After last night’s thriller at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Norm and Donovan discussed the similarities to last year’s NBA Finals, specifically pointing out Kyrie Irving’s game three explosion in back to back years. Despite 39 points from Lebron James and 38 points from Irving, the Warriors still managed to pull out the win. Despite Golden State missing some open shots and Cleveland putting as much grit and guts into the game as possible, Donovan mentioned that Cleveland left the door open for Golden State the entire game. Norm spoke of the massive difference in the quality of coaching between Steve Kerr and Tyronn Lue. Specifically, Donovan mentioned how the Cavaliers decided to keep their starters on the floor late in the third quarter, while Steve Kerr in the Warriors decided against that. With a lineup featuring Shaun Livingston, Ian Clark, Patrick McCaw, Andre Iguodala, and David West, Golden State managed to keep themselves close and prevent the Cavs from pulling away.
Norm and Donovan then proceeded to point out the stunning disappearance of Tristan Thompson. Shooting just 0-1 on the day with no free throw attempts, Norm and Donovan described Thompson’s performance as being a significant player in Cleveland’s disappointing fourth quarter performance. Norm mentioned the hesitancy on the part of Kevin Love throughout the second half. Despite a strong effort defensively and on the boards, Love shot just 1-9 and appeared apprehensive to shoot the ball in the second half. In closing, Norm and Donovan posed the question for the rest of the series, “Can Cleveland possibly play any better?” With Golden State on the verge of a 16-0 playoff run, Norm praised the entire Warriors team as “one of the finest teams I’ve ever seen in my life.”
NASCAR driver Helio Castroneves joined the show at 10:30. The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner described his most recent race which involved the now infamous Scott Dixon crash. Norm asked, “Even in the heat of the race, do you hold for a second and wonder, man I hope he’s ok?’’ Castroneves replied that he feels reassured in most instances during a crash, for he’s confident in the safety of the tracks, the cars, and the experience of the drivers. The Brazilian racer mentioned that even at the age of 42 he has some racing left in him, and can win this year’s title as he currently sits in second place.
At the top of the hour, Norm and Donovan conversed about the Rangers’ latest loss. Now at 27-32, Norm mentions the frustrations brewing among Ranger fans as the heart of the team’s lineup failed to put up a single runner over three consecutive rotations. Norm mentioned his bewilderment at the questionable managerial decisions of Mets’ manager Terry Collins, specifically his decision to leave a left handed pitcher against right hander Robinson Chirinos. Donovan spoke of the missed opportunity for the night, as the AL West-leading Houston Astros lost to the Kansas City Royals 7-5. 14.5 games behind, the Rangers left behind an opportunity to move up in the standings in the West and the AL overall. Norm posed a question to Donovan, “Is Jonathan Lucroy losing his job?” Donovan suggested that although Robinson Chirinos has been a solid backup catcher, Lucroy should remain the team’s starting catcher. As the Rangers continue to reel, Norm suggested the Rangers next five opponents feature starting pitchers with a combined 33-7 record.
The last segments of the show focused on Derek Fisher, the Chicago Bulls, and the Dallas Cowboys’ recent free-agent workouts. Fisher, the retired NBA point guard and former Head Coach of the New York Knicks, was arrested for a DUI on Sunday. Fisher was driving with his girlfriend, the ex-wife of current Golden State Warriors forward Matt Barnes. The car involved in the accident happened to be registered to Barnes himself. Norm asked if the series of coincidences involving Fisher and Barnes is “the ultimate pick and roll.” Lastly, Norm and Donovan discussed whether or not the nineties Bulls are better than the current Golden State Warriors. Norm pointed out the 1998 NBA finals, which the Bulls won over the Utah Jazz in six games. Norm mentioned Michael Jordan’s surprising stat line, in which he put up an underwhelming four rebounds a game, and had less assists in twice as many minutes as teammate Steve Kerr. Norm stipulated that this current Warriors team is better, and that Michael Jordan, while the greatest ever, would struggle with the fast-pace of the game.
The Cowboys worked out free-agent quarterback Ryan Nassib. The former New York Giant has spent his first three years in the NFL backing up division rival Eli Manning, and now is in the running to be the Cowboys’ number two quarterback. With Tony Romo retired, and Kellen Moore’s job status uncertain, Jerry Jones brought in the former Syracuse quarterback to potentially back up Dak Prescott.