Hour 2: The Ringer’s Howard Beck Talks NBA Playoffs, Giannis & LeBron with Suzy Shuster

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1:59Now, on with the show. But I've never seen the Knicks play this way. It's unbelievable. This is the Rich Eisen Show. Rich Eisen. Oh, that's Suzy Eisen-Telton. With guest host Suzy Schuster. Earlier on the show. Sports radio legend Christopher Mad Dog Russo. Coming up, senior NBA writer for The Ringer, Howard Beck. Basketball Hall of Famer, Shaquille O 'Neal. And now, sitting in for rich, it's Suzy Schuster. Hour number two is underway. I am Suzy Schuster in for rich eyes and on his way to New York. He'll be back in a couple days. Whatever, we'll miss him. I mean, he'll be back next week. Next week?

2:46Yeah. Is that when he's back? Good to know. I only live with him. just pay attention on this show he'll be back at your house I think in a couple days but on this show Rich is back on Monday yeah because I'm here tomorrow yeah and then O'Shea will be here on Thursday Shae's on his way Shae's coming in for a couple days I'm here tomorrow I'll be on women's sports now exclusively on ESPN Disney Plus wherever you find your women's sports now I'm here to bring it to you Andrea Carter in studio with me this week as well as the great the greatest coach of our modern time in women's basketball college, I would say, and that is Corey Close.

3:24I do love her a lot. And we're going to have her in studio. TJ Jefferson, you're right to my right. I'm going the opposite way today. Good morning. How are you? I'm great. You want champagne tomorrow? You want mimosas? I mean, that seems only right. Okay, fine. Yeah, I mean, I got the orange juice today, so. Okay. You got the brains. Let's do it. I got the looks. We're going to make a lot of money. Oh, my God. You guys with the pitch. Hi, Mikey. How are you? Good morning. Good to see you. The old people are talking. What? I know. The old people. What are you, like a spring chicken? He thinks he is.

3:57Compared to the three of you. Watch it. Watch it. Sorry. Watch it. I'll press the mute button. Don't make me press that button. Thanks for joining us here on the Rich Eisen Show. As you guys know, when I'm sitting in the chair, I like to take calls. Let's get right to some calls. By the way, win-loss, you guys. Yeah, win-loss game. Come on. Where are my win-loss fans? Come on now, let's go. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. You know I'm going to empty the phone banks before, but let's take a call, shall we? Derek in Missouri. Hi, Derek. How are you? Derek, what up, man? Good, Susie. I just got back from Indianapolis yesterday.

4:29I'm hitting my 21st Indianapolis 500, which happened to be the closest finish in the history of the race itself. And if you guys get the chance, be sure to check out that video. It was an epic finish to the race. And I know you don't use the show that much for a platform for motorsports, But I'd be remiss if I didn't say my condolences and prayers to the family of Kyle Busch, who suddenly lost his life last Thursday. And my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. And I'd like to say this about the Knicks right now. I mean, right, sure, Rich and everybody else, the Die Hard Knicks fans are thrilled about this run they have going for them right now.

5:05But my question to you guys is, how much momentum is too much momentum on this winning streak that they have before they go and get to OKC or San Antonio? Are you worried about a cooler effect with all the days off? Is that what you're talking about? Yeah, in a way. And plus, I mean, the wins that they have, I mean, sure, it's great and all. But they're going to be going into a different, I think they're going into the Lions' Den, no matter who they play, whether it's OKC or San Antonio. You know, it's going to be, I mean, we don't know who's going to come out the winner in that side of things, but it's going to be fun to watch for sure.

5:39No question about it. No, you're absolutely right, Derek. I totally agree with you. And I think that, look, you're getting ready for two totally different teams, right? But that's the whole beauty of having a really great coach is that you have to be ready for the team that's ahead of you. And they're going to watch. They're going to watch this game tonight, and they're going to get ready for both circumstances. But any of us who have been watching basketball for a long time know you do your own thing. You play your game. You watch your film. You get ready for those opponents out there. They'll get ready for SGA.

6:07They'll get ready for Wemby. And they'll get ready for two totally different styles of basketball. But, I mean, Chris, we've seen this. And, Derek, thanks again for your call. I appreciate it. I mean, the biggest concern that they have is themselves and is the time off and is staying ready and staying focused. But they've got a coach who's going to get them ready for every scenario that's out there. Yeah, Mike Brown has done a great job in this postseason. And I think during the middle of the year, even Rich was kind of bemoaning Mike Brown as, man, was this guy the answer? Do we really need to fire Tibbs?

6:38But I think one of the things, TJ, that he's done a great job is he's playing the guys. He's playing the roster. This isn't six guys and you're running them into the ground like we saw Tibbs do, which is why these Knicks teams kind of faded as the playoffs extended for them. And everybody contributes. and look, I mean, I think Shamit missed 1-3 in the conference finals. That's not going to keep – that's tough to maintain, right? So guys are going to come down a little bit, but they'll be underdogs against OKC, but I think they will be favored in the series if it is the Spurs. And so I think Mad Dog is right in saying that they want the West to go 7, and I think they want to see San Antonio.

7:26they got you know they're not the home team so they're only going to get three home games but you know i'm a little worried about the about the eight days off but man the way this team is playing i i don't know how you know you can't be feeling sky high if you're a knicks fan right teach what do you think i mean we've said this earlier i've already said i've already picked the knicks to win i think they're winning the championship i think they're on a roll i think Like the time is just their time. And do I have anything to back this up? No, because much like Mad Dogs, I hate analytics too because I'm not good at math.

8:02So analytics and me don't go head to head. But there's a feel. There's a feel and it's years of watching basketball and having a feeling. And I just have a feeling, man. You want to talk about going to the Lions then, Derek said? This is the garden, man. Those teams have to come into Madison Square Garden. Yeah, most famous arena. The world's most famous arena where, you know, there are championship banners. It is pretty cool seeing the cast of 99 and the cast of 94. That's true, too. Courtside at all the Knicks games. That is pretty fun. That was special. The fans are just going crazy in New York right now.

8:42I don't know, man. Like I said, it's just a feeling. I have nothing. You know, someone once said that, you know, sometimes I toe the line too much. which I don't really go left or right with an opinion. My opinion is this. Look at this photo. Is that Marcus Camby? It's Marcus Camby with Jalen Brunson. Like I'm saying, there's just something right now, Susie, that tells me you can't overlook stuff like that. Jalen Brunson is maybe two years old, three in this picture. And you know that Jalen Brunson is Leon Rose's godson, right? Well, yeah. It's so crazy. Rick played for the team, so his father, like, you know, it's all.

9:17There's just a story here, man. Marcus Canby, UMass great. Yeah. I mean, Nick great. Was he a Nick great? I forget how long he played for the Knicks. Marcus Canby was the man. But like I said, man, it's just a feeling. Yeah. I got a feeling these Knicks are going to do it. Am I wrong? Who knows? Maybe. You know who else has a feeling? You know who else has a feeling there? Black Eyed Peek? Cat. Cat's got a feeling. Let's roll this sound. I think what's more of an honor is growing up in the area, I feel like the word hope has been gone from the New York Knicks name for a long time. And for me and OG to be part of this team that revives the word hope in the city, it's something special.

10:06It's something really, really special, and it's an honor. And it's one of those things, you know, when I was growing up watching the Knicks, it was just hoping one day you could just put the jersey on. I never knew I'd be in this position at this mic talking about us going to the finals and the city believing in us. And that speaks a lot to the camaraderie of this team, the character of this team, the willingness, the sacrifice everyone's been willing to put forward for the betterment of the team. And like you said, there's nowhere better in the world when the garden has hope. Carl Anthony Towns grew up in New Jersey and he worshipped Frazier and he worshipped Ewing.

10:46And he worshiped Starks. And they were all there to watch him. And it was something special to take in. And a lot of chatter this year about Cat. Is he going to be there? Should they move him out? Giannis coming there, what have you. Yeah, big time. A lot of chatter all season long. And man, he looked pretty proud up there last night. Talk about going back to 1999, too. The Knicks played the Spurs in the 99 NBA Finals. That was the first of the five-title run that San Antonio went on, with Duncan and Robinson and Ginobili and Tony Parker and those guys. So that's what I'm rooting for. I think that'll be the most fun finals, I think, to watch and aesthetically and just the vibes.

11:33I mean, I'm going to root for San Antonio, but this Knicks team, they look like a title team right now. Let's go to Steve in Missouri. We're going to go back to Missouri again. Hey, Steve. You there? Hey. Yes, and it is an honor to be talking to you. You are fabulous in the world of women's sports and sports in general. Thanks. I really appreciate that. That's 100 % true. My wife is the Midwest version of you. Oh, God, so you must be exhausted then. I am. Every day I come home and she's got six stories from The Athletic or The Ringer, and that's what we do during dinner. So it's pretty fun. Oh, I love that.

12:14That's awesome, Steve. Wait, hold on, hold on. What's her name? What's her name? Let's not talk about her as her. What's her name? Barbara. Hi, Barbara. Right, we like that. So anyway, the deal is just calm down because the entire eastern seaboard is going crazy now. This may be one of the greatest teams ever. You got there last time and did not win. We're going to have to play the games, whether it's San Antonio or the Thunder. You're going to have to play. So everybody calm down because this follows the same kind of logic as anybody from Michigan thinking that J.J. McCarthy is going to be an NFL quarterback.

12:58You've got to play the game. Oh, my God. Somewhere in the air, Rich has got a sharp pain in his heart, and he's wondering what just happened, right? I mean, like, oh, he loves J.J. McCarthy so much. Steve, thank you so much for your time. Say hi to Barbara for us, please. I sure will. I'm in the East. He went for the JJs. Well, he's taking the Mad Dog route of, you know, pouring a little water on it. Everyone just relax. Yeah. Have you seen the ticket prices for the games at MSG, by the way? How much are they these days? The get-in price for game three of the NBA Finals, the first one at Madison Square Garden, is$3 ,700.

13:38Woo! You buy a card with that. To sit where? All the way up! All the way up! I think that's the last row. There's no chance. No, that is the right. $3 ,700 for the last row. That is the cheapest ticket right now to get into Madison Square Garden. Guess I won't be going to that game? Nope. Nope. Like I said, you buy a whip for$3 ,700. Did you see what I sent you about somebody bought a Wemby card for$5? Yeah, I didn't have a chance to open the$5.1,$5.4 million. The 101 all black Wemby. On Fanatics? Well, that's probably going to turn out to be a good investment because this dude. Yeah. Sorry, it's going to be a force for the next.

14:18It's come down. No, it's still$3 ,600. There are some courtside seats going for$100K online. That seems like a casual investment, right? Just for one night? Just to go to one game. Sorry. This is center court row five for$115 ,000. I mean, that is insane. Okay. What can you buy for$115? That is several salaries, right? Several salaries. A house. You can get a house, TJ. For how much? I mean, not in Los Angeles. You can't get a house. But in most other places in the country, you can get a house for$115. But by the way, it's not just$115. You're not going by yourself. No, that was for one ticket.

15:06But my point is whoever gets that ticket is going with somebody. I would have assumed so. $230? I'm sorry. Knicks fans are out of control. I love it. I found one for$35, Brockman. Oh, there you go. Deals. Did you see the dude on top of the atrium outside of MSG waving the flag? They climbed to the top. Yeah, dude, there wasn't just a person. No, I know. I'm saying there were several, but one guy had a giant Knicks flag. Like, unhinged. The crowds start chanting USA. Oh, if they win. If they win. It'll be the biggest parade ever. I'm surprised New York's still standing right now. It'll be the biggest parade of all time.

15:45What's the last New York parade? It would have been the Yankees in 2009. It's been a while. It's been a minute. That'd be sick. I guess the G-Man in 11. I was about to say, yeah. That's right. The Giants. Anybody paying attention to that one? That's right. Did the Liberty have a parade? They won a couple years ago. Yeah, by the way, they play in New Jersey. Well, they play in Brooklyn, right? No, I'm talking about the Giants. Oh. The Giants. They play in New Jersey. In the swamps of New Jersey. That's true. Yeah, the Liberty won in 24. That's true. That's true. The Bills are the only actual NFL team in New York.

16:19That's true. That's true. Just for accuracy's sake. No one's paying attention to the Jets, so I mean. Although, did someone call last week and said the Jets would sweep the Patriots? That was our guy in Arkansas. I think he did say that. What are we doing? That's ridiculous. What kind of gummies is he taking? Sweep the Patriots? What are you smoking, bro? Give me something. Who's the guy that called in? And it was two days ago yesterday. The win. What was yesterday? Monday. That was a holiday. Friday. The win loss. Who like went 0-17? Well, that was he. Yeah, it was the guy. He did 0-17 for the Pats.

16:52Dustin in Arkansas. Dustin. And then called back last week and said that we would get swept by the Jets, which hasn't happened since 2000, TJ. See, the win loss is starting to heat up because see, I'm going to take every one of these win losses. Yes. When should we start? I mean, taking every one is kind of, that's a lot. No, it's not. I'm a woman of my word, TJ. But you know I'm not going to take notes at the same time. I can't do two things at the same time. Well, you've got to keep track of these. That's part of the game. No, you need to keep track of these. I can't do both. You have the sheet.

17:26I was asking way too much. You have the sheet there. You have the official. I don't have anything. Yeah. It's way too stressful. I've got to follow the lines down. All right. I'll come get the sheet. I can only do one thing at a time. I can do a lot of things at the same time, but when it comes to this, it's very stressful. I don't want to screw up my win-loss. I take it very seriously. It's the official record. No idea. No, he's saying it's the official. I'm saying it's the... Yeah, so take notes. They have to be written down. So take notes. By the host. No, they don't. Who said? I'm just sitting here.

17:54He's making up the rules. I did bring a notebook, just in case. Okay. I brought my Pete Carroll win-forever notebook. Okay. It's really dirty. Except last year. Whatever. I was just going to say. Wow. Be a hater. I know. I just took a shot at Pete for no reason. How could you take a shot at Pete Carroll? What's wrong with you? It was more at the Raiders. That's fine. You can take a shot at the Raiders. Okay, we're going to talk to Howard, and then we'll do win-loss after. You're trying to tell me what to do? What are you saying, go to break? I was just steering the ship. Oh, wow. You want to let him do that, Sue?

18:24Captain Brockman? Why don't you take your hands off the wheel, Chris? He is from up the minute. We would not be good driving to him the same time. I mean, you guys. I love how people are like, I think Susie and Chris really hate each other. It's not. I'm like, we're from New England. This is how we talk to each other. This is how we talk to each other. Can I do a read? Are you going to tell me what to do? Do your read. That works out really well all the time. SoFi Personal Loan is here to help you achieve something once thought impossible, like listening to Chris. Overcoming high interest credit card debt.

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19:26The Rich Isis Show Podcast.

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20:10Games, concerts, conventions, tournaments, the kind of events that bring people in from all over. And when that happens, you can feel it. More energy, more fans, and a whole lot more people looking for a place to stay. So here's something to think about. If your city has that kind of buzz, if big events are on the way, Listing your space on Airbnb could be a great opportunity. If you're already planning to be out of town or you've got a trip coming up, why not make your place work for you while you're gone? You've got the space and you're not using it. It could be earning you some extra cash. I know when I travel for these big events, I'm not just looking for a place to crash.

20:48I want something comfortable and safe. A place that allows me to experience the city like a local. And that's exactly what you can do by offering to list your space. No big lifestyle change, no long-term commitment, just making smart use of the space you already have. So the next time your city draws a crowd, think about listing your space on Airbnb. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.com slash host. Rich Eisen here with some advice. If high interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an audible with a SoFi personal loan. It consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required.

21:27And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt today at SoFi.com slash debt play. Loans originated by SoFi Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Fast funds. Terms apply at SoFi.com slash debt play. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show, Susie Schuster in for Rich Eisen. And I'm going to bring in Howard Beck because the minute we start slagging Lakers management, It's more fun to bring in an old friend. Hi, Howard. Who are you? Schuster. How are you? It's going great. So good to see you. So good to see you. What was your reaction watching this closeout game last night?

22:08Oh, my. I mean, you have to decide which prism you want to watch this through. Through the prism of the Knicks, I mean, just absolutely dominant, efficient, devastating. This team has been clicking on all cylinders for weeks already, so I don't think there's anything surprising there. But then the flip side is you're looking at it through the prism of the Cavaliers who have been knocking on the door for the last few years. 64-win team not long ago, traded for James Harden at midseason, and they just looked like they were not even meant to be there and didn't want to be there. So incredibly dominant performance by the Knicks and incredibly humiliating and I think embarrassing performance by the Cavaliers.

22:52But, you know, look, in fairness, the Knicks have made a lot of teams look humiliated and unfit for the moment. From Atlanta, the last few games of that series, to Philly in that sweep, to this Cavaliers sweep. So, you know, maybe it's just the Knicks. Howard, by the way, I should ask you, you did wash your hands after you came in with those chicken wings. That wasn't you, was it, Howard? No, I was not in Cleveland. So I can claim innocence with some conviction. Yeah, just checking. Had to find out. Now, analytically, they really should have won that game. And analytically, apparently, the Cavs are the better team.

23:33Right, Howard? You had to go there, Susie. Always. Always. I've known Kenny a long time. Met him when he was an assistant under Mike D 'Antoni with the Knicks way back when. And he was actually the guy who was Jeremy Lin's workout guy and development coach during that time before Linsanity. So I've known Kenny a long time. I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses for him out of my affinity for Kenny. As I understand, he was asked a question. Again, I was not in Cleveland. He was asked a question about what still gives you confidence. You're down 3-0. And he went into the analytics explanation of if you looked at the shot quality, et cetera, et cetera.

24:13Joe Mazzula, by the way, got in similar hot water for a quote like that, I think, a year ago. And I get what he was trying to say, that the process is good, the shot quality is good, and if you look at it based on the quality of our shots, we should have made more of them. They were open, they were good shots, all that kind of thing. But the way he said it, and of course, because we live in the society we do, where everything is immediately clipped, cut, pasted, aggregated, blown out, often without any context, So it's on him for saying it in, I think, an inartful way. It was probably the wrong answer and certainly the wrong phrasing for the answer.