The Valley Verdict

The Valley Verdict
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The Valley Verdict delivers the final word on everything happening in the Arizona sports world. ​This is the only podcast completely devoted to passionate, full coverage of the major Phoenix market teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and ASU football and basketball. ​Hosted by David Murphey, broadcasting from the land of the Big Sky in Billings, Montana, we offer in-depth analysis, game breakdowns, and a unique perspective on the teams that matter most to the Valley of the Sun. If it’s happening in Arizona sports, we’ve got the verdict.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Play-In Prophecy: My Bold "If/Then" Guarantee for the Suns Postseason

    In Episode 658 of The Valley Verdict, we are officially in postseason mode. It is Tuesday, and the Play-in is tonight. We deliver a high-stakes Absolute Verdict on exactly what it will take for the Phoenix Suns to not only survive tonight but to make a deep run into the Western Conference Finals. We react to the latest practice comments from Devin Booker and Jordan Ott, and analyze the "Rest vs. Rhythm" debate as the injury report begins to impact the roster. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome & Opening Thoughts Connectivity, the Tuesday atmosphere, and why tonight is the ultimate test of the Standard. 06:34 - Suns: The Blueprint for the Postseason Practice Report: Reacting to Jordan Ott and Devin Booker’s comments as the team prepares for the Play-in spotlight. The Expert Outlook: Reacting to Bickley & Marotta’s debate—"How far will the Phoenix Suns actually make it?" Matchup Analysis: Breaking down the Burns & Gambo preview of Suns vs. Blazers, including critical injury updates and playoff seeding scenarios. The Grayson Allen Factor: Why the "Questionable" tag on Grayson Allen validates my warnings about the Couch Policy. 54:52 - ABSOLUTE VERDICT: The Play-In Prophecy The 1st Round Currency: Why defensive identity—not just star power—is the only way to advance past the first round. The "Missing Ingredient": Why a full-strength roster is the mandatory requirement for a Conference Finals appearance. The Conditional Guarantee: My bold "If/Then" logic for the 2026 postseason. The Verdict: Can the Suns reclaim their top-10 defensive identity tonight, or will the "war of attrition" catch up to them before the second round? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict] #TheValleyVerdict #Suns #NBA #Playoffs

    1h 1m

  2. 2D AGO

    The Hall of Fame vs. The Hall of Mediocre & The Ryan Dunn Response: Suns "Immune Nine" Breakdown and D-backs Phillies Review

    In Episode 657 of The Valley Verdict, we deliver an Absolute Verdict on the NBA's 65-game rule and the devaluation of excellence. We also break down a wild 48 hours for the Phoenix Suns—from the frustration of the Lakers loss to a dominant 135-103 win over the Thunder where Ryan Dunn answered the bell. We review the D-backs' series against the Phillies, the impact of the Gabby Moreno injury, and the new era of pitching development under Assistant GM Jeremy Bleich. Plus, we analyze Kenny Dillingham’s "intent vs. execution" comments following Saturday’s ASU scrimmage. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome & Opening ThoughtsConnectivity, accountability, and why the "Standard" doesn't care about your feelings. 12:56 - ABSOLUTE VERDICT: The All-NBA Standard The 65-Game Filter: Why 79.2% availability is the bare minimum for excellence. The "Hall of Mediocre": Why we shouldn't lower the bar for stars just to make the league "look" better. "Everything you want is on the other side of hard." 17:05 - Suns: Heart, Hustle, and Receipts The Jordan Goodwin Award: Reacting to Goodwin winning the Dan Majerle "Heart and Hustle" Award and his comments to Burns & Gambo. The Lakers Receipt: Playing the audio from K-Ray and Eddie Johnson validating my critique of Ryan Dunn’s "borrowed time" hesitation. The Thunder Response: 135-103. 18 players out, but 8 of the "Immune Nine" suited up. The Ryan Dunn Statement: From tentative to a 20/10 double-double. Analyzing his response and his post-game comments to Amanda Pflugrad. Sound: Jordan Ott addresses the media after the back-to-back split. 58:56 - D-backs: The Phillies Series & The Moreno Price Tag Game 1: A 5-4 win behind Mike Soroka, but a massive loss as Gabby Moreno exits with back tightness. Sound: James McCann joins Jody Jackson to discuss stepping up in Moreno’s absence. Game 2: A 4-3 heartbreaker. We hear from Assistant GM Jeremy Bleich on his mission to revamp and develop the D-backs' pitching staff. The Moreno Update: What we know about the back injury and the timeline for return. Game 3: Gritting out a 4-3 win to take the series. Sound: Torey Lovullo on the resilience of the roster and managing the rotation. 1:21:58 - My "Immune Nine" Mandate The Postseason Policy: My definitive list of the only nine players who should be on the floor before Tuesday. The Ryan Dunn Challenge: A direct "stare down" with Ryan Dunn. Why these next two games are "get right" opportunities to return to the force and physicality of last season. The Couch Policy: Why everyone NOT on the list needs to prioritize rest, practice, and treatment. 1:26:13 - ASU Football: The Scrimmage Review Defensive Focus: Reviewing the intensity of Tuesday’s practice with LB Coach AJ Cooper and Thursday’s session with DL Coach Diron Reynolds. The Dillingham Standard: Kenny Dillingham speaks to the media on the progress of the roster as they prepare for the Big 12 jump. The Verdict: Can Ryan Dunn find his aggressive edge before Tuesday, and is "Team-Ability" enough to keep the D-backs atop the NL West? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict:Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict]Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast]YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    1h 34m

  3. 5D AGO

    The "Immune Nine" Mandate & D-backs Connectivity: The Mets Series Review and the Ryan Dunn Challenge

    In Episode 656 of The Valley Verdict, we review a pivotal week for Arizona sports. From the Diamondbacks' "Team-Ability" in a series win over the Mets and Corbin Carroll's 500th game, to a definitive mandate for the Phoenix Suns rotation heading into the play-in. We examine why Eduardo Rodriguez finally found his rhythm for his first win of the season, why Paul Sewald’s return is stabilizing the pen, and we react to the "Rest vs. Rust" debate with a hard-line stance on the Suns' rotation. Plus, we check in on the intensity at ASU football practice as Kenny Dillingham continues to set the Standard in Tempe. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome Opening thoughts on the shifting energy in the Valley and the importance of professional "Connectivity" as the postseason approaches. 15:07 - D-backs: The Mets Series & "Team-Ability" Game 1 Breakdown: Reviewing the 4-3 heartbreaker in extras and reacting to Burns & Gambo’s 10 takeaways after the first 10 games. Game 2 Bounce Back: Analyzing the 7-2 win and Corbin Carroll’s 500th career game as a Diamondback. Sound: Corbin Carroll joins Jody Jackson on the floor; Torey Lovullo addresses the media on the team's resilience. Game 3 Statement: The massive 7th-inning explosion and Eduardo Rodriguez’s first win of the season after a stretch of starts without run support. The National Spotlight: Reviewing Torey Lovullo and Paul Sewald’s appearances on MLB Network regarding the team's "Team-Ability." Sound: Torey Lovullo speaks to the media on the collective effort and the "Team-Ability" factor. 1:12:17 - Suns: The State of the Union The Debate: Reacting to Burns & Gambo on whether the Suns should rest players to prepare for the play-in. Roster Uncertainty: Examining why the starting five is still undetermined and the impact of Dillon Brooks' postseason reputation. The Bigger Problem: Reacting to Bickley & Marotta on the Suns' place in the current NBA landscape. 1:21:58 - My "Immune Nine" Mandate The Postseason Policy: My definitive list of the only nine players who should be on the floor before Tuesday. The Ryan Dunn Challenge: A direct "stare down" with Ryan Dunn. Why these next two games are "get right" opportunities to return to the force and physicality of last season. The Couch Policy: Why everyone NOT on the list needs to prioritize rest, practice, and treatment. 1:26:13 - ASU Football: The Practice Standard Defensive Focus: Reviewing the intensity of Tuesday’s practice with LB Coach AJ Cooper and Thursday’s session with DL Coach Diron Reynolds. The Dillingham Standard: Kenny Dillingham speaks to the media on the progress of the roster as they prepare for the Big 12 jump. The Verdict: Can Ryan Dunn find his aggressive edge before Tuesday, and is "Team-Ability" enough to keep the D-backs atop the NL West? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    1h 57m

  4. 5D AGO

    The Washington Verdict & The Suns' Seed Search: KD’s Return and the Collapse against Houston

    In Episode 655 of The Valley Verdict, we review a high-intensity stretch for the Phoenix Suns as they navigate the final turn of the regular season. From clinching the 7th seed in a gritty win over Dallas to the collapse against Houston, the Standard is being measured. We examine the return of Kevin Durant to the Valley, the impact of Dillon Brooks' postseason reputation, and the mystery of the undetermined starting five. Plus, an "Absolute Verdict" on why we need to stop adding the word "State" to the name Washington. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome Opening thoughts on the intensity of the NBA playoff race and the latest encounter in the VR headset. 19:22 - Absolute Verdict: The Washington Fallacy The VR Encounter: Why a conversation with a guy from the Pacific Northwest triggered a breakdown of geography and vocabulary. The Vocabulary Standard: Reviewing why "Washington" should stand alone without the extra baggage, and a teaser for a future conversation regarding the word "at." You can leave the baggage behind the "at," but that's a conversation for a different day. 23:22 - Suns: The State of the Union The NBA Problem: Reacting to Bickley & Marotta on how the Suns represent a broader shift in the league. The Starting Five: Reviewing the Burns & Gambo breakdown of why the Suns' opening rotation is still undetermined with the postseason looming. The Dillon Brooks Factor: Wolf & Luke ask if Brooks' antics will help or hurt the Suns' intensity in the playoffs. The Return of KD: Reviewing the energy in the building as Kevin Durant makes his return to the Valley floor. Suns vs. Rockets: The 21-Point Collapse: Reviewing the 119-105 loss after the Suns blew a 21-point early lead and a 24-0 run. We hear from Coach Jordan Ott regarding the execution gaps and the defensive lapses. Suns vs. Mavericks: Clinching the 7th Seed: Reviewing the 112-107 victory over Dallas on the second night of a back-to-back. Reacting to Bickley & Marotta on why the race for the 7th seed was closer than it should have been. Sound: Dillon Brooks speaks with Amanda Pflugrad on the court; Devin Booker and Jordan Ott speak to the media regarding the Standard required to close out the home schedule. The Verdict: Does clinching the 7th seed prove the Suns have found their connectivity, or is the 21-point collapse against Houston the real warning sign for the first round? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    2h 23m

  5. APR 6

    The Rivalry Verdict & The Roster Shift: Lawlar's Injury and the Suns' Search for Identity

    In Episode 654 of The Valley Verdict, we review a week of high-stakes shifts and local heartbreaks. From the Diamondbacks' resilient series split with the Braves and the devastating injury to Jordan Lawlar, to the Phoenix Suns' search for a defensive identity on the road, the Standard is being re-evaluated. We examine the impact of a 25-year drought in Tucson, the walk-off energy of Ketel Marte at Chase Field, and why the "Standard" in Tempe is reaching a new level of intensity following Saturday night's scrimmage. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome Opening thoughts on a rollercoaster week for Arizona sports and the "Surprising Answer" I gave a family member regarding the Final Four. 11:50 - U of A Basketball: The Rivalry Standard The Tommy Lloyd Standard: Reviewing the Final Four loss to Michigan and Tommy Lloyd’s address to the media. The 25-Year Heartbreak: A look at the history of the program since the Lute Olson era in 2001 and why a Sun Devil can respect the coach without liking the school. The Troll Moment: Why the Standard in Tucson is safe... unless a certain job in North Carolina opens up. 31:24 - D-backs: The Braves Split & The Lawlar Blow The Roster Shift: Torey Lovullo joins Burns & Gambo to break the news that Jordan Lawlar will miss multiple games with a broken wrist suffered in the 17-2 loss. Series Review: Analyzing the 17-2 and 2-0 losses followed by the 2-1 and 6-5 comeback victories. The Walk-Off Energy: Ketel Marte joins Todd Walsh and Mark Grace after his game-winning double to secure the series split. Sound: Torey Lovullo addresses the media regarding the team's resilience against a powerhouse Braves roster. 1:13:58 - Suns: Finding the Defensive Identity The Road Search: Reacting to Bickley & Marotta asking how the Phoenix Suns can fix their defensive identity and get back on track before the postseason. The Charlotte Slide: Reviewing the 127-107 loss and Jordan Ott’s address to the media regarding the lack of intensity. The Chicago Correction: Analyzing the 120-110 win to finish the road trip 2-2. Sound: Jordan Goodwin speaks with Amanda Pflugrad on the floor; Coach Jordan Ott speaks to the media on the defensive bounce-back. 1:54:03 - ASU Football: The Saturday Night Scrimmage The Dillingham Standard: Kenny Dillingham speaks to the media following Saturday night's high-intensity scrimmage under the lights. Examining the progress of the roster and the culture shift in Tempe as the Sun Devils prepare for the Big 12 jump. The Verdict: Can the D-backs maintain their connectivity without Jordan Lawlar, and did the Suns finally find their defensive floor in Chicago? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    2h 10m

  6. APR 2

    The Sweep Verdict & The Orlando Friction: D-backs' Identity and the Suns' Massive Problem

    In Episode 653 of The Valley Verdict, we review a massive turnaround in the desert. From the Diamondbacks securing a home sweep against Detroit to the Phoenix Suns facing a "Massive Problem" on the road in Orlando, the Standard is being put to the test. We examine the emergence of Jose Fernandez as a late-inning force, the executive perspective on the D-backs' young core, and the intensity shifting in Tempe as ASU Football continues spring practice. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome Opening thoughts on the momentum shift in the Valley and the reality of a series sweep at Chase Field. 13:04 - D-backs: The Breakdown of the Sweep The Soroka Standard: More reaction from Michael Soroka, who joined Burns & Gambo to discuss his transition into the rotation anchor. The Jose Fernandez Arrival: Reviewing the 7-5 comeback win on the back of Jose Fernandez. Sound: Jose Fernandez joins Todd Walsh and Mark Grace post-game, plus his address to the media in the locker room. Sound: Torey Lovullo speaks to the media regarding the bullpen’s resilience. Reaction: Bickley & Marotta react to the impact and intensity of Jose Fernandez. Executive View: Assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye joins Wolf & Luke to talk about Jose Fernandez and the development of the D-backs' young stars. The 1-0 Shutout: From being swept in LA to getting the sweep at home. Analyzing the defensive connectivity that secured the victory. Sound: Corbin Carroll joins Todd Walsh and Mark Grace post-game, plus his session with the media in the locker room following his 1st-inning home run. Sound: Torey Lovullo speaks to the media after the game to wrap up the series. 1:22:00 - Suns: The "Massive Problem" Analysis Recap: Suns drop a close road contest to the Magic, 115-111, in the second night of a back-to-back. Sound: Coach Jordan Ott speaks to the media regarding the defensive lapses and road execution. The Big Question: Reacting to Burns & Gambo asking, "Do the Phoenix Suns have a massive problem?" 1:43:34 - ASU Football: Spring Intensity The Dillingham Standard: Kenny Dillingham and TE coach Jason Mohns speak to the media following Tuesday’s spring practice. Examining the culture shift and the physical intensity on the grass as the Sun Devils prepare for the Big 12. The Verdict: Is the D-backs' ability to secure a 1-0 shutout the ultimate proof of their identity, or is the Suns' road fatigue a sign of a deeper structural failure? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    2h 3m

  7. MAR 31

    The Immaculate Opener & The Intensity Return: Soroka’s Clinic and Brooks’ Comeback

    In Episode 652 of The Valley Verdict, we audit a historic night in Arizona sports. From Michael Soroka’s immaculate inning in the D-backs' 9-6 home opener win over Detroit to the Suns’ dominant road victory in Memphis, the standard has been set. We examine the "Connectivity" of the D-backs' bullpen, the return of Paul Sewald’s velocity, and the "Intensity" Dillon Brooks brings back to the Suns' rotation. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome Opening thoughts on the energy at Chase Field and the momentum shift in the Valley. 13:06 - D-backs: The Immaculate Standard Auditing the 9-6 win over the Tigers. The 5th Inning Clinic: Breaking down Michael Soroka’s 10-K night and the 9-pitch immaculate frame. Sound: Torey Lovullo and Michael Soroka speak to the media on the home opener victory. The Closer’s Mentality: Paul Sewald joins Burns & Gambo to discuss his return to Arizona and the "Forensic" recovery of his velocity. 37:32 - Suns: Road Dominance in Memphis Recap: Suns handle the Grizzlies 131-105 in the first half of a back-to-back. Sound: Devin Booker speaks with Amanda Pflugrad on the floor; Coach Jordan Ott’s locker room address and media session. The Return of Intensity: Reacting to Bickley & Marotta on Dillon Brooks returning to the lineup after 18 games. 59:12 - The Valley Pulse: Momentum Rankings #5. The Return of Intensity (Dillon Brooks). #4. Psychological Insurance (Ildemaro Vargas). #3. The Bullpen Bridge (Thompson/Morillo/Sewald). #2. The Offensive Catalyst (Carroll/Lawlar). #1. The Immaculate Standard (Michael Soroka). The Verdict: The D-backs survived a 6-run surge from Detroit because of their depth. Is this the most "Connected" roster in the Torey Lovullo era? 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    1h 7m

  8. MAR 30

    The 8-Game Character Test: Can the Suns Avoid the Play-In?

    In Episode 651 of The Valley Verdict, we examine the Phoenix Suns' path to the postseason following a dominant 134-109 win over the Utah Jazz. We analyze the "Connectivity" of the roster and hear from Jalen Green and Coach Jordan Ott. Then, we react to the big question posed by Wolf and Luke: Can the Phoenix Suns finish strong? We break down the factors behind the 6th vs. 7th seed, the "Lakers vs. Spurs" debate, and why the final eight games of the season are the ultimate test of discipline. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome Opening thoughts on the intensity of the Western Conference sprint and the stakes for the final stretch of the season. 08:24 - Suns vs. Jazz: The Connectivity Check Reviewing the 134-109 win over Utah. Sound: Jalen Green on-court with Amanda Pflugrad and his post-game media session. Sound: Coach Jordan Ott on the tactical adjustments and rotation depth. 42:56 - Suns Playoff Breakdown: Can Phoenix Finish Strong? Reacting to the Wolf and Luke "Finish Strong" video. The 6th Seed vs. The 7th Seed: Why the "Lakers vs. Spurs" debate isn't about standings—it's about the "Devil you know." The 8-Game Character Test: Examining the remaining schedule against eliminated teams and the trap of "waiting" for the playoffs. The Verdict: The Suns have the easiest remaining schedule, but that makes it a test of character, not talent. 👇 Follow The Valley Verdict: Facebook: [@thevalleyverdict] Instagram: [@thevalleyverdictpodcast] YouTube: [@thevalleyverdict]

    53 min
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About

The Valley Verdict delivers the final word on everything happening in the Arizona sports world. ​This is the only podcast completely devoted to passionate, full coverage of the major Phoenix market teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and ASU football and basketball. ​Hosted by David Murphey, broadcasting from the land of the Big Sky in Billings, Montana, we offer in-depth analysis, game breakdowns, and a unique perspective on the teams that matter most to the Valley of the Sun. If it’s happening in Arizona sports, we’ve got the verdict.

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  • Creator
    The Valley Verdict
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    661
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Valley Verdict
  • Show Website
    The Valley Verdict