H20man & Friends Sports Podcast

Howard Waterman
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Football
  • Updated Semimonthly

A podcast covering the world of sports with a focus on strategy. The goal: be entertaining and informative. The hosts each have roughly 50 years of experience following and playing organized sports in the New York/New Jersey metro area. Strong emphasis on NFL football. Good friends and one former sports journalist offer commentary with a pretty good chance of good-natured silliness mixed in. Dedicated to the memory of Steven Waterman, who was a passionate, ultra-knowledgeable sports fan with a great sense of humor who loved the NY Giants, Mets, Rangers and Brooklyn Nets, and adored his daughter, Lea and wife Andrea even more. He passed away unexpectedly in 2022 way, way too soon.

  1. 5d ago

    S4 E 13 Jets Beat Titans, Lose (OT) to Packers, Lions & Bears Preview v1 9-24-26

    Segment 1: Recap of Jets Win vs. Titans, disappointing OT Loss vs. Packers (starts at 1:01) Perspective after just two games needed Detroit Week 3: explosive offense but porous on D (giving up 36 PPG) Bears could be starting their third string QB due to QB Caleb Williams hamstring injury Week 1: Jets 23, Titans 10 Strong execution on both sides of the ball, offensive line and run game dominated Type of game for years Jets would lose 19-play drive took the heart out of the Titans D on a super hot, humid day Scored TD on opening drive, a rarity; used two new weapons WR Omar Cooper Jr. (30 yard catch and run that set up the TD) and TE Kenyon Sadiq (two touches including a reverse for his first career NFL TD) Jets fans enjoyed beating Robert Saleh, former NYJ HC and now the HC in Tennessee Curious why Sadiq was not more involved in the offense after that first drive (likely on a pitch count after being injured the majority of the preseason...also could be he needs work on his run blocking, while the team ran the ball heavily) Key injuries: S Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) WR Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle, hurt on the 30-yard catch) Segment 2: Packers 20, Jets 17 OT (9:50) Jets blew a 17-7 lead in the 4th quarter to squander the opp to be 2-0 for the first time in a decade D continued to play well, holding Packers offense to 199 yards and 1-9 on third down conversions Underrated huge play by Packers S breaking up a long pass to AD Mitchell late in the game that could have set up the game-winning points Numerous questionable coaching decisions integral to the loss, as was poor special teams (allowed a 63-yard punt return that led to the game-tying FG) despite having a hard time running the ball (total of 67 yards rushing), OC Frank Reich called two runs: 3rd and 2 and then 4th and 1 at the 50 late in the game; despite this lack of success all game, Reich called for a run up the middle on 4th in shotgun formation, making RB Braelon Allen run 5 yards just to get to the line of scrimmage; play failed Jets won the OT coin toss, elected to receive vs. playing D Reich called two pass plays in OT, that both resulted in sacks (Jets RBs did not pick up key blocks, ditto with TE Jeremy Ruckert) Packers got the ball and went down the field for the game-winning FG Huge play in OT: 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (threw a Packer out of bounds inexplicably) sealed the team's fate Very disappointing after big Week 1 dominating win Expect more from tight ends in a league that uses TEs heavily Segment 3: Observations of Jets Coaching through First Two Weeks (19:00) Liked OC Frank Reich's play calling for the most part (except points above) HC Aaron Glenn doing well with defensive play calls Coaching issues to address Week 2:  no points at end of first half despite having ball over the last 4 minutes vs GB Jets coaches burned timeouts in first half including unsuccessful challenge Jets NOT calling TO with about 1 minute remaining that would have forced GB to punt vs. holding the ball for a final hail mary Segment 4: Preview of Jets-Lions Week 3 (26:00) Many roster moves  signed 4 WRs: veteran Sterling Shepard (former Giant), Tyler Johnson, Malik McClain, WR Jamaal Pritchett signed free agent QB3 Will Levis, takes roster spot from Bailey Zappe, released Injuries: LB Marcelio McCrary-Ball (who was playing well on special teams and forced a fumble vs. GB) suffered ankle injury, placed on IR, out at least 4 games DT David Onyemata (groin surgery) placed on IR, out at least 4 games and likely more; big loss, one of top DTs...Jowon Briggs stepping up and needs to do so WR Arian Smith (ACL surgery) out for season TE Mason Taylor (thumb) not expected to play Edge David Bailey expected to play Edge Joseph Addai (foot) expected to make his Jets debut Need to have RBs catch ball out of the backfield Need more play action to set up TE Sadiq in passing game (matchup challenge for defenses given his speed) Jets also need to run the ball to maintain possession and keep the Lions' explosive offense off the field, Goff good QB NYJ not good enough to be involved in an offensive shootout with Detroit  Lions are one 2-point conversation by the Saints in OT being 0-2 (after losing to Buffalo 41-31) Key Matchups: Jets secondary vs. Lions WRs  Detroit WR Amon-Ra St. Brown off to a great start: leads NFL in receptions (19), tied for the lead with TD receptions (4) and 5th with 209 yards receiving over first two weeks Will miss S Minkah Fitzpatrick this week Jets run D vs. superstar RB Jahmyr Gibbs Segment 5: Week 3 Big Matchups (35:30) Patriots at Jaguars (good test for New England on the road) Chargers at Bills: Jim Harbaugh 0-3 to start season? impact of new Chargers OC Mike McDaniel? Josh Allen playing at MVP level, D has to play better Texans at Colts: one team will be 0-3, Indy scoring a lot of points, tough loss in KC Raiders at Saints: could Raiders be 3-0? Saints look very good, 2 pt conversion in OT being 2-0, QB Tyler Shough leading NFL with over 600 yards passing  Ravens at Cowboys will Baltimore remember to use RB Derrick Henry late in games? Henry has the 4th most rushing TDs in NFL history Wondering if John Harbaugh was not the problem... Segment 6: Jets at Chicago Week 4 Preview (45:06) Bears QB Caleb Williams out 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury in loss to Vikings (great D and D Coordinator Brian Flores) Jets to face backup QB, perhaps third stringer vet Case Keenum Jets facing third NFC North team in a row (0-2 so far) Observations of surprising 2-0 teams Discussion of Rams-Niners game, Rams D vs. Giants Niners QB Brock Purdy leading NFL with an 80% completion percentage Praise for Niners HC Kyle Shanihan offensive prowess and fielding strong teams despite having several defensive coordinators the past five seasons Patrick Mahomes: fastest slow guy in the NFL Segment 7: Week 4 Key Games (1:03) Cowboys at Texans, battle for Texas Patriots at Bills Rams at Eagles Packers at winless Bucs Chiefs at Raiders Broncos at Niners

  2. Sep 10

    S4 E12: Jets 2026 Season Preview (Weeks 1, 2)

    Segment 1: Season Preview (starts 0:51) off-season recap: must excited about the revamped defense and D line, QB Geno Smith as massive upgrade vs. last season QB play and the addition of offensive weapons many upgrades at several positions on both offense and defense, and new offensive and defensive coordinators Segment 2: Biggest Questions Going into the 2026 NFL Season (7:45)  Will vet free agents be productive and strong presence in the locker room? Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick... Which Frank Reich will we see as offensive coordinator? Super Bowling OC with Eagles or fired HC in Indy, Carolina Has Aaron Glenn grown into the head coaching role? How will he handle being the CEO and calling defensive plays?  Can the revamped D stop the run? Generate more turnovers? Improved secondary? Can the rookie draft class contribute materially? Can TE Kenyon Sadiq stay healthy and get on the field? Will Geno Smith will we get: strong play and playoff games in Seattle, or last year's debacle with the Raiders, 17 INTs on very bad team? Can Geno perform to the level of Aaron Rodgers' last season with the Jets (3,900 yards, 28 TDs) Big mistake having rookie QB Cade Klubnik as QB2 and not sign a veteran QB on the roster if Geno gets hurt? Letting steady K Nick Folk leave... Segment 3: Week 1 Preview: Jets at Titans (22:48) So many story lines, including Titans new HC is Robert Saleh (former Jets HC) 5 former Jets on Titans squad, all on D line Former Titans NT D'Vonte Sweat and CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. on Jets roster Key to get RB Breece Hall involved in the passing game out of the backfield Former Giants HC Brian Daboll now the OC in Tennessee 2025 No. 1 overall pick QB Cam Ward...major improvements in sophomore season with new offensive system? Geno Smith vs. Titans secondary favors the Jets WR AD Mitchell had strong camp. Will it translate to the regular season Big matchup: Jets O line vs. strong Titans D line Segment 4: Interesting Week 1 Matchups (32:48) Patriots vs. Seahawks (lost OC Kubiak now Raiders HC, Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker)...how does QB Sam Darnold play a season after winning the championship Very hard to repeat; every game for defending champ is like a Super Bowl for the opposition Niners/Rams in Australia...many picking the Rams to go to the Super Bowl (a home game for them) Bills/Texans (Billls new HC, Texans dominant D...can offense improve?); how does Buffalo bounce back from crushing playoff loss in Denver Packers/Vikings: tough division game Week 1; possible all four team in the division make the playoffs; Kyler Murray at QB Broncos/Chiefs: Is Mahomes fully recovered from ACL tear? Denver QB Bo Nix coming off broken ankle vs. Bills Return of Joe Burrow (Bucs/Bengals) Sunday night matchup: Cowboys at Giants (first game in John Harbaugh era; get RB Cam Skattebou and WR Malik Nabers) Segment 5: Week 2 Preview: Packers at Jets (45:01) Jets home opener, first of three straight vs. NFC North teams Packers expected to be without two stars: stud edge Micah Parsons and RB Josh Jacobs (on Commissioner's Exempt List); court hearing moved from Nov. to Sept. 10; how long to get him into game shape Tough early test for Jets Important to establish ability to win at home Segment 6: Predictions (46:00) Jets projected win total: 5.5 (taking the over); expecting 6-7 wins Titans, Dolphins (2x), Browns, Cardinals winnable games Rookie of the Year: David Bailey? Way premature but fun to consider Aaron Glenn survives the entire season; team needs to be competitive; starting 1-0 could be huge to set the tone early

  3. Aug 26

    S4 E11 Jets Training Camp & Preseason Game 1 Recap

    Segment 1: Observations from training camp of the Jets top draft picks (starts at 0:48) David Bailey's talent as advertised, learning his craft especially related to run blocking, talk of camp Head Coach Aaron Glenn seems noticeably more confident and comfortable, more professional with the media, concern how will he function as head coach while also serving as defensive play caller Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq hurt through most of camp (reinjured surgically repaired hernia); expected to be a key part of the team's offense (WR speed, matchup nightmare for LBs); Sadiq's college QB Dante Moore at Oregon could have been his pro teammate except he chose to go back to college to refine his game (good decision) WR Omar Cooper Jr. like most rookies a work in progress; behind last year's MVP Isaiah Williams; on the depth chart Cooper played in six drives and 21 snaps, led all Jets offensive skill position players; had 26-yard reception Cooper college teammate at Indiana, CB D'Angelo Ponds hurt calf in first practices and has not been on the field since 4th round DT Darrell Jackson Jr. has been impressive and getting reps Segment 2: Bucs 24, Jets 16 (17:36) 4th Round Pick QB Cade Klubnik started the game after Geno Smith ankle injury; led scoring drives of a FG and TD, left leading 10-0; demonstrated poise and did not make any major mistakes; Klubnik's first reps with the first team came during the game Great to see second year RB Braelon Allen back after season-ending knee injury, scoring a 31-yard TD Sophomore TE Mason Taylor having a strong camp and played well vs. Tampa Bay in both organized practices and the preseason game Former Colt TE Jelani Woods (6'7") playing well this summer, potential weapon in the red zone Expecting a much improved D line with free agent signings including DT David Onyemata and DT D'Vondre Sweat trade from Tennessee Vet QB not on the roster yet; good to see Klubnik get reps this summer but need vet in case Geno goes down Backup QB Bailey Zappe had 2 INTs including a pick 6 Segment 3: Preseason Game 2: Jets at Pittsburgh, Week 3 vs. Giants (29:57) What to look for: can WRs get open running vanilla plays so star WR Garrett Wilson can avoid double teams every play Expecting big things from the O line, including young tackles Fashanu and Membou; concern around interior O line depth C Josh Myers pretty shaky last year, RG Joe Tippmann likely the better center Looking for first team offense looking competent moving the ball in the air with the starters, extended looks from the 2025 and 2026 drafts, see progress on d stuffing the run and getting off the field on third down Would like more info on how the practices on what is really going on at Florham Park Shout out to podcaster Paul "Boy Green" Esden Jr., a favorite guest of ours Looking for better in-game decisions and clock management from the head coach Would love to see TE Sadiq on the field; likely not going to happen until Week 1 or later, to see all weapons on the field at the same time Segment 4: Initial Thoughts, Week 1 at Tennessee, Comments around the NFL (36:33) So many story lines...many former Jets are on the Titans and vice versa, Titans Head Coach Robert Saleh the Jets former HC Critical to win vs. the Titans because the Jets play the Packers, Bears and Lions in Weeks 2-4; could have 3 or all 4 teams in the NFC North making the playoffs (Vikings strong D, good head coach, new QB Kyler Murrary; QB JJ McCarthy does not appear to have many fans in his corner) Bears won several games by a TD or less; teams tend to revert to the mean the following season...to that point, the Chiefs lost 10 games last season by a TD or less; key question: when does Patrick Mahomes come back and does he play to his usual elite level? Stretch: Mahomes is a slow fast guy, TE Travis Kelce swan song in 2026 Kelce a HOF, one of the best tight ends in his generation; might not be the best TE in a Chiefs uniform (Tony Gonzalez) Kelce seemingly always open, why not chip him off the line? Jets 2026 need to learn how to win 7 wins would be a success over/under 5.5 wins (we all like the over); critical to win Week 1 will be rooting against the Colts because the Jets have Indy's first round pick in April 2027 draft one NYC sports personality: best (draft) scenario....go 0-17 and secure the No. 1 overall pick given the expected number of college QBs in the draft tough schedule; have to be competitive coming off worst point differential in December in NFL history great problem to have: Jets win "too many games" - no tanking for draft picks! Win dammit!!! Dumb and Dumber movie reference...explosive situation

  4. Jul 23

    S4 E10 Jets 2026 Training Camp Preview/Off Season Recap: Special Guest Paul "Boy Green" Esden Jr.

    Segment 1: Paul's experience at the NFL Draft (starts at 1:41) He was in the "Pit," just a few away from the draft stage; one of only 11 fans in these pits per NFL team Historic draft: three first round picks; huge fan of the event, important to Jets fans Loves concept of the event being held in different cities Segment 2: Insights of the Jets 2026 NFL Draft (8:50) Jets draft observations Goal going in: find 4 starters...check Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech will start after team was 31st in sacks last season Paul preferred Avril Reese, Ohio State, post-draft comments that Reese was not coached much in college Forever link: Bailey's and Reese's careers will be inextricably linked after Giants drafted Reese No. 5; both playing in same market, stadium TE Kenyon Sadiq will start, missed all of minicamp and last week of OTAs, expected to be ready for training camp WR Omar Cooper, Jr. another weapon for Frank Reich, Geno Smith CB D'Angelo Ponds, likely to be penciled in as slot CB Jets traded up 18 spots for rookie QB Cade Klubnik, most in franchise draft history; Paul supportive of the move; taking a swing on Day 3 of the draft low-risk, high-reward decision 3 possibilities for Klubnik's career according to Paul (40 career college starts)  Paul has confidence in the new Jets offensive coaching staff to develop a QB; Frank Reich has forgotten more football than most people know All agree it's a good plan to take a QB in every NFL Draft for competition, eventually will find a gem Paul shares his interesting personal approach to meeting new people Segment 3: Current Roster Construction (28:55) Free Agent Moves Paul loved improvements on D line especially DT David Onyemata, strong run stuffer Wanted vet LB Demario Davis to rejoin the team for the third go-round (leadership and set personal mark for most tackles in a season) Loves Chicago DB Nashon Wright signing -- turnover machine last season; had success in Bears system, expected to be the same being installed with Jets Trades High on bringing in S Minkah Fitzpatrick for 7th round pick; played HS football in NJ Edge Jermaine Johnson sent to Tennessee for run-stuffing DT D'Vontre Sweat Challenge stopping the run when Bailey and Edge Will McDonald IV are on the field at the same time? Offense Optimism for improvement: Two first round investments, Breece Hall resigned, a long extension for RG/C Joe Tippman, upgrade at QB, Geno Smith capable of running the offense, brought in new LT from Raiders, Dylan Parham Geno highly accurate as a starter past 3-4 seasons Team high on WR AD Mitchell who is good at getting separation Have added weapons and speed (Sadiq a matchup nightmare) OC Frank Reich loves using TEs in his offensive packages Discussion around Geno's recent off the field challenges Backup QB options to add: slim pickens, opps will increase during the preseason Saints backup Spencer Rattler intriguing option Field goal kicker a position to watch after letting steady vet Nick Folk leave for Atlanta; with $27M of salary cap space available, head scratcher to be $1M apart in negotiations for K who led the league three years in a row Segment 4: Major Challenge for HC Aaron Glenn going into season 2 (1:08) Incorporating 10 new coaches, roughly half the staff Week 1 important: after 0-7 start last year, and playing former coach Robert Saleh, getting a win would be huge leading into playing the tough NFC North in games 2-4; set the tone at 1-0! New era, get buy in Segment 5: Training Camp Priorities (1:15) Stay healthy! Garrett Wilson, O line, QB Aaron Glenn operational plan to get ready to both be head coach/CEO and call the defensive plays; show competency Good gauge of progress: joint practices with Tampa Bay Be competitive

  5. Jun 15

    S4 E9 NY Knicks Are NBA Champions!

    Segment 1: The chronology of a championship (starts at 1:31) First title since 1973, one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history (15-3, 13 wins in a row) Leon Rose hired as head of basketball operations as the architect in March, 2020 Signed Jalen Brunson as a free agent, traded for Josh Hart from the TrailBlazers, OG Anunoby arrived from Toronto (trade), traded 5 No. 1 picks -- 4 wasn't enough? -- for Mikal Bridges, fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, hired Mike Brown, final piece of championship piece was the trade for Karl-Anthony Towns You could call this team the (Villa)nova Knicks (Brunson, Hart and Bridges played together at Villanova and won two NCAA championships...Brunson and Bridges 2, Hart 1) Segment 2: Thoughts on Game 5, Series (14:03) Spurs have great talent and a very bright future Expect Wemby to get bigger, stronger and better conditioned, needs to make better shot selections Horrific, one-sided officiating throughout the series, protecting Wemby Wemby committed some fouls that would be considered a penalty in hockey, obvious flagrant fouls not called so he would not miss a game (another flagrant and he would have served a one game suspension) Spurs the more talented team, but the best player/closer on the floor was Jalen Brunson (45 points in Game 5, most in franchise history in the NBA Finals) San Antonio still learning how to win, how to close games Not one player hit two consecutive free throws in the last two minutes Wemby went 44-104 from the floor, and 9-33 from downtown in the series Rinse, lather, repeat: each game Spurs built a lead and the Knicks chipped away and found ways to win Basketball IQ: Brunson drew several fouls when shooting 3s by using fakes, led to many free throws Emotional moment after the game: Brunson hugging his father (Knicks assistant coach) "Tired legs can't hit jumpers" Knicks won all four series clinching games on the road Savor the only Knicks championship in many fan's lives so far  Segment 3: Wemby Post Game Remarks (30:00) Wemby sound bite

  6. Jun 12

    NBA Finals: Historic Comeback In Game 4

    Segment 1: Knicks' comeback for the ages leads to a 3-1 series lead (1:54) A number of records set in Game 4, Knicks 107, Spurs 106 The largest comeback in NBA Finals history (29 points) Spurs 76-49 lead at halftime was the largest lead by a road team in NBA Finals history Spurs' 14 three-pointers were the most in a first half in Finals history Knicks now one win away from their first championship since 1973 Game 4 highlights This series reminiscent of NBA physical play in the 1990s Disasterous first quarter from a Knicks perspective KAT called for two quick fouls, on the bench for the majority of the this half Spurs led 41-22 after 1, 76-49 at the half Mitchell Robinson's flagrant foul against Wemby was too obvious, yet somewhat satisfying based on Wemby's physical and sometimes cheap shot play (throwing down Jalen Brunson, no foul call) Major challenge for Spurs to keep hitting 3's at that torrid pace. Would likely revert back to the mean Second half: Knicks cut the lead to 15 after 3 Spurs outscored 58-30 in the second half Experience from both a coaching and player standpoint favored the Knicks San Antonio kept shooting, did not milk the clock  Where were the adjustments when the Spurs got cold from the field? why not bring in a few 7 footers on the floor on the Knicks final possession? Big plays Wemby missed two free throws at 1:47 (went 4-7 from the line) exhausted, played 44 minutes, which led the team his shooting in the first half typically better than second half (energy?) Wemby: 8-27 from downtown in the series so far Jalen Brunson floater gave the Knicks their first lead of the game (1:22 left) Stephon Castle hit a pair of clutch free throws with 30.3 second left, SA up by one after offensive rebound Josh Hart: two rough moments missing wide open layup/dunk...indecisive whether to jam did not box out Castle which led to a foul and 2 free throws OG made two huge plays first defensively: 16.1 second left, Fox takes a shot OG blocks it, instead of holding the ball to run the clock and force a foul to stop the clock 5 second left: OG inbounds to Brunson who misses a deep 31-foot 3-pointer, OG sprints to the basket, jumps over two Spurs and taps in the game-winner OG and Brunson combined for 69 points, rest of team scored 38 Wemby inexperience Game 2: Wemby turnover and missed last shot Game 4: Misses two crucial free throws late in game Continues to fire up and miss the majority of 3-pointers Not blocking shots late in game due to exhaustion  Part of very young, talented team, could be the start of a dynasty Segment 2: Game 3 Recap (28:30), Spurs 115, Knicks 111 Wemby: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals why have Knicks big men not been more physical with him? frustrating officiating clearly favoring Wemby (calls and non-calls) seen committing two flagrant fouls, including grabbing and throwing Brunson to the floor Castle the best player on the court Spurs consistently get two hands on a player and push...clear fouls Segment 3: Game 5 Preview (32:40) Expect the Spurs to come out flying, play well on their home court 5 point lead/deficit at the half: would like the Knicks' chances Knicks need to play better from the start and have Hart, Bridges, Shamet et al contribute way more than Game 4 Nigel: Deuce McBride could "not hit a school with a guided missile" Dylan Harper having a great series

  7. Jun 7

    NBA Finals: Knicks Up 2-0, Games 3 and 4 at MSG

    Segment 1: NBA Finals Recap of Games 1 and 2 (starts at 0:30) Spurs heavy favorites going into the NBA Finals; that changed after Game 1 win by Knicks Knicks sweep games 1 and 2, lead 2-0 going home for games 3 and 4 at MSG Quick comparison of last Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals in 1999 Game 1: Knicks 105, Spurs 95 - 13th straight playoff win, second longest streak in NBA playoff history Scary when Knicks star Jalen Brunson went down twice with knee and ankle injuries; he was money late when it counted most, led all scorers with 30 points (12-31 FG, 2-9 from 3) after rough shooting night KAT played well (18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists) Josh Hart game 1 unsung hero with 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 1 block, despite 3 points scored Knicks turned up defensive intensity when needed in second half Knicks erased another huge deficit -- this time 14 points late in the game Wemby led team with 26 points Game 2: Knicks 105, Spurs 104 Strong start for the Spurs by going to the rim relentlessly, leveraging their speed advantage Coaching mistakes: why let Wemby dribble upcourt? Key turnover late in game, dribbled ball off his foot earlier in contest Wemby took potential game-winning shot (and missed 20-footer) after crucial turnover; needed to get shot off earlier to provide opp for offensive rebound Foul calls clearly one-sided in favor of San Antonio; Spurs very physical Critical call by Knicks bench to challenge non-foul call on OG 3-pointer; call overturned, led to 3 points by OG at the line, for a 100-97 Knicks lead Major issue: Spurs don't have a player they can count on to score outside of Wemby Fox could be that player, clearly impacted by high ankle sprain suffered in Western Conf finals Game 1: 7 points, 3-13 FG, 0-4 from 3 Game 2: 20 points Mitchell Robinson scored 7 points which helped; Bridges four 3-pointers were huge Josh Hart had rough game: 5 fouls, no points Series Observations KAT outplaying Wemby based on the first two games (21 points. 13 rebounds in game 2) Wemby appears tired (emotionally and physically?) since Game 7 win in Western Conf Finals in OKC Knicks D able to make stops and generate extra offensive possessions, though playing inconsistently Spurs forced 16 turnovers and lost Game 2...not a great indicator they can win at MSG, though team came back from 3-2 deficit and beat the defending champs including game 6 in OKC Wemby taking many 3-point shots not the best strategy; want him in the paint for easy buckets, offensive rebounds and creating fouls on Knicks' front line; Wemby through two games: 4-15 from downtown Knicks playoff experience becoming a key factor in this series vs. young, playoff-inexperienced Spurs Knicks larger front line competing well vs taller, leaner San Antonio big men Impressed with KAT's leadership on the court, on the bench (in interviews talks about his late Mom, feeling her energy); KAT's huddle talk much different vs. Wemby's  Segment 2: Preview of Games 3 and 4 (22:00) Spurs streaky shooting, causing turnovers, then running out of gas late in games. Will that continue? San Antonio doesn't need many adjustments, one shot away from being 1-1 Wemby needs to be fresher at crunch time Fox or Champagnie needs to be the No. 2 scorer to take pressure off of Wemby Expect to see more of Dylan Harper Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson's message to his team could be: we beat OKC in Game 7 we came back down 3-2 in that series we let the Knicks win two games on our floor let's get game 3 and then take the series back home Games 3 and 4: Expect foul calls to be more even at MSG than the lopsided ones favoring the Spurs in San Antonio Anticipate Spurs going at KAT to get him in foul trouble early Mike Brown outcoaching Spurs' Mitch Johnson; will that continue?  No team has ever come back from 3-0 down in the NBA Finals and won Game 3 obviously critical for San Antonio; can the Knicks sweep?

  8. May 31

    S4 E6: NBA Finals Preview: Knicks vs. Spurs

    Segment 1: Western Conference Finals Observations (starts at 1:00) Spurs' special season continues, coming back from a 3-2 deficit against the defending champs San Antonio had 7 players in double figures, doing a great job spreading the ball OKC players gassed in the 4th quarter, missed two of their key players for Games 6 and 7: guards Jalen Williams (left hammy strain), Ajay Mitchell (left calf/soleus strain...what the heck is a soleus?)  Questionable game plan and coaching by OKC (burned through timeouts early and used up both challenges by mid 3rd quarter), having SGA go 1-on-3 Thunder managed just 14 points from their frontcourt starters -- 7 from their starting forwards combined -- did not get the needed production from the bench including Caruso who had a good series Spurs moved the ball around, very "Knicks-like" though a bit sloppy handling the ball with a lead No love lost between Spurs star center Victor Wemanyama and Chet Holmgren, who was not a factor in Game 7 or the series Segment 2: Knicks on a Historic Playoff Run (14:06) Knicks have won 11 straight playoff wins, all by double digits, won all 3 series on the road Have outscored playoff opponents by 19.4 PPG, best point differential in NBA playoff history Back in the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years Major changes have worked out: hired Mike Brown the right coach/leader (likely the 7th or 8th choice) to replace Tom Thibodeau after the team made the Eastern Conference Finals last year; sent message to players and fans to raise expectations; and trading for Karl Anthony Towns swapping Julius Randle Knick players stepping up big-time compared to regular season including Mikal Bridges, playing their best basketball Two teams met 3 times during the season, NYK winning the season series 2-1, including the in-season tournament and a dominant 114-89 win at MSG. Segment 3: Key Matchups (21:30): Rematch of the In-Season Tournament Final Wemby vs. Brunson Spurs built completely around Wemby; Knicks bigs KAT and Mitchell Robinson vs. Wemby...critical Knicks don't get in foul trouble early on. Will need both KAT and Robinson to lean on Wemby Jalen Brunson vs. Spurs guards...can Brunson get to his spots and score Knicks offense vs. Wemby: Knicks go the basket well...need to get Wemby away from the rim to open us the Knicks offense. KAT will play a key role here Key question: how effective will Mitchell Robinson be dealing with the broken right pinky Are the Knicks a team of destiny? Check out Nigel's hilarious Sopranos' analogy And Nigel is focused: will not answer any group chat messages while watching the NBA Finals Will Knicks come out flat after a 9 day layoff during most of Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 vs. Cleveland?

See All (37)

About

A podcast covering the world of sports with a focus on strategy. The goal: be entertaining and informative. The hosts each have roughly 50 years of experience following and playing organized sports in the New York/New Jersey metro area. Strong emphasis on NFL football. Good friends and one former sports journalist offer commentary with a pretty good chance of good-natured silliness mixed in. Dedicated to the memory of Steven Waterman, who was a passionate, ultra-knowledgeable sports fan with a great sense of humor who loved the NY Giants, Mets, Rangers and Brooklyn Nets, and adored his daughter, Lea and wife Andrea even more. He passed away unexpectedly in 2022 way, way too soon.

Information