rush shots and forced bad shots just with the hope that they can get an outther opportunity to take a bad shot. But in this case, this is a defensive strategy and you got to you got to maximize whatever amount of clock time you have so you fully have a chance to get in the game. And it's really confounding with all this because Rick Carlisle, like he's a good coach, he's a veteran coach, like he's been there, done that, And I would have been more understanding of these miscues if it was a first year head coach and nothing else. But you know, even with that, you know, these are things that the casual fan or even you know, guys like us that follow the game, but obviously our drawing up plays recognized. So it just confounds me that the head coach on the sideline doesn't.

Yeah, I don't get it either. I mean, yeah, you ideally like to have single possessions in the game, but you also need the clock on your side. So I'm with you one hundred percent. It's the same logic as far as like, you know, fallying on a three point shot when you're up, Like, yeah, you give up some points, but you know you don't run the risk of the worst case scenario happening. So yeah, normally, when it comes to clock management, I'm not too in favor of like the two for one because we've seen players rush shots and forced bad shots just with the hope that they can get an outther opportunity to take a bad shot. But in this case, this is a defensive strategy and you got to you got to maximize whatever amount of clock time you have so you fully have a chance to get in the game. And it's really confounding with all this because Rick Carlisle, like he's a good coach, he's a veteran coach, like he's been there, done that, And I would have been more understanding of these miscues if it was a first year head coach and nothing else. But you know, even with that, you know, these are things that the casual fan or even you know, guys like us that follow the game, but obviously our drawing up plays recognized. So it just confounds me that the head coach on the sideline doesn't.

Now it might have only extended the inevitable conclusion of the series. The Jalen Brown play hand to the face mcconnellin sends him down to the ground, just called.

Now it might have only extended the inevitable conclusion of the series. The Jalen Brown play hand to the face mcconnellin sends him down to the ground, just called.

A common fall. How do you come out on that one? Mark?

A common fall. How do you come out on that one? Mark?

Yeah, I was okay with that. I mean, I think when it's the playoffs, you know, officials like to you know, I guess give opponents a little bit more rope as far as the physicality and not have free throws. Dick took the game, so I didn't have too much of a problem with them.

Yeah, I was okay with that. I mean, I think when it's the playoffs, you know, officials like to you know, I guess give opponents a little bit more rope as far as the physicality and not have free throws. Dick took the game, so I didn't have too much of a problem with them.

All right.

All right.

So getting into tomorrow, we're seeing that the Dallas Mavericks are already up three zip. They go for the closer, knowing full well we still have game four to go, that Mavericks have to win one more game.

So getting into tomorrow, we're seeing that the Dallas Mavericks are already up three zip. They go for the closer, knowing full well we still have game four to go, that Mavericks have to win one more game.

But three zip is still three zip.

But three zip is still three zip.

If we're looking at a Mavericks Celtics NBA Finals right now, who do you give the no?

If we're looking at a Mavericks Celtics NBA Finals right now, who do you give the no?

Man? It's really tough to call because every team has its own case. And the fact that the Celtics swept Indiana and have a lot of rest now and Christoph Worzingis might now have a lot more time to come back without the pressure playing that really changes the dynamic here. But I've really liked what Dallas has shown as a team, Like Lucas raised his game to another level, Kyrie Irving's playing like he's with Lebron James on Cleveland again and ready to lead them to a title. And their supporting cast is entirely improved from last season, where dal or Boston on paper is better. But what we've seen it with Boston is that on paper doesn't always matter. And I know there's a lot of qualifiers. You know, they play down to their competition. You would think that they play up against against Dallas, But I just haven't seen that kind of dom and rhythm and momentum that Boston shown that I tend to lean toward Dallas for that reason. I know that things should get easier for them because they had a better path to the NBA Finals. They'll be more rested, and porzingis Is will presumably be back and healthy. But I also believe wholeheartedly that rhythm in chemistry matters, and I think that the Mavericks have that advantage right now.

Man? It's really tough to call because every team has its own case. And the fact that the Celtics swept Indiana and have a lot of rest now and Christoph Worzingis might now have a lot more time to come back without the pressure playing that really changes the dynamic here. But I've really liked what Dallas has shown as a team, Like Lucas raised his game to another level, Kyrie Irving's playing like he's with Lebron James on Cleveland again and ready to lead them to a title. And their supporting cast is entirely improved from last season, where dal or Boston on paper is better. But what we've seen it with Boston is that on paper doesn't always matter. And I know there's a lot of qualifiers. You know, they play down to their competition. You would think that they play up against against Dallas, But I just haven't seen that kind of dom and rhythm and momentum that Boston shown that I tend to lean toward Dallas for that reason. I know that things should get easier for them because they had a better path to the NBA Finals. They'll be more rested, and porzingis Is will presumably be back and healthy. But I also believe wholeheartedly that rhythm in chemistry matters, and I think that the Mavericks have that advantage right now.

All right, Well, the other question that flows in if it ends tomorrow and we get those nine days off, how many times will Lebron James pop his head up like he's punk Sadan eat Phil over those nine days with wit tadlines.

All right, Well, the other question that flows in if it ends tomorrow and we get those nine days off, how many times will Lebron James pop his head up like he's punk Sadan eat Phil over those nine days with wit tadlines.

Yeah, you know what, maybe we get the news that JJ Reddick became the head coach, right to fill the news vacuum. I still think that that's going to happen after the NBA Finals, But no doubt there's going to be a lot of things to keep up in the news cycle, and it's always inevitable that Lebron James will be a part of it with something that he tweets, or something about Brawny with the NBA draft, or feedback about his workouts. I think the other thing that's going to be intriguing here is that if both teams have a layoff, how do they spend that time. And on one hand, the Celtics are going to like that time that they have, you know, porzingis you know, enough time to get a ramp up and get back in the swing of things. But they also need to adhere to the painful lessons of the nineteen eighty nine finals when the Lakers had so much time off before as Detroit and Boston are duking it out that pat Riley decided to have a training camp in Santa Barbara because he wanted to get the guys fresh, and then all of a sudden, Byron Scott injures his hamstring and he's out for the series. Shortly afterwards, Game one, Magic injurs as hamstring, and then they get swept to Detroit. So with both teams they should lean more toward on the rest side of things than think, oh, we got to get rhythm and get all these practices. And maybe you know, they know that because they're in load management era and medical staffs are more conservative. But they got they got to look at the history's lessons here and adopt accordingly.

Yeah, you know what, maybe we get the news that JJ Reddick became the head coach, right to fill the news vacuum. I still think that that's going to happen after the NBA Finals, But no doubt there's going to be a lot of things to keep up in the news cycle, and it's always inevitable that Lebron James will be a part of it with something that he tweets, or something about Brawny with the NBA draft, or feedback about his workouts. I think the other thing that's going to be intriguing here is that if both teams have a layoff, how do they spend that time. And on one hand, the Celtics are going to like that time that they have, you know, porzingis you know, enough time to get a ramp up and get back in the swing of things. But they also need to adhere to the painful lessons of the nineteen eighty nine finals when the Lakers had so much time off before as Detroit and Boston are duking it out that pat Riley decided to have a training camp in Santa Barbara because he wanted to get the guys fresh, and then all of a sudden, Byron Scott injures his hamstring and he's out for the series. Shortly afterwards, Game one, Magic injurs as hamstring, and then they get swept to Detroit. So with both teams they should lean more toward on the rest side of things than think, oh, we got to get rhythm and get all these practices. And maybe you know, they know that because they're in load management era and medical staffs are more conservative. But they got they got to look at the history's lessons here and adopt accordingly.

Hey, real quick, before I let you go, you mentioned Porzingis a couple of times, and now clearly the Celtics are gonna have all kinds of time to get him healthy coming back.

Hey, real quick, before I let you go, you mentioned Porzingis a couple of times, and now clearly the Celtics are gonna have all kinds of time to get him healthy coming back.

Does he play regular minutes when he comes back?

Does he play regular minutes when he comes back?

I mean, look, they've they've gotten along really well without him, They've played, they're at a point in the season where hey, this is what's been working for us and clicking.

I mean, look, they've they've gotten along really well without him, They've played, they're at a point in the season where hey, this is what's been working for us and clicking.

Do you still see him playing it, you know, in his normal minutes, in his normal responsibility.

Do you still see him playing it, you know, in his normal minutes, in his normal responsibility.

I think that very well could be, because they don't play until Thursday. Now. I think that if they have this serious extended, it would have been limited minutes because he would have been jumping right in the swing of things. He had just gone through some on court work, but as far as I know, hadn't done full five on five yet. If it does get to the point though that he's only doing five on five a day or two before the finals start. I still think it should be minutes restrictions. Calf injuries are very dicey. Kevin Durant had it in twenty nineteen during those playoffs, and then when he came back, you know, first game in the finals. I believe in game five he then had his achilles injury. So you don't want to mess around with those things. So if he gets enough time of multiple sessions of five on five, I would think no mint's restrictions, but if it's anything less than that, they should still be conservative.

I think that very well could be, because they don't play until Thursday. Now. I think that if they have this serious extended, it would have been limited minutes because he would have been jumping right in the swing of things. He had just gone through some on court work, but as far as I know, hadn't done full five on five yet. If it does get to the point though that he's only doing five on five a day or two before the finals start. I still think it should be minutes restrictions. Calf injuries are very dicey. Kevin Durant had it in twenty nineteen during those playoffs, and then when he came back, you know, first game in the finals. I believe in game five he then had his achilles injury. So you don't want to mess around with those things. So if he gets enough time of multiple sessions of five on five, I would think no mint's restrictions, but if it's anything less than that, they should still be conservative.

He's on Twitter at Mark g Underscore Medina. That's at Mark g Underscore Medina. Check out his latest on the NBA Western Conference Finals Eastern Conference Finals coming up. Mark, thanks so much. We will talk to you soon, my friend.

He's on Twitter at Mark g Underscore Medina. That's at Mark g Underscore Medina. Check out his latest on the NBA Western Conference Finals Eastern Conference Finals coming up. Mark, thanks so much. We will talk to you soon, my friend.

Thank you, guys, and let's all live up to Bill Lowden's philosophy when he would often say I'm the luckiest man alive. So appreciate you guys, and we'll continue honoring his legacy.

Thank you, guys, and let's all live up to Bill Lowden's philosophy when he would often say I'm the luckiest man alive. So appreciate you guys, and we'll continue honoring his legacy.

Yeah, take it easy money, great stuff is always from Mark Medina. Look, you know I know that they would wait till after the finals. But wow, nine days without any games and Lebron's not gonna say anything. Yeah, no, no, say he's gonna do something. Something's gonna happen. There's no way, there's no I don't know what it is, but there's no way. Nine days go by and we don't get anything from Lebron.

Yeah, take it easy money, great stuff is always from Mark Medina. Look, you know I know that they would wait till after the finals. But wow, nine days without any games and Lebron's not gonna say anything. Yeah, no, no, say he's gonna do something. Something's gonna happen. There's no way, there's no I don't know what it is, but there's no way. Nine days go by and we don't get anything from Lebron.

There's no way.

There's no way.

I mean, we had that report out of Philly early yesterday morning, you know where they started checking off all the boxes of the big time would be free agents. And Rich Paul over the weekend was, you know, talking goes well, Lebron's a free agent and started and then tried to walk it back. It's like no, no, no, no, no, there's much ado about nothing. It's the old opt out sign a new long term deal. It's it's fine, but the reality is, could could another suitor come calling?

I mean, we had that report out of Philly early yesterday morning, you know where they started checking off all the boxes of the big time would be free agents. And Rich Paul over the weekend was, you know, talking goes well, Lebron's a free agent and started and then tried to walk it back. It's like no, no, no, no, no, there's much ado about nothing. It's the old opt out sign a new long term deal. It's it's fine, but the reality is, could could another suitor come calling?

Including the Sixers.

Including the Sixers.

The Jason Smith Show is My Best Friend Mike Carmin Live from the tiraq dot Com Studios.

The Jason Smith Show is My Best Friend Mike Carmin Live from the tiraq dot Com Studios.

The Celtics are in the NBA Finals.

The Celtics are in the NBA Finals.

Yes, they had the easiest path of just about anybody in recent memory. But something different about the easy path the Celtics had and why it's something that's going to become more and more popular as time goes on. That's next, right here, Jason and Mike. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Yes, they had the easiest path of just about anybody in recent memory. But something different about the easy path the Celtics had and why it's something that's going to become more and more popular as time goes on. That's next, right here, Jason and Mike. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon weekdays at ten pm Eastern, seven pm Pacific.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon weekdays at ten pm Eastern, seven pm Pacific.

Fox Sports Radio.

Fox Sports Radio.

It is the Jason Smith Show with my best friend Mike Harmon. Yes, sir, love fromtirack dot com studio. He was, We're gonna play that again in a few minutes in its entirety, and it's so good, not damn who it's so good because I'll tell you, as many people want to talk about the Eastern Conference Finals.

It is the Jason Smith Show with my best friend Mike Harmon. Yes, sir, love fromtirack dot com studio. He was, We're gonna play that again in a few minutes in its entirety, and it's so good, not damn who it's so good because I'll tell you, as many people want to talk about the Eastern Conference Finals.

Just as many people want to talk about Angel Hernandez.

Just as many people want to talk about Angel Hernandez.

No, no, I mean the other one was an inevitability. Angel Hernandez seemed like he was gonna be with us forever.

No, no, I mean the other one was an inevitability. Angel Hernandez seemed like he was gonna be with us forever.

Yeah yeah, I mean right right away, retiring right away, like I'm done, man, like I did my last.

Yeah yeah, I mean right right away, retiring right away, like I'm done, man, like I did my last.

Game, negotiated, buyout, celebrated.

Game, negotiated, buyout, celebrated.

Yes, there is nobody who is not. Nobody who is not saying, oh man, I really wish that guy was still umpiring and nobody, nobody uncomfortable with some of nobody if we're never gonna see him trending it. But I'm telling you watch, he's gonna have a huge hit podcast. Him and Belichick can do a podcast together and it's gonna be this huge hit.

Yes, there is nobody who is not. Nobody who is not saying, oh man, I really wish that guy was still umpiring and nobody, nobody uncomfortable with some of nobody if we're never gonna see him trending it. But I'm telling you watch, he's gonna have a huge hit podcast. Him and Belichick can do a podcast together and it's gonna be this huge hit.

It's gonna be awesome. Just watch.

It's gonna be awesome. Just watch.

Uh.

Uh.

But look, the Celtics wind up beating the Pacers tonight. They win it by three, one oh five, one oh two, and coming up in a few minutes will break down exactly why Rick Carlisle has nobody to blame but himself, especially at the end and the way the Pacers completely mishandled the final thirty seconds of this game. But when the Celtics make the finals, we talk about how an easy path it is for them, and it is right. We've talked about this for a couple of weeks. They're looking at what could be the easiest path ever to the NBA Finals. Right, No Jimmy Butler in the first round, no Donovan Mitchell for the Cavaliers the last couple of games in the second round, they're gonna get either a eat up nixt team in the finals or the Pacers. And they wind up getting the Pacers, who have no Tyrese Halliburt in the last couple of games. It's been an easy path, yes, all the way to the finals. They are watch out Luca and Kyries the best player and all these teams have been hurt so far.

But look, the Celtics wind up beating the Pacers tonight. They win it by three, one oh five, one oh two, and coming up in a few minutes will break down exactly why Rick Carlisle has nobody to blame but himself, especially at the end and the way the Pacers completely mishandled the final thirty seconds of this game. But when the Celtics make the finals, we talk about how an easy path it is for them, and it is right. We've talked about this for a couple of weeks. They're looking at what could be the easiest path ever to the NBA Finals. Right, No Jimmy Butler in the first round, no Donovan Mitchell for the Cavaliers the last couple of games in the second round, they're gonna get either a eat up nixt team in the finals or the Pacers. And they wind up getting the Pacers, who have no Tyrese Halliburt in the last couple of games. It's been an easy path, yes, all the way to the finals. They are watch out Luca and Kyries the best player and all these teams have been hurt so far.

Stay healthy, but look make sure.

Stay healthy, but look make sure.

You're you get right whatever you got hanging over You say, a couple of rosaries, get some sage brushes.

You're you get right whatever you got hanging over You say, a couple of rosaries, get some sage brushes.

I don't know what you need something, But half.

I don't know what you need something, But half.

Of the reason a team gets to the NBA final.

Of the reason a team gets to the NBA final.

Half I'm saying half the reason is if you are the healthiest in your conference, of the playoff teams, you have a great chance to get to the NBA Finals. Because that's what it is now, the NBA Finals, the NBA Playoffs is a battle of attrition and staying healthy. The last few years, what have you seen a veritable who's who of the NBA superstars that miss playoff games because of various injuries. The season's too long, they play too much, the stake's too high, now, the game's too physical. All these things happen right. You cannot get away from that. This is just what the NBA Playoffs is. Nuggets get to the finals last year. They had a pretty easy path too, because the eight teams and players getting hurt. Look at us all the way This is fantastic for us. We made it all the way. Look at the Celtics. If you think I'm lying, let you go through all the playoff teams. The Knicks they had, they were lucky. They had five guys the end of the year. They lost four of their top eight players, including Brunts into a broken hand. In Game seven against the Pacers, the Bucks were out early. They had no Yiannis, right, Giannis didn't play at all in the playoff. Yeah, Lil got hurt, right, but that series is over before, you know, before Lillard got hurt. But you know, yondam, but the best player in the game, you know, getting getting hurt and missing Donovan Mitchell is out right. For the Pacers, they were missing Halliburton the last couple of games. The Sixers had an injured Joel Embiid, who had a tough time early on in the series coming back.

Half I'm saying half the reason is if you are the healthiest in your conference, of the playoff teams, you have a great chance to get to the NBA Finals. Because that's what it is now, the NBA Finals, the NBA Playoffs is a battle of attrition and staying healthy. The last few years, what have you seen a veritable who's who of the NBA superstars that miss playoff games because of various injuries. The season's too long, they play too much, the stake's too high, now, the game's too physical. All these things happen right. You cannot get away from that. This is just what the NBA Playoffs is. Nuggets get to the finals last year. They had a pretty easy path too, because the eight teams and players getting hurt. Look at us all the way This is fantastic for us. We made it all the way. Look at the Celtics. If you think I'm lying, let you go through all the playoff teams. The Knicks they had, they were lucky. They had five guys the end of the year. They lost four of their top eight players, including Brunts into a broken hand. In Game seven against the Pacers, the Bucks were out early. They had no Yiannis, right, Giannis didn't play at all in the playoff. Yeah, Lil got hurt, right, but that series is over before, you know, before Lillard got hurt. But you know, yondam, but the best player in the game, you know, getting getting hurt and missing Donovan Mitchell is out right. For the Pacers, they were missing Halliburton the last couple of games. The Sixers had an injured Joel Embiid, who had a tough time early on in the series coming back.

That heat had no Jimmy Butler. This is everybody.

That heat had no Jimmy Butler. This is everybody.

This is everybody in this conference missing their best player or a com a nation of their best players. This is not just Hey, a couple of guys got dinged up. These were the super These are the best players on all of these teams, all got hurt, and yes, we're the Celtics immune to this, No, because they've had no Chris tops Porzingis. But Porzingis is their fourth best player. I mean you're talking about okay, yeah, we lost your fourth best player, and that's it. Everybody else has been healthy, everything else been able to be overcome. And when you compare, we lost our fourth best player and everybody lost their best player. I mean, really, there's there's no comparison. The Celtics made it and teams make it now because they're the healthiest. That's just a huge It's half. It's like g I Joe. Knowing is half the battle. Being healthy is half the battle of making it to the NBA finals now, and that's just the way it's gonna be, you know, until there's some kind of change and magically players are healthy when the playoffs begin. We know that's not gonna happen. So that means this is gonna continue.

This is everybody in this conference missing their best player or a com a nation of their best players. This is not just Hey, a couple of guys got dinged up. These were the super These are the best players on all of these teams, all got hurt, and yes, we're the Celtics immune to this, No, because they've had no Chris tops Porzingis. But Porzingis is their fourth best player. I mean you're talking about okay, yeah, we lost your fourth best player, and that's it. Everybody else has been healthy, everything else been able to be overcome. And when you compare, we lost our fourth best player and everybody lost their best player. I mean, really, there's there's no comparison. The Celtics made it and teams make it now because they're the healthiest. That's just a huge It's half. It's like g I Joe. Knowing is half the battle. Being healthy is half the battle of making it to the NBA finals now, and that's just the way it's gonna be, you know, until there's some kind of change and magically players are healthy when the playoffs begin. We know that's not gonna happen. So that means this is gonna continue.

Man, you just took me way back in the way back machine to mornings watch the Bozo Show in Chicago WGN Classic, and you'd have the every morning uh a segment of a cartoon. One day it would be The Transformers, another day it would be Batman. Another day it would be g I Joe.

Man, you just took me way back in the way back machine to mornings watch the Bozo Show in Chicago WGN Classic, and you'd have the every morning uh a segment of a cartoon. One day it would be The Transformers, another day it would be Batman. Another day it would be g I Joe.

I thought the Bears.

I thought the Bears.